Bringing a child to day care for the first time is a big step for most families. This may be the first time your toddler has been away from you consistently, making it a potentially stressful few hours for everyone. Don’t worry; soon your tot will be having a blast learning with their new friends. But, before this can happen, read this guide to making that first drop-off as easy as possible.

Make Day Care Drop Off Easier With These 3 Pieces of Advice

1. Do Some Run-Throughs

It can be helpful for children to know what to expect when their big first day at day care arrives. You can talk them through it, but it’s even better to practice. Designate a door in your home as the door to the day care. Then, pretend to drive up, get out of the car, and go inside together. Once you’ve crossed the threshold, tell the toddler goodbye and send them off to play. Do this in the weeks or days leading up to their first full day at the school, and they’ll likely thrive when it’s time for the real thing.

2. Give Them Something to Look Forward To

Caregivers can facilitate excitement about going to day care by offering them a new toy or a cool outfit that they can wear when the time comes. You could also do a fun activity at the end of the day as a reward for good behavior. Talk about making the child’s favorite meal for dinner, going out for a treat, or heading to a museum so they have something to look forward to if they’re worried while at day care.

3. Don’t Linger

It can be tempting to watch your kid for their initial couple of moments in day care to ensure they’re not panicking or throwing a tantrum. However, it’s better if you don’t stay. Give the tot a goodbye hug and kiss and head out. The child care staff will provide support to distract the little one and get them engaged in their new surroundings right away to further improve this transition.

If your children are between the ages of six weeks and 12 years old, they can attend day care and after-school programs at Carrier Learning Center in Bristol, CT. This impressive facility specializes in early childhood education and offers enriching curricula for toddlers before they head to kindergarten. To learn about their talented staff and available transportation options, call (860) 589-3000 or visit them online. Be sure to ask about their experience with kids who have learning disabilities and special needs if these skills are relevant to your family.