Settling In
When you go to the centre for a visit, teachers will encourage you to join in with the programme. If your child sees you happy in the centre they are more likely to feel settled. Children can often detect if parents are anxious so make yourself at home and join in with any activities that are happening.
One way to reassure your child is to talk about the teachers they are going to see at the centre. Talk with them about the teacher that was at the paint table, sand pit and so on to help your child become familiar with the new faces and names,
Step 1. When you arrive
together ask what activity your child wants to start with. Be direct. Let your
child know what is coming up. One of our teacher’s tips is to talk to
your child about who they might play with when they get to the centre. It helps
your child focus on where they are going and what they might do.
Step 2. Ask your child who
they would like to look after them when you go. This helps your child know you
also trust this person and that you know they will be able to comfort your
child. Warn that teacher that they are the
‘chosen’ one!
Step 3. You must say goodbye
to your child and reassure them you will return. Yes, the first few times you
may have to peel them from your leg, but give them a hug and kiss and walk out.
Don’t look back. You know your child will be safe and in minutes will be
settled in an activity.
Our professional teachers are skilled at
comforting and reassuring children. They will acknowledge your child’s feelings
by providing them with reassuring words such as “I will keep you safe and play
with you until dad/mum comes back to get you after lunch. I will be here when
you need me.” We will talk to your child about all the
things they can do and introduce them to other children. We will wait for your child’s cue as to
when they are ready to explore the centre. Be assured, one of us will stay
within the range of your child for the first hour of your child arriving so
that we are on call if your child needs reassuring.
Please feel free to ring us to check on how your child settled after you left, and be assured that if your child does not settle we will call and let you know. At the end of the day we will share with
you how the day went and ask you any questions that they may need to know to
support your child further.
If you have any questions or would like help settling in do ask us. We’ve seen it all before and look forward to settling your child in so that they love coming to our centre and beginning their learning journey.