Preparing to go to daycare for the first time can be both exciting and frightening to a child. Most children experience a certain level of nervousness and attempting to both understand and allay the child’s anxiety is very important as a steppingstone to success for the child in the daycare setting.

Take the time to research the daycare center in question and learn everything you can about it. Take the time to get to know the person who runs the daycare as well as the staff who will be working with and interacting with your child on a daily basis. Find out what a typical day at the center will be like for your child and then tell her all about it before you set foot in the place together for the first time. Tell her how many other children will be attending the daycare with her, what activities are planned, when lunch is, when naptime is as well as outdoor play, and so on. Just like adults, children can fear the unknown and having some sort of idea of what to expect is of benefit to your child. Answer any questions she might have beforehand, as there are likely to be questions that as a parent you would not even have thought of. Calm your child’s fears with as much information as possible. For a parent knowing the daycare schedule is also a way to put your mind at ease.

Talk about the new situation with your child in a manner that shows both confidence and enthusiasm. Be supportive and encouraging but don’t tell her things like, “This will be the most fun you have ever had anywhere!” That statement comes across as phony and as a parent how would you know that anyway? Instead talk about some of the activities and games that the daycare center offers. If the center also takes children on trips to the public library for example for films, storytelling or puppet shows that let her know about those. Talk about the expectations you have for your child at the daycare in the most positive manner possible and she is likely to rise to the occasion and also want to please her parent in the process.

Before your child’s first day of attending daycare establish a routine at home that encourages the day to get off to a good start. You might want to practice this a few days or even a week or two before daycare begins. For example, set a bedtime that will allow the child enough sleep for the busy day ahead. Also make sure you establish a wake up time that allows the child plenty of time to get ready for the daycare, such as dressing, using the toilet, washing her face, combing her hair, eating a nutritious breakfast and brushing her teeth. An established routine that is familiar is a good way to get the daycare experience off to a positive and enthusiastic start.

Make sure you stay as long as necessary with your child her first day of daycare. Some children are more anxious than others and need more reassurance from their parents, especially on the first day. Walk around the center with her and talk to other children as well as the daycare staff and familiarize her with her new surroundings with you there. Rest assured that you will know when the time has come that your child has developed enough confidence to be all right without your presence. Some children may require that a parent stay for a few minutes for the first few days at the new daycare, or even a few minutes for a week or so. However as she begins to make friends and feel comfortable she will become more at ease and relaxed in the daycare environment. 

It is a good idea to create a special “goodbye ritual” that you share with your child and no one else. This is especially beneficial for children who are not used to being away from their parents for an extended period of time. Some children fear that their parents will not return and that fear is very real to them. Establish a unique parting that will instill confidence in your child that you will return at the end of your workday to pick her up and take her home. Whatever words you choose to use make sure you use them consistently so your child comes to thoroughly understand their meaning.