Parents are required to introduce their child to the Centre gradually to make a child feel safe and secure. This also provides the parents with the opportunity to better acquaint themselves with the staff and program.
Some children experience a lot of difficulties in their adjustment to day care. The following shows an outline of the gradual entry and all the considerations in this important issue:
Day 1: Child joins the daycare for 2 hours 9:00 a.m-11:00a.m. Parent remains with child
Day 2: Child joins the daycare for 2 hours 9:00a.m.-11:00a.m. Parent does not need to stay.
Day 3: Child stays for lunch time 9:00a.m.-12:30p.m. Parent does not need to stay. Parents returns after lunchtime to take the child home.
Day 4: The parent brings in and picks up their child after nap time between 3:00pm and 4:00pm.
What you need to know for entry
- First day practice
Since children haven’t experienced separation and being away from their parents before, they might be nervous and start crying on the first day. Parents need to spend some time with them on the first day to introduce them new environment and people. By this way, children will feel comfort and they will trust daycare providers.
- Routine practice
Parents’ verbal explanation about daycare drop-off will help children to familiarize with this new experience. As an example, mother can say “Mommy will come with you to the daycare, , have a hug, then say goodbye and Mommy will go.” These simple explanations make a child ready to know of what is expecting her and her brain will process all the steps. It is highly important for parents to stick on a routine to drop and pick up a child.
- Comfort items
It is usual that children carry some items or toys for example Teddy bear to daycare and carry it in the new environment. These items are completely welcome by our center. As the security and trust are attained by the child and consequently their confidence increase, gradually they don’t carry the item anymore.
- Hard Day
The second day is the hardest day both for parents and children because it is the time that a child experiences being away from home without her parents. It is better reminding them you will come back soon to pick them up and make them assure you will come back to pick up them.
- Rapport
Children are likely to feel comfort in a place that their parents feel relaxed and have a good connection with the people who are there. In addition, they mostly follow their parents and model them in their relationship. As a result, parents need to establish rapport with daycare and people working there. It helps children to trust and feel relaxed in the daycare.
- Release stress
The first days and weeks of daycare are so stressful both for kids and parents. It is recommenced to be patient and try to release stress by having some group activities at night. Try to have some family activities in order to play, have fun, and transfer emotion. It can be helpful in this hard time of transition.
- Parents instincts
Since parents know their children better than anyone. Don’t hesitate to make suggestions, ask questions and check in during the day. It can be helpful for daycare providers to know and support your child better.