Dynamic Drop-offs

Drop-off can sometimes be the most challenging part of the day, especially at the beginning of the preschool year. 

Creating a consistent, calm routine can ease your child's drop-off; it may be slow at first, but it will get easier with time.

Practice your Goodbyes at Home 

When your child is calm, talk to them about what will happen at drop-off. For example, "First we'll walk to your classroom, then I'll give you a big hug, and then I'll say, “Goodbye, I love you! I'll be back to pick you up after nap time”.  Add a hug, a special handshake, or a short phrase like, “You’ve got this!” to reassure your child.

Celebrate at Pick-Up

Just as a smooth drop-off sets a positive tone for the day, a warm and encouraging pick-up helps your child feel proud of their efforts. Celebrating their small wins—making a new friend, finishing an art project, or being brave at drop off during the day—encourages your child and helps them look forward to coming back tomorrow.

On your way home, open up a conversation with your child by asking specific questions, encouraging them to reflect on their day, and share their experiences.  

Here are a few examples: 

• What was the best part of your day?
• Who did you play with? 
• What was your favorite thing about playing outside? 
• What songs did you sing?
• What stories did your teacher read today?

Learn more about the importance of routines by watching this 9 News interview. Dr. Rosemarie Allen shares practical advice for parents on creating effective and enjoyable routines.

Illness

How Sick is Too Sick: When to keep your child at home

Other Resource Links

How to Cope with Anxiety

Kid Connects- Family Experience - Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation VIDEO

Kid Connects strives to improve the capacity of caregivers to respond to the social and emotional needs of young children by:

• Improving health, developmental, and mental health outcomes for young children,
• Reducing expulsions from early care, and
• Creating mentally healthy learning environments for all young children and their caregivers.

Kid Connects provides the right level of service at the right time! They are merging with Clinica Family Health fall 2024 with the new name Clinical Family Health & Wellness. More info on the merger here

Child Find

Do you have concerns or questions about your child in any of the following areas:

• How your child's speech is developing
• How your child is learning
• How your child sees or hears
• How your child plays and interacts with other children
• How your child moves their hands and body for daily tasks
• How your child responds to difficult situations or transitions
• How your child behaves and handles their emotions

If you answered "yes" to any of the above, talk with your teachers  and reach out to Child Find at cde.state.co.us/cdesped/childfindcontact within Boulder Valley School District. The purpose of the Child Find process in preschool is to determine whether a child has need for special education services. Learn more at cde.state.co.us/cdesped/childfind .