I learned letters and numbers at a small Montessori preschool before I started kindergarten. Many of my classmates first learned the alphabet in kindergarten. Years later, my son’s caregiver showed me a portfolio full of pictures of him playing and eating with his friends. I found myself asking what I most wanted from his time in daycare.
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Look at how your child is cared for
My son walked in happily and talked about his day on the way home. Sometimes I picked up a child covered in glitter and paint and a bag of clothes that needed washing. His caregivers also told me when he had trouble joining in. I appreciated hearing about his ordinary days as well as his milestones.
During a visit, watch how staff respond when a child is upset or needs help. Ask how often children can play freely, go outside and choose an activity. The ChildCare.gov visit checklists offer questions to bring with you.
Agree on how to support everyday skills
Ask what staff do when a child is learning to use the bathroom, hold drawing tools or take turns. Explain what your child is practicing at home and ask how you can make the routine familiar in both places. If your child needs an accommodation or extra support, ask the program and the receiving school whom to contact.
Ask the school about the transition
My friends who teach have told me about children arriving with different levels of independence. Ask your child’s school what families need to know before the first day, what children will learn there and what help is available. You can also ask your child’s caregiver what helps them settle, join a game or ask for help.