In this video, I’m sharing Tip #3 for helping your toddler feel prepared for daycare, childcare, preschool, or Montessori school—because anything we can do to orient a young child to a brand-new environment helps them feel more relaxed, confident, and happy on that first day. This is something I initiate with my own students, but if your school isn’t doing it, I really recommend you take the initiative because it’s simple to do and so, so effective. My biggest strategy here is to get a photo of your child’s teacher ahead of time. Often you can find staff photos right on the school’s website—print one out and place it somewhere your child will see regularly, like the refrigerator or in their room, so the face becomes familiar. If masks are common where you live, I also suggest asking for a photo of the teacher wearing a mask, since that can make a big difference in helping your child recognize them. I also recommend gathering a few photos of the environment—what the front door looks like, the playground, and any classroom photos you can get. If your program doesn’t offer a pre-visit, these visuals are even more valuable for helping your toddler walk in on day one feeling like they already “know” the place a little bit.