I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday! You have probably noticed on your admission checklist your child will be invited to visit and spend some time on campus. You might have received an invitation already or you might receive one in the next month or so. Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about the visit.
How can I prepare my child?
There are a few ways actually. Aim for an early bedtime the night before and a great breakfast in the morning.
What should I tell my child?
At SSSAS we ask parents tell their child the following:
You and other children have been invited to visit a School.
You will work with some teachers and play with children just like you do at school.
At SSSAS prospective students will work one on one with a teacher, in a small group with other students, and in a large group as well. Sharing with peers, listening to directions from an adult, and following directions are important parts of their visit. Preparing them for this will help.
My child sometimes has trouble separating from me. How should I plan for this?
Does your child separate from one parent or caregiver better than another? If so, consider having them drop off for the visit day/playday. In addition, at SSSAS we always have fun and creative ways to ease the transition.
Should I arrive early for the visit?
If you have any questions about the arrival time, please ask the Admission office. If you come too early your child may run into another group leaving or have to wait for their visit to begin - which can be overwhelming for your child. We recommend arriving a few minutes early - but no more than ten minutes.
What should they wear?
Check if there are any instructions on what type of clothing your child should wear. We recommend children wear play clothes and comfortable shoes. On our visit they will have an opportunity to run around, transition to different rooms and play.
Helpful hint: Resist the urge to ask an adult how they did when you are reunited.
Your child will love a warm hug when you reunite. We are looking at different skills and recognize that your child is going to have wonderful strengths and areas where they need a little support. All of the information we gather will be helpful in determining your child's readiness for our program. We all want what is best for your child!
What if my child is feeling sick or has a fever the morning of the visit?
If your child is not feeling well the morning of the visit we ask that parents call and let us know that their child is ill. We will reschedule you for another day, no worries! If a child is not feeling well during their visit we will reunite them immediately with their parent or guardian.
Final hint - Take a deep breath!
We will do all that we can to ensure they feel safe and secure. The teachers working with your child work with children each and every day. They will put them right at ease.
Wishing you a wonderful start to this festive season!
Sincerely,
Katherine
