How to Help a Toddler Adjust to Child Care Near You?

Transitioning a toddler into child care is tough, not only for the child but also for the parents. For a toddler, child care means a change in routine, a step into the unknown, and time away from parents or their caregivers. Especially, if he or she is a certain age and has been home with you as the primary caregiver for the past few years, hence going to a new location or having a new caregiver in the home all day may prove to be a difficult transition.

However, depending upon your family situation, your toddler may have no trouble at all getting used to a new childcare situation. The good news is that most children do eventually make peace with the new order. If you did not ask the childcare provider during your interview how she handles children with separation anxiety, be sure to do so before the first day your child is in day care. In addition, there are steps that you can take to facilitate the change in routine and ensure your child is comfortable with the different setting. Nevertheless, with a little planning, taking your toddler to child care can be a positive and rewarding experience.  Because most children do eventually make peace with the new order.

How Do I Help My Toddler Adjust to Child Care Near Me?

• Create a Routine

Children need routine. Knowing what to expect gives your toddler a feeling of control. To get your child off to a good start, find a morning routine that works for you and your child  and stick to it. Maybe you eat breakfast together or pack lunches. Or maybe, you and your child have a checklist to make sure everything is in that backpack before you head out the door.

• Visit the child care together

If you have a younger child, ask the school if you can visit together and spend some time either in his classroom or on the playground. This will help both you and your toddler feel safe and comfortable as he explores his new environment for the first time. If joint visits are not allowed by the school, try driving to the school on a Saturday and just showing your child the outside. This is especially helpful if you can see the playground from the parking lot, as many children will be excited to check out the new equipment they’ll get to enjoy.

• Giving the right signals

How parents say goodbyes can determine their toddler’s reaction. So as tempting as it may be, don’t wait for your child to get distracted and then sneak off without a hug and a kiss. For some kids, looking up to find that you’ve already gone can leave them feeling even more alone. Instead, keep your good-bye short and to the point with a snappy hug and a peck on the cheek. As a matter of fact, saying goodbye with confidence also shows your child that he or she is safe. If you seem anxious or upset to leave them, their anxiety will likely increase as it signals that it’s not okay for her to be left there.

• Tell your child what to expect

Telling your child he or she will have the best day ever and going on about how fun school is while you’re actually anxious about how he’ll handle it won’t work. Instead, try talking to them about the specifics of his day. Tell them the name of his teacher and tell him a few details about the daily schedule. By understanding what will happen while he’s at school or daycare will help him feel more comfortable. As the day progresses, they will see that what you told them is indeed happening and that will help them feel safe.

• Bring something familiar

A reminder of home will make those first few trips to daycare a little easier and provide comfort on difficult days. That might be a lovey, blanket or mom or dad’s T-shirt or other clothing item. A laminated family portrait that an older child can hold onto can help too.

Which Toddler Child Care Should You Consider?

• Polka Dot Bear Baby & Child Care Centre

Nurture from cradle to floor, floor to play, play to learning, learning to a completely developed child, Polka Dot Bear Baby is a professional childcare provider linking parental partnership for effective child development from infancy to preschool year. Their focus stretches beyond education to encompass the overall health and wellbeing of every child while promoting and developing a harmonious community through the teaching of high moral values and moulding sound character building.

Address: Casa Tropicana A-0-3A, No. 5 Jalan Persiaran Tropicana, PJU 3, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia

Tel: +6013-347 1355

Address: Unit G-25, Eco Sky, No. 972, Batu 6 1/2, Jalan Ipoh, 51200,  Kuala Lumpur

Tel: +6017-729 1355

• Knowledge Tree Montessori Kindergarten

Set in the heart of the nappy valley, this popular nursery evolved from a creche into one of the city’s best day nurseries for working parents. Founded in 2006, Knowledge Tree Montessori Kindergarten is situated in the heart of Desa ParkCity in Kuala Lumpur. A preschool where they groom your child in a fun, safe, caring, engaging and conducive environment with their carefully tailored curriculum. Tree Montessori Kindergarten focuses on developing their social skills, physical and emotional growth, physical coordination, and intellectual prowess.

Address: Block E-1-15 & E-1-16, Plaza Arkadia, No. 3, Jalan Intisari Perdana, Desa Parkcity, Kepong , Kuala Lumpur 52200 Malaysia

Tel: +6012-331 1180

• Beaconhouse Malaysia

One of the largest school systems of its kind, operating schools in eight countries for over forty-three years. Beaconhouse Malaysia currently owns and operates twelve schools within the Klang Valley, eight of which are Pre-schools, two Private Primary and Secondary Schools which offer the National Curriculum and two International Schools, offering Cambridge IGCSE Programmes. Known for their “ Play to Learn & Learn to Play” concept, Beaconhouse helps children to be a well-rounded individual by allowing them to have enjoyment in the process of learning.

Address: No. 32A, Lorong Pikrama 1, Bandar Baru Sri Petaling, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Malaysia

Tel: +603 9059 2133 

• Babies and Casa Montessori International Preschool

Babies & Casa Montessori International Preschool thrives on developing values that determine the success of a child from the inside out. What makes them stand out among the rest is we not only focus on academic and mental development, but we emphasize on the importance of creativity, respect, deep and loving attachments, independence, self-awareness and environmental responsibility.

Address: Lot 3-13, Third Floor, 1 Mont Kiara, 1 Jalan Kiara, Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur.

Tel: +6012 236 7771

• JoyKids International Preschool

Integrating Montessori and Thematic curricula, JoyKids International Preschool aims to nurture each child to reach their highest potential that promotes the holistic growth of the child within a safe and nurturing environment. They are very passionate about their children and that a strong foundation is essential for their future success. They respect every child’s personality and truly believe in their potential to become capable, highly responsible and confident individuals. They believe all these can be cultivated through education.

Address:  Bukit Utama The Club, 1, Club Drive, Bandar Utama, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Tel: +603 7728 9955