Childcare & Education - Detailed Information.
Settling your Child into Childcare
It's always going to be worrying intially putting your children into childcare. Let us help you make it easier and more enjoyable.
When settling your child into child care it is important to ensure you feel settled yourself. A lot of parents find it difficult parting with their precious child especially in the early stages when you and the child care provider are establishing routines and relationships with each other. This settling in period can be made easier for you and your child when you follow the handy tips below.
The right child care provision for you - It is vital that you have researched which child care provider is right for you before choosing a specific child care provision. The three main types are Nannies, Childminders and Nurseries. Look into what each provision offers and go and visit them with your child, ask specific questions and have your own needs and priorities established in advance. If you would like further information about which child care provision is right for you simply download an information pack from infopack@hotmail.com .
Contracts and policies of the child care provision - Look through the policies and contracts with the child care provider. Ensure you feel comfortable with every aspect. From exclusion policies to fees and payment methods.
Diet and nutrition - Ensure the child care provider knows your child’s specific dietary requirements. If bottle fed develop a routine of preparation before your child begins child care so you have one less thing to worry about when settling in. If your child requires snacks or other prepared meals make these for your child in advance to ensure they are happy with the meals and presentation. This will help your child feed and feel better upon settling in as it is familiar.
Your child’s belongings - Look at the child care provider’s parent handbook or write down the requirements in advance so you pack the right things for your child. It is helpful to decide on every item your child will take to child care before hand together with your child to empower them and make them feel secure and comfortable when in a new environment. This is easier when your child can verbalize their preferences but even so a younger child will still find comfort in touching, feeling and holding their belongings. Make sure you pack the required amounts of nappies, bottles, spare clothing and any additional items set out by the child care provider and that everything is clearly labeled.. This will assist your child in feeling part of the child care environment from the very beginning.
Comfort toys and items - Decide if you would like your child to keep their comfort toys with them when settling into child care and discuss this with your child care provider. If so, it is a lot easier if you have spare one’s to keep at home in case they goes missing! Comfort items can include anything from dummies, photos of the family, blankets or a small favorite toy. These will assist your child in feeling safe and secure upon settling in.
Routines - Discuss the daily routines at home and how they can be adapted to the child care setting. If you feel that structure is important then request your child care provider follows your child’s set routine as much as possible. For example, sleep times. If you exchange regular feedback about what your child’s day or night has been like it will be a lot easier to build continuity between home and child care.
Communication - Find out about the forms of communication offered by your child care provider. If you would like any other information relayed to you regarding your child’s care let them know before hand as they may not have time to discuss this at length when dropping off or picking up your child. Do not be afraid to phone your child care provider if you have any questions before commencing. Keep the channels of communication open between you both to build a partnership.
Key worker or special person - Find out if your child will be allocated a key worker or a special person. This is a child care provider that is responsible for planning activities, following developmental progression, maintaining records and giving you daily feedback about your child’s development. In Nursery settings key workers often have a small group of key children they are responsible for. Ask to speak with this person before settling in your child. Let them spend time with your child establishing a relationship and discuss the key worker or special person with your child at home being positive about them and how much fun they will have together.
Child care premises - If it is possible do a test run at the same time of the day that you plan to take your child in the child care provision then it is a great idea to do so. Check traveling times and routes before hand and make it a relaxed and happy time. Remember the more relaxed you are about your child settling in the easier it will be for both of you. Discuss with your child what you can see on the way to the child care provision to familiarize both of you with the routine. If driving park or go up to the child care provision and have a relaxed look around the premises with your child. Discuss what you can see and try to be as positive as possible. Try and take your child’s belongings with you so they can prepare and hold them on the way. If your child requires prepared snacks and or lunches find a nice area to sit for a while and have a little picnic.
Settling in process - Discuss the flexibility of settling your child into child care. Each provider will have different methods and strategies. Be realistic with your time management and ability to take time for this process. If your child care provider is happy to gradually build up the hours and days your child attends this will make for a smoother transition. An example of a gradual settling process is shown below.
Handy hints - Remember to always say goodbye to your child, it helps them get used to you leaving and returning.
- Remember to make quick and positive departures; the longer you take to leave the harder it is for your
child to settle in.
- Remember to discuss all aspects of child care with your child before commencing and debrief after each
day.
- Make sure your child’s belongings are all packed and clearly labeled.
- Allow ample time to begin with in getting used to routines so you are not rushing and adding additional
stress.
Settling in timetable example
Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
Meet with your child care provider at a time of the day that your child is not hungry or tired.
Stay with your child for an hour or so to enable time for your child to make a connection between home and child care.
Ask any questions and give additional information about your child.
Ask to meet with your child’s key worker together.
Look around the child care provision together with your child exploring all areas.
If your child wears nappies change them in the set area or if your child uses the toilet go together so they feel comfortable.
When the time is up leave and discuss in a positive manner the new experiences you shared.
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Arrange a time frame to stay and play and leave your child for a short period. This is you’re your child understand you leaving and then returning. Suggested time would be half and hour.
Discuss with your child that you will be leaving for a while and then returning. Try to be positive about this.
When leaving make sure you say goodbye. It is important your child knows what is happening. Try to exit quickly, your child will most probably cry but you need to be strong and make it a quick departure so they can build relationships.
When returning stay and play for a while. Remember to debrief in a positive manner about your experiences.
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Build up the time your child spends independently today.
Stay for approximately fifteen minutes and remind your child you are leaving soon just like yesterday you will come back again.
Leave your child for a morning or afternoon session. Roughly four hours.
If possible have your child eat a snack or meal today to get them used to meal times.
Remember to pack your child’s comfort toys and let them know they are in their bag.
When leaving keep in mind a quick and positive departure. This will enable you and your child to settle in faster.
Have debriefing time with the child care provider and your child in a positive manner. |
In addition to a morning or afternoon session today a meal time or sleep time would be good.
Discuss the arrangements with your child in the morning and make sure you pack all their belongings.
When leaving remember a quick and positive departure is best.
If you are concerned phone your child care provider to check how your child is getting on.
Upon returning debrief with your child care provider and your child about their experiences.
Take any items home that your child has made or played with the assist the transition.
Discuss with your child what the arrangements will be for tomorrow and be positive.
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If the week has progressed well try leaving your child for a full day today plan something nice for yourself to distract you.
Have all their belongings packed and ready.
If your child is finding it hard to settle find a toy or person they are interested in to divert their attention.
Arrange something special for you and your child to do after their first full day at child care. For example, going to the park.
When leaving say goodbye and have a quick and positive departure.
Upon returning try to arrange a play date with a child they have interacted to build new friendships.
Discuss over the weekend the regular arrangements for child care together and be positive.
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