It is essential for you to spend time with your tamaiti in order to familiarise yourself and your child with the kaiako and the new learning environment
For most tamariki this will take several visits together. We require parents to complete a minimum of six visits with their tamaiti. This applies especially to babies up to 18 months who may be experiencing "stranger anxiety" and need extra time to get to know the kaiako who will care for them.
Tamariki may bring a special toy or blanket that provides them comfort and helps them to settle into their new environment. To help us provide continuity in the care of your tamaiti you will be asked to complete a “Child Daily Routines Form” to tell us about your child’s usual routines and preferences. Please ensure you fill in the “Me” sheet on enrolment to help kaiako familiarise themselves with your tamaiti and your whānau.
We know leaving you tamaiti is unsettling and challenging for parents as well as your tamaiti. Feeling anxious and tears are normal! We are here to support you in any way we can, and know that honest, open communication is the key to getting it right. Below are a few hints/reminders on strategies that can support the transition process and separation anxiety:
- Try to schedule your transition visits for a time when your child is happy - after a sleep and kai.
- Bringing a comfort or settling item can support the settling process.
- Let us know if you need to reschedule a transition visit so we can ensure we have enough time to build the relationship and trust with your tamaiti, and yourself before the starting date.
- Leaving for a short amount of time during the transition visits teaches your child that you will come back.
- Spend time chatting and engaging with your priority kaiako - your child will look to you for cues on whether to trust this new person into their world
- Have a routine you follow at drop-off times as this will help you tamaiti predict what is going to happen. Kaiako can support you with this.
- Share any important information with the kaiako e.g. awake a lot during the night, teething, a parent being away can all impact of your tamaiti ability to settle.
- Make sure you say goodbye to your child. We know it can be tempting to sneak out if they are happy or distracted, however this will only be temporary until they realise you have left and then they become upset. it also means they will mistrust you making it harder at future drop-offs.
- We will do our best to contact you and let you know how your child has settled, but please phone us for an update. We know it's hard on you too!
- You are welcome in our centre at any time during the hours we are open.
- We believe that each child is unique and will settle in their own way some may take a longer time than others.
- Visiting grandparents and relations may also like to see the children at play in their pre-school surrounding and are most welcome.