Starting preschool

The importance of a good start

Abstract

It is a big step for parents when a child starts preschool. A new chapter in life is about to begin, a chapter that calls for changes in the family’s daily routines. For some parents, it is natural that when their child starts in preschool, they have the attitude that all will go well. Others are afraid that their child will not get the necessary care and attention, but feel relieved when they see that the child is doing well. This article discusses the importance of a successful adjustment and is primarily based on the author’s experience of transition to preschool, with the participation of parents in three Norwegian preschools from 2011 to 2022. The aim is to draw attention to the importance of good transition at the start of preschool and to shed light on a certain method to create a safe and stable communication between the child’s two worlds, home and the preschool. Data was collected through observations and pedagogical documentation in daily work, as well as parents’ feedback on their experience as participants.

The transition model presented here assumes that the parents are active participants in the transition process for a minimum of five days. The idea is that parents and children learn to be in new situations together. The experience supported theories and writings of various scholars on transition and what should be kept in mind, such as the importance of relationship formation and emotional development. Changes in a child’s life can create a stressful situation, so it is important to pay close attention to its causes and what can be done to reduce stress. Caring and warm interaction between the child and preschool teacher lays the foundation for intellectual, social and emotional development in the child’s early years.

Children need time and space to find peace and security in new situations. The transition period can be difficult for both parents and children; therefore, parents were advised to take it easy at home during the transition period and to have long weekends every now and then during the first months. It is stressful for a small child to be in new situations and having to communicate with many people for a long time, so parents were encouraged to try to have short days in the first weeks or as long as possible. Experience showed that short days, 6–7 hours, especially during the first weeks, and small groups for part of the day made the children seem to adapt quickly and bond better with both adults and children. Gentle lighting with lamps and string lights and quiet, softly played music has an effect and helps both the teachers and the children to relax and find peace in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Materials that arouse curiosity in a magical and exciting space help children to relax and forget themselves in play and make separation easier.

When parents are involved and learning to experience new situations as well as getting to know new people together with the children, we begin to build the trust that needs to exist between the preschool and each family. Parents gain a better understanding of what a preschool day includes by participating in the daily work for a week. Trust and security are the basis for children to explore and acquire knowledge and skills, with their parents as a support, the child can relax and explore in this new situation.

The article sheds light on and discusses the importance of building trust and security right from the first day of transition, the role of caregivers, their influence and attitudes on the children’s social and emotional development.

The main result is that flexible transition with the participation of parents is an important part of laying the foundation for good and solid communication between the child’s two worlds, the home and preschool. Short days and small groups in a room with materials that arouse curiosity, supported by adults with professional knowledge are part of successful integration and the children’s well-being