Helping Your Child Adjust to Day Care
When a child begins to come to SCDC there is usually a period of adjustment. The duration of this period and its intensity varies with each individual child but some adjustment time should be expected. Children need time to become accustomed to the new adults, the other children, and to learn the routine and limits. There are several things that parents and teachers can do to help calm a child who may be frightened and upset.
Try to visit the classroom and talk to your child's teacher before the first day of full attendance. If possible, schedule 1/2 hour or an hour when you can be in the classroom playing with your child. Talk about school positively with your child. Speculate on the different kinds of things to do, the new friends, and the helpful teachers. When you arrive plan an extra five minutes for settling the child into the room. Walk your child into the room, greet the teacher and hang up coats, etc., in the child's locker (it will be labeled). Look around the room and find an activity that seems to interest your child. When you have been in the room for a few minutes or more and need to leave, tell the child what is happening, i.e., "I need to go to work. Have fun and play today and I will see you before dinner." Then give your child a hug or kiss and leave. It is important at this point to leave quickly and not return to the classroom, as your return may prolong this difficult time for your child. The teachers are ready at this point to help with the separation and will hold and comfort a crying child or be ready to interest your child in an activity. They will reassure your child that you will be back. Teachers also reaffirm the internalized image that your child has of you by talking about you during the day, and suggesting something be saved to show you or give to you. Please feel free to call the center and check on your child whenever you need to. Visits during the day are encouraged providing they do not upset the child. Parents are also welcome to utilize the observation booths between each classroom. These are equipped with two-way mirrors and allow you to observe your child in the classroom without interrupting the flow of the classroom.