Transition to Child Care - Child Care Answers

Family

Finding and Choosing Child Care General Parenting Support

Sometimes, families may come to your child care program that you are unable to serve, whether due to tuition costs, limited enrollment availability, or because your program is not the best fit for their child or family. Feel free to share the below information with families to support their continued child care journey. Indiana 2-1-1 is also a good place for them to start to get a list of other child care programs and/or local organizations to meet their unique needs.

Transitioning Your Child into a Child Care Program

Change can be hard, but it’s easier when you have a hand to hold. We’re here to help make the transition of your little into a child care program a positive experience.

"If we're less stressed and we know what's coming next, we're less likely to engage in some challenging behaviors and more likely to engage in some pro-social behaviors, but we also see that these transition periods, when they are supported, are also related to children's cognitive skills, as well."

Gail Joseph

University of Washington College of Education

Social-Emotional Support

Easing the first day jitters

Here are some practical, family-friendly tips for easing the transition to child care, for both you and your child.

Visit together: Take your child to meet the teachers, see the classroom, and explore the new space before their official start date.
Practice separations: Do short goodbyes with trusted caregivers (family/friends) to help your child get used to being away from you.
Talk positively about child care: Share excitement! Mention new friends, fun toys, or activities.
Read books about starting school / child care: Stories like Llama Llama Misses Mama or The Kissing Hand can normalize feelings.
Build routine at home: Start adjusting bedtime, wake-up, and meal times to match the child care schedule.

Keep goodbyes short and consistent: Lingering can make it harder. Create a simple routine (hug, kiss, “I’ll be back after snack”).
Use a comfort item: If allowed, send a pacifier, stuffed animal, or family photo.
Stay calm and confident: Children pick up on parent emotions—your reassurance helps them feel secure.

Allow extra time at first: The first week or two may take longer at drop-off and pick-up.
Communicate with teachers: Share your child’s favorite songs, comfort strategies, or routines to help staff support them.
Expect ups and downs: It’s normal for children (and parents!) to have good days and tough days as they adjust.
Celebrate small wins: Talk with your child about something positive they did or learned each day.

“Supporting Infants and Toddlers and Their Families through Transitions.” HeadStart.gov, May 30, 2024. https://headstart.gov/transitions/teacher-time-series/supporting-infants-toddlers-their-families-through-transitions.