Gradual Entry Kindergarten is an exciting time for everyone in the family. It’s also a major change to the daily schedule.
When you first become a working parent, kindergarten feels way off into the future far, far away. There are more immediate issues to be dealt with. A new daycare schedule and the endless runny noses that go along with it. Pick-up and drop-off, and over the last few years, COVID-19. But somewhere along all this busyness, your child will turn five and be ready to attend kindergarten. It’s an exciting milestone for the whole family, but also one that presents challenges to a routine that only finally felt like it was working.
The first feeling is shock. Kindergarten ends before 2:30 p.m.? How does that even work when I get out of the office around 4:30 p.m. on a good day? Then there’s the initial gradual entry schedule at the beginning of the year, which means it will take weeks before the new kindergartener will attend the full day.
It’s important not to lose sight of the excitement of starting school. New friends. Teachers. Learning. Songs. Fun. Games.
Still, the logistical pressures require planning in order to not become overwhelmed or taken off guard.
Here are some tips for preparing for kindergarten without losing your mind.
1: Get a Handle of the New Schedule Early
Most schools have decent websites these days that include information about bell times, professional development days, spring breaks, closures, etc. From this, you can get a sense of what times of year you’ll need to book off on vacation or arrange for alternative care. By planning early, you’ll be more prepared to block off times in your work schedule, if you can.
You’ll also find out about the fun things, like pajama days and holiday concerts. Adorable!
2: Figure Out Before and Afterschool Care ASAP
I remember when I was pregnant with my first child, my colleagues advised me to get on the daycare waitlist right away. I was only fourteen weeks pregnant. I’d have a year of parental leave, and then my partner would take some too. We were two years away from needing a spot in daycare. Sure enough, it’s what I had to do. The name I placed on the waitlist form way back when? Baby.
Before and Afterschool Care is a whole other beast. It’s more limited, and the licensed centres that do offer it may only offer the service to certain schools. Do your research early and find a few options that will work for you, and sign up for those wait lists.
3: Talk to Friends and Family and Share the Load
You may have friends that have kids similar in age to your kids. If you don’t get a lot of holiday time to account for all the pro-d days and breaks from school, look for opportunities to share care with friends. Maybe you take them for a day and your friend takes them for a different day. It’s a playdate, so fun for everyone.
Sick days? Kids get sick a lot and a virus can strike at any time. If you have family members living near by, connect with them early about the possibility of them looking after your kid if they are sick.
4: Be There For Your Brand New Kindergartener
Starting school is a big time for everyone, especially for the person who will be stepping into that role for the first time. It’s important to talk to them about how they are feeling about this new transition.
