DIR/Floortime-Informed Insights for Parents of Toddlers and Preschoolers by Katy Barnes, OTD, OTR/L

Thank you for following along with this summer blog series! My hope is that these posts have helped you find a little more joy, silliness, and laughter in the day-to-day moments of parenting. Now we come to one of the biggest challenges for young children and their parents: supporting transitions to new settings, such as preschool or daycare.

Leaving the house, saying goodbye at drop-off, and stepping into a new environment with new teachers and peers can feel overwhelming. Just as walking and talking are developmental skills, learning to adjust to new settings is also a crucial skill. With empathy, validation, and connection, we can help children build resilience for these moments of change.

Remember: You Know Your Child Best 

You have already learned a great deal about your child, including their unique sensory needs, play preferences, and what helps them feel calm when they are overwhelmed. Sharing this with teachers can set the stage for connection and success. When entering structured settings, they are asked to:

– Shift attention between tasks

– Follow multi-step instructions

– Regulate their bodies in larger groups

– Navigate peer interactions with less adult support

Getting Ready for the First Day

– Build familiarity before the first day: walk by the school, drive the route, and point out landmarks, practice the drop-off routine

– Create new activities around separation: a special high five, big bear hug, or silly phrase to share at pick up

A DIR/Floortime Lens on Transitions: What Occupational Therapy Supports in Classrooms

Transitions can feel like the big unknown for children. These moments often carry new sensory, social, and emotional demands that can be challenging. Understanding the why behind big behaviors and responding with empathy and relational strategies helps children develop the functional skills needed in the classroom.

Occupational therapy supports in the classroom might look like:

– Collaborating with educators to design a sensory-conscious space and routines that meet the needs of a child’s individual profile. 

– Supporting motor delays that may lead to difficulty engaging with other students or following classroom instructions in order to increase overall engagement. 

– Creating an OT toolkit to support classrooms that are struggling with challenging behaviors and providing lessons that allow for organized body input to build regulation. 

These strategies allow children to move through change with greater presence, curiosity, and resilience which lays the groundwork for social-emotional competence and academic success. 

If Transitions are Still Hard

Sometimes drop-offs remain difficult, and you may notice new big behaviors during this adjustment period. That’s okay, you are not alone. Every child’s sensory and emotional profile is different. 

If you require additional support, we are here to assist you. 

At Amy Zier + Associates, we create individualized plans tailored to your family’s specific needs, guiding you through challenging moments with relationship-based strategies.