Preparing for the First Day of Preschool

By First Cubby Editorial · Updated 2026-07-01

The first day is a milestone for both of you. A little prep in the weeks before turns a scary morning into an exciting one.

In the weeks before

• Talk it up, matter-of-factly — read books about starting school.
• Practice the routine: the drive, the goodbye, the pickup promise.
• Shift to school-day sleep and mealtimes a week ahead.

A comfort book you read together builds a goodbye ritual before day one.

The morning itself

• Keep goodbyes short, warm, and confident — long ones make it harder.
• Send a labeled backpack with a change of clothes and a water bottle.

Tears at drop-off are normal and usually stop minutes after you leave. Trust the teachers — this is their everyday.

If your program’s welcome packet includes a supply list, an early-childhood specialty store carries the arts, crafts, and classroom basics in one place.

Frequently asked questions

How do I prepare my child for the first day of preschool?

Talk it up, read books about starting school, practice the goodbye routine, and shift to school-day sleep and meals about a week ahead.

How do I handle preschool separation anxiety?

Keep goodbyes short, warm, and confident. Tears usually stop minutes after you leave — trust the teachers, and build a goodbye ritual at home first.

How long does preschool separation anxiety last?

For most children it eases within the first few weeks as the routine becomes familiar. Persistent, severe distress is worth discussing with the teacher.

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