When you and your partner work, child care provides a safe, engaging environment to help your little one thrive. Transitioning from time at home to day care can result in separation anxiety for both the parents and child, which is completely normal. Here, review tips for making this transition as smooth as possible to help everyone get settled quickly.

How to Streamline the Transition to Child Care

1. Talk About It

Start talking about day care two or three months prior to get your child used to the idea. Read books about child care centers that discuss parents dropping off children in a sensitive and encouraging way. Arrange playdates with other children where you aren’t present so your child understands that while you may leave, you always come back. 

2. Visit the Learning Center

Schedule several short visits to the child care center so it becomes familiar. Introduce your toddler to the staff, explore the playground, look at the toys and books, and talk about how they’ll spend their days at the center while you’re at work. Maintain a positive attitude, such as mentioning the yummy, healthy snacks they’ll enjoy or the new toys they’ll get to play with.

3. Provide Favorite Items

Allow your child to bring a piece of home with them, such as a favorite blanket or plush toy. Help them feel in control of the situation by letting them choose a toy or other item to bring to day care. If snacks from home are allowed, have them select from healthy options such as fruit or peanut butter with whole wheat crackers.

4. Create a Goodbye “Ceremony”

Avoid drop-off fussiness by practicing the same goodbye steps every day. For example, hug your child, give them a kiss, and let them go inside on their own. Help your child get used to being without you by leaving as soon as the ritual is finished instead of coming back to check on them, as they could think that you’re taking them back home. Stay in touch with the child care team to learn how your toddler is faring throughout the day.
 

If you live in the Bristol, CT, area, choose Carrier Learning Center for your child care service needs. The day care, preschool, and learning center provides care for children aged 6 weeks to 12 years, and focuses on early childhood education that helps kids discover their interests. Call (860) 589-3000 to enroll your little one or learn more about child care services online.