Frequently Asked Questions
How do I settle my preschooler at Chelsea?
Preschool visit
A visit is arranged through the office for your preschooler to visit the classroom and participate in class activities. The parent or caregiver stays with the child during that time. Visits are arranged on Thursdays, between 10.00am and 11.00am. One or two visits are usually adequate. This enables the child to become familiar with the surroundings, the routine and other children.
A stationery list will be given to you at the time of the visit and once paid for all stationery will be sent to the classroom, ready for your child’s arrival.
First day of school
Bring your child by 8.45am to enable settling in to be as normal as possible. It is best for you to leave the child in a confident and happy state. Be positive as you leave. This is a great day for your child and we aim to make it a happy memory.
Your child will have a "buddy" and will be looked after at playtime and lunch time, as well as in class.
There are ways you can help your child prepare for school
- Let them dress themselves.
- Teach them to cope with shoe laces if they have them.
- Teach them to look after their own belongings.
- Teach them to feed themselves.
- Encourage them to enjoy books: read to them, take them to the library, and let them read in bed.
- Help them to be selective with TV.
- Keep them to routines e.g. regular bedtime – children should be in bed by 7pm. Tired children don’t learn.
- Encourage them to think for themselves and solve problems.
- Allow them to do things for themselves and encourage them to complete a task.
- Spend time with them and share experiences.
- Encourage independence and self-confidence.
- Leave the classroom before the 8.55am bell rings, so they can settle with all their attention on the teacher rather than being distracted by having one eye on parents.
