For Parents
How Does GMPS Help Children with Separation at Preschool?
Starting preschool is a big step—for children and parents. At Glenview Methodist Preschool, we provide a thoughtful runway leading up to the first day, including a home visit from a teacher, a class park playdate, and Meet & Greet Day. Once school begins, our predictable car-line routine provides a warm, clean handoff, and teachers send families a Brightwheel update after their child settles in.
Is It Normal for a Child to Cry at Preschool Drop-Off?
Yes. Some children run into school without looking back, while others need more time and reassurance.
Tears at drop-off do not necessarily mean that a child dislikes school or remains unhappy after a parent leaves. For many children, saying goodbye is the hardest part. Once they enter the classroom, connect with a teacher, and become interested in an activity, their feelings can change very quickly.
At GMPS, we prepare for separation before the first day and support each child according to their individual temperament and needs.
A Runway to Your Child's First School Experience
For many GMPS children, preschool is their first regular experience away from a parent or caregiver. We intentionally create several opportunities for children to become familiar with their teachers, classmates, and school environment before they ever have to say that first goodbye.
1. Home Visit
One of your child's teachers visits your family at home before school begins.
Your child gets to meet a teacher on their own turf, where they feel most comfortable. When they later arrive at school, they already have a familiar face to recognize:
“That's my teacher. She came to my house.”
The visit also begins the partnership between teachers and families.
2. Class Park Playdate
Your class organizes a casual park playdate before the school year begins.
Children begin seeing some of the faces that will soon become classmates, while parents have an opportunity to meet other families.
They may not remember everyone's name—and that's okay. Even a few familiar faces can make those first days feel less unfamiliar.
3. Meet & Greet Day
Children visit GMPS with a parent or caregiver before attending on their own.
They can:
- Meet their teachers
- Explore their classroom
- Play on the playground
- Meet classmates and families
- Begin learning what school will look and feel like
By the first regular school day, not everything is new.
How Does Car-Line Drop-Off Work at GMPS?
GMPS uses car line for both drop-off and pick-up. We have two locations to help minimize traffic congestion, and families receive instructions specific to their class and route before school begins.
At drop-off, teachers greet your child at the car, help them out, and bring them directly to join their class.
In our experience, this warm, clean break is often easier for young children than a long goodbye at the classroom door.
- Step 1
Arrive
- Step 2
Greet a Teacher
- Step 3
Loving Goodbye
- Step 4
Join the Class
- Step 5
Begin the Day
The same routine each day helps children understand what to expect and gradually become more confident.
What Happens After I Drive Away?
Teachers first help your child connect with a caring adult and become involved in play or another welcoming activity.
For many children, the anticipation of saying goodbye is harder than actually being at school. A child may be tearful while leaving the car and happily playing with classmates a few minutes later.
Once your child has settled, a teacher will send you a quick update through Brightwheel.
Very often, it's a smiling picture of your child playing with friends—not long after you saw tears at car line.
We know that first separation can be emotional for parents, too. That message lets you know your child is safe, supported, and beginning to enjoy their day.
What If My Child Needs More Time?
Every child is different.
Some children feel comfortable immediately. Others need several school days—or a more gradual adjustment—to become confident with separation.
Teachers may:
- Stay close and offer comfort
- Invite a child into a favorite activity
- Connect them with a classmate
- Give them a special classroom job
- Provide extra individual attention during the beginning of the year
We often schedule additional staff support at the start of the school year so teachers have the flexibility to give children the extra attention they may need.
“You are safe. Your teachers will take care of you. Your family will come back.”
When a child needs additional support, teachers and parents work together on an approach based on that child's personality, experiences, and needs.
How Can Parents Help with Preschool Separation?
A calm, confident goodbye sends an important message:
“I trust your teachers. I know you are safe. I will come back.”
- Talk positively and simply about school
- Remind your child about the teacher who visited your home
- Keep the morning routine predictable
- Offer a loving but brief goodbye
- Use clear language about when you will return
- Allow the teacher to take over at car line
Try not to leave without saying goodbye or repeatedly return for one more hug. Although well-intended, a prolonged or uncertain goodbye can make the transition harder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Building Confidence One Goodbye at a Time
The goal is not to prevent children from ever feeling sad.
The goal is to help them experience separation with caring adults, predictable routines, and the growing knowledge that they are safe and their family always returns.
Each successful goodbye builds trust, confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging.
At GMPS, that process begins before the first day.
Research & Resources: Want to Learn More?
- NAEYC — 11 Ways to Help Children Say Goodbye
NAEYC offers practical guidance for helping young children manage separation, build trust with caregivers and teachers, and become more comfortable with goodbye routines over time.
- American Academy of Pediatrics / HealthyChildren.org — Separation Anxiety
HealthyChildren.org explains why separation anxiety is a normal part of early childhood development and offers guidance for helping children feel secure during transitions away from parents and caregivers.
About the Author
Written by Karen Coan, M.A. in Education, Director of Glenview Methodist Preschool
Karen has served as Director of GMPS since 2016 and works closely with teachers and families on curriculum, school transitions, behavior guidance, safety, staff development, and program planning.
Last updated: October 2026