Transitioning to a New School

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Starting school for any child is challenging enough. It can be even harder when your child is starting at a new school after already being in school for a while.

There are many reasons why a family might want/need to have their child transfer to a new school. Regardless of the reason, if your child has developed a relationship with their peers and teachers, switching schools can be especially heartbreaking and confusing for them.

Many of the tips provided in this post can also be applied to children who are just starting school for the first time, however, extra care should be given to children who are switching schools.

The most important thing you can do is to tell your child in advance what is going to happen. Tell your child/children as soon as you find out that they are going to be switching schools. The longer you wait to tell them, the worse the transition is going to be for your child. Telling them in advance helps your child process the change and will hopefully make the transition to their new school much smoother. Below are some ideas you can implement with your child during this transition time.

  • Role play school with your child/children. Take turns with your child being the parent, the child, and the teacher. Have your child role play common daily routines, such as saying good-bye, taking off your coat/backpack, singing songs, reading stories, having Circle Time, playing outside, and taking naps. Answer any questions your child may have honestly and openly.
  • Read books to your child about preschool and starting school. Ask your child how they think the characters in the book feel. Ask your child if they are feeling similarly to the characters in the book. A list of book recommendations will be provided at the end of this post.
  • Normalize your child’s emotions. Your child may express to you that they are feeling sad, scared, and/or worried about their transition to a new school. Empathize with your child and listen to their emotions with curiosity. Validate your child’s emotions and let them know that all of their feelings are ok. Respond to any of their questions openly and honestly.
  • Provide an opportunity for your child to say “goodbye” to their old school. Encourage them to bring treats for their class on their last day. Take a picture of them with their teachers and peers. Even better, provide your child copies of these pictures to take with them on the first day of their new school.
  • If possible, try to keep the rest of their lives as consistent as possible. Children rely on consistency and predictability in their lives because it helps them feel safe and secure.
  • Ask their new school if they will let you and your child visit before they start school there. Some schools let families and their children spend an hour or so exploring the school. This will help your child become familiar with their new school so they won’t feel as anxious on their first day.
  • Go shopping for a new backpack with your child. Have your child pick out their new backpack. Hopefully their new backpack will make them feel safer at their new school.
  • Let your child pick out their first day of school outfit.
  • Encourage your child to take a favorite stuffed animal(not their ALL time favorite – so it doesn’t get lost)  to school for naptime. Having a familiar object with them will help your child feel safer.

We hope these tips help you and your family out during this difficult transition period. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at any time.

Further Reading:

Book List for Starting School:


Links to Book Lists Online: