Starting long daycare is a significant transition for both children and parents. It involves adjusting to a new environment, new caregivers, new children, and a new routine—so it’s no small thing! Understanding what the expect during this transition period and knowing how to support your child can make the process smoother for everyone.
What is normal?
First thing to note - there is no normal! Every child settles into care differently.
It’s important to remember that there is a developmental element to settling into care. The age and stage of cognitive development significantly impact how a child experiences separation anxiety. In particular, children between 12-18 months of age often go through a peak period of separation anxiety, making their transition into daycare more challenging.
Our Bardia Centre Manager, Nicole Downey, has extensive experience supporting children through this process. She notes that, typically, children fall into two broad categories when settling into care:
Some children experience tears for the first three weeks but begin settling around weeks 4 or 5. However, if a child has time off in those early weeks (due to illness or other disruptions), this timeframe may extend.
Other children appear to settle easily for the first few weeks but then, around week 4, realize that daycare is an ongoing routine. This is when they begin to show signs of separation anxiety and start the settling process in earnest.
While these are common patterns, every child is different, and their adjustment period may not fit neatly into these categories. The key is patience, consistency, and open communication between parents and educators.
Sickness
It's extremely common for children to get sick in their first year in long daycare - primarily because:
children are starting care when their immune systems are still developing
children in long daycare settings tend to play closely with one another, including sharing toys - we have practices in place to disinfect toys that have been placed in a child's mouth or have otherwise been exposed to germs - but this alone can't prevent the spread of illnness
young children are still learning essential personal hygiene practices
At Futuro we take a rigorous approach to cleanliness and hygiene, including the employment of permanent staff at each centre to clean the centres every day. Whilst it can be frustrating that children are often sick in their first year of care, these sicknesses do help develop their immune systems and if this doesn't happen in a long daycare setting, it will invariably happen when children start formal schooling.
What can parents do?
Parents play an essential role in helping their children adjust to daycare. Here are a few strategies that can help make the transition easier:
- Consistency is key. If possible, have the same person drop off and pick up your child each day at the same time. Predictability helps children feel secure in their new routine.
- Ensure your child has time to engage in the centre’s daily rhythm. Arriving early enough and leaving late enough for your child to participate in key activities—such as morning group time, meals, or outdoor play—can help them feel more integrated into the centre’s structure.
- Goodbyes matter. Give your child a hug and a kiss, say goodbye, and then leave. While it might be tempting to sneak out to avoid tears, this can increase anxiety and make it harder for your child to trust that goodbyes are safe and normal.
What do we do to help?
At Futuro we are committed to making the transition into care as smooth and supportive as possible. Our team prioritises comfort and engagement, ensuring that children are quickly involved in an activity or receiving reassurance when they arrive.
We understand that for parents, the most challenging part can be leaving while their child is crying. It’s important to know that most children settle quickly once their parent has left. However, if a child continues to struggle with settling, we will reach out to parents to discuss options—such as a shorter day or additional support—to ease the transition.
Many of our team members are also parents, so we truly understand how difficult this process can be. Even experienced educators can find it emotionally challenging when their own child goes through this transition. That’s why we approach every child’s journey into care with empathy, patience, and a deep commitment to their well-being.
If you ever have questions, concerns, or simply need reassurance, please don’t hesitate to speak with an Educator in your child’s room or reach out to your Centre Manager. We’re here to support you and your child every step of the way!
* Image credit: Photo by Michał Parzuchowski on Unsplash