• Visit the center with your child to familiarize her with the environment. Show her around the room - point out where her lunch will  go, and where her bag is kept., and where the toilets are.  Introduce her to the caregivers.  Get down on the floor with her and let her play with the toys and the other children.  Try to  join in with the routine (story time or snack time). Some children may jump right in and others may hang back or cling to your leg. This is normal behavior. The idea is to build up trust and make her feel safe.

• Talk to the staff about your child, for example, what he likes to do, successful ways of settling him to sleep, foods he likes and dislikes, etc.  Explain any fears or special needs (out of ear shot of the little one would be best).

• At home, read your child books about starting childcare. Role play by pretending to be mommy, daddy, child and caregiver; practice saying "Goodbye" and coming back. Talk about the caregivers and the children at the center as well as some of the fun things you did when you visited. Talk about or draw pictures about what they might do when they visit next time.

• If possible, take your child to your workplace and show her where you will be while she is at daycare.

• Try to keep the first couple of days shorter, for example until lunch time. This will give her a chance to bond with the caregivers, get to know some other children, become confident with the routine, and settle in.

• It may help to let her take along her favorite blanket or cuddly toy. Make sure it's named and that you remember to take it back home with you.

• Create a leaving routine. For example, give your child a cuddle then guide them to a staff member, or sit down with her for a short play time or book reading together. When you are ready to go, tell her that you are leaving and that you will be back to pick her up at the end of the day. Give her a kiss and a hug and say good bye - then leave. NEVER sneak away from your child. Learning how to separate from a parent is an important skill. Your honesty will build your child's trust in you.

• Some children settle in quickly and others take a little longer. It took my own daughter a couple of years of needing to hold the caregiver's hand as I left  before she felt confident enough to say goodbye on her own -now at 6-years old she skips off happily.

• When you pick her up, she will most likely be quite emotional - this is understandable - she has been away from you all day and now she is letting it all out with the person she feels the most safe with.

• Acknowledge your child's feeling about being away from you. These feelings are real. It is OK to say, "It's hard to be away from mommy. You miss me don't you?  I miss you too." Take time to examine your own feelings - if you feel comfortable with the center, your child will be too.

• Last of all, when you get home take the time to learn about her day (if she is willing to share) or just play (housework is highly overrated!). This will make the day care/home transition a smoother one.

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