I assume it is not a sleep sac...I actually have all my families provide them as it is chilly in the winter and we have central A/C in the summer so it helps the kids sleep better, in my experience. If it's a woombie, which is very stretchy and snug it is meant for newborns and is meant to help limit their startle reflex from waking them. They are not meant for children that can roll and it restrains their arms. There are many variations of these...meant to help children sleep but aside from a sleepsac which provides warmth and does not limit movement there is no need for one at 1 year of age.

Sadly the transition period for this child could be much longer than the average child. It will depend on their personality. I have a little one here that sounds rather similar, at 12month when he started he could not support his own weight on his feet, even with help. He had just never had the opportunity. His personality was perfect for group care and he is thriving and needs minimal attention (holding etc) throughout the day. He sucks as a sleeper but is otherwise a very happy, social and involved little guy.

I would just keep in mind that this child really is panic when you leave the room because he has never experienced that. He will get used to it, it will just be a lot harder on him and therefore on you and the other children. It really sucks that the family didn't think this through before starting him in daycare as they really made it much harder on the little guy by not preparing him for group care.

Also keep in mind that the majority of families that come to use having raised their child like this will not change because we tell them too and they will often say they are doing as you ask when they are still doing it their way. This is why I offer tips and idea but don't try to make them change anything. Kids quickly learn what is expected of them in different houses with different people. It's not worth my trying to insist they do it my way the child just learns to do it my way here. Point being...the child may not be in the play pen at home as much as you think he is so just train him to be in it as if he's never been in one before.