Yes. Your child can bring a special toy/lovey/blanket/etc and there will not be an expectation for them to share it. Our experience is that a tangible item can make the transition from home to preschool more enjoyable and foster conversation between peers. Read on to find out what else they can bring!
What To Bring To Preschool
BACKPACK: A backpack or bag of some sort can be a helpful tool in transporting items back and forth between home and preschool but is not required. If you bring one, please label it with your child’s name.
FAMILY PHOTOS: Please consider sending family photos with your child to foster the home-school connection. How many pictures you provide will vary based on your family structure: some children have multiple homes/caregivers and as one of our favorite books is entitled, we know that “a family is a family is a family.”
WATER BOTTLE: Due to ongoing pandemic precautions and moving a lot of our learning outdoors, we like to have each child use their own water bottle (they seem to enjoy this connection to home/independence as well!). If your child brings one, these are sent home at the end of each session.
BREAKFAST/EXTRA SNACKS FROM HOME: It is not unusual for children to not have finished (or started!) breakfast before preschool. It is absolutely appropriate for your child to bring their own food to eat during the morning. Teachers will help them find a place at a table or they can choose to eat it while sitting in their cubby if they like.
EASY SHOES and CLOTHES: Consider sending your child in outfits and shoes that can easily be taken on and off. We allow children to go barefoot as they like and lace free shoes foster independence. Bathroom work can also be facilitated by clothing they can navigate quickly and successfully.
EXTRA CLOTHES: It is not unusual for otherwise bathroom independent children to have accidents in a new place (along with other spills, messes, etc). We have a stash of extra clothes or you can send a change of clothing with your child. If you bring extra clothes, plan to leave them in your child’s backpack and we’ll access them as we need to.
WIPES/DIAPERS/PULL-UPS: It is not unusual for preschoolers to attend preschool in diapers and Pull-Ups. We are intentional about teaching children that “diapers are not just for babies” and that people of all ages use them. Please let us know about any bathroom supplies your child uses. As mentioned earlier, we will send a note home anytime we’ve assisted in bathroom work.
SHOW AND TELL: Once we begin to have Show and Tell as a regular part of our routine (Ms Kristin will send an email), your child can bring something to put in the basket every time they come. We are familiar with some children choosing something from the classroom to show and tell about, bringing the same thing every time, or taking off their shoes to put in the basket, etc. No obligation- just an opportunity!
SAFE SNACKS IF YOUR CHILD HAS FOOD ALLERGIES/SENSITIVITIES: If your child has food allergies/sensitivities, please provide non-perishable safe snacks that we can keep on hand for them. Safe Snacks are labeled with your child’s name and served only to them.
SUNSCREEN/BUG SPRAY: Apply sunscreen and bug spray as you see necessary. We do not have authority to apply or reapply during preschool.
FORMS: The state of Kansas requires each child to have on file a Medical Record, Immunization Record, Health Assessment and Emergency Release Form. All of these are available on our website or from Kristin.
QUESTIONS and OPEN HEARTS: Some of the most important work we do at New Creation Preschool is supporting families in this time of transition. You are welcome to stay as long as you like. If you would like assistance in separating from your child (it’s quite common), let me know. We are comfortable caring for children in distress and will stay in close communication with you. There is no question too small, silly or unnecessary. Ask anything, anytime! We are here to be a safe space for all feelings
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