• Countdown
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Three Weeks Before
  • Visit the school. ​Spend time on the playground. Talk about how growing up means making changes. Personalize this experience. if your child is going to an all day kindergarten, discuss lunch and recess. Discuss the bus, "big kids," and how to react to what these kids may say or how they may act.
  • Many schools offer an orientation day for parents and children. This is a great opportunity to tour the school and meet the principal and teachers. Point out the bathrooms, library, lunchroom, etc.
  • Arrange play dates to help your child meet classmates. This is helpful especially if your child will not know anyone in his class.
  • Start to read books together about the first day of school. Your children are young and may have difficulty expressing their emotions. Books are a great way to start a discussion about all emotions regarding starting kindergarten.
One Week Before
  • Organize closets and drawers. Discuss school versus play clothing. Find a place to keep their book bag and lunch to avoid morning frenzy.
  • Talk about what to expect including what is different and what is the same comparing kindergarten to preschool. Discuss the classroom routine in as much detail as possible.
  • Ease into the school year schedule. Go to bed earlier and get up earlier. follow the night time routine you expect to follow every night. this can happen gradually - changing the time 10 to 20 minutes each night until your child has established a new schedule.
  • Make a list of the morning drill. this will help your child remember everything that needs to be done. A picture list is helpful to encourage independence.
  • This is the time that the school is open as teachers are preparing for the school year. if your child seems very anxious, this is a great time to meet the teacher, see the classroom, and tour the school again as allowed.
  • Discuss how your child is getting to school. If they are riding the bus and have an older sibling, this would be a good time to talk with the sibling about watching out for them.
The Night Before
  • Practice goodbyes. you will be surprised how emotional saying goodby will be. Agree on the number of hugs and kisses. Use special code words like "see you later" or "have a great day." Put the control in your child's hands with these decisions.
  • Pick out first day clothing.
  • Pre-pack everything and have it ready to go the night before. This will allow time for any unexpected emotional breakdowns (yours or your child's).
  • Give a gift - something that says "Im so proud of you and will be thinking of you!" This could be something very simple. For example, I gave my daughter a bracelet of mine to wear and she did for the first several days. After that she adjusted and didn't need the bracelet anymore.
Two Weeks Before
  • Take a clothing inventory and go shopping for new clothes and school supplies. Sometimes a lucky pencil case or pair of socks is helpful to get through something crazy, like the first day of school. Be sure to find out from the school if there are specific supplies necessary. Double-check your child's choices - a pencil case that is difficult to open may not be the best purchase.
  • Help your child write a letter to their teacher. Include nicknames and important information such as allergies. Talk briefly about preferred activities. Have your child sign the letter and maybe include some artwork.
  • If your child is nervous, re-visit the school (as allowed) and help them anticipate the first day.
The First Day!!
  • If possible allow extra time in the morning. Even the best prepared child can have increased anxiety and you may need extra time for emotional support.
  • Cook a special breakfast!
  • Take a first day photo.
  • Give yourself "crying time." After your child leaves give yourself time to de-escalate and calm down. Sending a child to the first day of school is tough work emotionally!
Suggested Book List
Countdown to Kindergarten 
by Alison McGhee
Mama Don't Go
by Rosemary Wells
When You Go to Kindergarten
by James Howe
The King of Kindergarten
by Derrick Barnes
Kindergarten Rocks
by Katie Davis
The Berenstain Bears Go to School
by Stan & Jan Berenstain
Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten
by Joseph Slate

Be sure to check with the staff at your local library for more great reads!