Your child’s first days at school are an exciting time, full of discoveries and new experiences. We know that this stage generates many questions. That’s why we want to tell you what the adaptation period at a nursery school is like, a phase designed to make your child’s arrival in the school environment a positive and enriching adventure.
At our British school in Madrid, we accompany each family in this process, offering a warm, friendly environment full of opportunities to grow from day one.
What is the adaptation period in early childhood education?
This first phase covers the time your child needs to become familiar with their new educational environment. During these initial weeks, the child learns to separate temporarily from their family, gets to know their teachers and classmates, and gets used to different dynamics from those at home.
Early childhood education requires a progressive approach that respects the individual times of each child. The process integrates physical, emotional and social aspects that will help the child to develop security and confidence in his or her new environment.
Each child lives this experience at his or her own pace. Some adapt quickly, while others need more time, depending on factors such as personality, age and previous experiences of separation.
Stages of the adaptation process at nursery school
Adaptation to nursery school is organised in several phases that allow the child to progress in a progressive and positive way.
1. Initial contact with the school
Before starting the school routine, we facilitate moments of rapprochement. Visiting the classroom, meeting the teacher and playing for a while in the playground help your child to begin to see the school as a familiar and pleasant place.
First impressions make a big difference. That is why we are committed to a welcome full of smiles, simple games and clear routines that transmit peace of mind from the very first minute.
2. Gradual extension of timetables
During the first few days, the stay at the school is organised in short time slots. This progressive method allows your child to gain confidence, get to know the rhythm of the activities and establish emotional bonds without feeling overwhelmed.
As they feel more confident, they can extend their timetable until they complete their normal day, always respecting their personal development.
3. Normalisation and consolidation
As the days go by, school activities are no longer new but become part of the daily routine. The child participates in the games, follows the songs, seeks the company of his classmates and finds support from his educator when he needs it.
When this naturalness appears, we know that the adaptation is established and that the school has become a place where he feels comfortable and confident.
How long is the adaptation period in a nursery school?
There is no single timetable for adaptation to nursery school. Each child progresses at his or her own pace, depending on his or her age, character, previous experiences and the attitude with which he or she faces this new stage.
As a guideline, the process can take between two weeks and a month. Some children need more time and others adapt in just a few days. The important thing is not the speed, but that the child finds his or her place at school in a positive and unhurried manner.
Trust in the educational team and a calm attitude at home are essential for the adaptation to flow naturally.
Common manifestations during adaptation to nursery school
It is normal for a variety of emotional reactions to appear during the adaptation period in children in nursery school. Among the most frequent, you will find:
- Crying at the moment of separation.
- Changes in sleep or appetite.
- Increased demand for attention at home.
- Occasional tantrums or regressive behaviours.
These behaviours indicate that your child is processing the change. With patience, love and a positive attitude, these manifestations will diminish until they disappear completely.
Remember that every emotion has a meaning and is part of your child’s growth and maturing.
Tips to facilitate your child’s adaptation to nursery school.
Your accompaniment and collaboration with the educational team help the adaptation process to go as smoothly as possible. Here are some useful tips for dealing with this stage:
- Always keep a positive attitude: talk about the school as a nice place, where they can play and learn with new friends.
- Make goodbyes brief but affectionate: a clear and affectionate goodbye conveys security and avoids prolonging the moment of separation.
- Trust the educators: when you trust the educational team, you transmit security to your child. This trust will help them feel more at ease in their new school.
- Avoid comparisons: Each child has his or her own pace of adaptation. Celebrating small steps forward will be much more motivating than making comparisons.
- Follow a stable routine at home: having regular schedules for sleeping, eating and playing provides predictability and helps your child to better handle changes.
With love, patience and a lot of empathy, adjustment is a wonderful opportunity to grow and discover the world.
The adjustment period in a pre-school lays the foundation for the educational future. This well-managed process fosters the child’s emotional security and early social skills. Patience and understanding during these initial weeks will shape their attitude towards learning in later stages.
Referencias:
- Brown, J. (2020, noviembre 3). Kindergarten without tears – what should parents know about the adaptation period? Findmykids Blog. https:// findmykids.org/blog/en/kindergarten-adaptation-period
- Kiddus. (2024, junio 25). Child Adaptation Period: Complete Guide 2024. https:// kiddus.com/blogs/blog/child-adaptation-period
- Scherer, L. (2023, mayo 5). School Adaptation: How to Prepare Kids and Parents. Truth and Tales. https:// truthandtales.app/en/post/school-adaptation-how-to-prepare-kids-and-parents-1
