Tips for settling your child into childcare
Starting childcare, whether it’s for the first time or after a long break, can generate a mix of emotions – excitement, anticipation, and maybe a touch of nervousness, for both you and your child. But rest assured, at canopy Early Education centres, we’re dedicated to making this transition as smooth and enjoyable as possible with the right strategies and unwavering support.
Here are some helpful tips from our canopy educators to help make this journey easier:
Stay and play: Before your child starts, we highly recommend some stay-and-play dates. It’s not just a formality; it’s a special opportunity for your child to immerse themselves in their new surroundings, meet our friendly educators, and make new friends in a warm and welcoming environment. By simply familiarising your child with the centre and their educators, it can work wonders in easing any pre-drop off anxiety before the big day!
Open Communication: Communication is key! We encourage you to take a moment to sit down and chat with our educators about your child’s interests, routines, and preferences. This valuable insight helps them tailor your child’s care and learning experiences to suit their individual needs and ensure they feel right at home at canopy Early Education from day one.
Saying Goodbye: When the big day arrives, it’s important to bid farewell confidently and reassuringly. Establishing a goodbye routine, whether it’s giving kisses, sharing a special wave, or even a secret handshake, can provide that extra dose of comfort and stability for your child. Keep your goodbyes brief and positive and remind them that you’ll be back (or another caregiver) later to pick them up to hear all about their exciting day. You can also click here to read more daycare drop off tips.
Comforting Your Child: Comfort is paramount for your child’s emotional well-being. Encourage them to bring along a comfort object from home to provide a sense of familiarity. Helping them settle into a familiar activity before you leave the centre, whether it’s reading a beloved book or engaging in a fun game, can also work wonders in soothing any nerves. Showing empathy towards their feelings reassures them that it’s perfectly okay to feel a little nervous in new situations.
Stay Connected: As your child starts to settle into childcare, we want you to know that we’re here for you at canopy Early Education every step of the way. Keeping the lines of communication open with our canopy educators is incredibly important. Regular check-ins provide peace of mind and help address any concerns or questions that may arise. The Kinder M8 parent app provides a great platform for keeping in touch with children’s learning activities and to communicate directly with their class educators.
By working together with our dedicated canopy educators and staying attuned to your child’s needs, canopy can help your child thrive in their new environment and embark on a journey of learning, growth, and discovery.
