Preparing for a Successful Pre-K Year

Back to School season is currently underway and families all over the country are gearing up for a new school year while many children are already back in the classroom. For families of preschool-age children meeting new teachers, there are lots of conversations to have about what their little ones will be up to during the school day. For a successful school year, families should discuss the right topics with new teachers as their children are stepping up to the next chapter. Every child and family’s needs are different so each family will have different questions that need to be asked. I generally recommend parents have the following conversations when meeting their child’s new teacher for the first time.

Conversation Starter #1: Curriculum Preparedness for Kindergarten

As parents, we want to know that our children are well-prepared to succeed in elementary school. Lightbridge Academy understands the importance of this foundational learning and the results that support the high-quality of our educational program. Our students tested 97% proficient in kindergarten-readiness skills, according to a 2022-2023 Vine Assessment of Pre-Kindergarteners across key learning domains. Assessments help parents understand what their children can expect from a Pre-K curriculum. Asking about the curriculum and how it prepares children for the next step is a great question for any parent wanting to understand what will be taught over the next year.

Conversation Starter #2: School Communications

If children are struggling at school, either with academics or socially with things like making friends, it’s important for families to have open lines of communication with their preschool teachers. Working together in partnership will provide the necessary support needed to overcome challenges. Facilitating communication is important. Some of the ways communication can be fostered is through the use of a parent e-Communication system such as the Lightbridge Journey App. By sharing information, scheduling meetings or just checking in, a stronger home/school connection can be formed increasing the likelihood of success!

Conversation Starter #3: Center Accreditation

Accreditation is achieved when educational child care centers complete a rigorous process. They must demonstrate and document quality performance using research-based criteria and evidence-based practices to meet the standards of the accrediting body such as the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs and the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Accreditation enables quality assurance, fosters an enhanced learning environment, instills parental confidence, and gives centers recognition for their efforts to maintain a high-quality program. An additional benefit of this commitment to excellence is that children receive a top-tier education and families enjoy peace of mind knowing that they’re sending their children to an early childhood education provider that meets their standards.

Lightbridge Academy is working towards systemwide accreditation of all of our centers. We believe it will further our mission to providing the kind of support, education, and care that cannot be found anywhere else in the child care industry. Asking about accreditation is an excellent way for parents to learn more about the center’s standards and determine if the center aligns with their personal standards.

Conversation Starter #4: Handling Challenging Behaviors

As a former teacher, I know all too well that young children can express their frustration in different ways and will sometimes act out. Small children can become overwhelmed with situations because they do not know how to process their emotions. If your child has certain tendencies, whether it is not knowing how to control their excitement or certain activities triggering difficult behavior, it is important to explain that to your new teacher.

All-star teachers know how to handle challenging behaviors in the classroom. Parents should ask how their child’s preschool teacher will address these behaviors, so they feel confident their child is in good hands and that the teacher knows how to handle these situations.

Conversation Starter #5: Play Time

One of the beauties of preschool is the amount of time children are given to just be kids and have fun exploring. Playtime is critical to early childhood development and child care centers should prioritize play time just as much as structured time for learning. Children learn through both play and formal education. Asking for a sample of the daily schedule is crucial to understanding if children will be given enough time to play and have fun outside of teacher-led learning.

Conversation Starter #6: Safety and Security Measures

When parents drop their children off at school, they are entrusting the care and well-being of the most important person in the world to them. For parents to be comfortable enrolling their children, they need to trust that their child will be safe and secure there. Lightbridge Academy offers ParentView? Internet Monitoring and the Lightbridge Journey App to foster transparency and enable parents to stay connected to their child’s day. This enhanced level of open communication enables feedback that strengthens the home/school connection. Asking about safety and security measures should be a priority for all parents when meeting with their child’s teacher.

These conversations are some of the ways to learn more about a child’s new school and/or teacher and to prepare for a new school year. Just as important as asking the teacher questions, parents should also tell the teacher things they should know about the child. Is the child shy? Does the child like to be soothed a certain way? What activities do they love to engage in? These are important things for teachers to know so they can form a relationship and unlock a child’s potential. To help your child have their best school year yet, maintain open and ongoing communication with your child’s school and teacher.