Take your first steps into child care with a little help from NCAC
Whether your child is six months or three years old, the first steps into child care can be difficult ones to take for both you and your child.
Most parents want to know that they are leaving their children in a safe and caring environment and of course your child wants to feel safe and secure too. There is no doubt that handing over your child, to somebody other than family or friends is an emotional time. Just remember you are not alone, these feelings are completely normal. Along with dealing with your own emotions, it is more than likely that the emotions of your child are also running high as children can often experience difficulties in separating from parents or families for the first time.
At NCAC we have put together a guide that we hope will help both you and your child in preparing for child care.
What can you do to make the process easier?
Before the first day of child care, try to visit the service with your child. This will familiarise your child with the actual centre and the staff, making the first day less daunting (you will probably also find that the visit gives you peace of mind too)
During enrolment/orientation, be open and give the staff as much information as possible about your child including eating and sleeping habits, likes and dislikes and current routines. You can also use this as an opportunity to express what you expect from the staff and the service, and of course take your child along whenever possible
Discuss what you do to distract or calm your child down when they are upset
Once the first day comes around, if possible, try to build up the time gradually, starting off with shorter days until your child feels completely settled
Send in a favourite cuddly toy, doll or blanket (you will need to check what policy the service has on this though)
If your child is old enough, talk with them about child care, let them know what will happen there, and let them know you are confident they will be happy and cared for at child care
Try to settle your child into an activity before you leave; this will help them to relax
Goodbye is so important. Try to establish a ‘goodbye’ routine, such as reading a story to your child before you say goodbye or waving goodbye at a special window
When you are about to leave, reassure your child that you (or someone else) will be back to collect them
Feel free to ask the staff as many questions as possible. Ask for updates and advice on how your child is settling
Speaking to friends or other families using the same child care service is a helpful way to get advice and guidance on how best to prepare for and settle your child at child care.
Understanding your child’s reactions to child care
Each child’s reaction to child care and the amount of time it takes them to settle will be different and depends on the child’s age, previous experiences and personality
Some children may settle straight away and some may take weeks
Even confident children may find the adjustment to child care difficult. Remember children who are displaying outward confidence may be experiencing inward difficulties
The first few days in child care can be ones of extreme excitement, which can make children tired and irritable
Children who become very upset when left often settle very quickly and happily once the separation is over
Some children experience difficulties at the end of the day. You may find your child resists going home. This is common and does not mean your child prefers child care to you. Being upset at the end of the day usually results from tiredness and not wanting to interrupt the activity or game they are playing.
What can you expect from the service to help settling?
Staff should demonstrate openness and sensitivity in assisting you to settle your child. Staff should help you develop a sense of security and give you reassurance that your child is being cared for in a safe environment
The service should keep you up to date about anything that may be happening at the service that could affect your child or them settling in
You should feel involved in your child’s settling in process. The staff should actively seek ongoing information from you about your child’s needs and interests and provide tips on how to make the process easier
The service may invite you to call or visit the service to check on how your child is setting for the day.
Conclusion
Child care can be a wonderful stepping stone in the lives of both yourself and your child. However, it can also be an emotional experience. Hopefully our guide will help make the process that little bit easier for you both. It is important to remember every child is different, so don’t worry if the process isn’t as smooth as you had hoped. As explained above there is lots you can do to try and make the process easier and it’s important to know what you can expect from your child care service.
For more help and information:
NCAC’s Choosing and using quality child care – A guide for families offers advice on how to find quality child care, what type of child care to choose and what questions to ask the service. This booklet can be ordered online at https://www.ncac.gov.au/families/families_pack.asp or by calling a NCAC Child Care Adviser on 1300 136 554 who will also be happy to answer any questions, or give advice on any worries or concerns you may have.
Take your first steps into child care with a little help from NCAC
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