The Crucial 6-Week Settling in Period

 When your child’s early learning journey begins the transition to education and care outside of home and family can be exciting, significant, and sometimes overwhelming. This settling-in period takes 6 weeks on average for your child to make that transition 

First Two Weeks - Building Trust

Most children will experience anxiety, and parents and teachers must work together to build the special relationship needed for everyone to make a smooth transition and get used to this new situation.

There will be some crying initially because our little ones are still getting to know their teachers, their classroom, and of course the other children.

They are still in the process of developing trust and building relationships with one another, which is something we work on during these first two weeks.

Their sleeping and eating patterns will also be erratic because of this. 

It’s all new and scary for the child and parents.

and children's behaviors change in these new settings.

Don’t worry; this is a normal part of a child’s growth. These changes include regression with toilet training, becoming more dependent, or having different eating habits.

Weeks Three & Four - Familiarity

The children are getting used to the same routine and care from the same team members. 

By now, most have formed bonds with at least one or both of their teachers. There aren’t as many tears, and the children become interested in exploring the interest areas within their environment.

Fifth & Sixth Week - Feeling Safe

By now the children are getting used to the smells and sounds and having lots of little friends running around. They have begun to realize that it is a pleasant environment to be in. They know that their parents/nannies will return at a particular time and that they’re not forgotten. They are beginning to experience a sense of safety and security in their environment, and it is starting to feel more and more like a second home to them.

“My theory is that it takes six times to form a habit, six times consistently. If a child is coming every day five days a week, they will settle much quicker than a child coming less than that. Again, it depends on the child and how quickly we can form that relationship with them.”