New Student Jitters: How We Make Them Feel Loved, Welcomed, and Safe

Being the new kid at school can bring excitement and jitters. Parents share concerns, too, ranging from their child’s friends to the unfamiliarity of teachers and schedules.

That’s why INIC has a detailed, comprehensive welcome plan — so every new students has an incredible first day, filled with friends and fun.

Common Concerns

  • Sense of Belonging: Some kids feel a bit out of place initially

  • Building Trust with Teachers: Unfamiliarity of new faces can be a concern

  • Navigating New Territory: Unfamiliar environments like classrooms, playgrounds, gyms, and libraries can evoke insecurity

  • Making Friends & Inclusion: Parents worry about their child's social integration & emotional wellbeing

  • Parents’ Logistics Questions: From school supplies and uniforms … to naps and daily schedules, clarity is key

“My First Day” INIC Preschool headband example

INIC Preschool’s WONDERFUL Welcome EXPERIENCE

  • Before the first day: Meet the Teacher Event

    • Student meets their new community - classmates, teachers, admin staff

    • Exploration of campus areas to familiarize the child with their new surroundings

    • Cubby setup, complete with personal belongings and family photo in their Safe Place

    • Emphasis on a relaxed experience — kids are encouraged to take their time and get comfortable

    • New students join classmates for part of the curriculum, including Magic Circle

    • Parents receive a detailed schedule of their child’s new routine

    • Parents learn about open, accessible communication channels between families, administrative staff, and teachers

  • The first day (Mi primer día)

    • Classmates present a greeting card they all decorated for the new student

    • Welcome sign is posted with the new student’s name

    • Classmates sing a welcome song or greeting rhyme

    • Charming “First Day of School” headband for that extra touch

    • Lots of emotional support, ensuring positive relationships from day one

RESULTS: COMARADERIE, COMMUNITY, and CONFIDENCE

  • Instant connections with new friends

  • That sense of feeling special, safe, and confident

  • Understanding of the new routine

  • Familiarity with teachers, classroom, common areas, and curriculum

  • Eager anticipation of each school day

  • All students participate in valuable lessons about friendship and empathy

  • Parents feel confident about expectations

  • Parents know various channels to communicate with INIC managers and teachers

  • Parents are happy to see their child’s joy and confidence, surrounded by kids who care about their new friend

  • Parents receive daily updates about their child’s progress, experience, and mood on INIC’s communication app, Brightwheel

  • While at work, parents can see how their student is doing by checking INIC’s WatchMeGrow app

We can’t wait for your little scholar to start their INIC Preschool language immersion education…. shared with tons of new friends!!!


ABOUT INIC PRESCHOOL SPANISH IMMERSION EDUCATION & CHILDCARE 

Learn. Play. Make Friends. Founded in 2012, INIC Preschool (International Immersion Center) is a Spanish immersion school with locations in Round Rock and South Austin. Educators here are upbeat and enjoy a positive teacher-led work environment with access to many benefits. INIC’s challenging curriculum accommodates the unique learning style of every child, from three-month-old infants up to school age. The classroom experience is intentionally low tech for kids, but parents and grandparents are delighted to check in on their little scholar with high-tech, easy-to-use tools: WatchMeGrow and Brightwheel. All classes and activities are taught in Spanish, every day, as well as Mandarin Chinese.

INIC Preschool Round Rock proudly serves families in Pflugerville, North Austin, Cedar Park, Leander, Georgetown, Hutto, Taylor, and Liberty Hill. INIC Preschool South Austin has served these communities since 2012: South Austin, Circle C, Oak Hill, Buda, Kyle, Dripping Springs, Driftwood, Bee Cave Township, Westlake, Onion Creek, Manchaca, and more.

Round Rock, Texas: 2960 Jazz Street // rrAdmissions@inic-edu.com    

South Austin, Texas: 2100 W. William Cannon Dr. // Admissions@inic-edu.com

Nik CicconeINIC Preschool