The process of adaptation

What can parents do to help their children adapt to the child care centre?

There is no magic formula to enable your child to adapt immediately. It is an individual process in which each child will establish his/her own rhythm given their own needs and previous experience.

Parents are a very important factor in this process, they can help and speed up the adaptation.

We would like to suggest some steps that you may take to help your children feel more relaxed and confident during this transition.

• Before arriving at Noah’s Ark, let your child know that you will be accompanying them and tell them that there will be with other children, that there will be new toys and games, that they will learn fun things, and that there will be a teacher there who will take care of them.
• Try to have a relaxing morning. Take time getting prepared and eat breakfast together.
• Invite your child to bring something personal along that allows him/her to feel the security of home (a doll, teddy bear, small blanket, or any other significant object).
• When you come in to Noah´s Ark with your child, talk and interact with the teacher naturally and openly. Demonstrate trust and confidence.
• During the first week, when parents or caregivers remain at the center, allow your child to establish his/her own sense of separation. It is best to not force the separation or push independence too much. As adults, it could be helpful to focus your attention in something other than your child. We suggest that you bring along a book or magazine or any other extra activity to entertain yourself.
• Allow the teachers to satisfy your child’s curiosity. Suggest that your child ask them for help with what they need.
• By the second week, when the children will remain at the center without their parents or caregivers, it will be important to have established a sense of confidence with the teacher. If you manage to feel trusting and confident, you will no doubt transmit the same feeling to your little one.
• Time to say goodbye! Give your child a hug and a kiss, tell them when you will return and wish them a great day! Even if they cry or become upset, it is important that you are constant and that you don’t prolong the goodbye. If the child sees that by crying you will stay longer then we are reinforcing a behaviour that will make his/her adaptation more difficult. He/she will soon stop crying as it is much more fun to play, explore and learn!
• When you come to pick up your child, talk with the teacher and ask about the day.
• Say goodbye together by saying “see you tomorrow”.
• Remain in close contact with the teachers about the evolution of your child by pointing out significant changes and issues. It will help us establish strategies to continue to help your child feel happy and comfortable at Noah’s Ark.

Remember that the doors at Noah’s Ark are open! Education is the work of the school and the family together.