Tips for Transitioning your Child

Talk about your child’s “new school” in family conversations.

• Be sure to talk to your child about their new classroom and LeafSpring School. It will build familiarity with their new school and create the opportunity for questions and discussion.

• Refer to the teacher(s) by name, as well as anything you know about them. Teacher bios are posted in the classrooms and will be available at orientation.

• Drive by LeafSpring School and point it out to your child when in the area.

Visit your child’s “new school” before the first day of school.

• Children will feel more comfortable if they have had a chance to see and explore their new classroom and school prior to drop-off time on the first day

• More than one visit may be required for the child who eases into new situations with reluctance. Talk to the teacher to discuss this need, and to help them learn more about your child.

• Remember that when your child visits, it is necessary for you to remain in the building since your child is not yet an enrolled child. Some parents find it helpful to “duck out” of the room and sit in the lobby for a few minutes to allow their child play with them “out of sight ” Please let the teacher know if that is your plan, so they can facilitate the situation.

• Many of our schools arrange specific visit days/times which can be arranged with the Director.

Create comfortable routines.

• Establishing routines and procedures is extremely helpful for easing transitions. Remember that children do not understand timelines as much as they understand ordinal markers in their day, i.e., “mommy will be picking you up sometime after you go outside to play this afternoon.”

• Children enjoy drop off time “rituals”, including silly things like “pushing daddy or mommy out the door”, a kiss on both cheeks and on the nose, etc.

• It is important to allow enough time for transitions, but also critical to not prolong good-byes. Parents who leave and then come back to keep checking on their child will only prolong their child’s adjustment.

• Sometimes a child likes to retain an item that belongs to their parents for comfort.

Let your child know when routines will change.

• Flexible work schedules sometimes wreak havoc for children in transition. Find ways to let your child know what to expect each day

• If you will be picking up for an appointment or stopping by for lunch with your child, prepare them ahead of time, especially if they are returning to school after the appointment or staying at school after lunch.

• Be sure to inform your child’s teachers if there is going to be a change in your typical daily routine.

Talk to us often.

• Good communication between home and school are essential. We are partners!

• Feel free to call and talk to your child’s teacher during the day. Your child’s teacher may not be able to come to the phone each time you call, but they will gladly return your call when able.

• Phone calls or emails to check on your child are always welcome. If they’re able, our administrative staff will be glad to peek into the room and check on your child at your request.