General Rules for Adaptation
A child´s entry into a childcare group is a crucial step in the life of the whole family. It is a significant change from the previous rhythm. The child becomes part of a new group and learns their new life role.
Unfortunately, tears are a common part of adaptation. The morning crying in the dressing room during separation is common, but usually, the children will calm down after a few minutes. The important thing is how the child behaves during the day and whether he or she gets involved in activities. For smooth adaptation, it is essential that parents fully trust the facility. Parents should know their reasons for placing their child in the group and stand behind them.
- Adaptation process length: The adaptation process takes a minimum of 3 weeks for 2-half-day attendance. The adaptation process takes a maximum of 3 months for 2-half-day attendance.
- Parents follow the instructions of the caring person.
- Each completed adaptation day is consulted with a parent who is informed about its course and the parent can propose the next steps.
- As part of the child’s stay in the classroom, the nanny initially gives them space for observing the group, leaving it to the child whether they want to integrate themselves into the activities. The child builds a relationship with space and the persons in it. They should gradually begin to feel safe in the environment.
- The child is not forced into the activities. The nanny gives them incentives to engage with.
- The overall adaptation process always depends on the current situation in the class and the child. If needed, we might engage more nannies. The childcare group determines the layout of dates for new children’s acceptance, their adaptation, and the number of children.
- First 2-3 weeks please count with higher frequency of attendance 3-5 per week but shorter time 1-3 hours per stay at class.
- Parents are waiting in surrounding for our message. They are not in a class with kids.
- The adaptation process is managed by one caregiver at a time.
- When accepting a child, we examine their individual needs based on a parent-carer interview and filling up a child’s health questionnaire. Nanny and parents further cooperate in the planning adaptation process and fulfilling the child’s individual needs of the child in the context of the adaptation process.
- Nanny pays special individual attention to newly accepted children and sensitively reacts to their needs.
Get properly ready for the first day to avoid stress on such an important day. Prepare the necessary documents (contract, medical certificate, employment certificate) as well as the necessary items for the baby (slippers, water bottle, clothes for the outdoors, spare clothes, diapers if needed etc.).
10 tips to make joining the childcare group easier for both you and your child
- Talk with children about what to expect. Tell them a nice aunt will take care of them in the childcare group and they are going to meet a lot of new friends, play with new toys and learn new skills.
- Practice separation. Get a babysitter, explain you are leaving and why and tell them, you will come back again.
- Go for walks in the childcare group neighbourhood, so children get to learn where will they go to meet their friends and the environment is not new.
- Teach your children independence and self-service.
- Let them know you understand their concerns. Tell them you are sure they will do a great job joining the childcare group. Work together on their self-confidence.
- If they cry, be kind, but decisive. Do not unnecessarily prolong the farewell.
- Give your child something familiar (cuddly, pacifier, favourite toy). It will make them feel safer and self-secure.
- Keep your promises. When you promise to come after lunch, come after lunch.
- Get rid of your anxiety. If you are anxious, you make your child feel anxious too.
- Be patient, do not try to speed the adaptation up and be accessible by phone.
