The ABCs of an Outstanding First Day: Tips for Preschool Teachers

Whether it's your first year in the classroom or you're a seasoned veteran, your first day at a new center or school is a crucial moment for setting the stage for a successful experience. It's a day filled with excitement, anticipation, and a touch of nervousness. How you approach your first day can make all the difference in creating a positive and enriching learning environment. Below are a few essential steps to ensure your first day is not only a successful start but also a foundation for a fulfilling teaching adventure!

1. Arrive early to check in and prepare for the day. The children will feel your stress if you are unprepared at the start of your shift. Upon arriving, set up the classroom, make sure everything is organized and ready for the day.
2. Start forming new relationships with children, families, and coworkers. Teamwork is essential in all relationships in the preschool environment including parent/teacher, teacher/child as well as co-teachers. Establish a connection and establish a nurturing rapport.
3. Communicate! Always greet parents and children when they enter the room, answer parents questions, and provide reassurances. Show your confidence in leading the classroom by communicating with other teachers and school administrators. Feel free to lean on your co-teacher or administrators to help answer questions you may have and direct parents to those who can help in case you can’t. 
4. Familiarize yourself with the curriculum, lesson plans, as well as the facility so you can find enrichment spaces and supplies to utilize during the day.
5. Observe the children, as well as the established routine and rules. Try to avoid making unnecessary changes, changing routines, and introducing new rules until the children are comfortable in your presence and a relationship begins forming.
6. Review safety and emergency procedures you learned in orientation so you are familiar with protocols when drills happen or an emergency situation arises.
7. Stay flexible and calm. Adapting to a new classroom is never without stress and can  feel overwhelming at times. Be prepared to make changes to your schedule based on the needs and classroom dynamics. 
8. Be coachable. When ending the day, reflect on what went well and what you want to improve in the future. Reach out to your co-teachers and school administration for support and feedback while you are still learning.

As you wrap up your first day at your new job, remember that every moment matters. Reflect on what went well and consider what you'd like to improve in the days ahead. Reach out to your colleagues and directors for support and feedback as you continue to learn and grow in your teaching role. The journey of an educator is marked by both challenges and triumphs, and each day provides an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young learners. Stay adaptable, stay positive, and continue to nurture those vital relationships with children, families, and fellow teachers. Here's to many more successful days in the classroom!