Preschool Readiness: What Parents Need to Know Before the First Day
- Lorelle Ramos
- Aug 7
- 3 min read
Starting preschool is a major milestone, not just for children, but for parents too. Whether your child is beginning daycare, nursery school, or a pre-K program in NYC, the transition from home to a group learning environment can bring up big emotions, big questions, and yes, even a few tears.
At Green Hive, we believe preschool readiness is about more than just knowing the ABCs. It’s about emotional development, daily routines, and helping children feel confident, curious, and connected. Here's what you really need to know to support your child's transition to school, and how to prepare in a way that supports their whole self.
What Is Preschool Readiness?
Preschool readiness isn't a checklist of academic skills — it’s a process of building your child’s capacity to:
Separate from you with confidence
Follow simple routines and instructions
Communicate their needs
Begin developing self-regulation and independence
Navigate social interactions with other children and adults
This looks different for every child — and that’s okay. Readiness is not a race; it’s about readiness for the experience, not for schoolwork.
Understanding the Transition to Preschool
For many children, preschool is their first time away from their primary caregiver. It’s normal for them to experience separation anxiety or behavioral changes during this time. Some children become clingy, others act out, others seem totally fine at first — until the emotions catchup, then they show signs of stress or clinginess after a week or two, once the newness wears off. All of this is part of the process.
Tip: Children thrive on predictability. Talk about what to expect each day, and build a consistent morning routine to help them feel secure.
Supporting Emotional Development and Self-Regulation
Young children are still learning how to identify, express, and manage their emotions. When we say a child is “ready” for preschool, we’re really saying they’re learning how to be ready — with support from trusted adults.
You can support this by:
Naming emotions when they come up (“You’re feeling sad because I’m leaving.”)
Practicing short goodbyes with loving, predictable rituals
Giving your child small choices (like which shoes to wear) to build agency
Staying calm and consistent even when your child has big feelings
Remember: self-regulation begins with co-regulation. Your calm presence helps your child build their own coping skills over time.
The Role of Routines in School Readiness
Children feel safer and more confident when they know what to expect. A strong home routine helps your child build the skills they need for preschool — like dressing themselves, toileting, handwashing, and cleaning up.
Start practicing:
Consistent wake-up and bedtime routines
Packing a backpack together in the morning
Saying goodbye in the same loving way each day
Visual schedules and simple charts can be great tools to support independence and reduce resistance.
What About Discipline?
Preschoolers are still learning the boundaries of social behavior — hitting, grabbing, yelling, or refusing to share are developmentally normal. Instead of punishing, focus on teaching:
Use clear, simple language (“Blocks are for building, not throwing.”)
Stay consistent with limits, and follow through with natural consequences
Acknowledge feelings first, then guide behavior
The goal is not obedience, but understanding. Children who feel safe, seen, and respected are more likely to internalize limits and develop empathy.
Separation Anxiety: A Normal Part of the Process
It’s common for children, and parents, to feel anxious at drop-off. The key is to keep your goodbye short, loving, and predictable. Avoid sneaking out or prolonging the separation.
Let your child know:
When you’ll be back
Who will be with them
That it’s okay to feel sad, and that you’re confident they’ll have a great day
Trust is built when you stay calm, consistent, and reliable.
What We Believe: The Image of the Child
At Green Hive, we are inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, which begins with one core belief: that every child is competent, capable, and full of potential. This isn’t just a slogan, it shapes how we talk to children, how we design our space, and how we partner with families.
We believe school readiness doesn’t start with flashcards or worksheets. It starts with relationships, routines, and a respectful view of the child as an active participant in their own learning.
Final Thoughts for your Checklist
Preschool readiness is not about perfection. It’s about helping your child feel secure, supported, and empowered to take their first steps into the world beyond home. Transitions are hard, but they’re also opportunities for growth.
If you're looking for a warm, play-based, and emotionally attuned program in NYC, we’d love to support your family on this journey.
Interested in learning more? Schedule a tour at Green Hive!
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