Terry Aizen – Director Kornmehl

This week we welcomed more families to the Seashells, Starfish and Dolphin groups. It has been lovely seeing the delight on the faces of parents and children as they walk into our new Pre-school space for the first time. I have received beautiful feedback and comments:

“It looks so warm and homely.”

“The floors are amazing.”

“I love this furniture – I could have it in my home.”

“This is the best Pre-school I have ever seen.”

We are thrilled with our new spaces and we feel very privileged to be working in such a beautiful Pre-school – not only from a physical perspective, but from a warm, caring and nurturing side too.

Settling In

The first few weeks when a child is settling into an early years setting is a time of crucial importance to their later happiness in the setting. All children are individuals and while some children will adjust fairly easily to the new environment and new routines, others will take longer to feel comfortable and secure.

The children are all settling into their new space and becoming more familiar with each group’s routines and rules and they are getting to know their teachers and friends. This takes time and we need to allow the children space to explore, discover and feel a sense of belonging and trust. We work hard in these first few weeks to establish connections and relationships with families and children in our care. We talk and explain things clearly to the children and there is repetition and familiarity from day to day. This allows children time to process and to feel safe and secure. Children who have a positive start to their new environment are more likely to feel comfortable, relaxed and valued and feel good about themselves as learners.

Separation anxiety is a healthy and protective emotion. It is the child’s way of saying “You are my safe base and I need to develop trust and confidence in alternate carers.”

Talking through the daily routine with your child each day helps to reduce anxiety. Educators also use this as a tool to familiarise children with what to expect each day, so that it is predictable, and they have time to process what is happening in their day. Although you may be feeling as anxious and emotional as your child, try to stay cheery and confident as children will pick up on your feelings of apprehension.

It is important to always let your child know when you are leaving. Tell your child you are going and will be back after sleep or rest time.

Open communication between parents and educators is crucial. It is important to share information. Parents can give educators information about the child at drop off and in turn the educators can talk to the parents about the child’s experiences during the day when they pick up in the afternoon.

Our educators have a vast amount of experience in helping children settle into the Pre-school and are aware of the difficulties that can emerge during this transition period. If your child is taking longer to settle in than you had expected and you still have concerns, discuss these with a member of staff. Together you can agree on and put into place strategies to support your child during this time.

Parents are the safe base from which each child can branch out and explore the world, grow and learn and become socially and emotionally confident. Getting off to a good start will help support your child through this very important period in their lives. Remember that going to school is an important life experience filled with opportunities for growth, skill development and fun. Like any new experience there are challenges for both the child and the parents.  We look forward to working collaboratively to make each child’s journey at the Kornmehl Emanuel Pre-school a warm, caring, nurturing and positive learning experience. www.early-years.org/parents/docs/settle-in.pdf