After a summer filled with outdoor play, relaxed routines, and family time, the transition back to preschool can be a big shift for little ones. Whether your child is returning to a familiar classroom or starting fresh at a location like Garrett Park in Garrett Park, MD, it’s common for families to feel both excited and nervous about this change.
Supporting your child with patience, consistency, and reassurance can help make the return to preschool smooth and positive for both of you.
The end of summer often means adjusting to earlier mornings, structured routines, and time away from home. For preschoolers, these changes can be emotionally and physically overwhelming. Younger children, in particular, may struggle with separation anxiety or forget some of the expectations that were second nature in spring.
Understanding that this is a normal developmental experience helps parents respond with empathy and encouragement.
Reintroduce key routines slowly, a week or two before school starts. Wake your child at the time they’ll need to rise for preschool, and build in a simple morning structure, breakfast, dressing, and quiet play. Practice packing a school bag or lunch together to make these steps feel familiar again.
Evening routines are equally important. Re-establish a calming wind-down time, including bath, books, and an earlier bedtime to help reset your child’s sleep schedule.
For ideas to support structure and independence, read:
→Helping at Home: Chores and Responsibilities that Encourage a Sense of Contribution
Use simple, encouraging language. Talk about preschool in positive terms: “You’ll get to see your teachers and make new friends.” Remind them that grownups always come back, and create a goodbye ritual (like a special handshake or hug pattern) to build security at drop-off.
If your child has questions or worries, validate their feelings. Saying, “It’s okay to miss home, and I’ll be so excited to hear about your day,” gives them the space to feel heard and supported.
First-time preschoolers need extra reassurance. You can prepare by visiting the school ahead of time (if possible), reading books about starting school, or acting out classroom routines through pretend play.
Including your child in getting ready; like choosing a backpack or picking out first-day clothes, can help them feel more in control. Make the first week about celebrating small wins, not perfection.
For more first-time tips, check out:
→How to Handle Separation Anxiety in Babies, Toddlers, and Young Kids
Every child adapts at their own pace. Some may jump in confidently, then regress after a few days. Others may cling from the start. Stay consistent with drop-off routines, keep goodbyes short and positive, and connect with your child’s teachers if you have concerns.
At home, offer extra patience and one-on-one connection. Avoid scheduling too many extracurriculars during the first few weeks so your child has time to rest and process.
Looking for more parenting support as school returns? Explore these helpful blog posts to navigate the season with confidence:
Starting or returning to preschool is a big milestone. With gentle guidance, a solid routine, and lots of encouragement, your child will gain the confidence to make a happy and healthy transition.
MCCA has been recognized by the Maryland State Legislature for its commitment to Montgomery County issued a quality programs and special needs child care Proclamation in 2016 to MCCA for its commitment to Montgomery County child care for more than 50 years. MCCA was also selected as a 2018 nonprofit finalist for a MOXIE Award for boldness and innovation
MCCA is the oldest nonprofit licensed child care provider in Montgomery County and started its work in 1968 as a Community Action Project of the War on Poverty. Recognizing the need for quality child care programs in their neighborhoods, a group of local activists formed an association to establish centers in Montgomery County that would serve a diverse population and establish high standards for child care. Now, more than 50 years later, MCCA’s dedicated and expertly trained staff continue their tradition of providing high quality child care and play-based education for children.
Families with school aged children who can afford their child care expenses during the school year often struggle to afford the all-day programs they need when school is out for the summer. The Richard Krampf Summer Adventures Scholarship Fund was established to help provide children a safe and stimulating place to spend their weeks when school is out. Please contact an MCCA Director for details on how to apply.
