The when, the why, and the how of attending daycare varies per kid. The transition comes with changes. The experience one may have in the facility may also have a long-lasting impact on their lives. That is why daycare preparation is important.
In most cases, the child may not have been in a similar setting before. They have only been cared for by their parents and other close relatives. Because of this, many kids experience separation anxiety. Most of the time it settles in on their first day. However, it may also happen periodically at any stage.
It is the role of parents to ensure that their kids are ready to be left in a daycare center.
Meeting the Staff
Check if the teachers and caregivers are qualified and have the right training. It may also help if you can observe how they interact with the kids. You can do these even before deciding on which facility is best for your child.
Once you finalize your decision, it would help to meet the teachers and caregivers. Get to know them if possible. That means you may need to visit the place even before your kid’s first day. Take your child with you and let them explore the area. Let them adjust to the new environment and become familiar with it. Multiple visits may help.
Spending Quality Time
Parents should discuss the transition with their kids. Make sure they are not too anxious or overly excited. It would also be best to spend some quality time with them. Read them stories. Take them with you when you shop for their lunch box or backpack. Doing some activities with them will help bridge home and daycare. It will also assure them that they will still get to spend time with you.
Creating a Routine
Developing a routine can reassure your child and give them a sense of normalcy. For example, you can start waking them up one hour before the time that they will have to go to daycare. Have breakfast with them and help them prepare for the day. You can start doing this a few weeks before their first day to help them get used to the schedule.
Ensuring Proper Communication
Children, no matter the age, can get affected by how their parents act. If you show them that you are anxious about the transition, they may also feel the same way. As part of the daycare preparation, you should also assure them that being afraid of the change is okay. At the same time, you should remind them that they can always talk to you if they have concerns. It would help to ask how their day has been and what they have done in daycare.
Choosing the Right Service
Finding a reliable child care facility can help ease daycare preparation. With experienced, well-trained, and qualified staff, your kid may be able to adjust more easily. To find out more, contact Little Steps Early Learning Center.