First-Day Checklist

Dear Parents,

We are excited to welcome your family to Capstone Preschool and look forward to starting this new learning journey together!

Please review and complete the following items before school starts:

• Complete the Required Licensing Forms
• Review the Sick Policy
• Review the Daily Schedule
• Pick-Up/Drop-Off: Parking is designated for pick-up/ drop-off only use. Traffic control plan is shared below.
• Sign-in/ Out: Please sign in/out with Brightwheel at the front entrance for toddlers and preschoolers, and at the playground entrance for infants.
• Sign up for Lunch Catering, if interested
• Complete the No-Nap Quiet Activity Request Form, if applicable
• Complete the Potty Training Request Form, if applicable
• Sign up for Parent-Led Enrichment, if interested

What to Expect Next:

First Day: What to Bring

• Water bottle
• Milk bottle (if needed)
• Bibs
• Extra clothes
• Diapers/pull-ups (if needed)
• Wipes (school provided or bring own specific brand)
• Diaper Cream (if needed)
• Sleep Saks
• Comfort item (if needed)
• Lunch/snacks (if not using lunch catering option)

Please label all personal items with your child's name

First Week: Parent & Me Activities, 8:30–9:00 AM

See detail description below

First Month: Daily Routine & Teacher Feedback Form

First Quarter: Student Milestone Observation Sharing (TBD)

Thank you!
Capstone Preschool

During our first week, we will offer a special Parent & Me program to help children transition into school comfortably.

The goals of this program are:

1. To help children feel that their parents are part of the school.
2. To help children understand that Mom and Dad may leave for a little while, but they will always come back.
3. To help children get to know their teachers and classmates and feel safe in the school environment.
4. To help parents get to know the teachers and build trust in our school and teaching team.

Daily Parent & Me Schedule:

• 8:30–8:55 AM: Parent & Me Activity
• 8:55–9:00 AM: “Where Are Mom & Dad?” transition activity
• 9:00 AM: Parent & Me program ends

At 9:00 AM, families may choose to:

• Leave their child to continue the school day; or
• Take their child home and return again the next day.

To help children experience the full transition routine, please arrive on time. If a family arrives after 9:00 AM, we will ask them to join the Parent & Me activity the following day instead.

During the Parent & Me activity week, we will not provide breakfast or include a handwashing routine. Families may come directly into the classroom at 8:30 AM.

• Day 1: Parent Introduction + Family Photo Wall
• Day 2: Teacher Introduction + Coloring Activity
• Day 3: Wind Chime Coloring
• Day 4: TBD, based on children’s adjustment
• Day 5: TBD, based on children’s adjustment

For Family Photo Wall Activity

Each family is invited to bring one 4x6 family photo. During our activity, children and parents will decorate a DIY photo frame together. We will then display the finished frames on our Family Tree Photo Wall in the Cozy Room. This will help children feel that their family is part of the school community and give them a sense of comfort, belonging, and connection during their transition into school.

For Parent Introduction activity

Each family will have about 1–5 minutes to share. You are welcome to sing a song with your child, read a short book to everyone, perform a simple magic trick, share a favorite family memory, talk about a recent vacation, or simply tell us something special about your child and your family.

There is no pressure to prepare anything formal. We just hope each child can see their parents participating in the classroom and feel that school is a warm, familiar, and welcoming place.

During Parent & Me time, if a child becomes upset, we rely on parents to comfort their own child. When parents are present, children naturally look to them for emotional support. In that moment, teacher intervention can sometimes be more difficult because the child may move back and forth between depending on the parent and the teacher, which can make the transition longer.

Parents are welcome to officially drop off their child at any time during the Parent & Me activites, our teachers will gently take over. We will support each child with patience, comfort, and consistent routines as they learn to trust the classroom, teachers, and friends.

A Peek at Our Cozy Corner

We have prepared a special Cozy Corner where children can read books, cuddle stuffed animals, or simply take a quiet break when they need one. It is a warm and calming space designed to help every child feel comfortable and at home.

If your child has a favorite book, stuffed animal, or comfort item that may help them feel calm during the first week, you are welcome to bring it. Please make sure all personal items are clearly labeled with your child’s name.

The Capstone Preschool parking lot is restricted by the City of Belmont for drop-off and pick-up use only. This requirement is intended to prevent parking overflow onto the public street.

Please try to drop-off and pick-up to within 5 minutes. If the parking lot is used beyond the agreed purpose, the school may face issues with the City regarding our approved use of this space.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.