The first day of school is never easy especially for young preschoolers. It is a period of adjustment for both parent and child. At this time, the parent is responsible for making it easier for the child to adjust in the new environment and accept the new situation of his or her daily life.
Here are some childcare tips on how a parent can help his or her child adjust on the first day.
• Choose the childcare centre that caters to children’s needs and will help develop their intellectual, physical and emotional abilities. Visit the centre and observe classes to know how educators or childcare providers handle children.
• Explain the situation. A child needs to understand that the childcare centre is for his or her benefit.
• It is significant that trust is built between the parent and the child. The child must understand and feel that his or her parents are not choosing childcare to abandon him or her but rather to create an environment for new learning.
• Be enthusiastic when talking about the childcare centre. Children are most happy when they have playmates. But for some, they fear a large environment. The parent must know what his or her child prefers. This would also help the parent choose the right childcare centre.
• Arrange a visit to the childcare centre days before the first day. Show the child his or her classroom. A parent may also introduce the child to the teacher or some classmates to establish a bond.
• Prepare a daily routine and explain it to the child. The schedule should reflect time for waking up, dropping off and picking up from the centre and bedtime.
• Have a reliable communication with the childcare provider to share the child’s daily activities.
• On the actual first day, it is important for the parent to be with the child during the first few hours. In some cases, a child prefers that his or her parent stays until the session is finished. Let the child know the time for the parent to leave. It is not recommended that a parent leave once he or she feels that the child is enjoying the class. This would result to distrust and the child would be more anxious to go to the centre on the next days.
• Never forced a child to immediately bond with classmates or teacher. Be prepared for situations when the child just sit and watch. This is the child’s way of observing his or her surroundings.
• Be punctual on pickup time. A child would appreciate more if he or she sees his or parents once he or she goes out of the classroom. Punctuality provides security for the child. Take the extra time to talk to the childcare provider or teacher.
• On the way home, ask about his or her first day. It is important for a child to know that his or her parent is interested on how the day goes.
• Praise the child for a successful and happy first day. Praise feeds the emotional needs of children. This would let the child know that he or she has done well and taken the first steps to being responsible.
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