Do you remember your first day at nursery school or kindergarten?  You probably were nervous and excited and a bit lonely and lost when your mom or dad left.  Even when returning to a familiar setting after summer vacation, children usually feel a bit intimidated.

They may have a new teacher, there are new kids in the group, and maybe that special friend is gone.  It’s a big deal!

We want to do everything we can to make your child’s beginning at Halsey Schools as happy as possible. The parent packet is designed to fill you in on specifics.  If you haven’t yet visited our Infant Center, Toddler Center or Preschool with your child, we encourage you to come in before your first day.  Your son or daughter child can look around the room, get acquainted with us, and just get the feel of the place.

Before the program starts, you may want to read your child a few books with a starting-school theme.  Such stories can help your child get in touch with her feelings about going into a new place and separating from you.  Reading also gives your child the opportunity to talk about feelings or ask questions about what to expect.

It’s also a good idea to go over our daily schedule with your children, talking about some of the things she’ll be doing in the course of the day.  Some children feel a little less alone and adrift in a new place if they bring along something familiar from home, such as a favorite stuffed animal or even a family photo.

And on the first day, be sure to arrive in plenty of time.  In fact, if your child tends to have a tough time in new groups, make a point of coming early the first few days so we can help her get involved in something fun, perhaps with one or two other children, before the crowd arrives.

Finally, when it’s time to leave, don’t slip out when your child isn’t looking.  Children need to know when you’re going and be able to say goodbye.  Don’t worry.  We’ll take it from there.