October 2026
Simple routines can help children feel secure, confident, and ready to learn.
A new school year brings new people, places, and expectations. Familiar routines can make those changes easier by helping children understand what comes next.
Daily activities, such as getting dressed, eating breakfast, preparing for school, and following a consistent bedtime routine, give children opportunities to build independence, communication, and everyday skills. These routines can also reduce stress for the whole family.
Start with one or two steps and practice them regularly. Picture schedules, simple reminders, songs, or timers may help your child move from one activity to the next. Notice your child’s effort and celebrate progress, even when a routine is still developing.
Reading, talking, and playing together also support preschool success. Ask questions about a story, invite your child to help with everyday tasks, and practice skills such as taking turns, asking for help, and cleaning up.
Each child learns at a different pace. With encouragement, practice, and predictable routines, children can begin the school year feeling supported and ready to grow.
Behavior Bits
Support positive behavior at home.
Children learn routines through clear directions, practice, and encouragement. Choose one routine to teach, break it into small steps, and show your child what to do. Practice when everyone is calm, and offer specific praise, such as, “You put your backpack by the door.”
If a routine is difficult, consider whether a picture, reminder, choice, or shorter direction would help. Consistency matters, but flexibility is important, too. Adjust the routine as your child’s needs and skills change.
Helpful Resources
Questions? Contact Alicia Sebastian, Behavior Support Specialist.
Family Tips
Practice routines for a smoother school day.
Create a morning checklist.
Use pictures to show steps such as getting dressed, brushing teeth, eating breakfast, and getting ready to leave. Let your child mark each step as it is completed.
Use first-then language.
Make transitions more predictable with a simple statement, such as, “First, clean up. Then, we play.”
Practice getting ready.
Invite your child to put on a backpack, coat, and shoes, gather belongings, and walk to the door, even on days without school.
Follow a bedtime routine.
Use the same sequence each night, such as bath, pajamas, brushing teeth, a story, and bed.
Give transition warnings.
Before changing activities, offer a short warning. A timer, song, or visual cue can help your child prepare for what comes next.dependence, communication, and everyday skills. These routines can also reduce stress for the whole family.
Family Resources
Explore local organizations that support learning, child care, and family connections.
Hello Neighbor
Hello Neighbor supports immigrants and refugees with culturally responsive programs and services. Staff members and interpreters represent many languages and lived experiences, helping families access support in ways that feel welcoming and understandable.
Early Learning Resource Center Region 5
ELRC Region 5 helps Allegheny County families find child care, explore child care tuition assistance, and connect with early learning resources.
Reading Ready Pittsburgh
Reading Ready Pittsburgh helps families build a love of reading by increasing access to books and encouraging family book sharing.
Parent to Parent of Pennsylvania
Parent to Parent connects families of children and adults with disabilities or health care needs with other families who have traveled similar paths. Trained peer supporters offer encouragement and understanding.
For assistance with resources, contact Marsha Androsik, Preschool Service Coordinator for Family Support.
Get Connected
Create a stronger link between home and school.
Local Interagency Coordinating Council (LICC)
The LICC promotes the importance of families and young children within the Early Intervention system. The council helps families and professionals learn about inclusive services, natural and least restrictive environments, developmentally appropriate practices, and children’s rights within Early Intervention.
Families and professionals with an interest in Early Intervention are welcome to participate.
2026-2027 Meeting Dates
Know Your Rights
Procedural Safeguards
You can find the Procedural Safeguards anytime in your Parent Library on Keep Current, or request a copy from our office. If you have questions or concerns about your child’s services, talk with your child’s teacher or therapist or call our office to connect with a PEI Supervisor.