Tips for Helping Your Child Cope with the Change in Daycare Settings
Kids grow up so fast, and before we know it, it’s time to send them to preschool. If your child is nearing preschool age, it’s important to get them ready for the transition from daycare to preschool. Your child is probably very attached to their daycare teachers and settings, and the change might be difficult for them at first, so be supportive and let them express their emotions. To make the transition go smoothly, here are some tips from a Kanata daycare and preschool that will help your child adjust to their new settings.
Share Information with New Teachers
Sharing your child’s information with their new preschool teachers is helpful for both your child and the teachers. Ask your child’s daycare teacher to write a few notes about your child’s preferences, behaviours, routines, and what comforts your child, and give these notes to the new teachers at preschool.
Talk and Read About Change
About a week or two before the big change, talk with your child about it and read children’s books about change. Let you child know that it is okay to be sad, but also reassure them that the change will be good for making new friends, learning new things, and having new experiences.
Create a Memory Book
Your child might be afraid to let go of their daycare, thinking that goodbye means never seeing their daycare, friends, and teachers again. By taking photos of the daycare, teachers, kids, and toys, you can create a memory book for your child so they will be able to remember, express their feelings, and learn to cope with change.
Get a Comforting Keepsake
If your child can bring a favourite toy such as a stuffed animal from daycare to preschool, the familiarity of the toy can help your child cope with the change. Ask their daycare teacher if there is something they can give your child to remember daycare.
Say Goodbye in a Special Way
On your child’s last day of daycare, throw a goodbye party with music, food, and fun. Your child can associate change and saying goodbye with a positive experience.
Familiarize Your Child with the New Surroundings
If you can bring your child to their new preschool a few times before they switch over, it will help them become familiar with the new setting. They can meet their new teachers and friends while visiting, which will help your child be more comfortable on their first day of preschool.
Display Positive Social Cues
Each time you drop your child off at preschool, smile and give off positive social cues with the teachers, parents, and other children. Your child can be reassured when they see your positivity in the new setting.
Change is always hard, especially for young children, so try to make the transition to preschool easier for them. Contact your local Kanata daycare or preschool if you have any questions about the big switch.
