For any parent, having their child start preschool can be an anxious period, with feelings of excitement often mixed with feelings of uncertainty and worry. In some instances, it might be the first time a child has spent any considerable time away from their parents, entering unknown territory and surrounded by unfamiliar faces.
Experts in early childhood education say these feelings of anxiety are normal for any parent. They suggest finding a suitable learning setting can be the key to easing feelings of stress and anxiety, helping parents feel more comfortable in their children’s early learning journey.
UniSA Associate Professor Jamie Sisson said, ‘For many children, it is the first time they have been in the care of people who are not part of their family circle. Young children can often feel anxious about starting kindy or preschool for the first time and this is not unusual.
‘Big transitions like this come with many unknowns, and for young children they are still learning about their world and the people in it,’ she said.
Strategies
‘In supporting young children in their transition to preschool or kindy, parents can consider some different strategies to help them combat feelings of anxiety for both themselves and their children.
‘Parents can talk about new routines and scenarios they may be worried about, meet with teachers and educators and connect with other children and families at the preschool. When selecting a preschool there are many factors that come into play. Certainly, location and schedule of offerings are important,’ said Associate Professor Sisson.
‘It is also important to make sure that the preschool philosophy aligns with your beliefs about early childhood education and care. Parents should visit the preschool and consider asking questions about what a typical day might look like, what opportunities there are for their children’s interests to be fostered and supported, as well as how their child’s social learning and development is supported.’
Jamie Sisson’s research expertise includes qualitative and co-design research approaches in working with partners to improve the educational experiences and social inclusion of children, families, and educators within early childhood settings.
Big picture
Curtin University’s Associate Professor Madeleine Dobson said, ‘It can help to think in big picture terms about the early years, where play is a core part of children’s lives, development, and learning.
‘It is natural for families to experience anxiety and uncertainty when sending their children to preschool for the first time. This is a big step for everyone in the family and it can be challenging to navigate.
‘It is also a time full of possibilities where families can embrace connection – by beginning to build strong relationships with teachers and other families, and by checking in with their child and with fellow family members about how they are finding the transition,’ she said.
‘If parents are wondering how to find a best-fit setting, it is important to reflect on who their child is and what their needs are. It can help to think in big picture terms about the early years, where play is a core part of children’s lives, development, and learning, and for parents to consider who their child is as an individual.
‘When exploring settings, it can help to think about opportunities for their child: Is this a place where children can play, explore, and take an active role in their learning? Is the setting nurturing and supportive of all children? What does my child think?’
Madeleine Dobson is a scholar with expertise in Early Childhood & Care at Curtin University. She is an Associate Investigator in the Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child and an Ambassador for the Valuing Children Initiative.
She says, ‘For parents who are feeling anxious – you are not alone. This kind of transition can be difficult to navigate and it is important to look after yourself and to connect with loved ones to seek support. It can also help to speak to members of the community at your child’s new school; this is a source of solidarity and reassurance for many parents.’
Transitions
Charles Sturt University’s Dr Lysa Dealtry said, ‘A talk with your child’s educators about any concerns you may have can reassure you that your child’s strengths and needs will be understood and met. The transition to preschool can evoke feelings of concern about how children will manage new expectations, daily routines, and relationships with educators and other children.
‘Parents/carers might also feel anxious about their own ability to manage their feelings of missing their child or apprehension about the quality of education and care their child is receiving while at preschool.
‘Talking with other parents/carers who have already navigated these changes can be a helpful way to know what changes to expect and to lessen and normalise any worrying feelings of uncertainty,’ she said.
Preparation
‘Consider asking about the positives and opportunities that starting preschool generated for them and their child. When selecting a preschool setting for your child, look for multiple and flexible orientation and transition opportunities that are designed to build parents’ and carers’ and children’s familiarity with the educators, routines, and environment in that setting.’
‘From this experience in the preschool setting, parents/carers can think about activities they can do at home with their child prior to a formal start to preschool such as eating from a lunchbox, taking off and putting on shoes, or hygiene or toileting routines different to those the child is accustomed to.’
Lysa Dealtry is a Lecturer with the School of Education at CSU. ‘Early childhood educators fully appreciate and expect the differing abilities and capacities that children bring with them to preschool,’ she said.’ A talk with your child’s educators about any concerns you may have can reassure you that your child’s strengths and needs will be understood and met.
‘Educators also understand how precious your child is to you and that leaving your child in the care of someone outside of family can be distressing initially. They will want to work with you, and learn from you, to best support you and your child as you start preschool.’
