Child Day Care Tips

By Daniel Waser

The first experience at daycare for a child who has always been at home with his or her family can be traumatic. The transition between home and this type of environment will go much more smoothly if the child is trusted to a high quality place of care. Because of the nurturing environment they can offer, many families look to their immediate loved ones or acquaintances for possible providers. There are, of course, additional tips for parents to consider if that one is not something that is available to them.

As parents are likely to already be friends with other individuals who have children, a way that many gleam information about a particular daycare is through simple conversation with friends. This way experiences can be relayed, either good or bad, and eccentricities discussed. Do not distress if you hear good accounts from one person and negative from other, as this can be chalked up to different care takers not working for every child?

Daycare workers should always be licensed, and your Department of Social Services can supply you a list of the ones who are in your area. Part of a pediatrician's job is to listen to the daily welfare concerns of their patients, and for that reason, many pediatricians will be able to give you good recommendations. Additional sources include the yellow book and classified newspaper ads. Any provider that passes the preview round should be thoroughly examined by both you and your child. Children can then meet their new caretaker and environment, and this will help them feel more at ease once they start attending.

Presuming the daycare allows it why not send the child's favorite comfort material with them. This should help ease the sense of homesickness that many children feel during the first few weeks. Another tool parents use to help their child feel at ease is giving them a picture of home - usually of a family member - though parents should use caution because sometimes this only worsens the sense of loss that your child feels. If you can stay with the child for a while in the mornings, that is a great way to make him or her feel safe and secure in their new surroundings. If you give a time to your child that you will return and pick them up, make sure you are there on time. Many children are able to calm down and enjoy their daycare experience more if they know when you are going to be returning, and if you so consistently at the same time every day.

The actual leaving process needs to be as positive as it can be for the child. If you send a negative message, or if you seem upset, your child will only be ten times worse than she or he already was. It typically takes less than fifteen minutes of crying before the child calms down after their parents leave. Returning for the child is when you should spend a greater amount of time gushing over his or her bravery - your good-bye should be simple and to the point. - 30443

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