Parent Resources

Everything you need to feel prepared and informed as part of the Benu's Preschool family.

First Day Checklist

Starting preschool is a big milestone! Here's what to pack and expect on your child's first day.

Change of clothes

Pack at least one full change of clothes in a labeled zip-lock bag.

Packed lunch & snacks

Please send a nutritious lunch and two snacks. No nut products.

Water bottle

A spill-proof, labeled water bottle filled with water (no juice).

Sunscreen (labeled)

SPF 30+ sunscreen in a labeled container for outdoor play.

Small backpack

A backpack large enough to carry their belongings and daily notes home.

Nap mat or blanket

A small, labeled nap mat or blanket for rest time (infants/toddlers).

Comfort item (optional)

A small stuffed animal or comfort item is welcome for the first few days.

Completed enrollment forms

Bring any signed forms if not already submitted. See the Forms section below.

Health & Allergy Policies

The safety and well-being of every child is our top priority. Please review these policies carefully.

Nut-Free Environment

Benu's Preschool is a nut-free facility. Please do not send any food containing peanuts, tree nuts, or products made in facilities that process nuts. This protects children with severe allergies.

Illness Policy

Children must be fever-free (below 100.4°F) for at least 24 hours before returning after illness — without the use of fever-reducing medication. Please keep your child home if they have vomiting, diarrhea, or a contagious illness.

Medication Administration

Prescription medications may only be administered with a completed Medication Authorization Form signed by a parent or guardian. Over-the-counter medications require written permission and must be in the original labeled container.

Allergy Action Plans

If your child has a known allergy, please provide a completed Allergy Action Plan signed by your child's physician. Epi-pens and other emergency medications must be kept on-site in a labeled case.

Immunization Records

Current immunization records are required for enrollment and must be kept up to date. Please provide updated records whenever your child receives new vaccinations.

Seasonal Activity Calendar

Our curriculum follows the seasons, giving children hands-on experiences tied to the natural world around them.

Fall

September – November

Leaf rubbings and nature walks
Pumpkin painting and harvest crafts
Thankfulness journals and gratitude circle
Apple tasting and sorting activities

Winter

December – February

Snowflake art and ice experiments
Holiday traditions around the world
Cozy storytime and puppet shows
Counting and pattern activities with seasonal objects

Spring

March – May

Planting seeds and garden care
Butterfly life cycle exploration
Rain and weather science experiments
Spring art with natural materials

Summer

June – August

Water play and sensory bins
Bug hunts and outdoor science
Community helper theme weeks
End-of-year celebration and graduation

Forms & Documents

Download, complete, and return the following forms to Benu. You can also bring them on your first day.

Enrollment Application

Required for all new families. Complete before or on your first day.

Request form

Emergency Contact Form

List all authorized pick-up contacts and emergency phone numbers.

Request form

Allergy Action Plan

Required for any child with a known food or environmental allergy.

Request form

Medication Authorization Form

Must be completed before any medication can be administered.

Request form

Photo & Media Release

Grants permission for your child's photo to appear in program materials.

Request form

Sunscreen Permission Slip

Authorizes staff to apply sunscreen before outdoor activities.

Request form

Need a form emailed to you? Contact us and we'll send it right over.

Tips for a Smooth Transition

Keep drop-off short and sweet

A quick, confident goodbye helps children settle faster. Lingering can increase separation anxiety. Trust that children typically calm down within minutes of a parent leaving.

Establish a goodbye ritual

A special handshake, a hug and a wave, or a simple phrase like 'I'll see you after lunch!' gives your child something predictable to hold onto each morning.

Talk about the day ahead

In the car or at breakfast, mention one fun thing they might do that day — 'I wonder what you'll paint today!' This builds positive anticipation.

Label everything

Label all clothing, containers, bottles, and bags with your child's first and last name. Items without labels are very difficult to return.

Have questions about getting started?

We're happy to walk you through everything. Reach out and we'll get back to you within one business day.