I've tried for the last 3 children I've transitioned to start them 1 day/week, then 2 days then 3 days, thinking it would be a good way to get them used to daycare. One screamed for 4 months, one for 2 months and the child I'm trainsitioning part-time right now has been screamining for 2 months. I HAVE CHANGED MY MIND!!! I don't think I'll ever allow it again.

I always do interviews after work, but if I have an interview where I think the family will be a good match for my daycare I ask them to come back for a morning playdate before signing the contract. I let the Mom stay for half an hour to an hour the very first day the child starts but I agree that it's best not to have the parents around so the child understands that Mom approves of leaving them at daycare.