Page 11 - Education Supplement February 2026

Easing First Day Ji‹ers: International
Education
Dibber’s Guide To A Smooth Start For Preschoolers

As children are se ling in in this new school year, the team at Dibber International Education reminds families
that emotional adjustment ma ers just as much as daily routines.
While many young children are stepping confidently into their days, others may still be finding their rhythm.
Excitement and curiosity can sit alongside uncertainty - especially for toddlers and preschoolers navigating a
structured learning environment for the first time.

“School transitions are big milestones in a young At Dibber, educators partner closely with parents
child's life. They bring a range of feelings – from and caregivers to ensure children experience the
curiosity and joy to nervousness and uncertainty,” same sense of safety and care at home and at school.
says Ursula Assis, Country Director at Dibber This collaborative approach, led by their Engaged
International Education in South Africa. “By o ering Educators™, is central to how they support each
children consistent routines, open conversations, and child's holistic development.
gentle preparation, we lay the emotional foundation
they need to walk into school with confidence.” When children see adults in their lives working
together, they feel safe and secure. They know
At Dibber, educators view the transition into a new year they are supported from all sides," says Assis
as a moment of connection – a chance to honour each
child's emotions, while also equipping them with tools Storytelling And Play
to adapt and thrive. One of the most powerful ways to Storytelling can also be a powerful preparation tool.
ease this transition is through routine. After the relaxed Reading books about starting school or inventing
pace of the holidays, families are encouraged to gently your own story where your child is the hero can
reintroduce familiar rhythms such as earlier bedtimes, ease anxiety. And above all, never underestimate
regular mealtimes, and quiet evening play. These small the power of play.
steps help children feel safe and ready for the
day-to-day structure of preschool life. “Pretend play at home – from packing a snack to
role-playing as the teacher – transforms the unknown
“Children thrive on predictability,” explains Assis. into the familiar. Play is how children practice life. It
“Something as simple as brushing their teeth at the gives them a sense of control and excitement,” adds
same time every night or si†ing together for breakfast Assis.
each morning helps them feel anchored as they
prepare for change.” Now that families are back into the flow of the school
year, Dibber encourages parents and caregivers to
Communication Is Key remember that connection ma†ers more than
Dibber encourages parents to listen a†entively to their perfection. With consistency, play, and open-hearted Dibber’s Global Presence
child's thoughts and feelings, no ma†er how small or teamwork, everyday school life can become a place
silly they seem. Young children often express their where children feel safe, seen, and ready to grow and Founded in Norway in 2003, Dibber now has an established network of over 600
worries indirectly – through behaviour or play – and thrive. preschools and schools across 9 countries in Scandinavia, the Baltics, Central Europe,
o ering empathy in return can go a long way.
“At Dibber, we believe every child deserves a warm, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. They ensure their children receive equal opportunities
“Speak to your child in your home language – whether secure start. That's why our educators walk by fostering a deep love for learning and a sense of social responsibility, while also
it's English, isiZulu, Afrikaans, or Sesotho,” highlights hand-in-hand with families to make each new chapter helping them learn the skills to thrive in an ever evolving and interconnected world.
Assis. “Familiar words feel comforting. When children as smooth and meaningful as possible,” concludes
feel heard, their emotional load lightens, and their Assis.
confidence grows.” 600+ 09 45K+ 17+
Preschools & Countries Children Units in South Africa
Celebrate Small Wins To learn more about Dibber International Education's
To strengthen that confidence, Dibber recommends approach to emotional readiness and play-based Schools Globally Nurtured Daily and Expanding
celebrating small wins – from remembering to greet a learning, visit your nearest Dibber preschool or
friend to helping pack their own bag. These moments connect with the team at www.dibber.co.za.
build emotional resilience and a sense of pride, which
are essential when navigating unfamiliar environments.