How to Transition a Stay-at-Home Child to Day Care

More than 12 million children 4 years old and younger were in non-parental child care in the year 2011, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. With a greater percentage of children -- 25 percent -- enrolled in an organized child-care facility in 2011 than at home with mom or dad -- 22 percent -- you aren't alone in your little one's transition to day care. Preparing your child for what's to come, what she can expect and what everyone involved expects of her is key to her success in day care.

Instructions

    • 1

      Talk to you child about his new day care well before the first day. Explain that he is going to "school," using simple words and short sentences that he understands.

    • 2

      Connect things your child does at home with what she will do in day care. For example, if she enjoys her play kitchen at home, show her the housekeeping area of her preschool classroom when you visit. Create a sense of security and comfort in familiar activities she does in both settings.

    • 3

      Visit the day care with your child before his first day. Take a trip to the school, and show him the door he will enter every day and go to his classroom, if possible. Ask the teacher or an administrator to show your child around his classroom, pointing out entertaining areas, such as the art or blocks centers.

    • 4

      Talk to the teacher. Bring your child to visit her new teacher for a brief introduction.

    • 5

      Take pictures of the day-care center and teacher -- but not the other children -- during your visit. Hang up the photos at home and refer back to them to familiarize your child with her new environment.

    • 6

      Create a goodbye ritual for when you finally leave your little one at his new day care. Pick something simple -- such as a kiss in his hand that he can keep -- as your way to part for the day.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • How to Identify An Indigo Child
      Indigo children may have possibly been around for several decades however, it was not until the 1982 book, “Understanding Your Life Through Color” by self-styled, psychic Nancy Ann Tappe, when the term was coined. New Age followers firm
    • Preschool Activities on Saying Goodbye to People
      Preschoolers draw a sense of security from a predictable routine and invest themselves deeply into relationships with parents and other important people in their lives which makes it difficult to say goodbye. But the real world is full of separations
    • Fun Activities for Kids to Do at Home While It Is Raining
      When children become trapped inside because of rain, they may complain of feeling bored. However, with a bit of creativity and a fun attitude, you can stop those bored cries. Instead of turning on the television, get kids to enjoy the day as they use