Updated 7 August 2026
Starting preschool is one of the biggest transitions in a young child’s life – and a big day for you as parents. With us in Kista and Hässelby, we want the first weeks to be marked by calm, warmth and trust, so that every child can land in their new everyday life at their own pace.
How settling in works with us
The first period at preschool is often called the introduction, or ”inskolning” in Swedish. According to the Swedish National Agency for Education, it usually means that you as a parent or guardian stay with your child for the first days, after which the child gradually gets used to being at preschool on their own. How long it takes varies from child to child – and that is exactly as it should be.
We apply a short settling-in model, and most children find their footing within a few days with a parent close by. But the model never matters more than the child: if it goes quickly, we move on to everyday life, and if your child needs more time, that time is there. We set the pace together with you – day by day, at drop-off and pick-up. The model is similar to what is often called parent-active settling in: you take part in the middle of everything – playing, eating and singing with us – rather than sitting on the side watching. Here is what the first days can look like:
You are here together. We get to know each other at a calm pace – play, songs and a first look at everything exciting.
Your child tries short moments on their own while you stay close. Security slowly moves from your arms to ours.
Everyday life takes shape at your child’s pace. We check in every day and gladly extend if your child needs more time.
Whether it takes three days or two weeks, the goal is the same: security that holds when you leave. That is what everything else is built on.
Security first – everything else follows
The preschool curriculum, Lpfö 18, describes preschool as a living social community that provides security as well as the will and desire to learn. That is why we place so much weight on the relationship between your child and our teachers during settling in.
When a child knows there is a safe embrace to return to, they dare to explore, play and form new friendships – in all of their languages.
And we do it together with you. The curriculum is clear that preschool should work closely and trustfully with parents, and during settling in you are our most important resource – you know your child best. We always start with a conversation about your child’s habits, needs and languages, and during the first weeks we check in every day. That way Swedish and English, the songs and the routines, quickly become familiar instead of new.
And what can you do yourselves to give your child the best possible start? More than you might think.
Our best tips for the start
- Talk about preschool at home in a positive, everyday way – it builds anticipation instead of worry.
- Keep the days short at the beginning, if you have the possibility.
- Always say goodbye to your child – even when it feels easier to slip away. A clear goodbye builds trust.
- A few tears at drop-off are completely normal – and usually pass within minutes.
Still choosing a preschool? Read our guide Choosing the Right Preschool – and do book a visit in Kista or Hässelby. A warm welcome – we look forward to getting to know you!
Further reading
About preschool – Utbildningsguiden (Swedish National Agency for Education)
Curriculum for the Preschool, Lpfö 18 – Swedish National Agency for Education
This article was translated from the Swedish original with the help of AI.
More from the blog: Mealtimes at preschool · Play as the foundation · Our preschool in Hässelby
Would you like to see for yourself?
Come and visit us – we will show you around, introduce our teachers and answer any questions you have.
