Three possible expectations when children start day care

Starting at day care can be an exciting time for parents and children. Children are eager to explore their new environment, while parents have high hopes that the program will provide a nurturing and safe environment for their little ones.

There is no denying that it can be a bit nerve-racking dropping your child off at daycare for the first time, but here are three expectations you should have when your child starts daycare.

1.   Children will be content within their new environment

When you send your child to daycare, they are going to be exposed to new people and different cultures. They will be around other children their age, as well as adult caregivers who nurture and care for them.

Starting your child in daycare can be a nervous experience for parents, but it is important to remember that this will help them grow. Children’s social, emotional and physical development will accelerate in this new environment. 

2.   You and your child may experience separation anxiety at first

When you first send your child to daycare, they may not react very well. They’re used to having you around all the time and now that they are away from home, it may take them a while to adjust. Both of you may experience separation anxiety however this is normal for your first few weeks.

Children may cry or act upset the first few days, especially during drop-offs. While it’s important not to push them too much, it’s also important not to overreact if they’re upset during these times. You need to give them some time to adjust.

You mustn’t give up on the process because separation anxiety is normal for this age group. Your child may be upset during their first few days of daycare, but these feelings should subside over time as they become more comfortable in their surroundings.

You might also experience feelings of guilt or sadness when your child is crying for you, but you need to remain strong so that they know what is expected of them during this transitional period. It will take some time before things start settling down at daycare so just be patient with yourself and your child.

If after a couple of weeks, your child shows no signs of improvement then there could be something else going on; and it would be best if you speak to the director of the centre about it.

Your child is in a safe environment

Since this can be a difficult time for families, daycare centres provide an environment that gives emotional support and a sense of security. They ensure that children will feel loved, respected, heard, appreciated, safe, and accepted.

Daycare centres are well aware of their part with a child’s cognitive, neurological, and emotional needs and development. Their environment and programs are specially made for children. So, you can expect that your child will be safe and properly taken care of in the daycare centre.

To keep your worries away about how safe the daycare centre is for your child, here’s what you can do.

• Ask questions of the director. Make sure that you have a thorough understanding of the routine within the centre. Most centres have a digital format to communicate and centralise everything that happens within the centre. So you should be able to see what is happening with your child throughout the day.

• Get to know the educators in your child’s room so that you can give them a better understanding of your child’s needs. Having a great relationship with your children’s educators helps the overall communication in regards to what has gone on in your child’s day and how they are progressing in their new environment.

• Don’t be afraid to visit more than one centre before making a decision you need to find the right fit.

Remember that your child may not feel as comfortable at first, so give them some time before you make any decisions.

Final thoughts

Starting your child in daycare can be a nerve-wracking experience. You worry about how they’ll react, if they’ll make friends and if the teachers will take good care of them.

At Cherubs Early Learning and Kindergarten, we understand that you want to know as much as possible about our centre before you drop your child off for the first time. We spend a lot of time with families, arranging playdates and helping families to settle into the centre.