Successful Settling In At Daycare Tips For Parents And Providers
The first day at day care is a big one for all concerned mum, child and carer. It is exciting and terrifying at the same time. Here are a few tips on how best to prepare all of you for the big day and help make that transition a smooth one.
Mom Start gently preparing your child in advance mentioning what a great adventure day care will be with lots of friends and games. Keep it low key though do not overdo it as this could overwhelm your child. Provider You could provide mom with first names of children and carers at the day care and suggest role playing with dolls so everything is not completely strange on that first day. Mom should try to foster independence in the weeks preceding with visits to friends, washing own hands etc and providers should be sure to encourage mom and child to visit the day care a couple of times before starting allowing the child to absorb the environment.
Mom should be sure to have everything packed for the day e.g. snacks, change of clothes, comfort toys and ensure everything is labelled. Be sure and have monies paid and forms completed before the big day so you are not distracted by these tasks. Have lots of time to get ready the morning of the big day with a good breakfast and some chat about the great adventure ahead. Carers should have an extra person on hand when a new child is starting so that one person can focus on distracting and comforting the new child. It is also advisable to have the child start at a time when everyone is settled into their morning activities I wouldn't recommend first thing in the morning when the flurry of activity would be upsetting for the new child.
Allow the child to help pack his bag and carry it. When you arrive at the day care walk your child in holding his hand, do not carry him. Providers should insist on this therefore avoiding the peeling child off the parent scenario.
All day cares should have a settling in period where the child will stay for gradually longer periods of time. Facilitate the moms so they can be around but discourage too much mom involvement. This is where mom needs to take a back seat and observe rather than interact. Provide one on one support for the child. He may just want to sit and observe for a while eventually venturing into a group to participate or play alone with a toy. Let him go at his own pace. When mom leaves, distract him immediately ushering him off to some exciting activity.
Mom,the first day of settling in you will probably stay in the room, allowing your child to do his own thing but remaining in sight. Gauge his reactions perhaps stepping out of the room momentarily explaining that you are making a phone call and are just in the hall. Allow the staff to distract your child and observe from a distance (obviously, do not let him see you). When the time comes for you to sit in the car or go for a coffee say, bye mom will see you later, positively with a quick kiss and leave the room. If your child cries do not look back, remember, once you are out of sight the child will stop crying shortly and will be distracted by play and activities.
It is very important to establish this drop off routine from day one. Firm and consistent is key with children. Communication and understanding between parents and providers will make for a smooth and enjoyable transition for the child. Now, moms, enjoy your cup of coffee in peace!!!
Fiona Lohrenz has 10 years experience running a day care and has launched a child care website directed at providers and parents. She has also produced a 'Start a ChildCare Business' DVD guide. Fiona can be reached at her website:
www.childcareonly.com/products/start-a-child-care-business-in-the-usa/
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