Ensuring your child is prepared for the world is one of the most important parts of being a parent, and transitioning from home care to daycare is a significant milestone. Daycare programs can help children develop social skills, create routines, and adapt to new environments. Although it can offer many benefits for your child, it is crucial to ensure they’re adequately prepared.
When Is the Right Time to Start Daycare?
You know your child best. While it’s recommended to begin daycare between 18 months and three years old, the ideal age to start these programs is when your child seems ready. Ensuring your child is ready for daycare eases the transition and supports healthy development. Some signs your child may be ready for daycare include:
- Building friendships with other children
- Emotional stability
- Comfortably spending short periods of time away from you
- Following simple instructions
- Adapting to routines
Even if your child seems prepared for structured learning, routines, and social interactions, consider your own comfort level with leaving your child in daycare. If you feel hesitant, you should research and visit programs before enrolling your child in daycare. If you’re in the DeSoto and Lancaster area, Southwest Academies provides Texas Rising Star-certified childcare programs ranging from infant care to pre-kindergarten. Our current locations include:
- Park Ridge Academy
- 415 E Parkerville Rd, DeSoto, TX 75115
- (972) 223-7913
- Berne Academy
- 1311 Johns Ave, Lancaster, TX 75134
- (972) 227-4431
- Forest Park Academy
- 2024 N Westmoreland Rd, DeSoto, TX 75115
- (972) 298-5467
- First Step Learning Center
- 335 S Hampton Rd, DeSoto, TX 75115
- (972) 230-8100
What To Expect During the First Two Weeks
It typically takes a child a few days to a couple of weeks to fully adjust to daycare. During this time, you should closely monitor your child’s response to their new routine and be ready to assist them as needed. When children start daycare, they face a multitude of new developments. New experiences are key to a child’s development, but no matter how poised, it’s crucial to ensure they have the room to adjust at their own pace. Some may adapt immediately, while others need a little more time to get their bearings.
Typically, during the first few days of daycare, your child will be excited to be in a new space full of toys and friends. But over the next two weeks, they may also become overwhelmed being away from parents, which can cause separation anxiety or behavioral issues. However, once your child gets used to their surroundings and builds connections with their teachers, caregivers, and peers, they become more comfortable and prepared to challenge themselves.
Build a Daycare Routine at Home Before Day One
Getting your child used to structure and routine prepares them for daycare, and starting at home will give them the best chance of a smooth transition. For children, knowing what comes next can help ease anxiety. You can start by waking them up at the same time to practice their morning routine, using visual cues, or playing a specific song before certain activities. A set time for eating and sleeping helps infants establish healthy sleep and eating habits. If you have a facility in mind, try to align your child’s meals, snack times, and nap times with the daycare’s schedule to establish consistency and make the transition as easy as possible. If you need more tips for preparing your child for their new daycare center, check out these three helpful resources.
Easing Separation Anxiety For Kids and Parents
Separation anxiety is common for many young children, especially when they start daycare, preschool, or other early childhood programs. Children rely on their parents to meet their needs and naturally feel insecure when they are separated from them. Although separation anxiety is common during certain developmental stages, it can be tough for both children and caregivers. At Southwest Academies, we understand how difficult separation anxiety can be and have compiled a list of strategies to help you and your child navigate this challenging period. However, before you can help your child, you must know how to identify separation anxiety. Some of the most common signs of separation anxiety include:
- Crying or clinging
- Refusing to go to daycare
- Physical symptoms, like stomachaches or headaches
- Sleep disturbances
- Increased fear of being alone
If you notice these signs as your child adjusts to their new daycare program, you can help them feel more secure by:
- Being patient and observant
- Sticking to your routine
- Reinforcing positive behavior
- Using comfort items
- Building up separation gradually
- Working closely with teachers and caregivers
With time and patience, your child will learn to navigate their new environment, becoming more secure with themselves and their surroundings.
How To Choose the Right Daycare Program for Your Child
Selecting the right daycare program for your child is important for their development. However, finding the right facility can be difficult. In addition to price and location, you need a facility with proper certifications and staff you feel comfortable leaving your child with. It’s crucial you feel confident that your child is in a safe and caring environment.
Start with extensive research. Whether it’s word of mouth or online reviews, you want to have a clear understanding of how each facility is perceived. Check for certifications, such as the Texas Rising Star program, as they indicate quality services and accountability.
Once you have a list of options, you should visit each facility before making a choice. Visiting allows you to see firsthand how the program operates and what your child will experience during a typical day. Take this time to evaluate the learning spaces and speak with the staff to gauge if this program is the right fit for your child. Bringing your child also gives them a chance to prepare for their new environment, and lets you see how comfortable they are with the caregivers.
Alongside observations, make sure you ask any questions you may have. Inquire about staff qualifications, daily routines, and emergency policies to ensure alignment with your expectations. If you’re looking for a high-quality daycare program in Desoto or the surrounding areas, consider scheduling a tour at one of Southwest Academies’ four locations.
Our goal is to ensure your child receives a comprehensive education that nurtures their mind, body, and spirit. Contact us today to learn how our daycare program can benefit you and your child.
Touring a Daycare in DeSoto or Lancaster: Questions to Ask
No matter what program your child enrolls in at Southwest Academies, the well-being of our students is our number one priority. All of our locations are 100% Texas Rising Star certified, offering learning programs for infants, toddlers, pre-kindergarten, and children ages four weeks to 13 years. Our staff is Texas Rising Star certified and takes pride in providing quality education for each child.
Asking the right questions can clarify whether our facilities are right for you and your child. When touring any of our four facilities, make sure to ask any questions you may have, such as how many students are enrolled, how many staff members there are, and questions about curriculum and emergency protocols.
How Southwest Academies Supports a Smooth Transition
Southwest Academies is a trusted network of childcare and preschool care centers serving DeSoto, Lancaster, and the surrounding communities. Our four locations, Berne Academy, First Step Learning Center, Forest Park Academy, and Park Ridge Academy, provide high-quality childcare that focuses on the learning, growth, and achievement of our students. Expertly trained educators lead each of our facilities and use structured programs that deliver world-class educational experiences. Our programs cater to both our students and their families, ensuring that parents are fully involved in their child’s education and development. Contact Southwest Academies to discover how our professional daycare programs support a smooth transition from home care.
FAQs:
It typically takes a child a few days to a couple of weeks to fully adjust to daycare.
Yes. Starting part-time daycare is a great way to see how you and your child respond to extended separation and test the suitability of your potential daycare program.
Extra clothes, medication, any feeding supplies, comfort items, diapers, and wipes are some essentials to pack for your child’s first week of daycare.
You can create a daycare routine at home by setting times for sleep, meals, and specific activities.
You should ask questions about staff qualifications, daily routines, and emergency policies to ensure the program is a good fit for you and your child.
Contact us today to schedule your tour with Southwest Academies!
