Helping Children Ease into Summer with Structure, Comfort, and Joy

Summer brings sunshine, adventure, and plenty of growth opportunities, but it can also introduce changes that feel overwhelming to young children. In this post, we’ll share how parents and educators can support preschoolers as they transition into the summer season using developmentally appropriate strategies. We’ll also highlight how ABC Ault’s summer programs provide just the right balance of structure and fun, and how families can enroll in our free preschool and summer camp options today.

Why Seasonal Transitions Matter in Early Childhood

For children between the ages of 2 and 5, consistency and routine help them feel secure. Shifting from a structured school-year routine into a more flexible summer schedule can sometimes lead to challenges with regulation, sleep, or separation anxiety. Recognizing and supporting these needs early helps set the stage for emotional resilience and confident exploration.

At ABC Ault, we view transitions as powerful teaching moments, chances to model flexibility, prepare children with tools they can use, and keep the joy of learning alive, even when the calendar changes.

Practical Ways to Prepare Preschoolers for Summer

Here are a few teacher-tested strategies that we recommend and practice at our center:

1. Use Visual Schedules

Young children are concrete thinkers. Visual schedules help them understand what’s happening next, even when routines shift.

• Use pictures or icons to represent activities like snack time, outside play, and quiet time.
• Review the schedule together in the morning.
• Celebrate consistency (“We go outside after snack every day!”).

Pro Tip: You can use this method at home to prep for vacations, summer camp days, or even weekend events.

2. Introduce Calming Routines

Transitions often heighten emotions. A consistent calming routine can ease anxiety during these changes.

• Practice deep breathing or gentle yoga.
• Create a “calm corner” with books, pillows, and soft music.
• Use routine songs (e.g., “Clean-up Time”) to cue what comes next.

Teacher Insight: These habits not only reduce stress, they also build essential self-regulation skills that children carry with them into kindergarten and beyond.

3. Bring Summer Into Learning

Summer-themed lessons keep children engaged and excited while reinforcing academic and social-emotional skills.

Here are a few classroom favorites:

• Water Science: Floating and sinking experiments
• Garden Math: Counting seeds and measuring plant growth
• Nature Art: Painting with leaves or making sun prints

These activities are perfect for families who want to continue learning at home through play, and they’re a core part of ABC Ault’s play-based summer curriculum.

How ABC Ault Makes Summer Safe, Structured, and Fun

Our educators and caregivers understand the unique needs of young learners. At ABC Ault, summer doesn’t mean abandoning structure; it means reimagining it in a playful, responsive way.

Here’s how we support summer transitions:

• Consistent routines across our summer programs help children know what to expect.
• Outdoor learning offers fresh air, sensory play, and nature exploration.
• Small group sizes allow for personalized attention and strong relationships.
• Teacher-led social-emotional lessons focus on kindness, flexibility, and communication.

And for families in search of pre-k near me or free preschool in Ault, we’re proud to offer tuition-free preschool through Colorado’s Universal Preschool (UPK) initiative.

Learn more about our approach to early learning and development: Visit Our Programs Page »

Enroll Now: Summer Camp, Preschool, and Fall Programs

Summer is a perfect time to join our learning community! ABC Ault offers:

• Summer Preschool for ages 3–5 (half-day and full-day options available)
• School-Age Summer Camp with hands-on STEM, arts, and outdoor play
• Fall Enrollment for our UPK-based preschool and pre-k classrooms

Families often ask:

“What age is best to start preschool?”

We welcome children starting at age 3 and encourage families to tour our classrooms to find the right fit. Every child’s journey is different, and we’re here to guide yours.

Ready to get started? Visit our FAQs page for more information about eligibility, daily routines, and what to bring.

In Summary: Summer Success Starts with Supportive Transitions

As the season shifts, so do the needs of growing children. With a thoughtful approach that combines routine, play, and emotional support, parents and educators can help preschoolers thrive in any season.

At ABC Ault, we embrace each seasonal change as a chance to grow, and we invite your family to be part of that journey. Now enrolling for summer and fall! Learn more at ABC Ault Child Development Center »