Growing Tree Preschool at Gurnee Park District

Growing Tree Preschool Staff

There is a hustle and bustle going on in the halls of Gurnee Park District's Growing Tree Preschool wings these days! Our staff is eagerly prepping their classrooms and daily schedules as they prepare to meet their new students, IN-PERSON!

With classes beginning the week of August 30th, we are all excited here at Gurnee Park District to welcome a new school year! With that said, here are a few reminders as well as some tips and tricks to deal with those first week emotions that may arise.

Reminders:

  • Masks will be required at drop off/pick up for staff, students, and parents, as well as when inside the building
  • Students and staff will take frequent handwashing breaks
  • Hand sanitizer will be available for students, staff, and parents upon entry into the building and throughout
  • Children attending preschool should bring or wear:
    • A backpack with a full change of clothing and a jacket or sweatshirt
    • Comfortable clothing that is easy to manage in the bathroom and that can withstand paint or glue stains
    • Gym shoes rather than sandals, flip flops and Crocs, which are dangerous on playground equipment and woodchip surfaces
    • Sunscreen and insect repellant
    • A reusable water bottle half filled with water

The first days of preschool are an exciting time for parents and children, but they can also bring about some mixed emotions. Some tips and tricks to help your child ease into the start of the school year are:

  • Adopt a calm, positive and reassuring approach if your child expresses hesitancy
  • Establish a healthy bedtime routine so your child is well rested each school day
  • Provide a healthy breakfast before the school day begins
  • Make school an important family priority:
    • Empty your child's backpack and home/school folder together
    • Ask your child how they made the art project
    • Compliment your child's effort to write their name and practice at home
    • Have your child sing a new song that they learned at school
    • Ask your child which center was their favorite to play in
    • Tell your child how proud you are of them and what they have accomplished

As parents, we also go through a mixture of emotions. We are excited that our children are learning new things and meeting new friends, but there is also a yearning for them to stay little and by our sides. Some reminders to help ease yourself through this transition are:

  • Know that your child's ability to be independent in a classroom setting enhances the parent/child bond.
  • You will enjoy hearing about the exciting new things your child will learn and fun new experiences.
  • Avoid showing emotion in front of your child. Some children become upset when they see this.
  • Preschool is an opportunity for parents to meet other parents and form lasting friendships.
  • And, finally, set up a coffee date, run an errand, enjoy a quiet walk in the park, or take a workout class. Use this time to focus on YOU, because when you are at ease, so are they.

From all of us here at Gurnee Park District, thank you for choosing Growing Tree Preschool! We look forward to meeting you all next week!


 

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Thursday, March 28 2024

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