Getting Ready for:

Back to School

The middle of Summer is good time to get ready for going back to school which can be exciting for some as they count the days to when they can play with their friends again. But, for some, it can mean a total tragedy whether because they will start preschool or because they will start going to a new school. For this reason, the American Academy of Pediatrics has the following tips for you.

THE FIRST STEP - THE IMMUNIZATIONS UP-DATE!

Immunizations are Required for School Entry- Children in childcare or starting school need up-to-date immunizations, including chickenpox, for school entry. These shots can help keep your child safe and healthy. Make with time an appointment with you child pediatrician and for more information, please contact the
County of San Diego Immunizations Program at (619) 692-8661.

CHECKLIST FOR THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

BY THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS

Is your child registered? When is the first day of school? What time does school start?

What time is lunch? Can your child buy it at school, and how much will it cost? Will she need a snack?

Have you filled out all the health forms or emergency contact forms that have been sent home?

Have any new health problems developed in your child over the summer that will affect her school day? Does the school nurse know about this condition, or is an appointment set up to discuss it?

If your child needs to take medication at school on the first day, have arrangements been made for this?

Does your youngster know where she is going after school (e.g., home, babysitter)? Does she know how she will get there? If you will not be there when she arrives, does she know who will be responsible for her, what the rules are, and how to get help in an emergency?

The First Day at Preschool

Preschool have plenty of benefits and prepare kids for kindergarten and beyond.

Preschool is a great place for kids to interact with peers and to learn valuable life lessons such as how to share, take turns, and follow rules... But going to preschool, does come with its fair share of emotions, for both the parent and the child.

For a kid, entering a new preschool environment filled with unfamiliar teachers and children can cause both anxiety and anticipation. For parents, there may be mixed emotions over whether the child is ready for preschool or feel guilty or worried about leaving your child at school, he or she will probably sense that. The more calm and assured you are about your choice to send your child to preschool, the more confident your child will be.

When you enter the classroom on the first day, calmly reintroduce the teacher to your child, then step back and let him or her set the tone. This will allow the teacher and your child to begin forming a relationship. Your endorsement of how nice and warm is the teacher will show your child that he or she will be happy and safe in the teacher's care.

If your child clings to you or refuses to participate in the class, don't get upset - this may only upset your child more. Follow the guidelines described by the teacher beforehand, and go at your child's pace.

Suggestions for leaving your child at preschool are simple but can be hard on a parent. Always say a loving good-bye to your child, but once you do, you should leave promptly. Never sneak out. As tempting as it may be, leaving without saying good-bye may make your child feel abandoned, whereas a long farewell scene might only serve to reinforce a child's sense that preschool is a bad place.

A consistent and predictable farewell ritual can make leaving easier. Some parents wave from outside a certain classroom window or make a funny good-bye face, whereas others read a short book before parting. Transitional objects - a family picture, a special doll, or a favorite blanket - can also help comfort your child.

Also, keep in mind that most children do well once their parents leave.

Regardless of whether your child is eager or reluctant to go to preschool, make sure that a school staff member is ready to help with the transfer from your care to the classroom when you arrive in the morning. Some kids may jump right in with their classmates, whereas others might want a private cuddle and a story from a caregiver before joining the group.

Many preschools begin with a daily ritual, such as circle time (when teachers and children talk about what they did the day before and the activities that are ahead for the day). Preschoolers tend to respond to this kind of predictability and following a routine will help ease the move from home to school.