When Should You Close Your Preschool for Holidays? A Guide for Preschool Directors

Running a preschool involves many decisions, and one of the most important is determining when to close for holidays. Balancing the needs of your staff, the children, and their families, while keeping your school’s academic schedule on track, can be tricky. In this blog, we’ll explore how to choose the best times to close your preschool for holidays to ensure everyone gets the break they need while maintaining a smooth flow for the school year.

 

Major Holidays to Consider Closing

 

While each preschool has its own calendar and may follow local school systems, there are a few major holidays that most preschools should consider closing for:

 

1. Thanksgiving Break (November)

A mid-November break is ideal for both students and teachers, especially as the fall semester starts to feel long. This break allows teachers to recharge before the busy holiday season, and it also gives students time to rest after a few months of intense learning. A week-long break around Thanksgiving allows for family bonding and travel while giving everyone a much-needed rest after the busy fall season.

2. Winter Break (December – January)

Winter break, usually starting around mid-December and extending into the first week of January, is crucial for recharging after the longest stretch of the academic year. It gives everyone time to celebrate the holidays, travel, and prepare for the new year. Typically, a 2-3 week break ensures teachers have adequate time to rest, and it helps students avoid burnout during winter months.

3. Spring Break (March – April)

A spring break in March or April is a great way to offer a mid-year pause. Consider aligning your preschool’s spring break with local school districts to make it easier for families with children in both preschool and higher grades. A week off at this time is ideal for both teachers and students to reset and return refreshed.

4. Summer Break (July – August)

Some preschools follow the academic calendar and close for the summer, while others stay open year-round. If you do offer a summer break, consider closing for a few weeks in July or August to allow both teachers and students to rest before the start of the new school year.

 

Additional Holidays to Consider

 

Beyond major holidays, you may also want to close for shorter breaks, including:

 

• Labor Day (First Monday in September)

• Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)

• Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January)

 

Make the Most of Your Holiday Weeks with Lil Dreamers Dream Big

 

Before your students head out for holiday breaks, don’t forget to make the most of the time leading up to those breaks with Lil Dreamers Dream Big’s FREE holiday-themed downloads! These resources are perfect for engaging students in festive activities right before Thanksgiving, winter, or spring break. Whether it’s crafts, songs, or themed lesson plans, our downloads are designed to keep your students excited and learning in the days before the holiday break.

 

Tip: Be sure to use these activities as a fun wrap-up before students head off. Not only will it help them transition smoothly into their time away, but it’ll also keep the classroom atmosphere lively and productive, even as the break approaches.

 

How to Decide When to Close

 

Here are some tips to help you decide when to close your preschool for holidays:

 

1. Align with Local School Calendars

2. Survey Parents and Staff

3. Consider Staff Needs

4. Plan for Professional Development Days

 

How Lil Dreamers Dream Big Can Help You Stress Less

 

If you want to reduce the stress of planning around holidays and breaks, Lil Dreamers Dream Big offers a curriculum that’s easy to implement, even during shorter weeks or holidays. With ready-made lesson plans and resources, you’ll have everything you need to keep your classroom engaging, no matter the season.

 

Conclusion

Taking breaks is essential for everyone—children, teachers, and parents alike. By thoughtfully planning your holiday closures, you can provide a balanced schedule that keeps everyone happy and rested throughout the year. Don’t forget to use resources like Lil Dreamers Dream Big to ensure your classroom is running smoothly, even with holiday disruptions.