Some parents get incredibly stressed out this time of year when they hear back from preschools about the fall. Yes, it’s our children’s first learning experience, and yes, we know 0 to 6 years is critical. But, when I read this advice sent by SavvySource about hat to do if your child does not “get in” to your first choice preschool, I thought it was a bit over the top.

When we were wait-listed at our first choice, we found another preschool pretty easily. And space opened up at our first choice in the summer. We eventually ended up at the school we wanted.

Here are tips according to SavvySource: (Do they seem a little a much?)

 If your child is waitlisted, take action right away.

Step 1: Write a friendly letter in which you:
• Express your disappointment.
• Explain in simple, clear terms why the preschool is such a great fit for your child.
• Explain clearly why other preschools will not be a good fit for your child.
• End with a simple statement about the one or two most impressive quality indicators that put the school at the top of your list.
• Grovel. Express directly the hope that your child will be admitted if a slot opens for any reason at any time.

Step 2: Call or visit the director’s office - make sure you actually speak to the director.
• The phone call is best made the day you get the “no” letter or soon thereafter.
• It’s also very appropriate to mention that you intend to contribute to the school in specific, helpful ways, if true.
• Talk to the director once, send your letter, and then give it a rest. More calls right away may backfire (what director wants that parent in the preschool?).

Step 3: Ask a friend with children in the preschool to call to the director on your child’s behalf.
• The theme: “This child and family are so awesome that we can’t allow them not to be admitted!” If you don’t have friends at the preschool, don’t sweat it. Polite persistence and knowledge of how well the preschool fits your child’s needs may win out.

Step 4: Follow up at the right times.
• An immediate barrage of phone calls may backfire, especially if you are not high on the ultra-politely-assertive scale.
• If you hear nothing for a few weeks, it’s OK to follow up with a quick check to say you are still interested.
• Halfway through the summer and again at the end of summer, check in again.
• Remember, if you cross the line between assertive and annoying/aggressive, you may lose out. But it’s better to try and fail than not try at all.