But now your little one is growing up and they will be changing groups to join the older kids! How to prepare your child (and yourself!) for a new educator?
Find out about upcoming changes at the daycare
There is nothing better than an informed parent to prepare your child. Find out who your child's new educator will be and when the change of groups will take place.
Prepare your child!
About two weeks before, explain to them what will happen. Tell them that they will change local and educator because they are growing up and it's time to join the older group. Involve their current educator in the transition by making sure he or she mentions the topic with her group of children. This important step will help reassure your child.
Get in touch with the next educator
Tell your child about their new teacher by using her name and describing what she looks like. If possible, show your child who their new educator is when you see him or her at daycare. Your child might like to greet their new educator with you in the morning or evening. It's a nice way for your child to familiarize themselves with their new . educator and to be prepared for the big switch.
Do not force your child to "love their teacher"
You risk causing more harm than good by insisting that your child enjoys their new teacher from day one. It will take a few weeks for your child to establish a relationship of trust with their new educator. Let things go without trying to control everything.
Emphasize the positive points of this change
Tell your child about the benefits of their new home for example, or that they will not have to nap in the afternoon (if that is the case). If special activities or outings are reserved for the older ones, use that as leverage!
Give the runner a chance
Your new educator may not have made a good first impression. If so, you might want to talk to him or her outside of rush hours to get to know them better and learn more about how they work with children.
Observe
Wait a few weeks and analyze how the relationship develops between your child and their new teacher. After all, they will spend their days with them and not you. If this group change does not seem to suit your child after several weeks, discuss it with the daycare management to explore the different options.
Listen
It may well be that this sudden change in your child disrupts them to the point where they no longer want to go to daycare, or that they tell you they do not like their new teacher. It's their way of reacting to change and it's normal for the first few weeks. Tell your child that you understand that it is not easy, but that you trust their ability to adapt.
