Tips for the start of daycare

When your child starts attending daycare, a new phase of life begins for you and your child. You as parents as well as your child have to get used to this new situation and practice letting go with each other temporarily.

A needs-oriented acclimation creates the basis for a successful time in daycare. Here you will find tips on how to get off to a good start and how you can make the settling-in phase easier for yourself and your child.

In daycare you encounter an educational world with diverse pedagogical approaches. Kitaträger must have a pedagogical concept ready, which reflects the practical work of the institution. Depending on the pedagogical approach, the concept varies in content.

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To get a better picture, it is recommended to inform yourself in advance about the different pedagogical approaches of the facility available for choice - on the Internet, during a non-binding Kita visit or in conversation with the Kita staff. A personal conversation with the Kita staff helps to get a better understanding of the pedagogical work of the institution.

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For a first overview of the diverse educational landscape and pedagogical concepts in child day care, see here on the Familienportal.NRW. Further information offers the KiTa-Portal NRW.

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The transition to daycare is for parents and children a significant life transition, which is accompanied by many emotions. The educational work with parents and families is part of the pedagogical work of a child day care.

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Child day care facilities offer events that give parents the opportunity to ask questions and get a hands-on insight into educational work. The "open day" allows families and children to visit the premises and ask questions about the pedagogical concept, facility-specific rituals or the settling-in model.

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An early contact with the daycare staff or the facility is helpful for a trusting relationship between child, daycare staff and parents/families. Working together for the benefit of the child requires a close educational partnership. This is a central pillar for a successful implementation of the upbringing and education mission.

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The acclimation to a daycare center or daycare goes through different phases that are individually tailored to the needs of the child. As parents, you work closely with the daycare staff and help shape this process in a needs-oriented way. This acclimation phase is an important part of settling into a new environment and serves to build a trusting relationship between child, daycare center and family.

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Relationship building

A positive attitude of the parents can contribute to the child settling in well at the daycare center or daycare.

A successful cooperation between the parents and the Kita staff is based on trust. A successful settling in of the child in the Kita will be easier if a trusting cooperation between all parties involved has been established. Therefore, it is also important for you as parents to get to know the Kita and the Kita caregiver in advance. Please feel free to take advantage of the day care center's offers, such as: Open Day, taster day, get-to-know afternoon, parents' evening for new parents and Hospitation.

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The daycare center and day care as a place of learning and living for the child

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You can help your child settle into daycare by reading picture book stories with him/her that describe everyday life at daycare. In this way, you make an important contribution to the child's idea of his or her new environment.

In addition, you can make the transition from family child to daycare child smoother by doing activities together, such as picking out a daycare backpack and water bottle.

The settling-in process in daycare is based on scientific models that take into account the attachment theory as well as other aspects of developmental psychology. It is a phase of getting to know each other, during which the child, parents/family and daycare staff get to know each other and work together in a needs-oriented manner. With the support of the Kita reference person, the child can make first contacts with other children and at the same time get to know the other children.

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The settling in process is individually designed for each child and takes place on site. You will receive more information about this from the daycare facility where your child is cared for. To be best informed, you should seek the conversation with the Kita staff.

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Acclimation takes time

The foundation of any acclimation is time. Offer yourself and your child time by gently guiding the acclimation process in consultation with daycare staff. Your child's needs should guide your pedagogical actions. Many things are new for your child: the premises, the rituals, the other children and the initially unfamiliar daycare staff.

Attachment is a process in which each child must be considered differently. In order for the acclimation to be successful, it is important that your child attends the daycare or daycare center regularly and that you as parents work closely with the daycare staff. How long the acclimation process takes varies from child to child. For this, it is best to stay in close contact with the professionals at the daycare center.

Rituals facilitate the arrival

It is important for your child to hear you say, "I'm leaving now and I'll be back to pick you up soon (for example, after lunch or after sleep)." Always provide a set goodbye ritual in the morning. This will give your child security and the confidence that he or she can rely on you. It is important that you say goodbye to your child in an appropriate manner, i.e. the daycare center is the child's learning and living space.

Little comforters

Acclimation is a process that can also include setbacks. Therefore, a trusting cooperation with the daycare staff is of great importance. As a parent, you need to be sure that you will be informed immediately by the daycare center in the event of illness or accidents.

It has proven effective for children to have a familiar cuddly toy with them for reassurance in unpleasant situations, such as longing. A beloved cuddly toy can also help overcome problems falling asleep outside of familiar surroundings.

Not too much new!

Be mindful of your child's needs and take your time during the adjustment period. Don't overload the family routine with too many activities to give your child a chance to get used to his or her new environment.

Understand your child's behavior as a normal reaction to a major life event. Focus on his or her needs and talk to the daycare provider.

It is normal if your child does not want to separate and is sad. Trust the daycare caregiver to take care of your child. Your child will probably be quickly distracted and comforted by the Kita caregiver. If your child cannot be distracted, the Kita staff will contact you. The child's best interests are always paramount.

A trusting cooperation with the daycare center is essential here. If you are nevertheless concerned after leaving, simply ask. If your child reports events at the daycare center that you do not fully understand, it is advisable to seek discussion with the daycare center staff. This way, any doubts can be cleared up together.

Dealing with setbacks

Even if everything is already going smoothly, your child may suddenly not want to go to daycare for no apparent reason. To understand your child's behavior, it is advisable to seek a conversation with the Kita staff. There can be different reasons for the Kitaverweigerung, which can be discussed in the conversation to find solutions.

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When acclimation fails

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In certain cases, the acclimation may not succeed despite efforts. It is important for the child's well-being to then end the acclimation phase, i.e. suspend the daycare visit. Consider whether another form of care, such as daycare, might be an option.

Taking a break is important for everyone involved. In certain cases, another attempt can be made and lead to success. However, always keep the child's needs in mind. If you feel that the educational concept of the facility is not suitable for your child, talk openly about it with the daycare staff.