Preparing for School and Growing Independence
Preschoolers (4-6)
Navigate the exciting preschool years while building confidence and independence in T1D management. Your child is learning so much about themselves and their diabetes.
Pre-K & Kindergarten Ready
Setting up your child for school success
- •Creating school care plans and 504 accommodations
- •Training teachers and school staff
- •Lunchroom management and snack protocols
- •Field trip and activity considerations
- •Building independence in self-advocacy
Learning About T1D
Age-appropriate diabetes education
- •Simple explanations of blood sugar and insulin
- •Teaching finger stick cooperation
- •Understanding 'high' and 'low' feelings
- •Books and resources for preschoolers
- •Making T1D management fun and engaging
Play & Activities
Keeping active while managing blood sugar
- •Playground safety with CGMs and pumps
- •Managing blood sugar during active play
- •Sports and activity participation
- •Playdate preparation and communication
- •Swimming and water activity guidelines
Social Development
Building friendships and social skills
- •Explaining T1D to friends and classmates
- •Birthday party and celebration strategies
- •Sleepover preparation and safety
- •Building confidence and self-esteem
- •Dealing with questions from other children
Emotional Growth
Supporting emotional development
- •Managing frustration with T1D tasks
- •Building resilience and coping skills
- •Celebrating T1D management successes
- •Addressing fears and anxieties
- •Encouraging emotional expression
Safety & Independence
Building skills while staying safe
- •Teaching basic T1D safety rules
- •Recognizing and communicating symptoms
- •Building routine and responsibility
- •Emergency preparedness for young children
- •Gradual independence in T1D tasks