The First Day of Preschool Drop-Off: How to Set the Tone for a Confident Start

Starting preschool is a big deal—for your child and for you. But here’s the truth: the way you handle those first few moments of drop-off can make a lasting impression. And we want to help you (and your child) start strong.

Visit Before the First Day

We strongly recommend families come by before the first day to drop off supplies. Even more important—this should be at least your child’s second time visiting our school.

If they came with you during the tour, great! If they didn’t, it’s not too late to fix that. Let your child walk through the classroom again, meet the teachers (in a lower-pressure setting), and get familiar with the space.

While you’re here dropping off supplies, ask to walk through the drop-off process. We’ll show you exactly where to go and what to expect, so nothing feels rushed or confusing on that first morning.

First Day: Walk In, Drop Off, Walk Out

On the first day, here’s what we want to see—especially for children who are already walking:

1. Have your child walk into the school themselves.This sets the tone that this is their place. They are not being carried in as a baby—they are walking in as a preschooler.

2. Sign in, walk them to their class, and then leave.That’s it. No hovering. No sneaking back in for a last look. No standing at the window.

3. Keep it short and sweet.A hug, a kiss, and:

   “I love you. Have fun. I’ll be back soon.”

   That’s the script. Not: “I’m going to miss you so much.” Not: “I’ll be right here if you need me.” Not: “It’s okay to be scared.”

   Because even if you are feeling all of those things (and you will), saying them out loud transfers the anxiety to your child.

4. Don’t worry about getting that “first day” picture.We’ll take care of it for you. We’ll capture a sweet photo of your child on their first day, so you can be in the moment—no need to fumble for your phone at the door.

Cry in the Car

We get it. This is your baby. Maybe it’s your first. Maybe it’s your last. Either way—it’s a big moment.

You might cry. They might cry.That’s okay. But please, cry in your car.

Pull out of the parking lot, drive down the block, and then let the tears fall.Don’t let your child see you break down as you walk out the door.Be strong for them in that moment. They need your confidence to borrow from.

Why This Matters

Children are incredibly intuitive. If they sense that you’re nervous, unsure, or sad about leaving them, they start to wonder if something is wrong. That’s when we see clinginess, tears, and long transitions.

When you keep things calm, consistent, and confident, you send the message:

“I believe in you. You are safe here. This is a good place to be.”

And that message is everything.

A Note About Pickup, Too

When you return at the end of the day, don’t say “I’m so sorry I left you.”You didn’t do anything wrong—you gave your child the opportunity to grow and thrive.

Instead, try:

“I’m so proud of you. I can’t wait to hear about your day!”

And once again, please don’t linger in the classroom. We know you’re excited to see your child—and they’ll be excited to see you, too—but when one parent stays too long, other children begin to wonder where their parent is. That can make pickups harder for everyone.

We’ll send an update through the app about how your child’s first day went, and the teacher or director will be available to chat outside the classroom if you have questions or need a little debrief.

We're Here for You

We know drop-offs can be hard—even for seasoned parents. We’re here to support you, guide your child, and help your family through this exciting transition.

So plan ahead. Bring your child to visit. Let us show you how drop-off works. And then on that big first day, take a deep breath, say your goodbyes, and walk out strong.

We’ll take it from there.

Have questions about preparing for your child’s first day?Reach out. We’re here to make the transition smoother for the whole family.