Early Learning Transitions August, 2022

This month's News for Early Learners looks a bit different. With the new school year fast approaching we are focused on transitions - transitioning back to work after having a baby, transitioning a toddler into Preschool and the milestone of starting Kindergarten.

Preparing Your Baby and You for Child Care It’s no secret that returning to work after the birth of your child can be overwhelming. Not only are you dealing with the guilt you feel about leaving your baby to return to the workplace, but there are also those nagging thoughts constantly swimming through your mind about being able to handle the transition back to work. Here are a few ways to make returning to work after having a new baby a little easier.  Starting child care can be a tough adjustment for you and your baby, these tips can help the transition to go more smoothly for everyone. Other Related Articles: Supporting Breastfeeding Moms in Child Care Preparing for the First Day of Child Care When Babies Can Start Daycare and What to Look for

Preparing Toddlers for Preschool

For Families/Early Care Providers As young children transition to the next early childhood classroom there can be some anxiety for both the child and the parents. Leaving the familiar faces of teachers and entering into a new environment can be difficult for anyone. Here are some tips to help transition. If your child is starting preschool this fall, you and your child may be approaching this major milestone with conflicting emotions. There’s a lot you can do in the weeks before to get ready for the big day. Other Related Articles: Easing First Day Jitters; Strategies for Successful Home to School Transitions. Tips for Handling the First Days of Preschool 21 Creative First Day of School Ideas for Parents Rocking and Rolling: Difficult Goodbyes: Supporting Toddler who are Coping with Separation Anxiety How to Survive the First Days of Pre-K for Teachers

Books about Starting Preschool Reading books with your children is a great tool to help them prepare for their first day of preschool, overcome fears and separation anxiety while explaining a bit about what the day will bring. Will I Have a Friend? by Miriam Cohen When I Miss You by Cornelia Maude Spelman Take a Kiss to School by Angela McAllister It’s Time for Preschool by Esme Raj Codell  A Pocketful of Kisses by Audrey Penn Pete the Kitty's First Day of Preschool by James & Kimberly Dean The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn Maisy Goes to Preschool by Lucy Cousin

Preparing Preschoolers for Kindergarten  For Families/Early Care Providers Ready or Not Kindergarten, Here We Come! To prepare for Kindergarten parents and caregivers need to look at the whole child and all the skills and strengths each child has developed. The transition to kindergarten is one of the most important points in a child’s educational journey. South Dakota Statewide Family Engagement Center has resources to help! Kindergarten Readiness Resources. Other Related Articles: How to Get Your Child Ready for the First Day of Kindergarten How to calm first day of kindergarten fears—and make drop-off easier Working Together for Kindergarten Success: Making the Transition from Child Care to Kindergarten The Transition to Kindergarten and Out-of School Time Care First Day of Kindergarten: 8 Survival Skills for new Teachers

Books About Starting Kindergarten Books for starting kindergarten help get kids (and their parents!) ready for the big day. These are some of our very favorites, so check them out! First Day of School by Anne Rockwell Kindergarten, Here I Come! by D. J. Steinberg Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes David Goes to School by David Shannon Lena's Shoes Are Nervous: A First-Day-of School Dilemma by Keith Calabrese and Juana Medina All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold The Night Before Kindergarten by Natasha Wing Mae’s First Day of School by Kate Berube

imagination BOOK STOP For lesson plan ideas around books that families receive from the Imagination Library go to Black Hills Reads Resources. Each Book Stop features information about the book, discussion ideas and activities.