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Provide a transitional schedule, where you have the
child ease into the program by attending on a staggered schedule at the
beginning -- even if for only a day or so.
Have the child bring in family photos from home to share with
teachers and other children. |
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Help parents to make good-byes short and sweet;
encourage them not to drag good-byes out, which can make the separation
harder for both parent and child. |
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Help parents to establish a good-bye ritual if it
helps with the transition (for example, saying good-bye at the same door or
window each morning). |
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Have the child bring in a “transitional object”:
a favorite stuffed animal, blanket, or toy. |
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Make it clear that parents can call at anytime
during the day to check in and see how their child is doing. |
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Encourage parents to pick up at the same time every
day during the transitional period, so that the child can learn what to
expect and have a secure routine to rely on. |
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Make sure to check in with parents at the end of the
day, and let them know how their child’s day went. |
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Provide a lot of empathy and reassurance to children
and parents; explain that these feelings are normal and that their child
will adjust very soon. |
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Adapt the program during the beginning of the year
to welcome children in a low-key way, and plan activities that are inviting,
rather than over-stimulating. |
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Plan to have a parent’s night during the first few
months of the year, during which parents can get to know the teachers and
each other.
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