Transitioning to School: A Note for Parents
With nearly 50 years as an Early Childhood Educator—from Cape Town to Sydney, and now in Tokyo—I have been afforded a beautiful vantage point on the world of early learning. One of the matters I hold dearest is how best to support parents as they transition to preschool.
Yes, I sincerely mean they.
Children possess an uncanny ability to adapt. While some may need a little more time, most—when met with loving, caring adults in an environment rich with joy, friendship, art, music, language, and movement—will settle and thrive. They come to enjoy their days at school.
For parents, however, the journey is different. When you select a preschool, I always remind families that the school is not just for your child—it is for your entire family. It is a place where lasting friendships are formed among parents, and in turn, among the children. The school you choose is a community where you may spend three or four precious years; the connections made here are invaluable. Socialising through your child’s school is vital.
Even more important is the sense of trust you instill in your child when you choose a school. Children live through their senses. They feel your anxiety, your confidence, your joy, and your peace. When you, as a parent, feel assured and at ease with the school and teachers, you give your child a profound gift: the freedom to explore their new world with confidence.
At Ohana International School, we warmly invite parents to join OPTO, the Ohana Parent Teacher Organisation, where you can connect with like-minded families and become an integral part of our community. This involvement enriches not only your experience, but your child’s as well.
We are more than a school—we are a community of staff, children, parents, and extended family. Everyone is embraced as a member of our Ohana family.
