Transition process

[Judy Trickett]

Everyone will run their dc different though so it is up to each of us to find a way that works for us. Right now this way works best for me. It might change in the future but for now, I love it. I love this site because if I ever do have to change the way I operate, there are so many ideas here!

This is key. I wish more providers had this realization. Yes, there are a thousand ways to run things. But the most important and steadfast rule is to do what works for YOU. YOOUR BUSINESS - YOUR RULES! And the day it stops working for the provider is the day she needs to change things so it works for her again.

[Samantha33]

First interview is always at night when they can have a good look at the daycare, think about their questions for me, I can watch them interact with their child and also have special time to get to briefly know their child. I can also explain the daycare in more detail. I also take this time to go over my contract and make sure they are in agreement. If not we are done. If they are in agreement we have the tour of the home and meet my husband. We chat as this gives time for them to get to know me personally and me them. It only takes app. 45 min. for all of us. Then if they want (usually not) they can come during the morning only for 30 min. to see how I run the daycare and interact with the kids. They all seem to understand my reasons for doing it this way. If the child is to be f.t. they start at three days a week for two weeks. Usually a MOnday Wednesday Friday. I've always and forever done it this way and stick to my guns if anyone balks!

[Busy ECE mommy]

I do my interviews outside of daycare hours. If a child has been in care before, I usually start cold turkey with full-time attendance. If it is a 12 month old, I do the family interview and a contract review next for the full family. The transition visits are staggered and increase in time each day(no parents) I do 1hr/then 2 hrs/then 3hrs with lunch/ then a full day. All of my transition visits are paid at $10/hr. I used to transition for free, but why should I give away my time when I'm supervising their child? No parents during transitions for safety reasons, as well as it makes the transition go easier/faster.

[nschildcare]

I really liked reading these. I always have parents question about how to transition their kids in, and while I prefer cold turkey to just get it over with, I may use some of the suggestions on gentle introductions if a parent requests that.

I don't allow parents to come in. Quick drop offs. No confusion as to whether mom (or dad) stays or not.

Myself, I do interviews on the weekends only. For all the same reasons already mentioned.

[mom-in-alberta]

I only do interviews in the evenings and on weekends, for all the reasons listed previously.
I have only ever had families do a cold-turkey start. I make drop-offs and pick-ups short and sweet. Mommy and Daddy do not come to daycare. That is how it is from day one.
Hypothetically, if a parent wanted to "transition", I would offer 2 half days (mornings) and then a short day, then start full days.