First Day at Kiddi Kollege: What You Can Expect

The new school year will be here before you know it, and we want you to feel prepared. So let’s get started!

From before you leave your home, to departing at pick-up, we strive to provide you with all the information necessary to make the first day as stress-free and fun as possible.  

One of the ways that we stay connected throughout the day with our families is through Brightwheel. It’s a free messaging app that facilitates communication between teachers and parents, enabling them to send daily pictures and track activities. For our younger students, this includes diaper changes, bottles, and meals. We know how important it is to keep a baby’s schedule on track!

We are thrilled to begin – or continue – this amazing journey of guiding, inspiring, and learning with your child and we can’t wait to see you soon! 

What to Bring

When it comes to school supplies, here at Kiddi Kollege we provide all consumable materials needed in the classroom. We also have an on-site chef for meal times to fuel your child for fun and learning.  

However, there are a few items that we ask parents to provide to ensure that each kiddo’s day goes effortlessly. Here is a basic list of what to bring, contingent on your child’s classroom: 

Infants

• Diapers 
• Wipes 
• Diaper cream, if being used 
• A couple of changes of clothing. These will live in their cubby until needed. 
• A sleep sack or lightweight muslin blanket 
• Bottles prepared for the day with nipple covers. We will take care of the labeling and dating! 
• When you are ready to start the transition to table foods, you will receive a weekly menu via Brightwheel. From there, simply circle what you would like us to offer your child 
• Pacifiers, if being used 
• Backpacks are not required, but feel free to bring one if you would like. 

If we ever start to run low on supplies for your infant, we will communicate via Brightwheel to ensure that you are consistently updated about the status of our stock.

Toddlers

• Diapers 
• Wipes 
• Diaper cream, if being used 
• A couple of changes of clothing. These will live in their cubby until needed. 
• A lightweight blanket or “lovey” item if your child would like one for nap time. 
• Pacifiers, if being used 
• Backpacks are not required, but feel free to bring one if you would like. 

Two’s

• Diapers or Pull-Ups (these are great when they start potty training because it helps connect to our classroom goal of self-sufficiency).
• Wipes 
• Diaper cream, if used 
• A couple changes of clothing. These will live in their cubby until needed. 
• Since Two’s are in a potty-training stage, we may need extra pairs to accommodate any accidents. 
• A lightweight blanket or “lovey” if your child would like one for nap time. 
• Pacifiers, if being used 
• Backpacks are not required, but feel free to bring one if you would like.

Preschool & Pre-Kindergarten

• A couple of changes of clothing. These will live in their cubby until needed. 
• A lightweight blanket or “lovey” item if your child would like one for nap time. 
• Backpacks are not required, but feel free to bring one if you would like. 

To learn more about what to expect when your kiddo is on their way to Pre-K, visit our blog.

Drop Off

We know how tough first days can be! After over 65 years of experience with first days, we have learned the benefits of a quick and swift exit. By showing your child that you are confident and excited for their day, they will undoubtedly feel that energy, too!  

The departure is not always easy, but our spectacular teachers are trained to soothe new children. This bonding initiates a positive teacher-child relationship and helps your child understand that they are in good hands. 

When you arrive, you and your child will sign in at the front desk, then walk to their classroom.  

It is best to arrive on time as often as possible so that your child can start off their day in Circle Time, which is the foundation for their day!  

Once the teacher has seen that your kiddo has arrived, you can be on your way, knowing your child is safe and sound. 

Sample Schedules for the First Day of School

First days are all about meeting new friends, becoming comfortable with your fresh surroundings, and getting an idea of what a normal day looks like! Your child’s schedule will differ depending on age. This is true for the first day, as well as the entire year.  

In each of our classrooms, your child’s curriculum and daily activities have been designed with age-appropriate goals in mind. This includes the lessons, themes, learning centers, art projects, and books for storytime. The most substantial difference in schedules is between the Infant classroom and the rest of our classrooms. 

Infants

At Kiddi Kollege, infants are on their own schedule! We ask you to fill out a typical schedule you would like your child to be on and we will work from that. This allows for personal, loving attention and meeting individualized needs.  

Our “Teddy Folder” will travel from home life to school life daily to help with communication as we work together towards our common goals. 

Toddlers, Two’s, Preschool, and Pre-Kindergarten

The typical classroom schedule for Toddlers, Two’s, Preschool and Pre-K all follow a similar agenda. However, each classroom’s curriculum is different, as it aligns to their respective age groups and developmental abilities.  

Visit our classroom page to learn about our uniquely tailored, warm and nurturing classrooms as well as the learning and development goals for each group. 

General first-day (and daily) plan:  

• Breakfast/morning snack 
• Circle Time: Teachers share the theme for the day, the activities they have planned, and the children are assigned their “job” for the day. These jobs include Line Leader, Door Holder, Teacher Helper, and many more! 
• Center Time 
• Outdoor Play 
• Center Time 
• Lunch 
• Nap 
• Snack 
• Outdoor Play 
• Center Time

Pick Up

Time to come grab your kiddo! Since we are a full-day program, we encourage children to stay until afternoon outdoor play is completed. We understand that this is not possible every day and will accommodate your circumstances accordingly. 

If someone other than a parent will be picking up your child, please make sure they are listed as a pick-up person on your enrollment form.  

If you are adding someone as a temporary pick-up person, you may send an email to your local director with the name of the person authorized to pick up your child. Please ask this person to bring their driver’s license so we can verify their identity and keep your family safe. 

The drop-off routine is similar to pick-up time: when you pick up your kiddo, you will check out at the front desk. This can be done before getting your child from the classroom, or afterwards.

Counting Down the Days!

We are so excited for this upcoming school year! We are confident that after the first day, you will be overjoyed with your decision of choosing Kiddi Kollege.  

As always, if you have any remaining questions regarding your child’s first day of school, please contact us by calling 913.239.8882.  

Do you have a friend or neighbor who’s considering joining the Kiddi Kollege family? Please direct them to our website to schedule a tour!