Settling In to Childcare
“How long will it take for our children to settle in?” is a question we get asked a lot and the answer is…….. it varies from child to child.
Settling in takes a few weeks for most children, depending on how many days they attend. One day a week will take a little longer. After they have become familiar with their educators and new surroundings in the room/centre they tend to spend more time exploring and playing instead of always looking for cuddles.
Children with separation anxiety may take a few months to be able to say good-bye with-out getting upset.
One thing I can tell you is they will eventually settle in and be confident in their new surroundings.
Making The Transition Easier
- Transition days: We encourage parents to bring their child/children into the centre a few times before they start, so they can get to know the centre, staff and peers. This is helpful as they are settling in with their parents still nearby.
- Family input: We like to know everything and anything that you think will help make this a smooth transition. It could be what your child likes to play with at home, or how you get your child to sleep at home. That way we can incorporate some of these things in their child care setting.
How can you help support your child when starting childcare?
Encouragement- Encourage your child to interact with other children that will be in the class. That way if they make a connection with some of their peers, they will feel comfortable to separate from you.
Family photo– Bringing in a family photo with you so your child can hold onto it during the day. They may want to show and talk to educators and peers about the people in their family. This will help with making connections.
Using positive language– Children feed of their parent’s emotions and words so talk to your child about starting childcare in a positive way. Talk about playing with other children, making friends and all the fun and exciting experiences and resources they will be able to play with.
Talking to educators about individual circumstances: Such as; how your child fed, slept, if they are teething, if they stayed elsewhere other than your home etc
Establish a good bye routine: such as; Pack bag away, find an activity or hand over directly to an educator for a cuddle (depending on the child) Give hugs ‘N’ kisses, followed by a wave and then you leave. (no matter how your child reacts)
Dealing With Separation Anxiety
For parents sending your child into childcare for the first time or even when starting at a new centre, you will also be dealing with not only your child’s anxiety but your own. Which is completely normal, all parents have this and deal with it in different ways. We as educators are here to support your family through this transition and assure you that this feeling is completely normal.
As educators we encourage children to have a strong sense of identity- 1.1 Children feel safe, secure, and supported.
We achieve this by helping your child feel safe, secure and supported in their new environment through the guidelines of the ‘National EYLF Framework’.
National EYLF Framework
EYLF learning outcome one;
- 1.1.1 Children build secure attachments with one and then more familiar educators.
- 1.1.2 Children use effective routines to help make predicted transitions smoothly.
- 1.1.3 Children sense and respond to a feeling of belonging.
- 1.1.4 Children communicate their needs for comfort and assistance.
- 1.1.5 Children establish and maintain respectful, trusting relationships with other children and educators.
- 1.1.6 Children openly express their feelings and ideas in their interactions with others.
- 1.1.7 Children respond to ideas and suggestions from others.
- 1.1.8 Children initiate interactions and conversations with trusted educators.
- 1.1.9 Children confidently explore and engage with social and physical environments through relationships and play.
- 1.1.10 Children initiate and join in play.
- 1.1.11 Children explore aspects of identity through role play.
That’s all this month from us in the little fish (Jalumn) room
Jess and Tash
Feel free to drop us a comment if you have any questions about Settling your child in care.
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