The first day at kindergarten is a huge event – both for the child and the parent. Emotion, excitement, a bit of uncertainty… And on top of that, this the famous kindergarten kit, which causes sleepless nights for many caregivers. What exactly do you need to prepare? Is a kindergarten kit mandatory? And what should we pack differently for a 3-year-old and a 5-year-old? We dispel all doubts!
Is a kindergarten kit mandatory?
The answer is: yes, but without stress! A kindergarten kit is nothing more than a set of basic things that a toddler needs every day at the facility. In kindergarten, children eat, play, sleep, learn and sometimes get dirty while creating small works of art - so they need "equipment" that will allow them to do all of this.
Although is a kindergarten kit mandatory? depends on the specific facility (some provide, for example, art supplies), in most cases parents are asked to prepare basic things for their child. In private kindergartens in Warsaw – such as Pomarańczowa Ciuchcia – the layette is always clearly defined and parents receive a detailed list, thanks to which packing is smooth and stress-free
What do you need for a kindergarten starter kit?
There is no way to hide it – kindergarten layette list may look impressive, but many items are just everyday essentials. Here are some categories to consider:
- A change of clothes and shoes – children can get dirty at every opportunity!
- Slippers with non-slip soles – comfortable and safe.
- Bedding and pajamas (if the child is resting).
- Bottle/non-spill cup – especially for younger children.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste – for kindergartens that practice tooth brushing.
Some kindergartens also ask for additional things, e.g. extracurricular activities in kindergarten – such as sportswear, a swimming cap and flip-flops swimming lessons in kindergarten.
Kindergarten supplies for a 3-year-old
A kindergarten kit for a 3-year-old should be especially well thought out – it is often their first contact with kindergarten. A child needs things that will make him feel safe and comfortable.
Kindergarten supplies for 3 year olds – minimum list:
- Change of clothes (set + underwear, tights)
- Slippers are easy to put on
- Cup or bottle
- Favorite blanket or cuddly toy
- Pajamas (if baby is sleeping)
- Linen
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Wet wipes
- Sportswear for exercise classes
Kindergarten supplies for a 4-year-old
A 4-year-old is already familiar with the realities of kindergarten, so a 4-year-old's kindergarten kit can be a bit more modest.
What is worth preparing?
- Comfortable clothes that allow for independence – a change
- Slippers
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Sportswear for physical activity and other accessories for selected additional activities
- Cup or bottle
This age group also sees the first educational projects and children develop intensively thanks to various methods of work in kindergarten.
Kindergarten supplies for a 5-year-old
A 5-year-old is already a real preschool veteran. A 5-year-old's preschool kit should support their growing independence and curiosity about the world.
Kindergarten Pack for a 5-Year-Old – What Should You Pack?
- A change of clothes (no matter what!)
- A change of shoes
- Cup or bottle
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Pencil case with basic equipment (crayons, pencil, eraser)
- Sportswear and other accessories for selected extra-curricular activities
At Pomarańczowa Ciuchcia, older children often take part in trips, workshops and activities that develop their passions – so a child's kindergarten kit may include something extra: for example, an apron for cooking or comfortable shoes for thematic walks.
Emotional supplies – what you can't pack in your backpack, but what your child really needs
When putting together a layette, it's easy to focus solely on material things - signed slippers, clothes, a toothbrush. However, equally important, or maybe even more important, is this invisible layette – emotional.
It is a set of attitudes, values and everyday gestures that help a child feel safe, confident and ready at every preschool stage. Here are 10 items that you won't put in your backpack, but which are worth having "packed" at all times.
Courage to take on challenges
A child does not have to be “ready” in 100% to start a new year of preschool. Courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to act despite uncertainty – regardless of age. The role of an adult is to support and accompany, not to speed up the process.
Trust
Trusting that a child will cope with the daily routine of preschool is the basic foundation for a sense of security. When a child feels supported, they are more willing to take on new challenges.
Symbolic closeness
A small object that resembles home – a photo, a scarf, a keychain – can help a child survive difficult moments. This works for both the youngest and older preschoolers, for whom emotional contact is still important.
A permanent farewell ritual
A calm, predictable breakup sends the message: "I'm calm, I'll come back for you." It can be a specific phrase, a wave through the window, three hugs - the important thing is that it's constant and short.
Acceptance of the child's emotions
Anger, sadness, longing, joy, enthusiasm – all of these can appear in the first days (and not only). Children of different ages experience emotions in their own way, but each of them needs one thing: an adult who will accept what they feel, without judging..
Curiosity and the desire to explore
Instead of focusing on “school readiness,” it’s worth supporting a child’s natural curiosity. Children learn by doing—it’s worth supporting them as they explore the world, ask questions, and search for answers in a preschool setting.
Consent to making mistakes
A child, regardless of age, has the right to try, stumble, and start over. Preschool is the perfect space for learning through experience. It is worth reinforcing the belief: "I don't have to be perfect - I just have to try."
Mindfulness and presence after kindergarten
The afternoon is a time for regeneration. It is worth creating a space where the child can "unpack emotions" - through conversation, playing together, silence, cuddling. A child who meets a calm and attentive parent after a difficult day, regains balance more quickly.
Involving your child in daily preparations
Regardless of age, a child should be an active participant in the preparations for kindergarten. Joint packing of school supplies, choosing a backpack, planning the afternoon rhythm or talking about what will change – these are specific actions that strengthen the sense of influence and help to accustom changes. With older children, it is worth using moments in which they can act as “experts” – for example, supporting younger siblings or co-creating the rules of the day.
Time – also for yourself as a parent
Parents also experience this moment – regardless of whether it is their child’s first September or another year in kindergarten. It is worth allowing yourself to be emotional, seeking support, using the knowledge of teachers and not striving for perfection. A calm, supportive adult is the greatest resource a child can have by their side.
Emotional kit it doesn't have a label, you can't sign it and put it in a backpack, but its presence in a child's daily life makes a real difference. An attentive, supportive and present adult allows for a calm and confident entry into the preschool world.
Private Kindergarten Kit – Summary
IN a layette for a private kindergarten one element is most important: adaptation to the needs of the child and the facility's program. At Pomarańczowa Ciuchcia, each layette is discussed with parents, and our teams help to choose everything so that the child felt confident, comfortable and safe. We encourage you to treat the completion of the layette as joint preparation for the great change – it's a great time to talk, shop with your little one and get used to the new stage. And if you want your child to learn in bilingual kindergarten full of passion, care and commitment – the Orange Train is waiting with open doors!
AUTHOR:
Joanna Goc-Matyskiel
teacher, Positive Discipline educator, TUS and critical thinking trainer
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