You come home after the first few days, and your child falls asleep over their plate or gets upset over something minor. Between the excitement of new games and the effort of adjusting to group life, they run out of energy by the end of the day. How does this phase unfold, and what should you expect?
The first week of preschool alternates between moments of discovery and extreme fatigue. The child is getting used to a new routine, a group setting, and new adults. Crying when it’s time to say goodbye, a slight loss of appetite, or temporary setbacks are common and are typical reactions as the child adjusts during these first few days.
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The first day of preschool is focused on meeting the teaching staff and exploring the school facilities. The teacher and her team (ATSEM, teaching assistant, etc.) welcome the children and their parents to help ensure a smooth transition to classroom life.
As soon as the child arrives, the designated adult takes the time to greet the child by name. Visual cues, such as a coat hook with the child’s name on it or a locker for their belongings, provide an immediate sense of security. Parents sometimes stay in the classroom for a few minutes to reassure their little one before quietly stepping away. To better prepare for this moment, you can read our article on the first day of preschool.
In the morning, activities flow smoothly one after another. The children explore the play areas: cutting, hands-on activities, puzzles, or the reading corner. The teacher then gathers the class for their first group time, which might include a nursery rhyme or a morning story.
The day is punctuated by essential rituals:
The school day at theÉcole M begins with a gradual, personalized arrival between 8:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. and ends with a staggered dismissal between 3:40 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. This schedule allows each student to leave the classroom without rushing.
Yes, setbacks in appetite, sleep, or potty training are perfectly normal during the first few days. The child expends a great deal of energy adapting to group dynamics, which can lead to bouts of irritability.
The first week of preschool requires constant attention to the little ones. Being part of a group means sharing toys, waiting their turn, and listening to instructions. This self-control takes a toll on a child’s nervous system. In the evening, the pent-up tension comes out in the form of crying spells or an increased need for hugs.
Three common symptoms appear during this phase:
At theÉcole M, nap time is offered on an as-needed basis, with no age restrictions, to children who need it. Those who don’t sleep engage in quiet activities. If you have questions about your child’s health, the Amelihealth insurance website offers useful resources on sleep in young children.
The adjustment period varies from child to child and lasts two to four weeks. Some students settle in as early as the third day, while others need several weeks to find their footing.
Several factors influence this individual rhythm. A child who has attended daycare or been cared for by a child care provider already has experience with group routines. For a child leaving the family home for the first time, the adjustment is more challenging. Age also plays a role: at two or three years old, a child’s sense of time is still vague. Explaining to your child that you’ll be back after nap time helps them better gauge the length of their day.
To support this transition, gradually help your child become more independentin simple daily tasks. Getting dressed on their own, putting away their shoes, or putting on their slippers helps build their sense of self-efficacy. The confidence they gain at home carries over directly to the classroom.
Maintain a soothing evening routine. Limit outings and screen time after school to encourage an early bedtime. A few consistent routines help reassure children during this time of many new experiences.
You should talk with the teacher as soon as prolonged crying at drop-off persists for more than two weeks. A quick conversation allows you to compare observations made at home and in the classroom.
The teaching staff observes your child in a setting different from home. A child who cries when saying goodbye to his or her parents will quickly start smiling again once the door is closed. The teacher will explain to you how your child plays and interacts with classmates.
Please don't hesitate to request a replacement if you notice a significant change in behavior:
A brief discussion during morning drop-off allows us to tailor our support. Kindness and transparency between the school and the family are key to addressing any concerns. You can read feedback on our page dedicated to parent reviews.
Classes at theÉcole M are held on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and then from 1:45 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Our network of preschools provides a safe environment based on small class sizes and increased adult supervision.
École M implements the National Education curriculum using active learning approaches, drawing inspiration from the work of Maria Montessori, Freinet, and Reggio Emilia. Our team ensures that we respect each child’s individual pace by providing personalized support during transition periods. To learn more about our educational philosophy and early learning methods, visit our page dedicated to our educational approach.
