A preschool orientation is an event held before the school year starts to introduce families and children to your childcare program, staff, and classroom environment. It helps establish relationships, reduce anxiety, and set clear expectations for the upcoming year.
What is a preschool orientation?
A preschool orientation is a dedicated time for new families to visit the childcare program, meet teachers, and learn about daily routines and policies. It serves as a bridge between home and school, allowing children to explore their new environment while families receive critical information about the curriculum, communication methods, and safety procedures.
New Family Orientation Checklist
A free checklist to help you plan a successful new family orientation at your childcare program.
Why is orientation important?
Hosting an orientation is crucial because it:
- Reduces anxiety: Familiarizes children with the space and teachers, making the first day of school less scary.
- Builds community: Connects families with each other and the staff.
- Sets expectations: Clarifies policies on drop-off, pick-up, illness, and communication.
- Streamlines administration: Provides an opportunity to collect forms and answer logistical questions.
8 engaging ways to plan a preschool orientation
Planning a preschool or pre-k orientation can be a fun and informative way to introduce new families to your program. Here are eight strategies to help families confidently start the school year.
1. Choose between family or parent-only formats
Decide if your orientation will be for adults only or if it will include children. A "parents only" session allows you to share more detailed information without distractions. If you choose this route, consider scheduling a separate "meet and greet" for children later.
Alternatively, you can hold a family orientation where adults and children attend together. You might separate them briefly—using sensory tables or activity centers to keep children engaged while you speak to the families—then bring everyone together for a joint activity like a name game or decorating a folder.
2. Create a welcoming arrival experience
First impressions matter. Station a staff member at the front entrance to greet families warmly. This person can also guide guests through any safety protocols (like hand sanitizing) and answer immediate questions about the schedule. Set up a welcome table with sign-in sheets and name tags.
Pro tip: Include the child’s name on the adult’s name tag to help staff and other families make connections quickly.
3. Use icebreakers to build community
Orientations are the perfect time for families to meet one another. Start with a fun icebreaker to help guests warm up before diving into the presentation.
Effective icebreaker ideas include:
- Human Bingo: A game to find people who match specific traits (e.g., "Has a pet dog").
- Scavenger hunt: Teams work together to find specific locations around the school.
- Introductions: Ask each family to share what they are most excited about for the new year.
4. Present essential information clearly
While fun is important, families need to know the logistics. Give a short presentation (speech, slideshow, or video) covering the basics.
Your presentation should include:
- Program values: Your philosophy and curriculum overview.
- Procedures: Drop-off/pick-up rules, tuition policies, and the school calendar.
- Communication: How you will share updates (e.g., the brightwheel app) and family handbook details.
- Volunteer opportunities: How families can get involved with your program.
Provide printed handouts or a digital link to this information so families can review it later.
5. Host a facility tour
New families want to visualize their child's day. Lead a walking tour of your childcare program, explaining what happens in each area.
Point out specific learning zones (like art corners or reading nooks) and explain their developmental benefits. Be sure to show them practical spaces as well, such as the playground, bathrooms, and where to store backpacks. This helps ease separation anxiety by making the unknown familiar.
6. Facilitate teacher meet-and-greets
Personal connections with teachers are vital for building trust. Dedicate time for families to interact with the staff who will be caring for their children.
You can organize this by:
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- Stationing teachers in their classrooms for drop-in visits.
- Having teachers give a brief introduction about their background and favorite things.
- Creating "Meet the Teacher" printouts with photos and fun facts for families to take home.
7. Dedicate time for Q&A
Families will likely have many questions. Dedicate specific time at the end of your session to answer them.
Be prepared to answer common questions such as:
- What is the teacher-to-child ratio?
- How do you handle discipline and behavioral guidance?
- What is your sick policy?
- Are meals provided, or do we pack lunch?
- What security measures are in place?
- How can I communicate with my child's teacher?
8. Send a follow-up message
Families may feel overwhelmed by the amount of information shared during orientation. Send a follow-up email or message through brightwheel thanking them for attending.
Include a summary of key points, digital copies of handouts, and photos from the event. This reinforces the information and keeps the excitement going until the first day of school.
Frequently asked questions
What usually happens at preschool orientation?
At a preschool orientation, families typically tour the facility, meet the teachers, and listen to a presentation about the school's policies and curriculum. It often includes opportunities for children to explore the classroom and for families to complete necessary paperwork.
How long should a preschool orientation be?
A preschool orientation usually lasts between one to two hours. This timeframe provides enough time for a tour, a presentation, and a Q&A session without overwhelming families or young children.
What should parents ask at preschool orientation?
Parents should ask about daily schedules, communication methods, discipline policies, and safety procedures. It is also helpful to ask about opportunities for family involvement and how the program handles medical emergencies or illnesses.
Start the new school year right
These preschool orientation tips can help you create an engaging, welcoming event for children and families. By offering a detailed tour, helpful handouts, and opportunities for parents to ask questions and connect with other families, you can help ease their transition into this exciting new phase of their lives.
A well-planned orientation can set the tone for positive and lasting relationships between your program, families, and children, creating a sense of community and collaboration.
