A problematic time for some and a breeze for others. Dismissal, although it may happen often throughout the day, can still be made so that distractions are decreased and children leave on a good note. Parents may be in a rush, teachers may be busy, children may be crying: it can be a hectic time. If there is a system in place that helps alleviate stress on the children while assimilating them to that time of day, the departure process will become much easier for all involved.
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At the end of the day, identify a space where students can wait for parents and an activity they can engage in that can be ended quickly when parents arrive.
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Establish a place where parents can chat with staff that is separate from where they will be picking up their children. This will eliminate some of the clutter in the main room and also provide a clear distinction between when parents are there to talk and when it is time to go home. Please visit our Pinterest page or our “For Parents” tab for more creative ideas on how to address parental concerns in a busy classroom.
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When it’s time to leave, you want children to be able to go without disrupting the rest of the group, and with some ritual that helps them end their time with you. Even just a short conversation about their day, a compliment, high five, or some other way of saying goodbye helps children to order their events and prepare them for going.
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Set the expectation with students that when their parents enter the main room, it’s time to go. This decreases the chance of a struggle and allows parents to take their children home without having to make them leave against their wishes.
