Step 6: Prepare Your Child for Care

Going to a new setting for child care is often an exciting experience for a child. It can, however, be a little scary as well since it may be their first time and they may not know what to expect.  There are a few things that you can do to make this change a little easier for you and your child.

Child Care Orientation

• Visit the caregiver and/or centre more than once before starting care and gradually increase the time your child spends in care without you.
• Visit while the other children are there so that your child may meet the other children and become familiar with the caregiver and/or teachers.
• Tour the home or centre with your child and show them where they will eat, play and where the washroom is.
• If applicable, explain to your child who will be transporting them (either by car, bus or walking) to and from school.
• Talk with your child about who will be doing the drop offs and pick ups and at what times this will probably occur. If there are any changes in the schedule let your child know.
• Speak with your child about the various activities that occur while in care. Be sure to mention the caregiver's name so that the child becomes familiar with the name before starting care.

Provided is a sample procedure for preparing your child for care. Remember to check with the caregiver or centre in advance to discuss these arrangements and to make any necessary adjustments.

1. Visit the center and/or home alone: observe and have an interview with the caregiver
2. Visit the center and/or home together. This visit should occur at playtime since a more tructured part of the program may be stressful for the child. This visit should be for about 1 hour.
3. Attend with the child on the first day of care. Come together to experience the main part of the program (approx 2-2.5 hours). If child becomes settled, you may leave the room for 10 to15 minutes (make sure to tell the child that you are leaving and will return).
4. On the child's second day of care, child stays alone for ½ a day, including lunch. Join the child for lunch and observe the washroom routine and the beginning of naptime
5. On the child's third and fourth day of care, child stays alone for the majority of the day and is picked up after naptime.
6. On the child's fifth day, child spends the whole day and is picked up at regular time.

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