South Hills Child Development Center, Inc.
(814) 838 7114
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Transitions

9/10/2011

4 Comments

 
Transitions are especially difficult in early childhood.  Children derive so much of their security from routine, so a new challenge, like preschool, totally changes the typical routine. Therefore, every new transition is a new source of anxiety and insecurity!  Some children handle this better than others. But typically children exhibit some anxiety signs—poor sleep, crying, clinging, tantruming, bedwetting, daytime ‘accidents’, withdrawal. 

Parents often contribute to these anxieties with their own anxieties! Every transition for a child represents a transition for a parent as well, and preschool is the beginning of many ‘letting go’ scenarios throughout life. It never gets easy! But, children are so tuned in to their parents emotions. When a parent is upset about leaving their child, the child senses that the parent is upset. That is often interpreted by the child as “There is something frightening here.  My mother doesn’t want to leave me here.” If a parent can keep herself/himself under control, by being positive, smiling, and composed, it speaks volumes to a child. Parents who can positively turn the child over to the teacher, say a positive goodbye, and then leave, will assist their child in transitioning to their new school environment. Yes, children may still cry, tantrum, and feel sad.  Young children have strong emotions and strong behaviors.  And they depend on the adults in their world to help them manage those emotions and behaviors.  Our teachers at South Hills are trained to assist your child in his/her adjustment to the school, where we accept them and guide them. 

If your child expresses that “I missed you at school and I cried.”, please let them know ‘It’s ok!”.  Express that you know changes are hard, but that you know South Hills is the right school for your child, and that you also know that s/he will soon love being at school.  It’s ok to miss each other; that is what being a family is all about!  But it’s also so exciting to have your child share what happened in his/her day at school, just as you tell your stories about your day!

We know it takes time for parents to trust us, and we work very hard to earn your trust.  We want your child to love being with us as part of the South Hills community, and we have many positive strategies to help your child ‘settle in’ and succeed.  We promise to communicate with you, and enlist your help when your child is having transition difficulties. With your support, the children will all soon be deeply engaged in our routine and curriculum, and you can finally relax and enjoy the stories your child will share with you about his/her day with us!

♥Ms. Connie
4 Comments
Eric B.
9/15/2011 09:08:50 am

I enjoyed your blog, Ms. Connie :) I am very pleased with our first few weeks at South Hills. I can tell Laurel wants to go to school and feels comfortable in your care. I think she is showing a little bit of bashfulness - something I'm not used to with her! lol I think as you mentioned...this is a new transition and also a big transition dealing with not having her brother with her all day (who is now in K-Garden). But your blog helped me breath and realize she is just fine.

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child development center link
5/22/2012 07:02:14 pm

Here you are sharing some information about how to make the child's life successful. That might be helpful for the parents. That are very effective for the people who care about their child. Admiring the time and energy you put into your website and in depth information you provide.

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Ms. Connie link
9/17/2011 07:04:58 am

Children who display shyness the first few weeks, or even months, may just need more time to observe this new environment. Strong observers need to watch, absorb, and visualize themselves in specific situations prior to making the committment to attempt a new skill, interaction, etc. For adults to demand that a child participate or join in is to create anxiety and resistance. Your daughter needs caring adults who will allow her plenty of time to observe and feel confident and comfortable in this new school environment. We give lots of encouragement, but also know to allow her space to absorb the routine, expectations, skills that are required in this new environment. As she takes her time, and we allow her to take that time, she will at some point join in with confidence. I am sure of it.

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Eric Brink
9/19/2011 11:32:48 pm

Advice well taken and appreciated :) Thank you miss Connie.

Reply



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    Ms Connie Kerr Vogt
    Director/Owner of South Hills Child Development Center Inc.

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South Hills Child Development Center Inc.

3808 Caughey Road
Erie, PA 16506
(814) 838-7114 | Email
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