At INTO SCHOOL we aim to provide a safe and stimulating environment for children to grow and learn.
Starting playschool is a big change for families and it involves a wide range of emotions - for both the child and the adult. At INTO SCHOOL, we have supported many families on this journey to ensure the safest and most positive start in our playschool for both child and family.
By working together with families, we create a strong foundation for a child's well-being and development from the very beginning of their playschool path. We agree on the details of the start with each family individually, but here are some practical tips and things each family should consider.
Getting to know new people and surroundings
Before starting at INTO SCHOOL, it is a good idea to visit the playschool with your child. Getting to know other children, new adults and the environment will help both the child and parents feel more secure before the official start date. We communicate with new families before the start and arrange visits to the playschool with them. New families are always welcome to join us for the various parties and events we organise at INTO SCHOOL.
Start-up discussion
When a child starts at INTO SCHOOL, we arrange a time for a joint discussion with the family and the child's group educator. This discussion allows the family and the staff to get to know each other better and discuss issues that are important to the family. The family has the opportunity to share their child's specific needs and wishes and to ask questions about any concerns. This way, we can ensure from the very beginning that we take into account the child's individual needs at INTO SCHOOL to the best of our ability.
Practical arrangements
At INTO SCHOOL, the family will be informed of all the important things that the family should consider before the child starts at the playschool. It is a good idea to label the child's belongings and to make sure that the child has spare clothes in case of a need to change, for example after a messy art project or outdoor play or even a possible toileting accidents at the playschool. It is a good idea to keep contact details for the playschool, especially group phone numbers, on your own phone, and to make sure that the Kindiedays app, which is used for daily communication, is installed on your phone. It is also important that the family returns the documents containing the child's details carefully completed, filled in before the start date, starting andinforms the playschool of any allergies or special dietary requirements. This will ensure that your child has a smooth and safe start at the playschool.
Small steps to get started
Starting playschool is a big deal for the whole family. Especially if it is your child's first day at playschool, it is advisable for the family to organise their schedule so that the first few weeks are not too long. Although a day at playschool is full of joy and fun, it also requires a lot of energy and encouragement participation from the young child. After a day at playschool, your child may need more rest, and the presence, and cuddles and rest of close adults more than usual. It is therefore good if during the evenings and weekends you can give your child the opportunity to relax and recuperate with those close to him or her.
Security for a new life
At INTO SCHOOL, we ask families to bring photos, safe favorite security item or toy, or comfort food (in the beginning) from home, to help them get used to the new routine. Children can also choose their own "logo" at the playschool to mark all their personal places, such as their locker, their sleeping spot during rest time, their chair at mealtimes, etc. such as their bed, feeding area. These personal places are often important to the child and help them settle into their new environment.
Creating routines
Routines and predictability create a sense of security for the child. There are routines in the playschool and it is good for the family to discuss these with the child beforehand. Tell your child what to expect at playschool, such as circle time, playtime, outdoor activities, mealtimes and nap times. This will help your child to prepare for the future. At playschool, everyday life is often quite consistent repetitive and the child usually adapts to new routines fairly quickly. When learning routines, we also use pictures to help the child anticipate what is coming next. At home, it is also a good idea to stick to familiar routines and create, for example, a consistent routine that repeats itself at the same time, such as the routine of going to and from playschool.
Cooperation with staff
In some cases, starting playschool is more challenging for the adult than for the child. Our role at INTO SCHOOL is also to support close adults through the process of starting playschool and we encourage open communication with families from the start. Regular communication with the family is part of everyday life at INTO SCHOOL and the child's most important news is shared in daily meetings interactions at pick up time usually. In addition, especially in the early stages, we try aim to share pictures snapshots of the child's day so that the parent can also feel confident and reassured during the child's day at the playschool.
Allergies and special diets
Children's safety is the most important thing at INTO SCHOOL. We take into account the wishes of families regarding their children's diet and pay particular attention to allergies and special diets in our playschool. We train our staff as need be necessary so that every family can leave their child safely in our playschool.
Private day care allowance
Families of children attending INTO SCHOOL are usually entitled to private day care allowance. Private day care allowance is applied for from Kela when your child starts at the playschool. At INTO SCHOOL, we go through the application process with the families and help them with the forms, if necessary, to make the application process as clear and smooth as possible. For more information on private day care allowance, please visit the Kela website www.kela.fi/private-day-care-allowance
Be a safe and supportive adult
Every child reacts differently to starting playschool. Some are curious and eager, others need more time to get used to the new things. Children may also express their emotions more strongly than usual, especially in the early stages of playschool. The different ways in which a child reacts are influenced by factors such as temperament and previous experiences. You should not be frightened or compare your own reactions with those of others children. Respond to your child's needs by being a loving, understanding and present adult. As an adult, it is a good idea to try to maintain a positive attitude and encourage your child to try new experiences, even if it may seem difficult. However, the adult's confidence that everything will go well will also help the child to build trust in the adults at the playschool.
Quality early childhood education and care supports children's development and provides new and enriching experiences. At INTO SCHOOL we aim to provide a safe and stimulating environment for children to grow and learn.
We are here to support you throughout the process of starting playschool, so please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
Welcome to INTO SCHOOL - together we will build an unforgettable playschool experience for your child and your whole family!
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