Aussie Childcare Network Forum

What type of strategies would I use to settle a young child and her family into care?

What would i do prior to the child starting at the centre? - I've got getting the family & child to visit the centre beforehand a few times to get the child familiar with the environment..

And what would i do on the first day of the child starting at the centre to make it easier for the child and family to settle in easier??



Thank you )

Hi there, children will vary when they settle into care so there is no one size fits all strategy. Some will settle easily on their first day, while others may show distress or with draw, or be really nervous and anxious.My favourite approach is to be prepared as much much as possible, find out as much about the child, their likes, dislikes etc. Allow parents to be your key partners in developing a transition/settling in routine, be prepared for the best and worst and the unknown. Above all, comfort the child, make them feel welcome, a photo or a toy from home may be okay and help to keep that connection, talk with the child with out overwhelming them and encourage them to voice their concerns. Plan one day at a time, be flexible and really willing to comprise, writing down what worked and what did not ( That is where your critical reflection comes in handy)