4. Participate in orientation sessions
There’s no better way to get familiar with your centre and all it has to offer than with a “stay and play” session. The orientation sessions offered at Jellybeans centres can give your child a chance to explore their new environment and interact with other children while having their parents around. Spending time with the educators at the centre allows you to see how your child interacts with them.
Some practice of arriving and leaving the centre together can make that first experience much easier, and some familiarity will help assist with a smoother transition.
5. Adjust to a new routine
Your child’s educator will try their best to cater to the individual routine and needs of your child, but it doesn’t hurt to start slowly transitioning to the routine you want for your child a few weeks before the start date. Think of starting child care as an opportunity to (slowly) reset the routine into something you think will work better.
For example, you can try to set up a routine of them going to sleep on their own, or slowly push back their lunchtime until after a morning nap. Implementing some centre routines at home like morning tea time or outside time sometimes works wonders too.
How to help your child settle in care
It may also help your little one to be looked after by a grandparent or other relative a few times before starting child care. This will get them used to being away from you, and they’ll learn that you will always come back for them.
It can take some time for young babies to gradually adjust to a new routine, so this is an important chance for you to start planning how you want your child’s days to be structured.
6. Write down detailed notes for educators
Try to write down a detailed routine of your child’s day before their first day, including their sleep/feed times, likes and dislikes, or any other notes. Remember to pack all the necessary items the night before to reduce the hassle in the morning. You should also label everything – write your child’s name or put name stickers on their items so they don’t get mixed up.
It's understandable that being away from your child for the first time can be nerve-wracking, so in the first few days, Jellybeans welcomes parents to call the centre to check in on their child as many times as they want. No question is a stupid question!
Jellybeans educators will keep you informed about your child’s settling and actively seek ongoing information from you about your child’s needs and interests. You can communicate with educators during the day through the family communication app.
7. Bring a favourite comforter
Familiarity leads to a sense of ease – and that’s no different for young children. In the initial days, replicating certain home routines can be the easiest way to give them a sense of familiarity. It helps to bring one of your children’s favourite items from home, whether this is a dummy, a comforter blanket, or a favourite toy from home.
If you use a sleeping bag, it’s also recommended that you bring it to the childcare centre.
8. Spend time with them during drop-offs
A proper goodbye is important. It’s all about creating a positive experience – children pick up on your mood and anxiety. If you are stressed when you drop off your child, they will be stressed as well. You may want to shed a few tears – this is normal, but try to hold them until you step out the door.
On subsequent days, even if you’re rushing in the morning and everything has been disrupted, try to have a smile on your face during the drop-off. Children will eventually learn that you always come back and will fret less when you leave.
Jellybeans educators are here to help your child settle in care.
During drop-offs, spend a bit of time with your child at the centre, get down to their level and play a bit. Try to interact with other children there as well. When it’s time to say goodbye, trust they are in the good hands of our experienced educators, and you will be back later today to see they are being cared for and to enjoy all the cuddles you’ve missed all day.
9. From guilty to guilt-free
A lot of parents feel guilty about leaving their children in child care – but attending a centre-based early learning environment has many benefits. Learning to socialise with other children in their early years is crucial for a child’s development. It’s important for children to get that first taste of independence away from their parents in a safe, social, nurturing environment.
Most parents are aware of this, but it can still be difficult to kick that guilty feeling when dropping children off at child care. Try to be kind to yourself – you’re doing this for them, and you feeling guilty and stressed about it doesn’t help your child or you.
10.Be patient – it takes time
It can take a few weeks for your child to fully settle in a care environment. They might cry a bit more, sleep or eat a bit less but it will pass. They will thrive eventually, and the time you spend together will be even more special. Before you know it, they will be making new friends and looking forward to being dropped off!
Experience the Jellybeans way by securing your place today at their next Open Day by visiting jellybeanschildcare.com.au/open-day.
Can't make it? Book a tour online or call 1800 411 667.