School Begins

To allow the young child time to adjust to Preschool, classes are reduced for the first and second week of school. This period is called “phase-in” and the majority of new students adjust well to Preschool life somewhere between day three and day six.

Each year, a number of new students surprise parents and teachers by walking into the classroom and never looking back! If by the second day of classes teachers note that a child has adjusted quickly to Preschool, additional phase-in may not be necessary. If a longer phase-in period is required (rare) we will also reduce hours the third week of school. Our goal is for your child to adjust securely and comfortably to his/her new school.

For returning students, regular classes commence each fall.

Help Prepare Your Child for Preschool

Your child’s first day of school is an exciting time! We hope the following suggestions will help prepare your child for Preschool.

Read books and stories with your child about Preschool and making new friends. We recommend:

• The Berenstain Bears Go To School by Stan and Jan Berenstain.
• My Teacher Sleeps in School by Ellen Weiss.
• Will I Have a Friend by Miriam Cohen.
• Friends at School by Rochelle Bunnette.

Prepare your child. Talk to your child about Preschool. Discuss local schools in your area. When driving, point out various schools to your child.

Discuss the positive aspects of school. If you attended the Montessori & Me Family Day, focus on the fun your child had with their new friends and teachers Share memories of your own schooling, perhaps a favourite teacher, a best friend you made at school etc. Please avoid phrases such as “big enough to attend Preschool”. Very few children feel big, and there should be no guilt associated with leaving or missing a parent.

Review the calendar and talk about what days of the week your child will attend school. Discuss our circle, gym, snack, dance and art activities. Your positive attitude and calm voice is reassuring and helps your child to understand school is a good place to be.

Review the photographs in the Gallery on our website with your child. Explore the many exciting activities we have planned such as theme parties, festivals, guest speakers and party days.

Begin to gradually readjust your child’s bedtime a week or two before school begins. AM & PM students will often nap on the way home for the first month, exhausted after much work and play!

Family Day

New and returning students are invited to attend our Family Day each August. We host a two-hour party in the gymnasium complete with refreshments and games. Students are asked to bring a plain white t-shirt, which they will tie-dye and wear on the first day of school. 

What to Expect on Your Child’s First Day of School

If your child has never been in a Preschool setting before, he/she child may experience some separation anxiety. Here are some helpful hints to help your child feel more secure:

• Involve your child in the preparation for the first of school; pick out a new backpack, purchase new shoes, lay out clothing the night before, plan and prepare breakfast, and carry their belongings into the school.
• Do not allow your child to see that you are having any reservations about leaving them. You can help accomplish this by allowing your child to walk into school rather then carrying them.
• Your child needs to see that you trust our staff and our school. Reassure your child that you will come back, give two kisses, one hug and say your short goodbyes. The longer you stay with your child, the more insecure he/she will feel.
• We want to do what is best to help your child feel safe and secure and we need your help to make this possible! Once you leave, please do not return to the classroom or lurk outside.
• The first few weeks of school may be tiring for the young child who is forming new relationships separate and apart from their parents, often for the first time. Be sure your child has a well-established routine, adequate rest, and spends the appropriate amount of quality time with you.
• Your child’s teachers are also parents and grandparents, and understand that “detaching” is not always easy. Discuss any concerns you may have and remember - we share the same goal; to see your child excel in an environment rich with learning and fun!