Hi!
My almost 9 month old will be in daycare starting at age 1 and I am wondering when I should start getting him into the routine of his daycare? Should I contact the daycare to find out what a regular day will be like for his age group?
For sure we will be doing a week of transition the week before he starts his daycare (upon the suggestion of my provider) but I want to do as much as possible to make sure the transition is as easy on my son (and me!!!) as possible.
Thanks in advance for suggestions!!
Great plan to have a transition week before he starts full time on his own. Definetly a great idea and will make it easier on you both.
Contacting the provider and learning how his day will unfold is a great idea too. This way you can start gearing his mealtimes and nap schedule to hers. This will make it easier on your child and your DCP.
Talk about daycare everyday and build an excitement for him. Mark on the calendar daycare days once he starts so he can learn to anticipate going on his own.
Make a small photobook that he can take with him. Pictures of familiar faces help when little ones are overwhelmed. Label the pictures so your DCP will be able to participate and help him recognize the people in the book. He will appreciate that she knows these special people too and calls them by the name he uses.
To add on to what Andrea mentioned don't forget extra clothes for accidents and spills that are weather appropriate, comfort item/blanket for sleep time (if your centre allows comfort item *most do* and blanket if needed or will help your child adjust better)
Make sure that everything you send to daycare is labelled your DCP will thank you for it!
Remember that your child will be playing in sand, dirt, mud, water and other craft items as he gets older so it's best to send your child in "play clothes" vs anything that you would not want to get ruined.
I would probably start adjusting your child's routine a month or so before your set start time to get him used to their routine. If you find your child has a difficult time with change you might even consider starting sooner than that.
Good luck!
Jen, good point. I don't know how many parents are upset that their child's new GAP sweater has dirt on it. If they come home dirty, it means they participated and had fun. Send them in teh clothes you consider "ruined" due to food stains etc. Perfect place to get your money's worth.
Exactly! i would prefer my child to come home covered head to toe instead of in pristine condition like I sent him...i know how much fun he did have!!
Deinitely get him used to your DCP before he starts going full time. Even if he just goes for a few hours/day during the Transition Week, he'll get to know his new friends as well as the staff.
Make sure you're aware of any allergies that may have come up, and be sure that your DCP is fully aware of this. Also, make sure things like Medicare and Vaccinations are up to date - though he's young enough there shouldn't be a problem
I always think it's nice when parents leave us a set of wipes and a bunch of diapers, we keep some for each kid at the center, so that they use the same wipes they do at home, etc. It works just having it in the bag too but some centers/DCPs find it easier to just have a "stash". Same with a change of clothes and all that fun stuff, something that "we" can have on hand if needed.
I agree with the ladies. It is a good idea to get him use to it, at least the week before he'll actually goes.