Bear Hugs Learning Center

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The First Morning:

Give Everyone Plenty of Time
Hurrying on the first day will make everyone feel stressed. "Wake your child early enough so that he can adjust to the day before being whisked off into the car. Don't rush in the morning," reminds Pantley.

Send Something from Home
A special memento can help your child feel more comfortable in her new environment. Greene's suggests packing a photograph of your family or a special toy that she can keep nearby in a pocket or a cubby.
Help Your Child Settle in
Arrive at the center early enough so that you have time to stick around for a few minutes. "Let your child take you on a tour of the classroom when you drop her off. Let her tell you what she sees," says Thompson.

Pantley encourages parents to "Ask: 'Is there something you'd like to show me before I leave in five minutes?'" However, don't linger; as she says, "Your goodbye should be short and sweet."

If you're nervous, Thompson suggests you "call the day care and check on your child. The facility should be more than happy to give you first day updates during the day."

Before the First Day:
Visit the Center
Visit the day care with your child at least once ahead of time. Having you nearby during the experience will give her a sense of security as she warms up to this new environment. But make sure to give her some space to explore on her own.

Thompson suggests even doing a practice day. "See if the day care will accommodate a shadow day prior to the official start. This is a way for parents and children to get a feel for what to expect day one."
Trust Your Caregiver
Greene counsels, "Make sure that you trust the people who are taking care of your child." If you're confident about the day care and the caregivers, your child will also be confident. On the other hand, if you're anxious, that will rub off on your child.

Before the First Day:

Go Over the Schedule
Prepare your child for what he'll experience at day care. "Be as detailed as possible," advises Greene, and explain these things to your child again and again.

Adjust to the New Routine
Give your family a few days to get used to any new sleep schedule that day care will require. Pantley encourages, "Begin to get up at the time you'll need to awaken on day care days, and set -- and keep -- an appropriate bedtime for a good night's sleep."