Settling in at daycare
Building familiarity at their own pace
At CompaNanny, we think it’s important that every child feels safe, seen and at home. That’s why we take the time to settle in gradually, in a way that suits your child.
Some children prefer to stay close to their parents at first. Others are immediately curious about our team and the other children. By paying close attention to your child’s needs and pace, we create a familiar and reassuring start together.
Preparing for the settling-in days together
Before your child starts, we’d like to get to know each other a little better. Around one month before the first settling-in day, we’ll meet at the daycare. We’ll talk about your family and how things have been going with your child so far. We’ll also agree together on which days your child will come in to settle.
After the introduction, we’ll send you our digital start form by email. This allows you to share practical information with us. For example, what kind of milk or food your child has, which care products we may use and what helps your child settle to sleep. This helps us prepare for your child’s arrival.
Around a week before the first settling-in day, we’ll give you a call. We’ll go through the start form together and discuss whether anything has changed in the meantime. We’d also love to hear what you need to feel comfortable leaving your child in our care.
The settling-in sessions
Every child settles in at their own pace. That’s why we choose a gradual approach, with at least three settling-in sessions. This helps your child become familiar with our daycare step by step.
The first settling-in session
The first settling-in day takes place during the week before or of your contract start date and begins at 9.30 am. At that time, all team members are present in the group and can welcome you properly.
We’ll take the time to do a care routine together, such as feeding your child or changing their nappy. This usually takes around 15 to 30 minutes. It allows your child to settle in while you are there and helps them experience the transition of care in a reassuring way.
After you say goodbye, your child will stay with us for around two and a half hours.
After that, we gradually extend the settling-in sessions.
The second settling-in session
The second settling-in day takes place on the first contracted day. Your child will stay with the group for around four to six hours, until approximately 3.00 pm.
As your child spends more time with us, they will experience more parts of the daily routine. They may have an extra feed, take another nap or join an additional activity. If they are ready, they may also join us outside.
The third settling-in session
The third settling-in day takes place on the second contracted day. During this session, your child will stay with us for around six to eight hours, until approximately 4.00 pm.
By now, your child will become increasingly familiar with the daycare environment and daily routine. And you will too.
A helpful tip: It can help to have a goodbye ritual that you repeat with your child. For example, you might always tell them you're going to work, give them a cuddle and a kiss, and then say goodbye. This keeps the moment predictable and clear, for both your child and you.
A tip from Hiske
Childcare Quality Specialist
“
If you sleep with the comforter or cuddle cloth you plan to bring to daycare for a few nights before your child starts, it will carry your familiar scent. Smelling your scent can help your child feel safe and relaxed more quickly in their new surroundings.
”
We follow your child's pace
We adjust the time your child spends with us to suit their individual pace. Sometimes this means shortening a settling-in day slightly, so they have time to process all the new experiences. Of course, we always discuss this with you first. That’s why it’s especially important to be easy to reach during the settling-in period and, if needed, to be able to collect your child earlier.
You are also always welcome to call us during the settling-in sessions if you would like to know how your child is getting on.
Checklist: what should you bring on the first settling-in day?
For a positive and familiar start, it’s helpful to bring the following:
- A photo of your child (approx. 15 x 15 cm)
- A photo of the parent(s) / carer(s) (approx. 15 x 15 cm)
- A comforter (for children under 1 year) or a soft toy
- A dummy (if your child uses one)
- A bottle with a labelled teat
- If you are breastfeeding: extra breast milk for the freezer
- A backpack or bag
- One spare set of clothes
You do not need to bring the following, as we provide these at the branch:
- Infant formula (unless your child uses a brand we do not provide)
- Nappies
- Care products
- Sleeping bag
Looking back on the settling-in period
Six weeks after the settling-in sessions, you and your child's mentor will discuss how the settling-in period has gone. How did you and your child experience it? And is there anything else your child needs to feel fully at home with us?
Together, we make sure the start is as positive and familiar as possible.
The settling-in review can take place either by phone or at the branch. Your child's mentor will contact you to arrange this.
Is your child settling in at our kindergarten or after-school care?
If so, we'd be happy to tell you more about what settling in looks like there.
Do you have any questions before your settling-in days?
We're here to help. If you have any questions about settling in, please contact the team at your branch. You can find the contact details in the Parent Portal and on your branch's location page.