Anything I can do to prepare my child for the admission screening and playdates?

[mommiedebs]

The apps are in (phew) but now I'm onto the next thing to worry about, the screening and the playdates. It's been really hard finding more information about what exactly happens in these things. If you've been through the process already, can you tell me whether there's anything I can do to help prepare my child for these?

[chattyker]

St. Brendans has a readiness checklist or whatever they call it on their site that I found helpful. It's not like the kids are getting grilled on the alphabet or number counting, but the checklist at least provides an idea of what your child should know.

[goldilocks]

Save your worry -- you will never find out what happens at the screenings/playdates. You obviously want to put your best foot forward but this is one thing you can't control. The best thing you can do is make sure your child stays healthy, gets a good nights rest and you give him/her a good breakfast. Your anxiety is contagious so remember to take some time for yourself to relax and keep things as normal as possible. I promise this sounds so simple but it is easier said than done.

the playdates/screenings are snapshots of your kids in person. they also have the school recommendation to support what they see. Admissions Directors also do follow up with preschool directors if they have questions.

[ladivavida]

It's pretty hard to find out what happens at the screenings but you can get anecdotes or peeks into the playdates. From what I remember, they'll play games, draw, do projects, etc. in a school like setting so the staff can get a glimpse of what your child might be like at the school. It is what it is so don't sweat it too much.

By the way, if your child has separation issues, many of these schools will let you stop by the school the day before so your child isn't in a completely strange setting the day of the playdate.

[csimmom]

It's really hard to say how you can better prepare your kids for the screening/playdates without having been on the other side. I agree that the St. Brendan's thing is helpful. Maybe reinforce the idea of properly greeting the admissions directors to your kids. Another thing I remember is having your kids draw a person (or your family) with as much detail as possible. It seemed like every school asked kids to draw their family. Other than that, have faith in your child that he or she will do her best. Good luck to you!