The settling-in period at preschool care lasts an average of two to four weeks, but every child is different. Some children feel at ease after just a few days, while others need a month or longer to truly settle in. How you, as a parent, guide the transition plays a major role in this. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about settling into a new preschool childcare setting.
How long does the settling-in period last at preschool childcare?
The settling-in period at preschool care lasts an average of two to four weeks. During this period, a child gets used to the new environment, the childcare workers, and the daily routine. Children who already have experience with childcare generally adapt more quickly than children for whom it is the first time.
However, two to four weeks is a guideline, not a guarantee. Factors influencing the duration include the child's age, temperament, and how familiar the environment feels. Toddlers aged 2.5 to 4 are often already more linguistically and socially developed, which can make the adjustment easier. But precisely at that age, children are also more aware of saying goodbye, which sometimes makes it more emotional. Give it time and trust the process.
Why does my child cry when saying goodbye?
Crying when saying goodbye is a very normal and healthy sign of attachment. It shows that your child has a strong bond with you and understands that you are leaving. In developmental psychology, this is called separation anxiety, and it is a phase that most children go through between the ages of 1 and 4.
What surprises many parents is that children often calm down soon after saying goodbye. As soon as attention shifts to an activity or another child, the sadness usually disappears quickly. This does not mean that the sadness wasn't real, but that the child is learning to cope with the brief separation. Grief after separation at the half-day childcare preschool childcare is therefore not a signal that something is wrong, but rather a sign of secure attachment.
What can I do to make the adjustment easier?
As a parent, you can significantly facilitate the settling-in process by maintaining a fixed, calm routine when dropping off. Consistency provides a child with a sense of security. A short and warm farewell ritual, such as a hug and a fixed phrase like “I’ll pick you up later,” works better than lingering or constantly coming back.
In addition, there are a few practical things that help:
- Bring a familiar object with you, such as a stuffed animal or a photo card from home.
- Speak positively at home about the daycare and the friends who are there.
- Ensure the child arrives rested and well-fed, as fatigue intensifies emotions.
- Adopt a calm demeanor yourself during the farewell, because children pick up on your tension.
Also take into account the build-up of the settling-in period. Start with short visits where you stay with them, and gradually build this up to full half-days without you. Many childcare organizations use a structured settling-in program for this.
When will my child be truly used to the new daycare?
A child is truly settled into the new preschool care when they walk into the group independently, make contact with other children and childcare workers, and no longer cry consistently at goodbye. These are the most reliable signs that a child feels safe and at home in the new environment.
Also pay attention to behavior at home. A child who has settled in talks enthusiastically about their day, asks about friends from daycare, or reenacts at home what they did there. Sometimes it takes a little longer for a child to show this, but once a sense of basic calm has been established, that is a good sign. Remain alert even after the official settling-in period. Some children need a brief readjustment phase after a holiday or period of illness, and that is perfectly normal.
How do childcare workers monitor my child during the settling-in period?
During the settling-in period, pedagogical staff actively monitor the child by observing their behavior, mood, and interactions. They look for signs of insecurity or restlessness, but also for moments when a child thrives. These observations form the basis for discussions with parents about how the settling-in is progressing.
Good communication with parents is essential in this regard. During a warm handover at the end of the day, as a parent you hear not only what your child did, but also how the child felt and what the staff member observed. This way, you remain involved as a parent and know exactly how things are going, even if you were not present yourself. childcare in Amsterdam South is that personal connection between staff member and parent one of the most valuable aspects of daily childcare.
This is how KleintjeZuid helps with getting used to preschool care.
At KleintjeZuid, we take the settling-in period seriously because we know how big that step is for both child and parent. We work with a structured settling-in process in which children get to know the group, the space, and our staff at their own pace. Our pedagogical professionals are trained in addressing the grief of separation and creating a safe, trusting atmosphere.
What we specifically do to ensure the settling-in process goes as smoothly as possible:
- Personal attention for every child during the settling-in period, tailored to the child's temperament and needs.
- Daily warm handovers where parents hear exactly how the day went.
- Use of the educational program Startblokken, that familiarizes children with the group routine in a playful way.
- Open communication with parents, so that expectations are clear and trust grows.
Curious how KleintjeZuid can guide your child's development? Read more about our pedagogical approach or contact us for a tour of one of our locations.
