School connectedness in preschools

Illustration of three children on a slide at a preschool.

The early years are among the most critical in every child's life. During this time, the foundations for self-image, social skills, an interest in learning, and well-being take shape. Preschool is therefore more than a place where children spend time; it is the first school level and a vital setting where children learn through play, interaction, and everyday experiences.

Irregular attendance can affect a child's place in the group, making it harder to form connections and keep pace with other children. It can also lead to gaps in learning and skill development, which otherwise progress steadily through daily participation.

School connectedness is vital for a child's prosperity

Strong school connectedness aims to: 

  • Promote the child's safety and well-being 
  • Strengthen social connections and group participation 
  • Ensure continuity in learning and development 
  • Foster cooperation between home and preschool 
  • Intervene early if concerns arise
Illustration of children splashing in a puddle at preschool.

Skýrsla starfshóps um skólatengsl

Sterk skólatengsl í leikskóla eru fjárfesting í framtíð barnsins – framtíð sem byggir á öryggi, þátttöku, farsæld og jöfnum tækifærum til að ná sínum möguleikum.

Parents

Parents should notify the preschool when their child is sick or taking time off, and strive to maintain regular attendance whenever possible. Begin by understanding the child rather than pressuring them. Parents can consider the following: 

  • The child's behavior and well-being 
  • Stay calm and confident — a brief, warm, and firm goodbye works best 
  • Help the child build a positive attitude toward preschool 
  • Maintain a routine — predictability creates a sense of safety 
  • Let the child bring an object to hold at preschool — this helps bridge home and preschool 
  • Talk with the child at the end of the day — this reinforces positive experiences
Illustration of a coat rack at a preschool.

Children

It is normal for children to go through periods when separating from a parent is difficult, but a calm approach, consistent routines and close cooperation usually help them feel secure. Responding early and working together to support the child with warmth and clear guidance is essential. Take things one small step at a time. You can start with shorter days and gradually extend them. Build the child's sense of security through a consistent routine, including: 

  • The same goodbye routine each day 
  • The same start to the day 
  • Display pictures of emotions on the wall so the child can show how they feel.

Staff

Ask parents to let staff know if their child will arrive after 9 a.m. Contact parents when appropriate. Let parents know who works in the division, for example, by displaying staff names and roles in the entrance area. When is further action needed? 

If the child: 

  • Cries or resists attending preschool for an extended period 
  • Shows significant anxiety or dysphoria 
  • Refuses to go to preschool at all 

It is crucial to: 

  • Meet with parents 
  • Identify the cause 
  • Develop an individual curriculum 

And, if needed: 

  • Collaborate with the school problem-solving team 
  • Bring in a counselor