Preparing Your Child For VPK

Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) is an incredible resource for families and toddlers in Florida. Kids ‘R Kids Avalon Park’s VPK program equips your little learner with social, emotional, and literacy skills that will help them flourish in kindergarten and beyond.

More than 80% of parents in Florida participate in our state’s free VPK for 4-year olds. For many children and parents, the beginning of the school year is a challenging transition. However, you can make it easier by preparing ahead of time. We’ve collected tips from educators and child development experts to help you improve their transition to VPK.

Tips For Adjusting to VPK

1. Teach your child self-help actions. For example, knowing how to put on their shoes, zip their coat, and dress themselves. Teaching them these skills will help them feel more confident and equip them for their daily school routine.

2. Work on their toilet etiquette. Be sure your child knows how to ask to go to the bathroom, pull their pants up and down, and wipe their bottom. Mastering toilet etiquette is a challenge for many little ones. However, consistently working on these skills will build their morale and minimize their accidents at school. In addition, you may want to set up a series of bathroom breaks throughout your day at home to prepare them for potty time at school.

3. Take your child with you to visit their VPK provider before school starts. Going to a new place is often scary for children, especially if you won’t be with them. You can ease their anxiety by visiting the facility with your child and, if possible, introducing them to their teacher before the school year begins.

4. Talk to them about the new routine. In the weeks leading up to VPK, help them mentally prepare for school by talking about their new routine. Let them know when school will start, who will drop them off, pick them up, and how their day at school may look. To help them get excited about school, make a countdown!

5. Slowly transition to an earlier bedtime and morning routine. Adjusting to a new morning routine is tough on many people and especially children. If your child is used to sleeping in, you can help them prepare to wake up early for VPK by gradually moving up their bedtime and wake-up time during the weeks leading up to school. Encourage them to go to bed extra early before their first day, so they are well-rested.

6. Drive the route. Drive-by their VPK location a few times to let them become familiar with the route. This will also create a natural opportunity to remind them what their drop-off and pick-up routine will be.

7. Read books to them about attending preschool. Reading them books about other kids going to school can help them process their emotions about attending VPK. It can also increase their excitement by giving them an idea of the fun activities and valuable skills they will learn.

8. Ask your child how they are feeling about attending VPK. Ask your child open-ended questions about how they are feeling about going to school. This will give them a significant opportunity to share any fears or questions they have.

9. Establish a goodbye and welcome back routine. Many young children have separation anxiety. You can ease their stress by establishing a morning routine and welcome home routine in the afternoon that makes them feel loved and secure. Your routine can be as simple as wrapping them in a warm hug before you say goodbye and greeting them with a smile when they return home.

10. Ask your friends about their routines and tips. If you have friends with children who started VPK last year, ask them for suggestions! You can often get the most creative and helpful ideas to support your kids from your friends.

We hope that these ten tips make the transition to VPK easier for you and your child! If you are looking for a VPK program this fall, contact Kids’ R Kids Avalon Park! Our focus is on providing little learners with holistic learning and development that engages their critical thinking and creativity. Our VPK program gives children a strong foundation that benefits them for the rest of their lives. Enrollment is now open so click here to sign up early for Fall VPK!