Helping Your Child Transition to Thrive Early Learning Academy: Our New Phase-In Process
At Thrive Early Learning Academy in Madisonville, KY, we understand that starting school can be a big adjustment for young children. That’s why we are thrilled to introduce our new Phase-In Process, designed to make this transition smoother and more comfortable for both students and parents.
What is the Phase-In Process?
Traditionally, new students would attend a single “Meet the Teacher” event before starting their first full day of school. While this approach has been helpful, we wanted to do even more to ensure that children feel safe, welcomed, and confident when they join our school community.
Our new Phase-In Process introduces a series of small steps to help children gradually acclimate to their new environment. Instead of experiencing a sudden, overwhelming first day, students will build relationships with teachers and peers in a structured, low-pressure setting.
The Three-Day Phase-In Process
To help your child adjust, we have designed a three-day transition period:
1
Welcome with a Parent
- Parents (or a guardian, grandparent, or family friend) will accompany their child for the entire visit.
- The focus will be on exploring the school, meeting teachers, and playing in a relaxed environment.
- This visit lasts about one hour and is designed to help children start forming positive associations with their new surroundings.
2
Short Gradual Separation
- Parents will stay with their child for the first 20-30 minutes in the classroom or play area.
- After that, parents will step away for about 30 minutes, remaining on school property in our lobby area, where they can enjoy coffee and donuts and ask any questions.
- This step encourages children to begin developing trust in their teacher and new friends, while parents remain close by for reassurance.
3
Half-Day Independence
- On this final transition day, children will attend school for a half-day without their parent or guardian.
- This step helps build confidence in the new routine before beginning full-day attendance.
- Parents will drop their child off at the lobby, say their goodbyes, and return in a few hours for pick-up.
Additional Support for a Smooth Transition
We recognize that some children may need extra support during this transition. That’s why we offer additional resources, including:
- On-Site Behavioral Therapy – Our behavioral therapist, Miss Haley Himly, is available two days a week to provide support for children who may experience anxiety or difficulty adjusting. This service is insurance-friendly and can provide helpful coping strategies.
- Personalized “Night Before” Books – Before their first full day, each child will receive a special book featuring photos of their classroom, teachers, play areas, and bathrooms. This book helps familiarize them with their new environment before they arrive.
Our Commitment to Your Child’s Success
At Thrive Early Learning Academy, we are always evolving to better serve our families. Our goal with this Phase-In Process is to make your child’s first days of school as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. We are prepared for big emotions and are here to support both you and your child every step of the way.
Keep an eye on your mail in April or early May for details about your child’s teacher, class schedule, and specific Phase-In dates. If you have any questions, please reach out via email or message us anytime.
We can’t wait to welcome our new students to Thrive Early Learning Academy!