Back to school: How to ease your child’s transition to the classroom - Durham's Partnership for Children

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Posted on 08.12.2026, Wednesday

The back-to-school season is almost here and with it comes change and new experiences. For young children, it may be their first time stepping into a classroom. This is an exciting time, and as a parent or caregiver you can help your child ease into the school year with their best foot forward!

To ease your child’s transition to school, start adjusting sleep and meal routines a week or two early, visit the school campus beforehand, and talk openly about their feelings. Build routines early to create a smoother transition. Establishing predictable daily habits reduces stress and helps kids feel safe and confident in their new environment.

Below are some tips to keep in mind to ease your child’s transition to the classroom:

• Introduce a consistent morning and evening schedule.
• Cut down on daytime screen time bit by bit.
• Practice morning wake-up and breakfast habits before the first day.
• Tour the school building or classroom so the layout feels familiar.
• Meet the teacher or find pictures of the school staff.
• Read books about starting school.
• Walk or drive by the campus to build positive anticipation.

Discuss and Validate:

• Ask open questions about what your child expects or fears.
• Accept their worries without judgment and offer calm reassurance.
• Read books about feelings and how to express them.
• Practice breathing techniques.

Keep Goodbyes Positive:

• Design a quick loving drop-off ritual; make it silly and easy to remember.
• Send a comforting item like a family photo in their backpack.
• Keep your own anxiety steady so your child feels secure.

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To ensure every child in Durham enters school ready to succeed, we lead community strategies for children birth to age 5 and their families that promote healthy development and learning and enhance access to high-quality care.

Jim & Carolyn Hunt Child Care Resource Center 1201 S. Briggs Ave., Suite 100 Durham, NC 27703

Phone number: (919) 403-6960 Fax number: (919) 403-6963 Email address: mail@dpfc.net