Successful First Day at Day Care Top Tips for Parents and Child Care Professionals

That first day at day care, play school or preschool is challenging for parent, child and provider. A scary yet exciting experience. I have compiled a few tips to help make things go a little more smoothly for all parties.

Moms and providers should try to be in contact in the weeks preceding that first day. Moms can be mentioning what a great place day care will be while carers can be encouraging mom to role play with their child by pretending to be at school.

Moms should allow the child to help pack and carry their bags. When you arrive at the day care, walk your child to the door holding his hand, do not carry him. Carrying the child will make the transition considerably harder for all concerned.

One of the providers policies should be a settling in routine where mom and child pay several visits to the day care in the weeks preceding the first day. Mom should become familiar with the routines of the day care and begin implementing them at home plus fostering independence by arranging visits to other kids homes.

Mom, let your child help pack his bag (comfort toys, change of clothes, snacks) and when you get to the day care, walk him in do not carry him. Providers should request this of all parents, it makes the separation easier plus is a big part of kids becoming independent.

All day cares should have a settling in period where the child will stay for gradually longer periods of time. it is crucial you facilitate mom to be in the background. This is where mom needs to take a back seat and observe rather than interact. Let the child move at his own pace, be it observing quietly or playing alone, sometimes the child may just wish to sit on a sofa and take it all in. When mom leaves, distract the child immediately by ushering them off to some exciting activity.

Moms should take a back seat the first day of settling in. Allow your child to do his own thing, observing or interacting - he will go at his own pace. Gradually, you may step into the hall, first explaining you are going to the bathroom and eventually, you will sit in your car or get a coffee as your child settles down. Always remember to say, bye mommy will see you later, firmly and cheerfully. Do not look back if your child cries. They will be distracted and will stop crying shortly.

Parents and providers should work together from the very beginning. This communication and consistency will ensure a happy and smooth transition for the child. Now, providers can enjoy their new little character and moms can enjoy a few hours of me time!!

About The Author ChildCareOnly.com is the brainchild of Fiona Lohrenz who has 10 years experience running a day care. Fiona has also produced a 'Start a Child Care Business' DVD: StartChildCare.com (http://www.startchildcare.com). Fiona can be found at her website: ChildCareOnly.com (http://www.childcareonly.com)