Tips for STARTING Day Care

Before the First Day:
1.       Go Over the Schedule Together
2.       Adjust to the New Routine
Give your family a few days to get used to any new sleep schedule.  Set and keep an appropriate bedtimes and naptimes.
3.       Visit the Daycare with your child
4.       Trust Your Caregiver
If you are confident about the caregivers and daycare, your child will likely feel more comfortable.
5.       Consider Making a Special Purchase
If you have a toddler or preschooler you can buy a coat or shoes for daycare and try to get them excited.
 
The First Morning:
6.       Give Everyone Plenty of Time
To reduce anxiety, give yourself extra time to get to the daycare and work.
7.       Send Something from Home
Pack a special toy or family photo for your child’s cubby.
8.       Help Your Child Settle in
Ask them to show you something and then give a goodbye that is short and sweet.
9.       Start a Goodbye Routine
Park in the same area, go through the same door, drop off their belongings in their cubby, give them a hug and a kiss and say goodbye.
10.   Spoil Yourself
Stop for coffee or a treat on the way to work
11.   Talk to Your Employer
Let them know that your child has started daycare, incase you need a little flexibility.
At the End of the Day:
12.   Arrive on Time
It is best to pick up your child at the same time each day, especially the first week.
13.   Start a Going Home Routine
Ask them to show you something they did that day before leaving
14.   Give Your Child Something to Look Forward to at Home
Talk about a visit from grandpa or what they will eat for dinner.
15.   Plan Extra Bonding Time
With an infant, plan extra snuggle time or breastfeeding.  With older children, plan a trip to the park or the library.
16.   Validate Feelings
Let them know it is okay that they are feeling a little scared, but they are going to be okay.
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