Back to School: Preschool Edition

Dr. Deb Zupito

September is here, which means we are packing up the beach towels, waving goodbye to lazy ice cream afternoons, and pulling out the fall fun. Pumpkin-scented everything, here we come. As much as I love the long summer days, there is something magical about this season of fresh crayons, shiny new lunchboxes, and children walking through our doors ready (well, mostly ready) for the school year ahead.

The First Days: Bittersweet but Beautiful

Let’s be honest, the first days of preschool can feel like an Olympic event in emotional gymnastics. One moment your child is racing to the classroom door, the next they are clinging to your leg like it’s the last floaty in the pool. And that’s okay. Tears, hesitation, or even excitement so big it bursts into silliness, this is all part of the September scene.

Here’s the good news: within just a few weeks, the tears give way to giggles, confidence blooms, and suddenly your preschooler is strutting into class with their bag bouncing like they own the place. Growth happens fast at this age, and it is truly amazing to watch.

Tips to Ease the Transition

• Practice the goodbye. A simple routine like “hug, kiss, high five, go” gives your child a predictable script that makes separation smoother.

• Talk about school in positive ways. Share stories like, “I can’t wait to hear about the new songs you’ll sing,” or “You get to play on the playground today.” Anticipation is powerful.

• Pack something fun. A silly band-aid in their lunchbox, a sticker on their water bottle, or a tiny note can give them a spark of home during the day.

• Expect the after-school crash. Preschool is a full-time job for little brains and bodies. Be ready for extra snacks, early bedtimes, and maybe even a meltdown or two as they process all the newness.

  
  

Why Preschool Matters (and Why You Matter Too)

Think of preschool as the foundation of a strong, beautiful house. Like the song says, “the house don’t fall when the bones are good.” These early years are the bones. At preschool, children learn to share, problem-solve, ask questions, and bounce back when things don’t go their way. They learn how to learn, have fun, socialize, and explore.

And here’s the best part: if you are reading this, you are part of the foundation too. Parents, families, and educators together create the sturdy framework children need to grow. When you trust the process, celebrate the little wins, and model calm confidence, your child learns that school is safe, joyful, and full of adventure.

A Final Word from Me

After almost two decades in early childhood education, I still get butterflies on the first day of school. Every new year feels like a fresh notebook waiting to be filled with scribbles, stories, and “look what I did!” moments. Watching children walk in, sometimes with tears and sometimes with giggles, and seeing their transformation over the year never gets old.

So take a deep breath, tuck that extra snack into the bag, and trust that the wobbly goodbyes of September soon grow into the confident hellos of October. The foundation is strong and steady, and each day will shine with laughter, learning, and joy. And if you’re lucky, a few colorful handprints may even come home as little love notes 