Preschool Calendar Template

Download a free preschool calendar template to plan your school year

A preschool calendar template is a structured document designed to help early education programs effectively plan and communicate their annual schedule. It allows directors and teachers to map out holidays, special events, curriculum themes, and administrative deadlines in a single, shareable document for families and staff.

How to use a preschool calendar template

Using a template simplifies the complex task of annual planning. Start by inputting fixed dates like holidays and school closures. Next, layer in community events, parent-teacher conferences, and seasonal celebrations. Finally, share this calendar digitally or in print to ensure families stay informed and engaged throughout the year.

Why you need a school year calendar for families

A well-planned calendar is essential for building trust and transparency with families. It moves beyond simple scheduling to become a core communication tool for your program.

• Boosts family engagement: When families know about events and activities months in advance, attendance and participation rates increase.
• Improves organization: Centralizing all dates prevents scheduling conflicts and ensures staff are aligned on upcoming responsibilities.
• Sets expectations: Clearly marking closure dates and payment deadlines helps families plan ahead, reducing confusion and missed payments.
• Showcases professionalism: A polished, comprehensive calendar demonstrates that your program is organized and thoughtful about the family experience.

What to include in your preschool calendar

To get the most out of your preschool calendar template, ensure you include these key elements:

1. Holidays and closures: Clearly mark all federal holidays, winter/spring breaks, and staff development days where the program will be closed.
2. Special events: Highlight community-building events like open houses, graduations, and holiday performances.
3. Curriculum themes: Briefly note monthly themes (e.g., "Under the Sea" or "Community Helpers") so families can reinforce learning at home.
4. Administrative deadlines: Remind families of enrollment periods, tuition due dates, and form submission deadlines.
5. Volunteer opportunities: Flag dates where parent volunteers are needed to encourage early sign-ups.

Frequently asked questions

Q: How far in advance should I plan my preschool calendar?
A: It is best practice to finalize your core academic calendar (start/end dates and closures) at least three to six months before the new school year begins.

Q: What is the best format for sharing a calendar with families?
A: While a printable PDF is useful for refrigerators, sharing a digital version via a family engagement app like brightwheel ensures families always have access to the most up-to-date information.

After downloading this preschool calendar template, explore other early education resources that promote child development:

• Daily Lesson Plan Template
• Activities Across Developmental Domains
• First Day of School Checklist for New Families
• Toddler Daily Sheet
• Preschool Daily Sheet