Tips for nearly 3yr old starting cc

Hello, is anyone on here tonight? Well I finally found dd a nice childcare and she starts in the morning 2 days a week.
I'm starting to freak out a bit thinking about it, so I wondered if anyone could give me some tips on making her happy there.
We've gone to visit the place a few times and talked about it heaps so she knows about it. She was worried the other day so we made her a bracelet together for her to wear when she goes. She seems allright about it now, but she is pretty sensitive and very attatched. She has been in a creche before at the pool a couple of times and she likes it there but I joined a gym and had to pull out because she screamed whenever I put her in the creche there. And she hasnt had that much experience playing with lots of other kids before so she gets a bit upset when they don't share and stuff. I guess she'll get used to it pretty quick.
She's awake now after falling asleep at 5pm so she is going to have a really late night. grr
Anyway she's just going for half a day tomorrow.
Has anyone else started there kids around this age? How'd they go?

Hi,
I don't know your situation, but when dd started at occ care I went with her 3 times, but mainly just observed.
Then I left her but stayed nearby in case there was a problem (but there never was).
Sometimes I think it was harder on me than her.
DD is starting a full day this year, so I will probably try to do something similar.
Good luck

Hi heliana,

As a childcare worker, these are the things I would say would be best for you to do for the first day:

(It's excellent that you have pre prepared her by talking about it and going for visits! That will be a big step in helping her settle.)

- Take your time in getting there. Have time to spare and don't rush. Tyr not to have to take her when you need to work. You will be distracted, especially if it doesn't go smoothly and will have time limitations. Try to do it on a day off or take a days leave.
- Try not to carry her into the centre and get her to carry her own bag. I know it sounds like a horrible thing to do, but it makes it easier to transition from you to a carer or activity, avoids her being able to velcro herself to you if she's likely to do it. And gives her a sense of being responsible and 'a big girl'.
- Make sure you have everything you need, forms (filled out), documents blah blah...as well as her bag packed (get her to help with this), ensure comfort items are included! the night before, so that it's all done and ready to leave in the morning. Then you can have breaky together, talk about the day ahead...before you leave in the morning.
- Try not to go in when they are busiest. Maybe call in the morning and ask what time is best for them to give her lots of attention. I would suggest before 8 or after 9.30, though that depends on the centre. Find out who her primary carers are and hand her over to one of those people. I have had children attach themsleves to me on arrival, only to have to go through separating from me when the children are separated to their own rooms.
- Ensure the carer takes your child on a tour of the room. Toilets, where the drinking water is and where her bag is going is top on the list for her to know.
- Create a routine. Do the same thing every morning you go to preschool. Eat breaky, brush teeth, get dressed, do hair, out the door, sign in, put bag away, read a story, hand over to carer, say goodbye then LEAVE! No coming and going back and forth. Say you're going to work/to do chores/whatever you're going to do, you're coming back later or if someone else is picking her up (make sure she knows this!), kiss, cuddle then go. Don't stick around and don't let her see you again until you're going to pick her up to go home. Be consistent, try not to change it, not until she's really settled in. Call the carers if you need to find out how she is, they won't mind if they are a good centre, though ask when is a good time to chat.
Don't leave her too long on her first few days. Try for 3 hrs or so, then get longer and longer. Try to take her in when the routine things are going on like morning tea, grouptimes, lunch....
- *These things may NOT HAPPEN!!!!! But...* Be prepared for second day blues. Often the first day goes really smoothly and parents think it will be great the next time too, only to have them scream the house down cause the child knows that they will be staying there for the day. Also be prepared for her to be a bit clingy at home. It may NOT happen, but sometimes does. Just give her extra hugs and let her know you're always there for her.

Ok that'a all I can think of!! I hope it helps and I hope it all goes smoothly.

Thank-you so much for those tips.
This morning went very smoothly. She was fine. Like you said the carers said the first day is easier than the second or third. Im going to pick her up at lunch time today. She woke up with a cold and she had a late night last night so she will be tired.
I hope she's ok on wed. Thats what Im really worried about, when she realises its a regular thing. Its good though, I have time to help her settle in, I don't start uni till next month.
It was funny, the other day when we went in for a visit there was a little boy with a really snotty nose and today I saw three other kids in that class with the same and dd too. They are going to go through a lot of tissues in there today.
Lots of new kids and parents this morning. Dd's carer was comforting one little boy and she was giggling because she didnt know his name yet!

I truly believe in "most" cases, it's worse for the mum!! She will love it,, and you'll wonder why you ever worried!! My DD is just 3 and had 2 weeks off CC over christmas and EVERY single day she asked if she could go to kindy!! It's nice when you see them love it so much. ANd it's great you have time to settle her in, that will be reassuring for you xo

Thanks mumma2girls. How was your dd when she started. I cant wait till mine is excited about going. I went back to pick her up and about half the class were crying. There are lots that are just starting today and they were so tired. DD was crying but I stayed there with her and had some lunch, then she was ok when we left. She was even telling me, this is my kindy, you don't stay you go to school. Fingers crossed for wed. xx

oh, I just dropped her off this morning and had to leave her screaming in the directors arms. :(