By Zuko Komisa
With many parents returning to work, younger kids will soon be starting new lives at day care, depending on Coronavirus regulations going forward. If your little one will be attending creche for the first time this year, make sure you prepare them for this new experience.
Plan a pre-school visit.
Before introducing your child to a new environment, it is important that you ease them through this new transition. You can do this by visiting the new classroom or school with your child to help make their upcoming first day feel familiar. Make sure you also meet with their new teacher.

It’s time for a new routine.
The transition will change your child’s current routine. It’s important to make adjustments ahead of time. Start the daily routines of bedtime around a month before school begins. Do a “dry run” of the new morning routine closer to the starting date of pre-school, whether it is walking to the bus stop with your kid or driving to the new school etc.
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Time to prepare breakfast.
Your child might be used to eating breakfast leisurely. Make sure to account for the extra time for your child to enjoy breakfast.
Build a menu for lunch.
In the morning, “rehearse” packing lunches if your child takes lunch to school. That way, you’ll realize how much extra time it’s going to take and what lunch and snack foods you’re going to need on hand.

Make a pre- and after-school schedule.
Make sure the emergency pick-up people know where the new pre-school or after-school program is located and what is required for the pick-up routine. Better to plan ahead of time than wait for an emergency.
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Connect with your child’s teacher
When the year begins, it is important to give yourself and your child a chance to “bond” with the new teacher.

Have fun and go shopping for school supplies together.
When getting ready for day care, there is nothing like brand new school supplies, do this with your child for some extra bonding time.



