This summer leading up to September you can support your child’s transition to pre-school by ensuring they can:
- wash their hands (this one is essential)
- put on and take off their coat (also a handy skill for dressing up)
- use the bathroom (pre-school staff know that accidents happen)
- put on their shoes (think about getting them shoes they can manage easily)
- open their lunch box or lunch bag (lunches will be healthy foods only in pre-school)
- work on turn taking and sharing (this will be a work in progress)
Because children have spent so much time at home, some children will find it more difficult than usual to separate from their parents when the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Programme commences later this year. Be assured that this is perfectly normal and slow and gradual introduction to pre-school will be necessary for some children. The pre-school staff will be prepared for this and will offer advice and support. Lots and lots of uninterrupted play over the summer will really help.
