Inspire & Play offers key tips that will help your child settle into childcare.
When your child first begins their childcare journey, it is both a daunting but exciting milestone for not only your child but your whole family. It is normal to feel uneasy about your first time being separated from your child. Because of this, Inspire and Play have compiled a few key tips and tricks to help make the transition process easier for everyone.
Make Sure You Communicate:
Communication is key, speak to your child before sending them to their first day of care. This is going to be an exciting experience for your child so treat it as such. A great way to do this is to mention all the fun and exciting activities they will get to do and the friends they will make. During this time, it is important to stay positive and view childcare for what it is, a fun, safe and loving environment.
Prepare them for the Separation:
A common issue that usually arises when children start childcare is separation anxiety. To make this transition easier for you and your child start taking small steps to prepare them for the separation.
A few things you can do:
- Leave your child for a few hours with either their grandparents or your friends, to make your absence less daunting.
- Organise a playdate for you and your child. This will allow them to acclimate to the centre whilst you are still with them.
- Give your child sufficient time to say their goodbyes, don’t be afraid to come to the centre a little earlier than planned to allow them that extra time with you.
Start Building Connections
Don’t be afraid to visit the centre with your child a few times before their scheduled start date. We can organise a playdate for you and your child to allow them to acclimate to the centre whilst you are still with them.
This is a great way for your child to become familiar with the new learning environment and meet the current centre children and educators.
Goodbyes Become Easier
Once these simple steps have been followed, goodbyes will become easier. Not only will your child feel more prepared but also excited to begin their early learning journey. Remember to be confident when saying your goodbyes, reassure your child that you will be back soon, and leave them in our safe and nurturing educators’ hands. Consider giving your child a comfort item from home, helping make the centre seem a little less foreign to your child.
At your local Inspire & Play Early Learning Centre, we take pride in giving children everything they need to be able to thrive, learn and grow in the early stages of life.
