Philip's Notes to Staff and Parents

Transitions:  When A Teacher Changes (Suggestions for Parents)

     One of the first important life transitions for Preschoolers is when a teacher leaves and a new teacher arrives.

     Such a change can be held as a learning opportunity for young children.  It is useful for parents and other significant adults to intentionally create an upbeat context for their Preschoolers once a short period of transition has occurred.  The period of transition may be filled with "Good-byes" and "We'll miss you" and "We love you" perhaps some sadness and even teary eyes.

     It works best if the transition period is short but not hurried, and the parent or significant adult gently leads the way (by role modeling, not by instruction) to return to normalcy and even enthusiasm for life in general.  This kind of role modeling by parents is very powerful training in how to handle life transitions in a balanced and appropriate way for young children.

     Once again, the keys to successful transitions for Preschoolers are:

• Parents try to hold transitions as learning opportunities for Preschoolers, not disasters.
• Have the transition period be short but not hurried.
• Allow for appropriate expressions of emotions without encouraging or dwelling on sadness or upset.
• Parents may lead the way back to normalcy and enthusiasm for school, and for life in general, by role modeling confidence and enthusiasm for what's next, not by asking questions (such as, "How are you?") or giving instructions (such as "It's time to move on now"). 
• Allow your child to follow your lead in his or her own time.

     It is appropriate for your Preschooler to follow your lead, for  you to create the mood, not for you to have him or her take the lead.