It can be an emotional experience for both your child and self when beginning in care. Children may find it hard to separate from family/ caregivers while they try and settle into their new environment . Below are some suggestions that may help in the process of beginning in care.
Prepare your child for spending time without you. Talk abut childcare with your child and let them know you are happy and confident they will have a good time and will be cared for. If possible, start with shorter or fewer days then gradually increase their time spent at the centre. Try not to let your emotions or anxieties affect your child. Hold back your tears when you drop them off. Give your child sufficient time to say goodbye in the morning by arriving earlier so you have time to prepare your child for a good day.
Comfort them. Ask your child if they would like to take their favourite toy or book to the service. Spend some time settling your child into a favourite activity before you leave. Inform the Educators about what comforts your child and discuss how you manage activities or times of the day they find unsettling.
Encourage them: Every time you go to pick up child from service , tell them they did a great that day.
The Educators at the service should also demonstrate openness and sensitivity in assisting your child and family to settle. Some important ways of doing this is to keep informing you about your child’s settling and actively seek ongoing information from you and your child’s needs and interests. Inviting you to call or visit the service and giving you information about anything that may be happening at the centre that may affect your child’s settling ie. The absence of group leader.
It’s not only a new experience for your child, it’s also important for you to know how they feel about going to their early childhood education and care service. This will help you connect and build a strong relationship with your child.
After you pick them up from their centre, give them your undivided attention. They might be grumpy because they haven’t seen you the whole day, so shower them with all the love you can.
Create a meaningful conversation with them after their day at a service. Ask them what their favourite thing was about their day or who they played with. Showing interest and celebrating their day will have a positive effect. In some circumstances, settling into care can take a few weeks but staying consistent and positive will help ensure your child will feel loved and comfortable throughout this process.