Ask the Teachers – July 2013 Uneasy with Change

Dear Teachers,

My child will be moving rooms soon.  How can I help assure that my child’s transition can be as easy and happy for them as possible?

– Uneasy with Change

Dear Uneasy,

Thank you for your interest in helping us to achieve our goal – the best possible educational environment for every child in our care.  And also for understanding that you are a crucial element working with us for your child’s benefit.  We are one childcare center with two locations working in partnership with you to meet the nurturing and developmental needs of your child at different developmental stages in their lives.

Although you may be skeptical or wish your child could stay little or with a particular staff member or routine, the most important thing you can do is to embrace the upcoming move and become genuinely positive about the imminent changes in all of your interactions.  Since parents interpret the world to their child, the way in which you present this change greatly affects how they will see and respond to it.  If you embrace the changes, so will your child; if you seem worried or unsure, they will reflect the same feelings in their own way.

Rather than wonder or worry about the unknown, here are some things you can do to help make the process of transition to a new classroom and forming new partnerships with the teaching staff more rewarding:

*  See the move as an adventure that your family will take together.

*  Visit your child’s new room.  Notice where items are kept to help in areas such as drop off, pick up and future conversations with your child about their day.

*  Talk with your child’s new teachers.  Ask questions and offer them your support.  They are looking forward to the opportunity to work with you and your child.

*  Talk excitedly with your child about the change – tangible evidence that they are growing up and require a more developmentally appropriate environment to keep pace with their growth.

*  Develop drop off/pick up routines that are satisfying, predictable and brief.

*  Read all transitional information provided by the center about their new room.

*  Provide up-to-date contact information and a “call first” designate.

*  Provide your child with all necessary items to participate successfully in their day:  diapers/underwear, extra clothing, nap needs, special room needs, lunch/snack/water, etc.

*   Model patience during this time to lower the stress level for both yourself and your child  which help to create the positive room environment your child will enjoy.

*  Hold realistic time goals for adjustment, acceptance and new relationships to develop between your family and your child’s new caregivers.

*  Seek out your child’s lead teacher first if you have questions about your child’s care in their new setting.  They know your child and room routines best.

Change is part of life and children are amazingly resilient.  Successful adults are most often those who have learned how to react well to change by showing flexibility and problem solving ability as they react positively to new situations and challenges along the way.  Each transition is truly an exciting time of personal growth for our children, families and staff and we can all look forward to the upcoming classroom transitions.