When it comes to starting child care for the first time, parents and children in South Carolina often feel anxiety about transitioning to this new stage of life. The good news is that there are many things you can do to help ease everyone’s stress and ensure your child is emotionally, socially and physically prepared to start this brand-new adventure!
Plan a Visit
After searching and finding a new child care provider, families may be apprehensive because their child has only been in family care up to this point. But the best way to ease the unknown fears is to plan a visit to your new provider with your child. On this visit, you and your child can see firsthand how staff members interact with children, what the curriculum is like, and become accustomed to the overall atmosphere of the center. It’s a good idea to make more than one visit to make your child (and you) feel comfortable with your choice of provider. Many providers offer a formal transition period between two weeks and one month right before the start of school to acclimate your child to the new environment, so be sure and check to see if this option is available.
Discuss What Will Be Expected
You can help a child get excited about this new experience by discussing what to expect in a child care setting. Whether a child is a toddler or preschooler, you can help them feel comfortable by talking about their new routine and schedule, how to make new friends, and how learning new concepts can be a fun adventure.
Stay Positive During the Drop Off
Dropping off a child at a provider for the first time can be challenging for the child and family members. Because there might be some tears and fears at play, give you and your child extra time on the first couple of drop-offs until everyone can get used to the new routine. Try to be as positive as possible about the experience, as a child typically takes cues from a parent or other family member. Consider allowing your child to bring their favorite toy, blanket or other personal item for comfort. Even though it may be hard to drop off your child those first couple of times, project the positive parts of their new experience so your child will pick up on your encouraging attitude.
Celebrate the Pick-Up
When you pick your child up from their provider, make it seem like a real celebration by showing love, affection and praise. You can praise your child by telling them how proud you are of them being a big kid and staying with their new friends while you are at work. Also, take time to ask how their day went and what they may look forward to next time. Once they have been going to child care regularly, be sure to ask them about their new routine so they can open up and share their feelings with you.
Parents can check in with their child care provider to see how their child’s day is going – especially at the beginning of this new experience. You may be surprised that the crying child you left behind is happily making new friends and enjoying being on their own much more than you ever imagined. Using these tips can help ease your family into this new stage of life.
