September begins, and with the start of a new month, we also begin a new school year for 3K. The priority, as always, is for the children to feel safe and confident in their new environment in order to fully support their healthy development. When we talk about adaptation, we are referring specifically to these feelings. It’s not just about whether a child cries or misses their family, but whether they feel emotionally available to explore and learn.

Our children face several challenges — from the common separation anxiety to fear of the unknown, and even language limitations. It is up to the educators to be the support and foundation that makes this transition a kind and nurturing one. Transition strategies may include a shortened schedule for the first few days, individualized care, and even allowing children to bring an object from home that helps them feel connected.

Here, we simply remind ourselves of some best practices we encourage our educators to continue using. Reinforce routines and schedules during these first days. By making the environment feel familiar, the children find calm and clarity through repetition. Use kind tones and narrate everything during the early days. It’s important to remember that the more words we put into the world, the more concrete our practices become.

And the most effective bond? It comes from actions like getting down to the child’s eye level, allowing them to express their thoughts, and respecting their personal and autonomous space to explore freely. Practices like these fill the return to 3K with harmony.