The transitions we have been feeling this past week in Shale have likely been regarding getting back into routine from the holidays, as well as having a new educator join our team. Many of you may remember when you began transitioning your child to our Primrose family – it was often very difficult and worrisome. These feelings of anxiety can reappear for your child after a long period away from child care as well. To help with this, our role as educators are to keep the environment as calm as possible, acknowledging their feelings, keeping eye contact as well as having engaging experiences ready for them. Some strategies that have proved to be helpful in our Shale environment are allowing the child to keep an object of security for a while or implementing a ritual with parents upon arrival, such as holding hands with the child and walking in, quickly giving a hug, a kiss and passing them to a certain educator or reading a book everyday. It is important to try and keep these transitions as consistent as possible so each child begins to understand what will come next in their day. It also takes time to build new relationships. It’s important to let your child make choices as soon as they enter the environment to ensure the feeling of safety and trust with each educator in the room. Thoughtful and un-rushed transitions have the potential to foster positive relationships!
“When educators work together with children and families to build continuity in the transition between early childhood programs, they help families and children build familiarity with these new circumstances.”
– Makovichuk, L. (Play, participation, and possibilities: An early learning and care curriculum framework for Alberta. Retrieved from page 80
Do you have any ideas, questions or strategies in regards to transitioning from home to Shale room?
Is there any specific routine you’d like to try with us and your child?
Have a wonderful weekend!
Cassi, Mariam, Young, Sarah and Michelle
