Your child’s first day in the childcare centre can be a momentous yet eventful occasion for you and your child.
This will be the first time that your child is away from you in a totally unfamiliar environment, meeting new people, acquiring new skills and establishing a different routine.
As a parent, it will be an equally emotional experience as you have to help your child to overcome the separate anxiety and share the controls of your child with a new caregiver, beyond the familiar confines of your home.
However, positive childcare experience is possible. Ministry of Social and Family Development, MSF, shares some helpful tips to parents who are considering placing their children in a childcare centre when their children turn eighteen months.
How can I prepare my child for the childcare experience?
Before admission, prepare your child by explaining how enjoyable the experience at the childcare centre will be. Emphasise that it will be fun to meet other children, make new friends, see a new place, play with new toys and learn new things.
To familiarize your child with the centre, arrange to bring him/her for one or two brief visits.
Should I accompany my child in the Centre?
It is advisable that you accompany your child for only a few days and not more than a week. Once your child begins to interact with other children, leave and allow him/her to settle down on his/her own. Your continued presence may make the adjustment difficult as your child would become dependent on you.
What should I do if my child refuses to attend the centre, or has tears and nightmares about going there?
Be calm and direct with your child and talks about all the fun he/she will have. Reassure your child that you will pick him/her up after your work.
If your child continues to be distressed, talk to the teacher and discuss ways to help your child to overcome his/her fears.
As far as possible, avoid changing childcare arrangements too frequently as this will be unsettling for your child
Is it normal for the children to cry when they are in a new childcare centre?
This is perfectly normal as children are placed in a new environment and often fear that their parents will not come back for them. Reassure your child that you will pick her/him up after your work. Your child should become familiar with the daily routine.
How long does it take for my child to adjust?
The time frame for the adjustment varies for each child. A great deal depends on your attitude as a parent. If you are happy and confident about the arrangement, your child is more likely to settle down easily and faster.
Testimonials
I would like to thank Seeds Learning Place for taking such good care of Jovelle! She has not only grown academically, but also spiritually. Hope SLP can continue to groom Jovelle into an outstanding student with strong foundation before the start of Primary School. Thank you!
Mr. & Mrs. Ling, Parents of Jovelle Ling
Class: Peace N2 (2016)We have entrusted our 3 children with Seeds Learning Place and have been blessed by the caring and dedicated teachers and the values inculcated in our children. Over the years, we have built a good rapport with the staff of the school and our children have grown well both academically and character-wise.
Adena Lim, Parent of Lisa Foo, Liora Foo & Linus Foo
Class: Alumni, Faith K2 (2016), Joy N1 (2016)My child transferred to Seeds when she was at Nursery. She improved tremendously academically after being in Seeds mentoring program whereby my daughter can learn at her own pace. We also brought Angel with us in our overseas missions quite a lot so Seeds’ personalised training approach and the small class size really worked for us, such that Angel could catch up with her peers whenever she was absent due to the travelling. Seeds’ Teachers are very attentive and loving to the children (they are not just “doing their job”) and they really took effort to work on the children’s behaviour and character. Angel has become a more obedient and attentive child who takes instructions ever since she is in Seeds’ childcare. I highly recommend the quality education in Seeds.
Ruby Goh, Parent of Angel Wong
Class: Hope K1 (2016)