How to Prepare Your Child for Their First Day at an International Preschool

Starting preschool is a big milestone – not only for young children but also for their parents. Excitement, nervousness, and uncertainty often mix together in the days leading up to this important moment. While some children happily enter the classroom, others may cry, cling to their parents, or resist leaving their comfort zone.

So how can you help your child feel ready for this new chapter? The key lies in proper preparation – both emotionally and practically.

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Preparing Your Child Emotionally for the First Day

Children often feel anxious about unfamiliar experiences – especially when separated from their parents for the first time. That’s why it’s important to build emotional readiness early, so your child can enter their international preschool with a positive and open mindset.

Here are a few tips:

• Talk about school every day using positive, friendly language – tell stories about teachers, new friends, or the playground
  
  
• Play pretend games like “teacher and student” to help your child understand what a classroom is like
  
  
• Practice short separations by leaving your child with grandparents or at supervised play areas to get used to being away from home

These activities help your child visualize the new environment and feel more comfortable when it’s time to attend preschool for real.

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Basic Life Skills to Practice at Home

Besides emotional preparation, parents should also help their child develop some simple but useful habits to ease the transition:

• Teach your child how to carry their backpack and keep personal items in a designated place
  
  
• Show them how to ask for help when needed, like saying “I need to use the bathroom” or “I have a tummy ache”
  
  
• Practice basic self-care skills such as taking off shoes, washing hands, and using a spoon or cup correctly

These routines help foster independence and boost confidence. A modern international preschool like TAS can support your child more effectively if they already have a few of these foundational habits from home.

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How TAS Supports New Students in the First Week

Understanding how crucial the transition period is, The American School (TAS) has a specially designed “settling-in week” for all new students. During this week:

• Children are not required to stay the whole day – they are gradually introduced to the classroom environment
  
  
• Teachers and bilingual assistants observe each child’s reactions closely and adapt their interactions accordingly
  
  
• Parents receive daily updates through the school app and classroom photos
  
  
• Activities are intentionally gentle, open-ended, and welcoming – helping children feel that school is a fun, safe, and trusted space

This thoughtful approach to emotional support is one of the reasons TAS is a top choice for families seeking an international preschool that prioritizes feelings, wellbeing, and meaningful first learning experiences.

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📍 Address: 6 Song Hanh, Long Thanh – Dau Giay Expressway, An Phu Ward, Thu Duc City, HCMC

📞 Hotline: 0909 046 223

🌐 Website: https://www.tas.edu.vn‍

📘 Fanpage: The American School TAS‍

📧 Email: admissions@mytas.edu.vn

📝 Register for a free trial class here: https://tas.edu.vn/vi/admissions-page/enrollment-form

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