Preparing Your Child for Childcare
Starting childcare can be a big adjustment for both you and your child but there are ways to help your child prepare and get used to their new routine quickly. Your child will generally follow your lead, so even if you feel nervous about the change try not to show that and always speak positively about this new exciting phase. For example, you could talk about all the new friends they will make and the exciting activities they will get to experience.
From a practical point of view, you’ll need to make sure your child is up to date with their immunisations and ensure you know what to bring to your childcare centre each day. Most centres will ask you to bring breast milk or formula milk (if required), spare sets of clothing in case of mess, and items like beanies or jackets to allow for weather changes and any security/comfort items for your child. If you need to get up and ready earlier than you currently do, try and do this for a few weeks beforehand to get your child used to the new timings. If your child is younger and still having naps in the day, childcare centres should try and follow your home routine as best they can.
Lastly, when dropping your child off, it is always best to keep your “good-bye” quick (don’t linger!) and to let your child know you will be back later in the day to collect them.
Reach Out to Your Childcare Provider for Advice
Childcare centres are used to helping children adjust and they will most likely have their own tips and will work with you and your child to help them adjust, so don’t feel worried about asking them for help. Childcare centres should also offer orientation sessions to help your child get acquainted with their new environment. These sessions are usually an hour in duration, and you’ll be required to remain on the premises during your child’s orientation. During these sessions your child will be able to join in activities and meet other children if they wish, but it’s also quite alright if they wish to sit back and watch as they adapt to their new environment. Experience has shown that 2-4 of these orientation sessions is generally sufficient before commencing care.
How to Deal with Dropping Your Child off
When a child commences their early learning journey, it is quite common for children to get upset on drop-off. Separation anxiety is normal – it’s your childs’ way of showing how much they’ll miss you.But as a parent it can be really hard to see your child upset. Here are some helpful tips to make it a smoother transition:
Ensure you avail of your centres Orientation sessions before your child commences. These are a great way to prepare your child and allow them to start building familiarity and trust with their educators and for your child to start getting used to their new environment.
Talk to your child about starting childcare or Kinder and all the exciting things they will get to do. Being positive about this new experience, helps children to also see this change as positive.
Your child will be looking to you for your response to the new environment. Remain calm if your child is upset & don’t ignore your child’s distress – validate their feelings “it’s ok to feel sad but you’ll be ok” and reassure them you’ll be back later to pick them up.
It is very important to always say “good-bye” to your child as this builds trust, even though it may be tempting to quietly slip out the door. Try and keep the “good-bye” short as long good-byes can make children more upset.
The good news is that, in most cases, children settle fairly quickly once the “good-bye” has been said, as they start to settle into the routine of their room.
Want to learn more about the Little Learners Orientation Program? Book a tour today by contacting our team here.
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