First day at day care: 13 tips for the first day of day care

Опубликовано: February 9, 2023 в 4:09 am

Автор: alexxlab

Категории: Miscellaneous

13 tips for the first day of day care

Starting day care is a major transition in any child’s life. For some, it’s the first time they’ve ever been away from their parents for a significant amount of time and the first time they’ve ever interacted with such a large group of other children. For others, it may not be their first child care experience, but they might be adjusting to a new teacher, center or in-home day care. When you’re starting your kids at a new day care, one of the most important things you can do is prepare them for the major changes ahead.

We asked Katrina Macaset, a child development expert and content specialist for Zero to Three; Traci Sanders, a family child care provider and author of “Right At Home: A Parent’s Guide to Choosing Quality Child Care”; and Arika Molitor, a Texas child care worker with day care experience, to share their best tips for a great first day of day care.

1. Visit before your first day

The first drop-off will likely go more smoothly if your child already recognizes the space and their teachers.

“When you first meet teachers, they are strangers to you and they are strangers to your children, so you have to feel comfortable with them and with the environment,” says Macasaet.

“When you first meet teachers, they are strangers to you and they are strangers to your children, so you have to feel comfortable with them and with the environment.”

KATRINA MACASET, CHILD DEVELOPMENT EXPERT

She recommends visiting the day care with your child more than once before the big day, if possible.

“I think it’s also a good sign if the program is willing to have you come back and visit multiple times to see different times of the day and different activities that they do and those changes,” she says.

2. Talk about the new routine

Even though day care will ultimately be a positive experience for your child, it’s totally normal for them to feel fearful. That’s why talking about the new routine before it starts is so important.

“Change is scary for people of all ages,” says Molitor. “Explain to your child where they will be going and why, and talk about it over and over again in the days leading up to their first day.”

3. Make changes to their sleep schedule

If you know the day care’s napping schedule and you have enough time before your child starts, try to slowly shift their at-home nap schedule to the one they will follow at day care. If you can’t do this, it’s OK and the teachers will help them get to sleep. But if you can make even slight changes, teachers will be forever grateful, says Molitor.

4. Practice independence

Because day care providers are working with multiple children at once, it can be an asset for your child to know how to do some things independently.

“Any skill a child can do unassisted, the more it helps the provider to focus on other skills,” says Sanders. “For instance, if a child can put on his or her clothes or wash his or her own hands, that’s a huge help. ”

“Any skill a child can do unassisted, the more it helps the provider to focus on other skills.”

TRACI SANDERS, FAMILY CHILD CARE PROVIDER

5. Have a date night

Yes, really! If your child isn’t used to going a few hours without you, Sanders says some time with a babysitter will be good for both of you.

“Go out on a movie date with your spouse for a couple hours at a time to acclimate your child to the process and to show your child that you always return,” she says. “Separation anxiety can be a tough challenge for parents and children.”

6. Get them excited

If your child is old enough to understand, read stories and watch videos or shows about positive day care experiences, says Sanders.

“Build it up to be a fun place to visit, and talk about the provider by name,” she says. “‘Do you remember Ms. Suzy we met the other day? She was nice, wasn’t she? She had some great toys. What was your favorite?’”

7.

Pack like a pro

If you have a baby, Molitor says to pack multiple changes of clothing (three to four should be good) in the event of diaper blowouts and spilled food. Bring all bottle supplies and breast milk or formula that caregivers will need for the day. Also, ask if your day care provides diapers so you know whether or not you need to pack them. For older kids, packing just one or two outfits with extra underwear should do the trick, in case they have bathroom accidents, spills or get dirty from activities.

8. Label everything

Day care teachers are tasked with keeping up with dozens of items for the different kids in their care. Labeling clothing items, blankets, stuffed animals and diapering and feeding items will make their lives much easier and ensure that you don’t lose anything.

9. Bring a comfort item

“Have older children — toddlers and up — bring something that reminds them of home and helps them go to sleep during nap time, like a blanket or stuffed animal,” recommends Molitor. Babies, of course, can’t usually have these comfort items in their cribs until after age 1 for sleep safety reasons.

“Have older children — toddlers and up — bring something that reminds them of home and helps them go to sleep during nap time, like a blanket or stuffed animal.”

ARIKA MOLITOR, CHILD CARE WORKER

Be prepared for drop-off to take longer than usual on the first day of daycare, and even throughout the first week, says Molitor. If it’s possible to go into work a bit later the first few days or give yourself some extra time in the mornings, it may help the transition go more smoothly, since kids won’t feel the stress of being rushed.

11. Make a plan with your child

Tell your child where you’re going and exactly when you’ll be back, and make sure you follow through on it.

“Use consistent dialogue that’s preemptive and lets them know what the routine is and that you’ll always come back for them,” says Macasaet. “Even though young children may not have the concept of time yet, they do have a concept of routine. If you let them know, ‘I’ll be right here when you wake up from your nap,’ they associate it with a routine and then they know, ‘Oh, it’s not so bad. I eat my snack, I play with my friends, I go down for a nap, and then when I wake up, mom and dad are here to pick me up.’”

12. Resist the urge to linger

Once you say goodbye and leave the room at drop-off, don’t come back in. It’s natural to want to comfort your child if they’re upset, but if you keep leaving and re-entering the room, it may make it take even longer to soothe them.

“A good provider will step in to help the child feel comforted and find a way to engage them in what’s going on in class, and it’s important for them to learn to trust the provider in that scenario,” says Molitor.

13. Be patient

“There will be good days, and there will be tougher days,” says Macasaet. “There will be days when your child just doesn’t want you to leave, and that’s OK. You’re their primary caregiver. You’re their person.”

But, she adds, children are resilient, and they will make this adjustment when given time and understanding from the people around them.

“If they recognize that the environment is safe and that the people around that environment are there to support and care for them, then it will get easier,” she says.

Bright Horizons | Preparing for the First Day of Child Care

The first day of child care is a momentous occasion for a parent and a child. We parents are sending our children out into the world, entrusting them to others. Our children are entering a new environment where theyll be surrounded by other children and nurtured by new adults. Although youve carefully selected the child care program and feel secure that its a good fit for your family, as the big day approaches, you might be wondering: What if he doesnt want me to leave? What if the teachers cant understand what she wants? What if he cries?

You can feel more confident and ensure the smoothest transition for both you and your child with a bit of preparation for that first day of daycare or child care. Of course, how you do so will depend upon the childs age, temperament, and level of maturity.

General Preparation Tips before the First Day of Child Care

Trust your judgment that you selected a child care setting where your child will be happy and receive nurturing care and love.
Begin to develop a relationship with the teachers/caregivers before the first day. Keep the parent/teacher communication open and ask lots of questions and share anxieties you might have about your child starting child care for the first time. Teachers are professionals trained to support parents and children through the adjustment period.
Understand that children react to new situations in different ways. Discuss your childs temperament and possible reactions to this new place with the teachers before the first day.
Ask the teachers to help develop a separation routine; ask about what you should do upon arrival and how long you should stay the first day.
On a prior visit to the daycare center with the child, take a couple of photos of learning centers (avoiding other children) to share with your child at home. Talk about the fun playground or the book area that they will get to visit again.
Start your family on the new evening and morning routines at least a week before the first day of child care. If you can do longer than a week, that is even better.
Pack everything you need the night before, and place it in a special spot. Label everything that your child will take on the first day: clothes, bottles, bottle tops, food, backpack, diapers, binkies, and cuddly toys for nap (Note: Some schools do not allow blankets or cuddly toys for infants so be sure to check ahead).
Make sure to schedule ample time on your work calendar, so you dont feel rushed, have time to help your child get settled in, and be able to take a few minutes for yourself afterwards.

How to Prepare Your Children before the First Day of Child Care

Remind your child about the upcoming event. Talk about friends who already go to child care or school. Reminding children of the teachers names and some of the school activities will help them feel that school is a familiar, safe, and fun place.
Preparation for the first day of daycare or school will vary based on your childs age. All children will notice that something new is happening, but will react to the change in different ways. Babies may be a little fussier than usual. Older children may be a little clingier.
Keep your emotions in check. Often times, adjusting to first day of child care for parents can be tough, but make sure that your emotions and actions are aligned in front of your child. Children receive a confusing message if youre tearful as you describe how happy theyre going to be in this “wonderful, fun place.”
Involve your child in preparing for the first day of child care. Have him help select what he wants to wear, pack the backpack, and select a cuddly toy for nap time. You might give your child a family photo to put in a backpack.
For toddlers and above, explain what will happen during the morning of their first day: “Well get up and get dressed, have a nutritious breakfast, and then drive together to child care. Ill stay for a little while, and we will read a story. Then I will give you a big hug and kiss and go to work, just like all the other parents. Well give Naomi, your teacher, your yellow blanket and teddy bear to put in a special place for naptime.”
For preschoolers and pre-kindergarteners, describe the entire plan for the first day of preschool. “After I say goodbye, youll stay at school with the children. Your teachers, Naomi and Bruce, will take good care of you. Youll play, and then eat lunch sitting at the little tables. Then everyone takes a nap. In the afternoon you will play lots more and have a snack. After late-afternoon story time, Ill be there to pick you up!”
For older children, you might put a note in the lunchbox or backpack to say how excited you are for your child and how you look forward to hearing all about his/her first day of school.
Keep the home environment as consistent as possible. This is not the time to make major changes or transitions in the childs life, like moving to a bed, stopping the bottle, or starting toilet learning.
Be sure to introduce bottles to nursing infants at least a few weeks before they start child care. Its easier to make the transition to a bottle at home rather than at the child care center.

Tips for the Morning of the First Day of Child Care

Wake up early enough to get ready for school without rushing. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and remind your child about the plan for the day.
Allow ample time for the transition from home to child care. Upon arriving at the center, spend a few minutes reintroducing your child to the teacher. Spend time with your baby and caregiver. Talk to the teacher about your babys evening and morning, and then be sure to give all necessary instructions both verbally and in writing. Help your toddler or preschooler child find an activity he likes and join in for a few minutes before having to leave him.
When its time to leave the child care center or school, create a goodbye routine. Give your child a cheerful and confident goodbye. Reassure your child that youll be back at the end of the day and when, for example, “after story time.” Never sneak out during the child care drop-off. Always tell your child you are leaving. Although it might be tempting, sneaking away when your child is engaged in an activity will likely cause him to have a harder time trusting when you will leave and when you will return. Let the teachers know when you are ready to leave. Teachers want to nurture children through the transition and need to know when to help your child say goodbye. Say goodbye to the teachers. Leave quickly; dont linger at the door.
After you leave, reflect upon the morning. Its normal to feel a bit anxious or concerned during child care drop-offs. Call the daycare center any time for updates and reassurance. Understand that its normal for many children to shed tears, scream, or beg you not to go. If this happens, think about the happy children you saw during the pre-visits or ask for a call later. Be careful not to judge the class by drop-off time. This is one of the most hectic times of the day and isnt usually typical of the rest of the day. Remind yourself that your child is in a wonderful child care setting, playing, learning, enjoying new experiences, and developing relationships with teachers who will do everything possible to help him feel secure and happy.

The first day in kindergarten

This difficult day, which most children have to go through, can and should be turned into a holiday without tears and fear. It’s easy enough to get everything organized. .

You have been waiting for this day. Some with impatience (“I’ll finally go to work!”), Some with horror (“why did he grow up so fast?”). But all with excitement. And here it is – tomorrow your child goes to kindergarten. Of course, blouses and jeans were bought, pencils and albums separately, napkins and removable shoes separately. Everything is folded and stands at the very exit, so as not to forget. Some especially caring and nervous ones (she herself, what is there) bought flowers for the teacher and nanny. But what about September 1 – it is the beginning of the school year in kindergarten.

What else is left to do?

– Remind the child that he is going to kindergarten tomorrow. Let the morning rise not be an unpleasant surprise for him.

– Take a shift for yourself – if your kindergarten allows parents to be in a group with children for the first time.

— To reassure the grandmother – she must have already begun to lament: “Oh, my poor thing, and how will you be there without us, in this garden!” If you can’t explain to your grandmother that her moaning can turn into nightmares for her granddaughter, then just isolate her by sending her to bed with the words: “We get up early tomorrow, but we need you cheerful and cheerful!” The same applies to dad. As soon as he opens his mouth on the topic “men don’t cry” or “good girls love to go to kindergarten”, we immediately take the child away, and act with dad like with grandmother (see above).

– Go to bed on time. Try to make the bedtime ritual for the child the most ordinary: with the usual fairy tale, a lullaby and a glass of milk. They told, sang, got drunk? Go to sleep yourself, you need morning vivacity and freshness more than anyone else.

Rise!

Don’t try to sleep “another five minutes” after the alarm goes off. So you can be late, but it is completely contraindicated for you today. Gently wake the child, open the window, part the curtains so that the room becomes fresh and light. You can turn on cheerful energetic music, this will help create an atmosphere of joy. And calmly, calmly – no need to make noise, push, pull. Let the child feel that the new life is not as strange as he thought.

Breakfast is an important moment. Prepare your child’s favorite food. It is clear that every day you don’t eat pasta or french fries with ketchup in the morning, cereals and curds are certainly healthier. But today you can make an exception. And in no case do not push food into the child if he refuses even sweets and cakes. Perhaps now he is just worried, but in kindergarten he will have breakfast with other children with pleasure.

Dress your baby in comfortable clothes. Pants with arrows or bows “more than Masha’s” should be left for the New Year’s party – on the first day in the garden, the child may feel uncomfortable anyway. During the gathering, tell some funny stories from your “kindergarten” life. If you have not gone to kindergarten, the experience of the older brothers or sisters of the child, as well as dad and other relatives, will come in handy. The kid must realize that this is a normal stage in the life of every person. But do not overdo it when talking about the rain of sweets and a bag of gifts from the teacher, otherwise the child will be disappointed later (unless, of course, this is the case in his garden). On the way to the kindergarten, sing a funny song that you will sing every morning from now on. Say that this is a magical song – it improves mood, gives strength and makes the day especially good. In the future, such a simple ritual will help the baby tune in to go to kindergarten.

What not to say to a child:

— “Honey, you will be the best there!” or “Such good children go to the kindergarten, they will immediately fall in love with you, you will make friends!” Firstly, you understand that this is not entirely true – so why lie. Secondly, deceived expectations will not bring the baby anything but bitter disappointment.

– “Take your Bear with you!” – if you already know that homemade toys are banned in your kindergarten. Motivations “what if they don’t notice?” and “what the hell, you can’t bring a toy” do not work – everything will end up with the fact that at the end point of the route the baby will have to part not only with his mother, but also with his beloved teddy bear.

So here we go!
In the kindergarten, help the child undress and change shoes, take him to the group, bring him to the teacher. If the parents were allowed to stay at least for a while, walk around the room with the baby, look at the toys together, find out where the toilet and the bedroom are. The kid needs time to get used to it.

When the time comes to part, explain that you will be away for a short while on business or work and will be back soon. Hug and kiss your child goodbye. Some believe that if the baby is capricious at this moment, you must definitely wait until he calms down. However, practice shows that you will have to wait forever. With this attitude, your morning goodbyes will not only become your personal nightmare, but will drive the teacher, the children from the group and their parents crazy. Keep in mind – as soon as the mother leaves, most of the children switch to games with other babies, and your long persuasion will only upset the child more. Psychologists say that mother’s confidence and calmness will affect the child better than any words, therefore, no matter how the moment of parting touches you, never allow yourself to shed a tear or sob. Also, do not persuade the baby: “Do not be offended, do not cry.” If the child is upset, then he still will not accept your words, but will continue to do everything so that you stay, that is, cling to you and cry, cry, cry.

On the first day, do not leave the baby in the garden for more than 1.5-2 hours. Let him know in advance what time you will return, and come right on time. If according to the plan in kindergarten the children go for a walk, try not to come at this time. A walk is an important point in the “kindergarten” schedule, and your baby will be busy mastering a new playground for himself, playing with new friends and learning the rules that the teacher will announce.

When you return to pick up your child, make sure they are ready to go home. If he is still passionate about the game, let him finish the game so that he does not have any negative emotions. On the way home, be sure to ask how the day went – let him understand that you don’t know something, and he has something to tell you. This will make him feel bigger and more important. Arrange a small holiday: buy sweets for your baby, balloons – going to kindergarten should be associated with positive emotions. But here the main thing is not to overdo it, because we are not talking about some kind of achievement. Gifts or congratulations, as well as a noisy party with all the relatives, will make the child think that he should receive a reward for every day in the garden.

In the evening, put the baby to bed on time: a holiday is a holiday, and the next day, get up early again. Read a fairy tale, play quiet games before going to bed – after a busy day, the child needs to calm down.

Nadezhda Zakochintseva

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90,000 first day in kindergarten for a child: what to take, its adaptation

education

Preparing for a kindergarten for a child

Find an opportunity to take a walk with the baby in advance around the territory of the kindergarten so that he comes to an already familiar environment. If the area is closed, ask permission from the manager to come there sometimes. Take the baby with you every time you go to his future kindergarten, for example, when you bring documents for enrollment. Walk around the building, introduce him to the future teacher.

Good first day at kindergarten

Photo: Getty

Prepare your child for kindergarten in advance, adjust the daily routine:

Get up at the time when you get up when going to the garden, but do not do it abruptly, but come gradually. Get up 15 minutes earlier every day, adjusting the time you want to get up.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the same time whenever possible.
Adjust your afternoon nap to Kindergarten time.

This will help both you and your child not feel sleep deprived and tired during the day when you start going to preschool.

What to bring to kindergarten on the first day

Kindergarten usually gives you a list of things you should bring with you. Pack your bag in advance so you don’t forget anything in a hurry in the morning.

It is advisable to have with you:

spare panties and a set of clothes in case the child pees or gets dirty;
comb;
comfortable replacement shoes;
toys.

There are toys in the kindergarten, but bring your own toys with you. The baby may be shy on the first day to take something or play with shared toys. Let him have with him what he is already used to. Do not take plasticine or paints, so as not to cause unnecessary trouble for the teachers, it is better to bring your favorite soft toy, doll or car.

Adaptation to kindergarten

If you do everything right, then getting used to kindergarten will be easy and fast. Much depends on the parents, it is important to show your son or daughter your positive attitude, self-confidence.