first day of preschool tips

9 Essential First Day of Preschool Tips Every Parent Needs to Know

Ms. Danielle

It’s the night before the first day of preschool. You’ve packed the new backpack, labeled the lunchbox, and laid out the perfect outfit. But alongside the excitement, there’s a flutter of nerves. Will your child be okay? Will they cry? Will you?

Those feelings are completely normal. Starting preschool anxiety is something nearly every family experiences. With a little preparation, this transition can be calm, confident, and even joyful for both of you.

What to Prepare Before the Big Day

  • Practice your goodbye routine in advance.
  • Pack a small comfort item (check with your teacher first).
  • Stick to a familiar breakfast routine.
  • Allow extra time in the morning; no rushing.
  • Bring your own calm, confident mindset.

These small steps in preschool first-day preparation help your child feel secure as they take this big step forward.

9 Tips to Make the First Day Smooth

Before the First Day

1. Visit the Classroom Together

If possible, schedule a visit before the official start date. Let your child explore the classroom, meet the teacher, and see the toys and learning spaces. Familiarity turns uncertainty into excitement and helps ease starting preschool anxiety.

2. Talk About What Will Happen

Walk your child through the day in simple, reassuring terms: “You’ll hang up your backpack, have circle time, and then play with your friends.” Reading books about preschool together can also help. Keep your tone calm and positive; your child looks to you for cues.

3. Practice the Goodbye Routine

A consistent and loving farewell builds trust. Create a simple ritual, like a hug, a kiss, and a wave at the window, and practice it together. Predictable goodbye routines for preschool help your child feel safe even when you’re apart.

The Morning Of

4. Keep the Morning Calm and Predictable

Start the day with plenty of time so no one feels rushed. Stick to your regular breakfast and morning rhythm. Your calmness sets the tone; children mirror your emotions more than your words.

5. Bring a Comfort Item

A family photo, small stuffed toy, or special blanket can offer huge comfort. Just check with your child’s teacher first, then let your child pick something that reminds them of home.

At Drop-Off

6. Keep Goodbye Short and Confident

When it’s time to go, stick to your practiced routine. Offer a reassuring smile and say something simple like, “I’ll see you after snack time.” The more confident you are, the more your child will trust that everything is okay.

7. Don’t Sneak Away

Even if your child seems distracted, always say goodbye. Leaving quietly may seem easier, but it can break trust. Children learn confidence when they see that you go and always come back. Most tears stop within minutes once the day begins.

After School

8. Don’t Overwhelm with Questions

After a big day, your child might not want to talk right away. Offer comfort first, snuggles, a snack, or quiet playtime. Allow them to share details when they are ready. These gentle preschool transition strategies help your child unwind and process their experiences.

9. Keep the Routine Consistent All Week

The first week sets the pattern. Use the same goodbye ritual each morning, arrive at the same time, and stay consistent even if emotions fluctuate. Adjustment takes time, and stability helps your child settle in faster.

What Experienced Parents Know

Teachers are experts at handling first-day emotions. They see it every year and know how to comfort, distract, and engage children right away. Following first-day-of-preschool tips from both teachers and experienced parents can make this transition smoother. Trust their experience; they’ll reach out if your child truly needs you.

At home, expect a few changes during the first week. Your child might be clingier, more tired, or a bit emotional. These are all normal signs of growth and adjustment. With patience and consistent preschool transition strategies, the goodbye gets easier each day.

Building on a Strong Start

The first day of preschool is an exciting new beginning. Working together, parents and teachers help children feel supported, confident, and ready to thrive.

At Truth Preschool Academy, we believe preparing your child for preschool means building confidence, joy, and connection. Schedule a tour to see how our nurturing environment helps every child feel safe, loved, and eager to learn.

Truth Preschool Academy | Ontario, CA | Where little minds grow & hearts shine

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Ms. Andrea

Hi, my name is Andrea and I assist with the Two and Three old class with Ms. Michelle and Ms. Claudia. I recently graduated from Chaffey College with an Associates of Early Childhood Education. I have worked with children for the past twenty years from ages three to eighteen years old working with a Tiny Tot Program and Teen Action Committee for The City of Ontario and working with Alta Loma School District after school program. I have found my love for preschoolers, and I am interested in pursuing my bachelor’s degree working with children with autism spectrum disorders.

Truth Preschool Academy has been a blessing to me to work with all your children daily.

Ms. Tanisha

Hi, my name is Tanisha, I am the teacher for the pre-kindergarten class. I have been teaching at Truth Preschool Academy for 4 years now. However, I have worked in a few centers for the past 20 years. I have worked with children aged two through four. Teaching children is an adventure. Some days I am the teacher and other days I am the student. My interests include meditation, cooking and reading which I often incorporate into my classroom setting.

Ms. Claudia

Hi, my name is Claudia, I am incredibly excited to be a part of the TPA team. I have been working at TPA for 3 years. I hope to inspire my class just like they inspire me every day. My native country is El Salvador, and my first language is Spanish. I am happily married and blessed with three wonderful children. I started working with children as a volunteer at different preschools, and since then I knew I wanted to be around children to help them grow. I grew up in LA where I attended school and took early child development classes to be able to work in this field.  I have been working with children ages 2-5 for about 17 years and I am still excited to work with them and help them grow in their own unique way.

Ms. Patty

Hi, my name is Patty and I have been a part of the TPA team for 2 ½ years now. I have worked  specifically in early childhood education for the last 6 years and have taught after school etiquette classes. I have also enjoyed being involved in many summer camp programs with children of all ages for the last 20 years. I truly love working with children and I am thankful for every opportunity I get to make an impact in each of my students’ lives. I have three children of my own and in our free time we love all things outdoors including hiking and pickle ball!

I believe every child has their own unique way of learning and that teaching is something that is done in all capacities throughout the day in both academic settings as well as through interactive play. I am so grateful to be able to love what I do and help make even a small difference in our future generation.

Ms. Michelle

Hi, my name is Michelle, I am very excited to be a part of Truth Preschool Academy as the Toddler Program teacher. I have a passion for nurturing young minds and helping them grow! I have 15 years of experience working with children of various age groups. My teaching approach is centered around play based learning, as children learn best when they are engaged in something of interest to them. My goal is to create a warm and loving environment for all children who enter our doors here at TPA. I am excited to be a part of your child’s academic journey.

Ms. Danielle

Hi, my name is Danielle, and I am pleased to be a part of Truth Preschool Academy as the Director. My top priority is ensuring that our philosophy is conveyed into our  everyday operations working with the children that walk through our doors. I am a huge believer in being a hands-on director  so at many times you will find me in a classroom working alongside our staff  or you may find me at my desk completing administrative work.  My interest in working with children began at an early age during my teen years. When I graduated high school, I immediately started my journey pursuing my degree in child development. I have been in the field for about 8 years now,  I started off with babysitting and soon after I began teaching at my first school as a three-year-old teacher. After leaving my hometown in Torrance, CA I began as an infant teacher and worked my way into the assistant director role which then led me to my director position here at Truth Preschool Academy. 

In my free time I love spending time with my family. I have a three-year-old son who loves to be active outside. We often go to new parks or experience new outdoor adventures. I look forward to working with you and your family here at TPA!

Ms. Kristy

Welcome to Truth Preschool Academy! My name is Kristy Rowell, and I am honored to serve as the Administrator here. From a young age, I have always had a special connection with children and a deep love for working with them, nurtured through my involvement in church activities like Sunday school and directing the children’s choir. Inspired by my passion for creating a safe and loving learning environment, I pursued the necessary certifications and coursework to start a preschool. In October 2019, after becoming licensed with the state of California, we proudly opened the doors of Truth Preschool Academy, a dream realized with the unwavering support of Truth Church of Southern California and Pastor Clifford Clark.

At Truth Preschool Academy, our mission is to foster a love for learning in every child. As the Administrator, I am dedicated to selecting only the most caring and qualified staff to ensure your child’s well-being and education are our top priorities. We understand there are many choices in early childhood education, but at TPA, you can rest assured that your child is in good hands. We can’t wait to meet you and your family and welcome you to our community!