First Day Reminders

The big day is almost here! As we prepare to welcome students back for the first day of school, here is your quick-start checklist to ensure a smooth morning. We are so excited to partner with you for a wonderful, successful school year!

Principal Garland

As we kick off the new school year, we want to assure you that it is going to be okay.

The first few days of a new routine can bring up a whole rollercoaster of emotions—not just for your little ones, but for you, too. If there are tears at drop-off (from them or you), please know that is completely normal.

Here is what we want you to keep in mind during this transition:

• Goodbyes are hard, but temporary: A short, confident goodbye ritual tells your child that you are secure, which helps them feel secure. Even if they cry when you walk away, our team is right there with open arms, ready to soothe them. (Most tears dry up within five minutes of you leaving!)

• The "After-School Rest-Collapse" is real: When your child comes home, they might be extra tired, clingy, or a bit grumpy. They’ve been working hard all day to learn new rules and process a new environment. A little extra grace, early bedtime, and cozy snuggles go a long way this week.

• We are a team: We don't just care for your children; we are here to support your whole family. If you ever feel anxious, please reach out. We are happy to send a quick midday photo or update to put your mind at ease.

Change is a process, and adjustment takes time. Thank you for trusting us with your precious cargo. Before you know it, those morning tears will turn into eager waves as they run off to play with their new friends. We’ve got this, parents! Welcome to a wonderful new year.

• At least one change of clothing, labeled in a bag, to be kept at school
• Water bottle
• Tote bag/backpack to go back and forth daily from school to home
• Sunscreen
• Diaper cream, as applicable
• Blanket for rest time for all students not in a crib
• Any other classroom specific items requested by your teacher

The first day of school parents are welcome to escort their student to the classroom. If your student is registered for breakfast you may escort the student to the cafeteria. Starting August 4th, pre-K students will independently transition to their classroom. Staff will be posted along the hallways to supervise student transitions. So that we can support student independence and program safety we kindly ask our preK parents to refrain from entering the building during arrival periods. Teachers are supporting student routines and are unable to engage in parent conversations during arrival periods. Teachers will share their dedicated planning time when they are able to respond to parent communications.

Carpool opens at 7:30 am and closes at 7:50 am. Students arriving after 7:50 should be escorted to the front door where staff will escort the student to their classroom. Students arriving after 7:50 who are placed in a cottage should be escorted to the cottage door by the parent. Any student arriving past 8:00 am are considered tardy and the parent must check in at the front desk, get a tardy slip and escort to the student directly to the classroom/cottage.

Parents must help their child if the child is not able to independently buckle or unbuckle the seatbelt. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR CHILD'S CARSEAT IS LOCATED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE BACK SEAT. Parents please remain in your car.

Students placed in the building should be escorted to the front steps of the building entrance. A staff member will transition your student to his/her classroom. Students arriving after 7:50 am should be dropped off at the front door of the building.

Email: ljoiner@csdecatur.net
Website: https://www.csdecatur.net/ECLC
Location: 917 South McDonough Street, Decatur, GA, USA
Phone: 404-370-4480