So you’ve been through the process of choosing a preschool or choosing a daycare; however, for a child entering daycare for the first time, the transition can be difficult. For a parent, it is just as difficult, if not more so. He is entrusting the safety and well-being of his child to someone he has just met, and it is perfectly normal to be nervous, scared and sad. It’s also important at this point to go back and review your reasons for seeking child care in the first place. Focusing on the big picture will help you make the transition more easily.
           

• Preparation for the first day is often the key to a smooth transitionso once you have made your decision and confirmed enrollment with the provider, start introducing your child to the change as soon as possible with multiple visits to meet their teacher(s), as this will make the environment is more familiar. So why not stop by for a few visits and play some time with your child? Include your child in a short conversation or play activity with you and the new teacher, as this will illustrate to your child that there is a friendly relationship with the teachers and help develop a trusting relationship with the new teachers.
•  Talk to your child about all the fun things you’ll be doing in daycare. There may be field trips, there will definitely be toys, and you will make lots of new friends. Bring something special from home, like your quilt. Over time, the need for these transition objects will decrease.
• be trustworthy, make sure he/she knows when you’ll be back for it and don’t be late. Better yet, get there early! Telling her child when she will be back in terms she can understand can help ease her fears. Telling them she’ll be back after lunch or nap gives them a family event to get by.
• Develop a farewell ritualDuring stressful times, most children enjoy rituals as they find them calming. So plan a special way to say goodbye. Some parents try to sneak away when their child isn’t looking, to avoid tears. Do not do this! Your child needs to know that he can trust you, and sneaking away doesn’t foster a sense of trust. Say goodbye, give him a hug and a kiss, and leave. If your child is crying, she will almost certainly stop before he reaches the end of the street.

When it’s time to drop off your child for the first few days, cut visits short. Don’t leave them all day. Having shorter visits will provide time to adjust and allow them to learn from experience that you will return. Remember to have a calm and positive attitude. Babies and young children are especially sensitive to your mood and are quick to detect any tension in your voice, face, touch or gestures.