Plan Now for a Smooth Transition from Summer to School

Kiddie Academy
Published: August 5th, 2015

Kiddie Academy Offers Tips for Parents on School Readiness

August 05, 2015 // Franchising.com // Baltimore, MD – As back-to-school time approaches, Kiddie Academy offers parents some advice to help get the new school year off to a strong start. The key, according to the educators from this educationally focused child care provider, is to make certain that your child knows what to expect, feels familiar with his school environment, and is already on a sleep and meal schedule that revolves around school routines – before the school year begins.

“Parents need to begin transitioning children into the back-to-school routine early enough so they have time to adjust – mentally and physically,” cautions Richard Peterson, vice president of education for Kiddie Academy® Educational Child Care. “Waiting until right before school begins is not an effective strategy for a smooth start to the school year.”

To help parents get kids back into the school routine, area Kiddie Academy offers the following tips:

Beginning now:

• Get children excited: Get your children ready for school by making back-to-school shopping a family affair. During a shopping trip for new school supplies, let children cross off items from their lists as they fill the cart. This will keep them involved and excited during the process.
• Establish a school year schedule: A few weeks before school begins, set – and stick to – a realistic bedtime to allow children to get the recommended ten to 12 hours of sleep each night.
• Play school: Gather books, paper, pencils, and crayons and play school with your children. Let them be the teachers and you be the student. As you play, ask your children how they feel about starting school. This is a great time to talk about anxieties or concerns they may have as they start a new school year.

As opening day approaches:

• Back to school activities: Find out about back-to-school activities or events, such as meet and greet with teachers. This is a great opportunity to get your children familiar with their school surroundings and comfortable with their new teachers.
• Practice the morning routine with children: Before the first day of school, figure out how long it will take for everyone to get out of the house on time. If your children will be walking to school, practice the route showing them where to stop and if necessary, how to cross the street. If your children are bus riders, show them where to catch the bus and review the bus rules.
• Get your own routine in check: Make sure you know what you need to keep the busy morning schedule running smoothly. To make more time in the morning, consider handling the following at night: setting the coffee maker, preparing lunches and reviewing homework. And, practice your new routine before the stress of the school year really hits.

“A little advance planning can make back-to-school an exciting time – rather than an anxious time – for children,” said Peterson. “Establishing routines and talking with your children about their concerns and interests as they begin the school year can help put parents’ minds at ease, too. A smooth transition from summer to school can set a positive tone for the entire school year.”

To learn more about Kiddie Academy, please visit www.kiddieacademy.com.

About Kiddie Academy®

Since 1981, Kiddie Academy® has been a leader in education-based child care. The company serves families and their children ages 6 weeks to 12 years old, offering full time care, before- and after-school care and summer camp programs. Kiddie Academy’s proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum, supporting programs, methods, activities and techniques help prepare children for life. Kiddie Academy is using the globally recognized AdvancED accreditation system, signifying its commitment to quality education and the highest standards in child care. For more information, visit www.kiddieacademy.com.

About Kiddie Academy® Franchising

Kiddie Academy International, Inc. is based in Maryland and has more than 130 academies located in 23 states. Approximately 30 additional academies are in development, with 15 to 20 new locations slated to open each year. For more information, visit www.kafranchise.com.

SOURCE Kiddie Academy®

Contact:

Stephanie Proos
Havas Formula
P: 619.234.0345
E: KiddieAcademy@havasformula.com