As a parent, you might be feeling a bit jittery about sending your little one off to a Rockville day care or preschool for the first time. It’s totally normal to fret over how your child will fit into a new place, make friends, and handle that pesky separation anxiety. There are some things you can use to get your child ready for daycare and make the whole switch a breeze for both of you!
As the first day of preschool approaches, it’s normal to be a nervous wreck. Nobody really knows what to expect, well aside from the caregivers at the preschool. Rather than drive yourself crazy going over the endless what ifs and what am I supposed to do, let’s focus on things you can do to help prepare yourself and your child for their first day.
Talk to your kid about what will happen at daycare. Tell them they will play with other kids and do different things. You can also tell them that you will pick them up at the end of the day. This can help them feel better about going to daycare if they are scared or worried.
Plan a visit to a new childcare center before your child starts going there. This will allow you and your child to meet the staff, look around, and get a feel for how the day goes. When your child starts going regularly, this can help them feel more at ease and at home in the space.
The first day at a Rockville day care won’t be a surprise. You’ll have been planning and getting ready for weeks or months. As part of your planning, you should teach your child to be independent by letting them play alone for long periods.
There’s no way that even the best childcare worker in the world could give your child their full attention. They have to watch too many kids at once. It will be easier for your child to go to daycare if they can do more things on their own. Give your child a break and teach them how to do things like eat, wash their hands, play, etc., on their own.
Start with shorter visits to help your child get used to child care. To do this, you might have to drop them off for an hour or two at first and slowly increase the time they spend at daycare. This might help your kid get used to the new pattern and feel better about being away from you.
Developing a goodbye routine will enable your child to feel safer when you drop them off at daycare. This could involve reassuring them you love them, hugging and kissing them, or letting them know when you will be back to pick them up. Consistency is important, so aim to follow the same daily schedule.
It is normal for kids to feel anxious about being away from their parents when they first start at a Rockville daycare or preschool. Try to remain calm and upbeat when you drop off your child to help them deal with this. Don’t drag it out if you want to make the goodbye process easier. Setting up a regular drop-off time can also help. This can give your child a feeling of security and predictability.
Sending your child to daycare with a familiar thing, like a blanket or favorite toy, can help them feel safe and at ease. It can also help them feel more at ease in the new place.
On the actual day, it’s not just children who have difficulties. Parents may also have emotional reactions after bringing their children to daycare for the first time. Call your daycare provider to help to ensure everything is running as it should. Ask your provider for updates when you take your child up at the end of the day. Most likely, they will have suggestions you may apply to help your family adjust.
Though you have been getting ready for it ahead of time, recognize that your child’s first day of care will be difficult. It may not be much better on the second day. Eventually, though, if you are patient and dedicated to the process, you and your child will adapt really well.
Take a field trip to the daycare or preschool with your child. While you are there, let your child roam around the classroom and visit the playground. Do your best to hang back and let them explore on their own. After they have had the chance to explore, take the time to walk around with them and go over the new daily routine.
Show them where they’ll stash their backpack, tackle morning activities, and enjoy snack and nap time. Have a chat with your little one about what’s coming up and introduce them to their caregiver. You can even let the caregiver take the lead and show them around the room.
Why not let your little one take a couple of their favorite toys along on their Rockville daycare adventure? It’s a win-win for fun and comfort! This helps children feel at ease in their new surroundings by providing them with something from home to help comfort them. Before you leave, tell them you want them to do their best and have a great day. No matter how tempting it might be, never try to sneak away without telling your child goodbye!
Starting daycare or preschool can be exciting and stressful for you and your child. By preparing your child for childcare, you may help them feel more at ease and confident as they embark on this new and exciting journey. Remember, it is typical for your child to go through an adjustment period, but with time and care, they will quickly settle into their new schedule.
MCCA has been recognized by the Maryland State Legislature for its commitment to Montgomery County issued a quality programs and special needs child care Proclamation in 2016 to MCCA for its commitment to Montgomery County child care for more than 50 years. MCCA was also selected as a 2018 nonprofit finalist for a MOXIE Award for boldness and innovation
MCCA is the oldest nonprofit licensed child care provider in Montgomery County and started its work in 1968 as a Community Action Project of the War on Poverty. Recognizing the need for quality child care programs in their neighborhoods, a group of local activists formed an association to establish centers in Montgomery County that would serve a diverse population and establish high standards for child care. Now, more than 50 years later, MCCA’s dedicated and expertly trained staff continue their tradition of providing high quality child care and play-based education for children.
Families with school aged children who can afford their child care expenses during the school year often struggle to afford the all-day programs they need when school is out for the summer. The Richard Krampf Summer Adventures Scholarship Fund was established to help provide children a safe and stimulating place to spend their weeks when school is out. Please contact an MCCA Director for details on how to apply.