It’s their first day of school today, but on Monday, East Heights Early Childhood Family Center opened its doors for an open house. Administrators know it takes awhile for kids to get used to new surroundings.

“Going off to preschool is a big endeavor for young children, so we just want to make sure that we really have created those connections between school and home,” Principal Cris Anderson said. “It’s a special time to come and see where they’re going to be spending their day.”

Dropping off your child for the first time isn’t easy.

“Very typical parent reaction, no matter if it’s your first one or your last one. Sending a child off to preschool is always kind of an anxious time,” Anderson said.

Especially when it’s your first and only.

“I’m going to cry,” said Elizabeth McKay, a Lawrence resident whose 4-year-old son Hunter is starting school for the first time. “I don’t want him to go to school.”

Steve Craven, a Lawrence resident with two children, ages 8 and 4, said the second time wasn’t as rough.

“(The) first time was a little difficult, but it wasn’t terrible. I’ve seen parents that look a lot more upset than their children are,” he said.

And now he takes advantage of the time he has when he isn’t chasing his kids.

“It has it’s moments when I’m like, ‘OK, now I have a few minutes. I got to get everything done now,'” Craven said.

Even though it might be hard to say goodbye for a few hours, parents realize the benefits of early education.

“I want him to be able to succeed further in life than I was able to succeed,” McKay said.

Craven’s son was enrolled in the school’s summer program and is looking forward to even more learning in the fall.

“I could just tell that I think that he would really benefit from the program,” he said.

And how will their kids react their first day?

“He’s going to cry because he’s a momma’s boy,” McKay said.

Craven doesn’t think his son will do the same. “He’s going to hit the parking lot at a run to get in here,” he said.

East Heights already has full classrooms at every level, both pre-K and kindergarten. The center takes between 14 and 16 per class and has waiting lists available.