1. What’s in the preschooler’s starter kit?

• pyjamas,
• a change of clothes,
• toothbrush, toothpaste and a plastic cup,
• a change of slippers,
• sanitary articles (wet wipes, nappies, sun and winter creams),
• a set of bed linen,
• an apron for painting.

2. First days in kindergarten — what can help the child and parents?

• Early accustoming the child to staying in a new place under the care of other people, contacting the child with peers, e.g. on the playground.
• Teaching the child through play activities related to self care.
• Informing the child that it will spend time in kindergarten in the company of other children and without their parents.
• It is important for parents to be calm when they part with their child (the child can sense the anxiety of adults).
• Playing with a child in kindergarten, presenting kindergarten’s genuine advantages, e.g. the presence of peers, the variety of toys.
• Parents’ acceptance of a child’s cry – a natural and healthy response to a new situation (the child should not be embarrassed). The children’s high lability of feelings might make them instantly happy and having fun.
• Saying goodbye to the child in the cloakroom – quickly and without tears.
• Getting to know the kindergarten earlier – walks towards the facility, short visits in the kindergarten, participation in adaptation days and open doors.
• “A piece of home” – a trinket brought by the child from home, e.g. a favourite toy, a pillow.
• Early pick-up in the beginning (always pick up the child as promised).
• Praising the child for its bravery and ability to cope with any situation. If children cry a lot, tell them that all people are a little nervous and afraid to do something for the first time, but after a few days they feel more confident and so will him.

The adaptation period might go differently. One child is out of the woods after a week and others start their difficult time only after a month (and this is also normal). It is because only then did they understand and fully feel that a certain stage is over and they would prefer it to be just as it used to.

Crying of some children affects others, but there are teachers and other workers to help. So many hands to hug the little ones. Of course, not all children want to be cuddled and their anxiety has to be reduced differently. We are all here for this.

3. Please:

• Sign all items belonging to the child (bed linens, toiletries, etc.) with a permanent marker.
• Do not bring small toys or those containing small parts that are easy to swallow; we only bring other toys on Fridays.
• Write down and provide us with all the relevant information about your child (falling asleep, favourite games, nonverbal communication, needs, talents, etc.).
• Do not enter the rooms – the child will be picked up from the door; also if you come for the child, please show yourself to the teacher in the door porthole or ask another employee in the corridor to call the child.
• Do not call teachers out when you are picking up your child in the afternoon; teachers will be happy to give individual information about your child during the afternoon rest hours (12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.).