Rough First day drop off

Today was my 3.5 yr old’s first day of Jk (Canada). He has been in daycare since he was 18m and normally had no issue with drop-offs and is excited to go.

I have been talking up “big-boy” school as much as I could all summer, read books about kindergarten and went to check out the playground there a few times. He only knows two girls there who were also at this daycare.

I definitely expected some tears and hesitation since he can be attached to me when he’s not comfortable somewhere but it was really rough.

I was only supposed to leave him at the front door but ended walking him into the class and then the playground because he was clinging to me and would run after me if i managed to let go. The teacher that was trying to take him in was a bit young. Finally one of the older teaches had to physically grab and restrain him and i left. I feel like I failed him in not preparing properly. I know i definitely shouldn’t have gone in but i didnt know what else to do at the time. (I usually just do a super quick goodbye and walk away at daycare but he would not let go of me)

I snuck a look at him in the playground after and he looked fine playing with the two girls. But I’m nervous how long drop offs will be like this. What can do i do today when i pick him up and tomorrow to make this go smoother? :(