As children get older in the formal child care system, they progress into different rooms with different carer-to-child ratios. This can mark the rise of an exciting new time in their development. Here are some ways to make the transition easier on all parties.
Plan the transition
If there are other issues at home that can add to the overall feeling of instability for a toddler, such as the arrival of a new sibling, it can make sense to delay the room transition until the child is feeling more stable in their life. At the same time planning the transition so a peer group of similarly aged and developmentally staged children transition together can ease the transition for the parent, carer and child.
Ask the carer if your child can transition gradually with visits, then half days, in the new room whilst they are still orienting themselves.
Meet with carers in the new room
Whilst you are no doubt familiar with your child's current carers one of the transition issues for parents can be gaining trust and rapport with the new carers. Meet with them ahead of time to discuss any concerns or special issues that your child has, as well as hearing about the programs they have in place in their room. Having a good idea of what is offer in the new room can help you to talk up the transition with your child, by emphasising their bigger yard, intricate dollhouse or elaborate train sets on offer for example.
Allow for extra tears
The transition process can be stressful for children. For the first few weeks be prepared for your child to be extra emotional as they adjust to a new peer group and new daily routines. It can be useful to schedule some extra minute for drop off and pick up for the first few weeks as everyone adjust to the new schedule. Equally, it can be useful to minimise other changes in the period such as limiting household visitors until everyone has adjusted to the new routine.
As children grow and move forward developmentally it can be extremely valuable to have them in a more stimulating and age appropriate environment. This allows them to grow and learn new skills, both intellectually and emotionally, which form the basis of their future educational experiences. Transitions are most successful when parents and child carers work as a team to develop a schedule that suits your child's temperament and needs.
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