Starting childcare can be an exciting yet challenging transition for both tamariki and their whānau. At Folkestone Street Infant & Child Care, we understand the significance of making this adjustment as comfortable and reassuring as possible. Research highlights that one of the most effective ways to ease your child’s transition into childcare is through creating familiarity, which builds confidence and trust from the very beginning (Ahnert, Pinquart, & Lamb, 2006).
Children thrive in environments where they feel secure, understood, and recognised. Familiarity provides them with a sense of predictability, essential for developing confidence and emotional resilience. Studies show that when tamariki enter childcare already acquainted with their surroundings, the transition becomes far less daunting, allowing them to explore, learn, and form new relationships with ease (Lamb & Ahnert, 2006).
At Folkestone Street, we actively encourage pre-start visits and have an open-door policy, welcoming families to spend time at the centre before their official start date. These visits help children become familiar with the physical environment, the kaiako, and even their peers, reducing anxiety and establishing a sense of belonging from the outset.
During these pre-start visits, your child can gently explore our homely, nurturing spaces at their own pace. They can engage in playful activities, get acquainted with our caring kaiako, and begin to understand the daily rhythms and routines of centre life. This gradual introduction significantly reduces the potential stress associated with change, allowing tamariki to approach their new childcare experience with curiosity rather than apprehension.
Additionally, pre-start visits provide parents and caregivers with opportunities to connect with our kaiako, ask questions, and discuss their child’s individual needs and preferences. This dialogue enables us to tailor our approach specifically to your child, ensuring their unique personality, interests, and comforts are respected and supported.
At home, families can further support this transition by discussing childcare in positive terms, sharing stories about what to expect, and encouraging their child to express their feelings. Simple rituals, such as reading stories or practising saying goodbye, can also help your child feel emotionally prepared for their new experience.
Ultimately, our goal at Folkestone Street is to foster a warm, inclusive atmosphere where every child and family feels valued and supported. By building familiarity early on, we lay a solid foundation for your child’s confidence, well-being, and successful integration into our nurturing community.
