FIRST OFF, ProCare. This is the app that we use to do almost everything (sign in / sign out / messages / photos / videos / invoicing). You should receive an email or text inviting you to join. Please download the app (sorry, another app!) and join when you have a chance. It is key to our operations.
SECOND, the “Welcome to Preschool” book. Children learn through story and repetition. The life-like drawings coupled with the lyrical prose provide a sense of the flow of the day. We will give you a copy! (If we forget please gently remind us.) Please try to read it in the days/weeks coming up to your first day. Then we have laminated versions of some of the key visuals — washing hands, resting, eating meals — in the school.
THIRD, what to bring. These are the main things that live at school:
- a water bottle;
- a small blanket; (we provide a sheet, and we wash your blanket and our sheet(s) each week);
- a lovie (if your child likes to snuggle with a lovie; we also have many stuffies at the school that your child can borrow);
- sunblock (not expired) (we will keep this locked up because sunscreen is considered a medication in the preschool environment); and
- a couple changes of clothes (layers are good — short sleeve, long sleeve, shorts, pants; it can be weirdly cold inside on hot days after water play)
FOURTH, paperwork. By the time the first day arrives you should have filled out a) the 2-page application, and b) the enrollment packet. All of the teachers will review these things before your child’s first day. There will likely be some additional paperwork to be done (nutrition program; medication form for sunblock) but we’ll aim to have it all easy and ready to go. And in case you want to see our Parent Handbook it is on our “secret” page — www.sunflowerpreschoolpdx.com/forms
FIFTH, communication. ProCare is best. We try to be professional, but not super formal, if that makes any sense. Oh! If you want to scroll back in time this is the webpage where we typically put monthly updates: www.sunflowerpreschoolpdx.com/updates
SIXTH, drop off dances. So picture this: you’ve come in the orange door and helped your child get their things stowed in their cubby (they can take off their shoes and jackets off themselves; you just help with reminding or encouragement). You’ve helped them sanitize their hands. You’ve given a goodbye hug and kiss (or whatever you do). And then you’ve left out the orange door. Then! If we are starting the day inside, you should know that the the green doors with the big windows are where many children stand and wave goodbye. And it is also where many parents do a little dance goodbye. Or hops. Or skips. Or sashays. Or downright boogies. I can’t remember exactly how it started, but it has evolved into a lot of joyful goodbyes with smiles and laughter all around. So if you want to do a little dance as you move towards the exit gate, you are welcome to do so. (And no, I have not yet set up a secret video camera to capture this magic. Yet.)
Alrighty, that’s probably enough for now. The children really take their cue from the parents, so the more you can get centered and comfortable with this transition, the easier it will go. (I always want to have a hug station for parents on their child’s first day. It can feel so hard! So good. But also hard.)
I hope this is helpful.
Meredith