Settling in
Last updated
Was this helpful?
Last updated
Was this helpful?
If your child is between 3 and 5 years old, we ask you to spend at least the first two or three days of school with her/him while she/he adapts to the new setting, creates bonds with the pedagogical team and integrates new routines. At Kaleide separation is viewed as a unique and on-going process which is different for each child. We would like all families to join us from a feeling of trust, calmness and joy. And we believe that it is beneficial por your child to have you near during his or her first days or weeks at school.
Shortly after joining the school, each child is assigned a key facilitator. The choice of a key person for your child may change as we get to know her/him better, or if you or your child request it. Your child's key facilitator will be developing a close relationship with him/her and have a detailed perception of their development at the school.
During your child's first days, please make yourself at home in the school. Each child is different and will engage in diverse ways –some children like to jump in and explore on their own, while others need to stay close to a parent as they acclimate to their new environment. Our priority is to help them feel comfortable and safe, so please find a place to sit and remain there unless your child asks you to accompany him/her. It is very important that you keep your attention on your child, while being mindful of following her/his lead and not intervening in children's activities before consulting with a facilitator first.
Throughout the settling-in period our pedagogical team will be communicating with you to share observations, ideas and suggestions. Before making the decision of leaving, please talk to our facilitators. When both you and your child’s facilitator feel your child is ready, leave for a short period, making it gradually longer until your child is ready for a full day without you.
Every day, when you decide to leave, please let a facilitator know so they can support your child. We ask that parents always let their child know when they are leaving and wait for an acknowledgment to make sure you have been heard. It is important to your child (and the facilitator) that your child is fully aware that you are leaving, and is lovingly supported in their feelings of grief until they are done, without the pressure to “feel better” on our adult timetable.
At times your child may find it hard to let you go. At Kaleide we see crying as a healthy and normal way to express emotions and we will not try to repress it. Instead, we will show empathy for your child's feelings and show them we care about how they feel.
Here are some important guidelines for families (and visitors) at the school:
Pay attention to your child by either following their play behavior or by being available to them when they need you.
Do not lift or swing children. Instead, encourage them to try activities in which they may climb or swing, and at the same time, be in control of their own bodies.
Please check with a facilitator before participating in children’s activities.
We ask that adults squat or sit when interacting with a child.
Do not shout at, threaten or scold a child –even your own– while at Kaleide.
Do not make comments to anyone about any of the children –they may hear you and feel uncomfortable.
Do not give "prizes" to any of the children, don't clap when they do something you like or label their behaviour (for example by saying "Good job!")
If a child falls, give them support but let them recover/get up in their own time and with their own power.
When a child other than your own is upset or needs help, please notify a facilitator. When children see others upset, a range of feelings can be released, including curiosity, sadness or fear. By focusing on your own child, you can be present for those feelings and still have a connection to what is happening around you.
If your child leaves toys or educational materials lying around on the floor, please help him or her to tidy them up –at school everyone does their share.
Conversations about adult subjects (i.e., about our feelings, our issues, current events, etc.), often distract our attention away from children and can be difficult for children to process. When you are in the yards, at the front gate, or outside the front gate, please support child-appropriate conversations and keep your attention on the children.
Please do not use cell phones in school, even in the garden. Turn your phone to silent mode before you come into the Kaleide.
Tell your child and one of your child’s facilitators when you are preparing to leave.
Please note that your child’s comfort level with being at school without a parent present will often shift and change, and that they may need your support more or less at certain times. For example, illness, a parent out of town, family changes or crisis may trigger a need for more support from a parent. We ask that you work in partnership with your child’s teacher to help them understand any changes in your child’s regular routine at home so that we can better support your child at school.
As you spend time at the school, it is likely you will have questions and/or concerns about what is happening with the children as well as facilitator-student interaction. You can contact the pedagogical team directly at facilitators@kaleide.org.
