Infants not prepeared for daycare

[5 Little Monkeys]

No I do not think you are expecting too much. I have recently made up a little list of tips and suggestions that I now give out to new parents who will be starting with me. I was finding the same as you, some kids were just not prepared for daycare settings and it was getting exhausting! However, I realize all parents will parent differently and most importantly, children develop at different ages and some stages come later for some. I don't stress about it anymore, I have given the parents a list of what/how I do things at daycare and it is up to them to either help or hinder their child. I find within a month or so the child has adapted to my daycare routines and life is smooth again. Here is what my info sheets says to the parents....

Tips & Suggestions for Starting Daycare and Daycare Routine/Policies

Eating/Drinking/Bottles
* I have children's height table and chairs where we eat lunch and snack's (and do art and sensory activities). I have a booster seat available for children younger than 14 months. Having your child practice getting on and off a small chair would be beneficial for them.

* The children feed themselves with a few exceptions (ie. younger child with soup, yogurt, pudding, etc). If they have been exposed to children's cutlery that would be excellent! I don't allow dumping or throwing food and would appreciate if this was encouraged at home as well.

* I serve food in bite size pieces and as they get older, their food pieces get bigger but still appropriately sized for the capabilities.

* I give all children their liquids in the sippy cups provided. As they get older, they will have the opportunity from time to time to drink from child sized glasses. However, for the most part, it will always be in spill proof cups. Bottles will be given at the table. For safety and sanitary reasons, I do not allow bottles in the playpen. If your child depends on a bottle to fall asleep, I would kindly suggest to wean them from this before starting daycare.


Napping
* Nap time is approximately 1230pm - 3pm. All children are expected to nap/lay quietly for at least 30-60 minutes. I am not able to rock children to sleep and because at times, not all children are in the nap room, I am not able to sit in the room until your child falls asleep as I have to be able to monitor all children safely.

* If your child is used to being rocked to sleep, having a person in the room and/or taking a bottle before napping, I would suggest to wean them from this. I am unfortunately not able to accommodate these habits as I have multiple children to care for and can not attend to them all if I have to do these things. I also do not get a break other than nap time and use this time to eat my own lunch and to prep for the afternoon.

* I allow blankies, stuffies and soothers for naptime. Due to safety and sanitary reasons, these things will not be allowed at other times (unless your child is sick and needs a comfort item while waiting for pick up).


Drop Off's
* I encourage drop off's to be as quick as possible (within 1-3 minutes). This is easiest on all the children and allows us to start our day and get right into playing! Please tell me anything I need to know about your child's night/morning and than give a hug and kiss and say goodbye. I will text you pictures throughout the day of your child playing and having fun!

Toys
* I have a "no toy throwing" rule and encourage the children to not put toys in their mouth. If these habits could be encouraged at home as well, I would greatly appreciate it! It also cuts down on the spread of illness!!

If you have any questions or concerns at any time, please do not hesitate to speak to me! I am here to help you raise your child and the more we can be on the same page, the better for your child! Consistency will be key to raising a happy, healthy and well adjusted child