TRANSITION POLICY
Transition Policy
Nurturing Creative Minds Child Care is committed to upholding developmentally appropriate practices in our facility. We understand that changes in routine, new environments and separation from parents or guardians can be particularly difficult for children. Being placed in the care of unfamiliar adults can be quite frightening and makes for a difficult adjustment into a new setting. Therefore, we have developed a highly effective, developmentally appropriate plan for transitioning children into our center and, once they have entered our program, from one class to another.
Daily Transitions
Trust is a large portion of children’s social and emotional development. Parents are encouraged to assist their children with morning drop off transitions and not to “sneak off”. Parents are asked to walk children into their class, help them with putting away their belongings, washing their hands then exiting with a hug, kiss, encouraging word and a loving goodbye. When parents vanish without saying goodbye, children feel fearful, not knowing what to expect next. It makes it difficult for them to build trusting relationships with their teachers, peers or support staff.
Parents may find it comforting to read a short book or have a brief talk about what their child’s day will be like by checking out the class schedule or calendar. Once the parent feels ready to leave, they are expected to tell their child that they are leaving, and that they will be back later. The teachers are alert for that moment and stand nearby in case the child has trouble saying goodbye. Many children offer a kiss goodbye and turn to their friends to continue playing. Sometimes a child will become tearful, and the parent needs to hand the child to the teacher, reassuring her that they will be coming back later.
New Student Transitions
For new students, regardless of whether they are entering our infant class or our preschool class, the transition period generally takes several days. The length of time depends on the child’s age and familiarity with child care. Children who have been in care since infancy may transition differently from children who may be experiencing child care for the first time. During the admissions interview parents are asked questions about their child's current care arrangements, nap schedules, eating preferences, and any other information that may be pertinent. The teacher explains the transition process in detail and makes a transition schedule with the parent.
Students and their families are greeted on the first day by their child’s teacher. This way, the child can explore their new environment and get to know his or her new friends while the parents ask questions and observe morning classroom activities. Children gain a great deal of comfort from knowing that their parents know the adults with whom they are being left. Seeing the parents and teachers interact builds security.
​
Transition from the Infant Class to the Toddler Class
Once our infants have reached their 1st birthday the transition into the toddler is slow and subtle. Young Toddlers start with two hours slowly increasing to half days from the infant room to the toddler room. This process is repeated three days a week for two weeks. The schedule is then transitioned to three full days the third week, four full days the fourth week, and the new month begins a new experience in the toddler room.
​
Transition from the Toddler Class to the PreSchool Class
Transitions into the Pre School class begin at the end of each academic school year with our summer transition session. During this time older toddlers are included in group activities which support math, literacy and social, emotional development with the existing pre-school students. Once the academic year starts the now pre-school children are now familiar with their new teacher, friends and daily routines.
​
Transitioning from Nurturing Creative Minds to Kindergarten
Although we’re sad to see them leave us, we know that sooner or later our preschoolers will soon be attending Kindergarten. Many of our children have been together since the infant room and many may be attending the same elementary schools. Which makes transitioning into a new place with new teachers easier. The most important part of our transition process from our preschool class to Kindergarten is we pretend that we’re in Kindergarten for 5 months out of our academic year. Morning discussions are focused around getting ready for the move to elementary school. We talk about upcoming 5-year physical exams, how their focus time may be a little longer and that the new school may be a lot bigger. When the time comes the children share the details of their visit to the new school and all of their excitement or fears about being a big kid.
​
Transitioning out of Nurturing Creative Minds
The transitioning from after care can bring excitement and anxiety for both our parents and our pre-teens. The most important part of this transition process is safety. Below is a list of some suggested rules and responsibilities to ensure safety if you chose to use “latchkey”. You may also check with your child’s middle school for clubs or sports.