Getting your toddler ready for daycare is a big deal. According to IBISWorld, the United States daycare industry employs about 1,532,222 people, so it's a fairly large industry. Starting daycare marks a big transition in your life and in the life of your child. As a parent, you need to be aware that your child needs to be properly prepared for this big step. Here are a few tips on how to get your child ready to start daycare.

Communicate

Your child needs to be made aware of this big change well in advance. Start talking to your toddler weeks ahead of starting daycare or as soon as you're sure this change is happening. The more you and your child talk, the more comfortable they'll be with the change. Always talk about the change in a positive way. If you're positive about it, they'll be positive about it as well. Highlight all the fun things they will get to do and learn at their new school.

Practice in Group Settings

If your child hasn't had a lot of experience with group settings yet, you'll need to find some opportunities to let them practice interacting with other children in this way. Library activities and classes are a great free way to do this. Church groups may also provide free opportunities for children to play and interact as well.

Start a Morning Routine

If your child hasn't been on a set morning routine, you'll need to start this several days ahead of the first day of daycare. Mornings can be stressful if there is no routine in place and your child doesn't know what to expect. Keep the routine simple and predictable. You'll get better results when your child always knows what to expect.

Adjust the Sleep Routine

If needed, you may also want to adjust your child's sleep routine to accommodate getting up earlier. Most daycares have an early drop-off in the morning. Sleep is essential to your child's mood, health, and development. A good sleep routine is great for the entire family. Use this opportunity to start better habits.

Get Ready at Night

Although you obviously can't prepare everything at night for the next morning, you can prepare a lot. The more you prepare at night, the more smoothly those morning routines will go. Pick out clothes, pack lunches, pack bags, locate shoes, socks, keys, purses, phones, and any other small items that often turn up missing as you're walking out the door.

These are just some simple steps you can take to prepare your child for daycare. If you'd like to learn more about daycare, please contact us today at FL Academy.