Successful First Day at Day Care Top Tips for Parents and Child Care Professionals
That first day at day care, play school or preschool is challenging for parent, child and provider. A scary yet exciting experience. I have compiled a few tips to help make things go a little more smoothly for all parties.
Moms and providers should try to be in contact in the weeks preceding that first day. Moms can be mentioning what a great place day care will be while carers can be encouraging mom to role play with their child by pretending to be at school.
Mom should try to foster independence in the weeks preceding with visits to friends and providing activities the child will encounter at the day care and providers should be sure to encourage mom and child to visit the day care a couple of times before starting in order to allow the child to absorb the environment.
Mom should be sure to have everything packed for the day e.g. snacks, change of clothes, comfort toys and ensure everything is labeled. Be sure and have monies paid and forms completed before the big day so you are not distracted by these tasks. Have lots of time to get ready the morning of the big day with a good breakfast and some talk about the great adventure ahead. Carers should have an extra person on hand when a new child is starting so that one person can focus on distracting and comforting the new child. It is also advisable to have the child start at a time when everyone is settled into their morning activities. I wouldn't recommend first thing in the morning when the flurry of activity could be upsetting for the new child.
Providers, insist that parents walk their child from the car to the door. Mom, allow your child to pack his own bag. When you get to the day care do not carry him, this will just make the separation all the harder. Hold his hand and walk him to the door.
Providers, your settling in routines are vital and it is crucial you allow mom to be there but not be there. Let the child move at his own pace - be it observing quietly or playing alone. Provide one on one support and be ready when mom leaves to whoosh him away and providing lots of distraction with toys and activities.
Moms should take a back seat the first day of settling in. Allow your child to do his own thing, observing or interacting - he will go at his own pace. Gradually, you may step into the hall, first explaining you are going to the bathroom and eventually, you will sit in your car or get a coffee as your child settles down. Always remember to say, bye mommy will see you later, firmly and cheerfully. Do not look back if your child cries. They will be distracted and will stop crying shortly.
Parents and providers should work together from the very beginning. This communication and consistency will ensure a happy and smooth transition for the child. Now, providers can enjoy their new little character and moms can enjoy a few hours of me time!!
You can find more childcare articles at Fiona Lohrenz's website where you'll also find her 'Start a Child Care Business' DVD guide: StartChildCare.com She has a lot of knowledge to impart having run her own daycare for 10 years. You can find her at her website: ChildCareOnly.com
Published January 4th, 2008
Filed in Home Business