Dear Early Childhood Families,

If you're anything like I was when my children were in preschool and kindergarten, you probably wish you could be a “fly on the wall” in our Bernard Zell classrooms. To help keep you updated and involved, your children’s teachers will share weekly posts—which you likely learned about at Back-to-School Night—highlighting intellectual explorations and social-emotional learning in our Nursery, Junior Kindergarten, and Senior Kindergarten classrooms.

Please take a few minutes to read these weekly updates. They’re great jumping-off points for engaging in meaningful conversations with your children about their school experiences. On my end, I’ll be contributing musings in Ma Nishma, sharing insights into early childhood best practices and family education topics that I hope you’ll also find interesting and relevant.

Having been in your shoes when my children were starting early childhood (and later, high school, college, and even post-college!), I know how you may be feeling as you begin or continue your Bernard Zell journey. While your transition may differ from my most recent experiences, the core emotions are the same. You’re watching your child step into a new stage of development—separating from you, forming their own identity, and striving for independence. Even though you know they’re ready, part of you may still want to hold on, ensuring they’re safe and well cared for—emotionally and physically.

As responsive early childhood professionals, we truly understand where you're coming from. You can rest assured that we’ll do everything we can to support both your children and you when challenges arise.

One such challenge many families face at the start of a new school year is morning drop-off. It’s not uncommon for children to be teary, and for parents to feel torn between guilt and uncertainty. As a longtime classroom teacher, I can tell you: more often than not, your child stops crying within minutes of your departure and spends the rest of their day happily engaged with friends and teachers.

Transitions can be hard and are often filled with intense emotions. Here are a few tips to help make this particular transition smoother for both you and your child:

• Manage your own stress. Children typically do well in a new environment and adapt quickly to routines. It’s sometimes harder for us as parents to watch them grow up, and we can unknowingly project our emotions onto them. Children are incredibly perceptive—they pick up on our anxiety, which can make their own adjustment more difficult.

• Avoid lingering or sneaking away. Long, drawn-out goodbyes often increase children’s anxiety. On the other hand, leaving without saying goodbye can heighten fears of abandonment. Instead, create a consistent, reassuring goodbye routine. If needed, enlist help from your child’s teacher—or from me!

• Be mindful of your words. Avoid making promises you can’t keep. Telling your child you’ll be “right back” when you won’t be returning for several hours can be confusing and upsetting. Similarly, telling them they can go home if they’re still sad after an hour doesn’t set them—or their teacher—up for success.

• Support their independence. If your child expresses interest in trying the carpool line, praise their bravery and let me know! I’ll be waiting to greet them and walk them to their classroom. This doesn’t mean you can never walk them in again, but helping them build comfort entering school independently gives both of you more flexibility over time.

Once these routines are in place, you and your child will be able to settle into what we know will be a wonderful year together. Please know that our partnership with families is at the heart of everything we do. Together, we look forward to learning, exploring, and problem-solving alongside you and your children this year!

With appreciation for your partnership,
Abby Aloni, Head of Early Childhood