Starting preschool is one of the most significant milestones in your child’s early development journey. If you’re a parent in Tustin, Irvine, or Santa Ana considering quality early education options, understanding what to expect during your little one’s first month at Newport Ave Preschool can help ease both your and your child’s transition into this exciting new chapter.
Week 1: Building Trust and Security
The first week at Newport Ave Preschool focuses on creating a safe, loving, and nurturing environment where your child feels secure. Our child-centered, teacher-guided curriculum begins with establishing routines that help children understand what to expect each day.
During this initial period, you’ll notice our experienced teachers:
- Spend extra time with new students during drop-off and pickup
- Use gentle guidance to introduce classroom rules and expectations
- Encourage participation in group activities at each child’s comfort level
- Maintain consistent daily schedules to build security
For Tustin families, this gradual introduction helps children who may be experiencing their first structured learning environment outside the home feel confident and excited about coming to school.
Week 2: Exploring Our STEAM-Based Learning Environment
As your child becomes more comfortable, they’ll begin engaging with our innovative STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) program. Newport Ave Preschool’s hands-on approach includes:
- Computer Lab Activities: Children develop fine motor skills using keyboards and mice while learning basic digital literacy
- Classroom Robotics: Age-appropriate coding activities that encourage problem-solving and critical thinking
- Interactive Science Stations: Light tables, tablets, and engineering materials that spark curiosity
Parents from Irvine often appreciate how our technology integration prepares children for elementary school while maintaining developmentally appropriate practices.
Week 3: Social Skills and Dual Language Exposure
The third week typically sees significant growth in social interactions. Your child will:
- Form friendships with classmates through structured play
- Learn sharing and cooperation during group projects
- Begin participating in our Dual Language Immersion program (for ages 4-6)
- Engage with Spanish vocabulary through stories, songs, and interactive games
Our Santa Ana families particularly value this bilingual component, which increases cognitive skills, builds confidence, and provides cross-cultural perspectives essential in our diverse Orange County community.
Week 4: Academic Foundation and Creative Expression
By the fourth week, your child will be fully integrated into our comprehensive curriculum that builds essential skills in:
- Literacy Development: Story time, letter recognition, and early writing skills
- Mathematical Concepts: Number recognition, counting, and basic problem-solving
- Scientific Inquiry: Hands-on experiments that encourage questioning and discovery
- Artistic Expression: Creative projects that develop fine motor skills and self-expression
What Makes Newport Ave Preschool Different
Our developmentally appropriate curriculum is designed to foster academic growth, self-esteem, health, and well-being through rich and diverse learning opportunities. Unlike traditional preschools, we offer:
Free Enrichment Programs: Soccer, dance, music, and art classes that support whole-child development Small Class Sizes: Ensuring individualized attention for each student Experienced, Caring Staff: Teachers who understand the unique needs of children transitioning to school Safe, Modern Facilities: Purpose-built learning spaces that promote exploration and discovery
Supporting Your Child at Home
During this first month, parents can support their child’s adjustment by:
- Maintaining consistent bedtimes and morning routines
- Talking positively about school experiences
- Reading together daily to reinforce literacy skills
- Practicing independence skills like using the bathroom and washing hands
- Asking open-ended questions about their day
Red Flags vs. Normal Adjustment
Normal first-month behaviors include:
- Some tears at drop-off (usually subsiding after 10-15 minutes)
- Fatigue after school days
- Excitement about new friends and activities
- Questions about when they’ll return to school
Contact us if you notice persistent distress, refusal to participate in any activities, or regression in developmental milestones.
Building Partnerships with Families
At Newport Ave Preschool, we believe parents are children’s first teachers. Throughout the first month, expect:
- Daily communication about your child’s experiences
- Regular updates on developmental progress
- Opportunities to volunteer and participate in classroom activities
- Parent-teacher conferences to discuss goals and achievements
Preparing for Long-Term Success
The foundation built during your child’s first month at Newport Ave Preschool sets the stage for lifelong learning. Our theme-based curriculum stimulates inquiry, interest, and verbalization while preparing children for elementary school success.
Families in Tustin, Irvine, and Santa Ana choose Newport Ave Preschool because we combine academic excellence with emotional support, creating confident, curious learners ready for their next educational adventure.
Ready to give your child the best start in early education? Contact Newport Ave Preschool today to schedule a tour and see firsthand why families throughout Orange County trust us with their most precious gifts.