Transitioning your child into child care can be challenging for children and their families. We as human beings tend to get nervous when we encounter something new and unknown.
As a Reggio-inspired high-quality childcare center, Bambini has put more thought into the process of transitioning children to a new daycare center. We understand the importance of helping children and families feel comfortable during this process.
Today we share nine tips to help ease anxiety and make this exciting transition as smooth as possible.
SELECT YOUR CHILD CARE PROGRAM AT LEAST ONE MONTH BEFORE CHILD CARE IS ACTUALLY NEEDED
Ideally, you will have selected a child care program at least one month before child care is actually required. Adjusting to a new program takes time. Allowing yourself and your child adequate time to adjust is essential.
READ AND FILL OUT ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS (AND SEND THEM AHEAD)
When you enroll in a child care program, the center will provide you with an enrollment handbook (containing all child care policies) and an enrollment form.
It is essential that you read the manual in its entirety and complete the registration documents as soon as possible. High-quality, child-centered, Reggio-inspired child care programs like Bambini rely on registration forms to help children adjust to the program.
These forms are also used to help plan activities that are of interest to the child. For example, if Sam loves trains (and this is indicated on his enrollment forms), educators will make an effort to have materials such as trains and train books in the room for Sam's initial visits to the center. Hopefully, adding trains to the environment will catch Sam's interest and make him more comfortable with the environment.
PLAN A FEW VISITS TO THE PROGRAM AND TO YOUR CHILD'S ROOM.
The best way to get comfortable with your new childcare environment is to make several visits to the center. By visiting at different times of the day, you and your child will become familiar with:
- the educators who will work with your child
- the actual room and available materials
- the room routines
- the other children and families
During your visits, you will want to establish a friendly and trusting relationship with the educators. Greet educators by name and ask questions about the room. If your child sees you conversing comfortably with educators, he or she will also be more likely to trust and feel safe with educators.
DEFER TO EDUCATORS
During your visits to the program, delegate as much as possible to educators. For example, if your child asks if she can draw a picture, you can gently let her know that she needs to ask the educator. Even if you know the educator would say yes, it is important that your child feels comfortable expressing her needs and wants to educators.
TALK ABOUT THE NEW NURSERY AT HOME
When you're home, talk about the new daycare with your child. Include the names of educators and children in your conversations. Talk about the toys, the playground, and any other observations with your child. For example, if you were Sam's father (from the example above), you could talk to Sam about the trains he saw in the room and remind them how much fun it was to play with those trains.
WALK OR DRIVE THROUGH THE NEW CHILD CARE CENTER
Take a few excursions to drive or walk around downtown. Excitedly announce/remind your child that this is their new child care center. Hopefully, this subtle reminder will encourage them to come back for another visit.
ASK THE PRINCIPAL IF THERE ARE ADDITIONAL MATERIALS THAT MAY HELP YOUR CHILD ADJUST TO THE NEW PROGRAM
The child care center may have specific materials or resources to help a child transition into the program. Be sure to ask her if she needs anything to make her first few days at daycare a success.
Here at Bambini, our Reggio-inspired program offers a complete welcome package for new families that includes important items like:
- A welcome letter with the name of the child's room and the names of the educators on the letter; this letter also lists what to bring for your child's first day
- The room routine
- Articles on how we guide behavior, foster creativity, foster emotional intelligence, and document learning
SUPPORT BUT TRUST YOUR CHILD'S FIRST DAY
On your child's first day, keep the delivery time short but loving. Hug/kiss your child, tell them you are going to work/school/run errands, and tell them you will pick them up later that day (if not you, say who will pick them up). Remind them that their educator (use name) will be with them during the day and that they will be there to help them. Give another hug/kiss and then confidently walk away.
Try not to hesitate or delay. Even if it's emotional, avoid crying. It is important that you convey that you trust educators because your trust will help your child feel safe.
TALK TO YOUR CHILD ABOUT THEIR DAY
When you return to pick up your child, talk with the educator and your child about their day. Continue those conversations at home. Remind them of toys they enjoyed, foods they ate, or friends they made.
At Bambini, we know that your child's transition to a new child care center can be very stressful. However, we know that with support, some time, and intentional planning, your child will eventually adjust to their new child care program.
Bambini Learning Group is a Reggio-inspired holistic child care program located in Edmonton, Alberta. His vision is to inspire families to live healthier and more meaningful lives. Through innovative, holistic, and supportive resources, Bambini is helping children live the authentic childhood they deserve. New locations coming soon! Contact Bambini to learn more about their unique and holistic child care program at info@bambinigroup.com or book a visit to see Bambini for yourself.
