July 2010 News from Little Green Tree House

Parent's have a Responsibility in a Daycare Setting

Elizabeth Geldhof - Director of Business Operations

Contributors: Parent in our Advanced Toddler room, Erin Lyon - Director of Education, Sarah Stiltner - Assistant Director of Education

It is that time of year when many families are thinking of enrolling their children for the fall. There are few things to think about and actions to be taken before enrolling in any daycare. AT LGTH, our goal is to create a partnership with you so we can work together to guide your child's growth and development while in our care at LGTH. It is our primary focus and responsibility to provide a safe and healthy educational environment. In order to do that... we also need your help!

Initiating transition to the Little Green Tree House can start at home. If you have been the primary caregiver until this point, or your child has been home with a nanny, you may want to think about how you might help to prepare your child for their new and exciting experience. Here are some important things that you can do in advance to help your child:

Infants - allow your child to self sooth. This may be via sleep training and/or separation from a parent.
Toddler - conform to one nap (ideally 12:15P -2:15P, eating table food, walking, not dependent on a bottle (practicing using utensils and a regular cup. not dependent on being rocked to sleep).
Advanced toddler - not dependent on pacifier
Three Year old - potty trained
Talk about School... it is a new adventure... give it a little positive hype at home!

At times families may find balancing the challenges of starting child care and the knowledge of your little one getting older difficult and trying. Please do not let those feeling discourage you from the wonderful experience you will receive while at LGTH. It is important as a family to understand LGTH will do everything in its power to make the transition as smooth as possible while you are away. It is important to remember that as a parent you have the biggest influence on your child's transition to school. Children have the ability to sense your fears, anxiety and emotions, so it is in the best interest of your child to stay positive and strong and support them through this process. The degree of success throughout this transition process as well as for many years to come, will be dependent upon the partnership and willingness for you to participate in the child care environment. Positive reinforcement of the decision to join the Little Green Tree House family is necessary to start the process of transition.

Additional ways you can prepare yourself and your little one to join the Little Green Tree House family:

Be honest with your feelings as a parent: Growing up is a fantastic, fascinating time.
Think of all of the great, new and exciting times you and your little one will be able to enjoy because of the independence, knowledge and skills which will be exploding before your eyes in just a few weeks time.

Special item: If old enough have your little one pick out a special blanket or "lovey" just for school to have during nap time. This can be a special moment to discuss what will be coming up soon...a wonderful new growing and learning experience at school!

Routine adjustment: Start setting the routine of what it will be like for the commute to and from school for you and your little one before the first day.

Set a time to visit your classroom for an hour once, twice or three times before you officially start your enrollment. Spending time with you in the classroom helps your child know that this is a place that is safe.

Be considerate of the classroom and teachers - though transition is difficult it is not a time where the teachers can provide all of their attention to you and your child, as they have other children like yours to teach and care for.

Trust the process - we have a lot of happy little one's at Little Green Tree House. Some children adjust more quickly than others, but if you have patience and build a good relationship with your child's teachers, your child too, will successfully complete the transition. Since your child is special in his or her own way, it is important not to compare your child's transition to any other, as all children respond differently.

Little Green Tree House's primary concern is the well-being of your child. The process of transition takes time. Feel free to communicate constructively with the teachers or other staff about any difficulties along the way. Our teachers are there for you and are excited about caring for your child.