Sending your kid off to the first day of child care is a big milestone for both child and parent. But if your child does not have a lot of experience being away from you at this point in life, it's understandable if you are feeling a little nervous about what's to come.

Thankfully, you can do plenty of things between now and the first day of school to get your child prepared for the road ahead. Here are some tips that can help make sure your child is ready to start his or her education off on the right foot.

Take Your Child to Meet the Teachers in Advance

If your child is the shy type, they might not react well to meeting their teachers or caregivers on the first day of school. If you know your child needs to warm up to new people a bit before they will feel comfortable, reach out to the child care professional before the day starts.

Most child care facilities are used to dealing with shy kids and will understand if the child needs some time to adjust. You can bring your kid in to meet with their teachers and get over the first day nerves of meeting someone new.

Of course, going to the facility early is also a great opportunity for parents to ask questions as well. Ask about what your child's first lessons will be so you can be prepared to help them or maybe even give them some guidance in advance.

Take Your Child on a Play Date and Leave Them With Another Adult

If your child has never been left alone, the first day of child care could be especially rough, as your child may go through a bit of separation anxiety. There are a couple different ways to approach this problem.

First, if you have any other relatives who don't frequently watch your child but who you do trust to take care of them, see if you can let them babysit for a while. Letting them hang out with an aunt or uncle they don't normally see will ease them into meeting up with new adults. For added bonus points, you could try scheduling a play date with a cousin.

If that goes well, you can amp things up by seeing if the facility will put you in touch with any other parents in your child's class. There's usually a mailing list or online forum where parents can gather to reach out to each other. See if you can find your child a play date with another kid who will actually be in the class. You might have to meet the other parent yourself first to feel comfortable, of course.

Schedule a play date where your child meets their classmate and is supervised by the other adult, with no you in the room. Get your child used to hanging out with other kids and adults and the first day of school will be much easier.

Let Your Child Pick a Toy or Supplies to Take With Them



Your child may be more excited about going to school if they feel they are actively taking part in the decision to go. You can give your child some agency by taking them shopping. Let your kid pick out his or her own school supplies or backpack. If the school allows it, consider letting them buy a new toy they can take to school with them.

The first day of child care can be stressful for both children and their parents. But a little pre-planning will help your child conquer separation anxiety before it really starts. Small World Early Learning and Development Center has years of experience helping kids just like yours get their education off to a great start. Contact us today for more information.