A new phase of life begins for you and your child when they attend daycare. Both you as parents and your child need to get used to this new situation and practice letting go together for a while.

In child daycare, you will encounter an educational world with a wide variety of pedagogical approaches. Daycare providers must have a pedagogical concept that reflects the practical work of the facility. The content of the concept varies depending on the educational approach.

In order to get a better picture, it is advisable to find out about the different educational approaches of the chosen facility in advance - on the Internet, during a non-binding visit to the daycare center or by talking to the daycare center staff. A personal conversation with the daycare center staff helps to gain a better understanding of the educational work of the facility.

For an initial overview of the diverse educational landscape and pedagogical concepts in child daycare, please here on the Familienportal.NRW. Further information can be found at KiTa-Portal NRW.

The transition to child daycare is a significant life change for parents and children that is accompanied by many emotions. Educational work with parents and families is part of the educational work of a daycare center.

Childcare facilities offer events that give parents the opportunity to ask questions and gain a practical insight into educational work. The "Open Day" allows families and children to visit the premises and ask questions about the educational concept, facility-specific rituals or the settling-in model.

Early contact with daycare staff or the facility is helpful for a trusting relationship between the 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 the successful implementation of the childcare and educational mission.

The acclimatization to a daycare centre or childminder goes through various phases that are individually tailored to the child's needs. As parents, you work closely with the daycare staff and help shape this process according to your child's needs. This acclimatization phase is an important part of settling into a new environment and serves to build a trusting relationship between the child, daycare centre and family.

Relationship building

A positive attitude on the part of the parents can help the child to settle in well at the daycare center or daycare facility.

Successful cooperation between parents and daycare staff is based on trust. It is easier for the child to settle in successfully at the daycare center if a trusting relationship has been established between all parties involved. It is therefore also important for you as parents to get to know the daycare center and the daycare center caregiver in advance. You are welcome to take advantage of the daycare center's offers such as Open day, taster day, introductory afternoon, parents' evening for new parents and shadowing.

The daycare center and child daycare as a place for children to learn and live

You can help your child settle into daycare by reading picture book stories with him/her that describe everyday life at daycare. This will make an important contribution to your child's perception of their new environment.

The familiarization process in daycare is based on scientific models that take into account both attachment theory and 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 way. With the support of the daycare center caregiver, the child can make initial contact with other children and at the same time get to know the other children.

The settling-in process is individually designed for each child and takes place on site. You will receive more detailed information on this from the daycare center where your child is being cared for. In order to be as well informed as possible, you should talk to the daycare staff.

Acclimatization takes time

The foundation of every settling-in period is time. Give yourself and your child time by accompanying the settling-in process carefully and in consultation with the daycare staff. Your child's needs should guide the educational approach. Many things are new for your child: the premises, the rituals, the other children and the initially unfamiliar daycare staff.

Familiarization is a process in which every child must be considered differently. In order for the settling-in process to be successful, it is important that your child attends the daycare center regularly and that you as parents work closely with the daycare staff. How long it takes to settle in varies from child to child. It is best to stay in close contact with the professionals at the daycare center.

Rituals make it easier to arrive

It is important for your child that you tell them: "I'm leaving now and will pick you up again soon (after lunch or after sleeping, for example)". Always have a fixed goodbye ritual in the morning. This will give your child security and the confidence that they 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.

Small comforters

Familiarization is a process that can also include setbacks. Therefore, a trusting relationship with the daycare staff is of great importance. As parents, 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 to be a good idea for children to have a familiar cuddly toy with them to calm them down in unpleasant situations, such as longing. A beloved cuddly toy can also help to overcome problems falling asleep outside the familiar environment.

Not too much new!

Pay attention to your child's needs and take time for the settling-in phase. Don't overload everyday family life with too many activities to give your child the opportunity to get used to their new surroundings.

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

A trusting cooperation with the daycare center is essential here. If you are still worried after saying goodbye, just ask. If your child reports events at the nursery that you do not fully understand, it is advisable to talk to the nursery staff. This way, any doubts can be cleared up together.

Dealing with setbacks

Even if everything is running 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 talk to the daycare staff. There may be various reasons for your child's refusal to go to daycare, which can be discussed in order to find solutions.

When settling in doesn't work

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