As young children are allowed back into childcare after two years of disrupted childcare schedules, young children may find it difficult to adapt to being in a childcare setting. After largely remaining at home for the majority of the last two years, they can be quite anxious at the change in their environment. However, there are some ways you can help young children adapt to being in a childcare setting faster.

Make drop offs short and sweet.

Your child may burst into tears and cling to you during the first few days but it’s always better and easier for everyone, including your child if you let the teacher or child care provider take over. The tears will soon dry up and the wails will stop.
Letting drop offs drag out and giving in to your child’s crying pleas will just make it harder for the teacher to calm them down and lessen the separation anxiety arising from your going away.
Instead, the more consistent and firm you are during drop-offs, the faster your child will get used to drop offs and to the schedule.
Establish a routine for your child.
Whether it’s the drop-off, mealtime, or pickup time, try to establish a routine so your child learns to fall into a routine. If possible, follow the same routine they have at childcare so that there is an easier adjustment for your child. Routines give children a sense of safety and security, giving them a sense of what’s expected.

Learn your child care provider’s name.

The people at your daycare or childcare center are not just there to care for your child. They’re your allies and partners in caring for your child. Show appreciation for the hard work they do in helping you raise your child by learning their names.

Train toddlers to eat with a spoon as soon as they can.

Mealtimes are also another high stress period for any childcare worker. By training your child at home to eat with a spoon at the dinner table instead of being allowed to graze by picking something to eat off his/her plate and letting him/her roam around, it’s more likely for your child to be more disciplined at childcare or daycare.
As they are handling multiple children, less disruptive behavior from your child at mealtimes definitely helps ease the burden on childcare workers.

Label everything they ask you to label.

As childcare providers have to deal with multiple children, it can be hard to keep track of who owns what. This is why labels are incredibly important when it comes to anything you send to the childcare center or daycare for your child. From socks to shoes and extra clothing, even lunchboxes, it’s better to follow your childcare provider’s instructions on labeling to save them time and effort coordinating personal effects to each child.

Dress your child in comfortable clothing, especially shoes, that are easy to put on/off.

Children easily get their clothes stained or dirtied while playing and doing other daycare activities. Whenever this happens and their teachers and childcare workers need to change them, changing takes longer if they are wearing tight clothing.
Moreover, most of the time children will end up dirtying their clothes so make sure you’re sending them in their Sunday best. Instead, having them come in comfortable clothes that are washable, don’t stain easily, and play-ready will make changing easy both for your child and the teacher.