Most parents find it difficult to ensure that their child is socially, emotionally and physically ready for childcare. You’ve already done your research and selected a facility that meets the needs of your family and child, offers a childcare approach that fits your parenting style and has enough experience to make you feel confident in your choice. It can be difficult to know how best to prepare your child for such a big change. Below are some ideas.
Our list of tips will make the transition to childcare much easier.
1. Visit your new centre with your child
Select a date when both you and your child will be able to visit the centre. Take the time to familiarize your child with all the staff members he will be interacting with daily. Play with toys and become comfortable with the atmosphere. You can do this trial run more than once, if possible before your child starts full-time. Many centres provide a formal transition from 2 weeks up to a month before your child begins full-time.
2. Discuss childcare with your children
Start talking to your child about childcare, whether they are an infant, toddler, or preschooler. Look for books or shows about children who attend childcare centres. Make sure to emphasize that school can be a fun place to learn. Play school with your children at home and get them used to the idea.
3. Experiences outside the home
Your child may be comfortable with the care of grandparents or family friends in your home. However, they might feel differently if you place them in an unfamiliar setting. As a means to develop independence, expose your child to non-parent caregivers for a few short visits.
4. Drop-offs can take a long time.
When you first drop off your child at the new centre, allow yourself 20-30 minutes more than you thought necessary. You and your child may find it difficult to separate during the transition until you both get used to your routine. This is completely normal! We heard from one of our Centers that during a transitional period when a mother was struggling, she found it comforting to check in with HiMama. The staff at the centre saw that even though her child had been upset when she dropped her off, within minutes, her child began playing happily with other children. The staff at the centre snapped a photo of the children playing in parallel to assure the parents that everything was going smoothly.
5. Ease into it
To ease the transition, you can start your child on a few days of care per week instead of a full week. Start your child with just a few days before moving to full-time care. This will help them feel less overwhelmed. You should try to get your child in child care as soon as you return to work if you are on parental leave. Your first day at work should not coincide with the day your child starts childcare. Make sure your child has settled into the routine of child care before you return to work.
6. Make sure your child is equipped with the right supplies
Set up your child for success! You can find a packing checklist at most centres to ensure that your child has the right supplies. (Extra clothes, shoes, outdoor equipment, etc!) Sending your child’s favourite items from home, whether it is a blanket, toy or snack, can make them feel at home. If meals are provided, check with the centre staff to see if bringing snacks is allowed. Label all personal items with your child’s name.
7. Celebrate time with your child without the need for childcare
Think of fun family activities that you can do together, and then have your child bring them to the child care centre on Monday as a story! You could go to the park or an indoor playground. Or you can explore your neighbourhood on foot. This will give your child something to celebrate and look forward to when they return to daycare.
Be kind to yourself. It’s never easy to separate from your child, and transitions are no exception. You can be assured that many staff members have years of experience in childcare transitions and will help you. You can be sad at first, but you will hopefully become happy once you see the fun activities and new relationships your child experiences in their new childcare centre.
