A cautious childcare center start: how to get used to it
Settling in at childcare center or nursery is exciting for children: the first time alone without mom or dad, staying in unfamiliar rooms and with strangers. New stimuli, unfamiliar smells, an unaccustomed noise level, a different daily routine. But the first childcare center day is also a special moment for parents, which is often accompanied by a number of uncertainties: How do I best support my child? How do I behave as a parent on site? What do I do if my child cries? What should I do with my own emotions?
Tips from educator and parenting consultant Alexandra Horn for a gentle childcare center settling-in process.
From specialist consultant Alexandra Horn
What you can expect in this article
- What acclimatization models and processes are there?
- How long does it take to settle in at childcare center?
- Why is a slow acclimatization important?
- What do I do if the settling-in process is challenging?
- When should the acclimatization be interrupted?
- How do I behave as a parent during the settling-in period?
- As a parent, how can I prepare for settling in?
- How can I tell if the acclimatization was successful?
- How does the settling-in process work at the pme Lernwelten facilities?
What acclimatization models and processes are there?
There are different models for settling in at childcare center or nurseries. The three most common models are the Berlin model, the Munich model and the Tübingen model, also known as the peer group model.
Berlin model
The Berlin acclimatization model is a proven and most frequently used concept for the gentle acclimatization of children in daycare facilities such as crèches or kindergartens. It was developed to make the transition from home care to care by educational professionals as stress-free and safe as possible for the children.
- Basic phase (3 days): During the first three days, the child stays at the facility for one to two hours accompanied by a parent. The caregiver takes on a passive role and observes how the child explores the environment.
- First separation (day 4): On the fourth day, the caregiver attempts to leave the child for a short time (approx. 30 minutes). The child's reaction to this separation is observed. If the child copes well with the separation, the separation time is gradually extended.
- Stabilization phase: In this phase, the separation period is extended further until the child is able to stay at the facility without the parents for the full care period. The parents can still be contacted at any time during this phase.
Munich model
The Munich acclimatization model is another concept for gently acclimatizing children to daycare facilities such as crèches or kindergartens.
The Munich settling-in model is characterized by its flexibility and strong focus on the individual needs of the child. The aim is to make the transition to the new care situation as pleasant and stress-free as possible.
- Individual adaptation: In the Munich settling-in model, particular emphasis is placed on the individual adaptation of the settling-in period. The needs of the individual child are addressed flexibly, without fixed phases or time limits.
- Preparation phase: Before the actual settling-in period begins, a detailed discussion takes place between the parents and the child's future caregiver. Important information about the child, its habits and preferences are exchanged here.
- Accompanied acclimatization: Parents accompany their child intensively during the first days and weeks at the facility. The duration and intensity of the support depend on the individual needs of the child. During this time, the caregiver gradually builds up a relationship with the child.
- Separation attempts: Separation attempts are carried out flexibly and in consultation with the parents. The first separation takes place when the child has established an initial bond with the caregiver and the parents and caregivers or educational staff feel that the child is ready for it. The separation times are increased slowly and carefully.
- Observation and adjustment:The entire settling-in process is closely monitored and adjusted if necessary. The focus is always on the child's well-being.
Working with parents: Cooperation with parents is a central component of the Munich settling-in model. Regular discussions and a continuous exchange between parents and educational staff are essential.
Tübingen model - peer group model
The Tübingen model, also known as peer group familiarization, is a method of integrating children into childcare center in a small group with other children. The children get to know childcare center, the processes and the rooms together. At the same time, parents can also support each other and provide support.
- Preparation phase: Before settling in, there is usually an afternoon of getting to know each other and individual parent meetings with the families.
- Settling-in phase (approx. five days):A room is prepared forthe settling-in period, which offers space for a joint opening and farewell ritual, for play materials and a seating area for the parents. The parents are always available as a safe haven and can get to know each other at the same time.Depending on age, three to four children are welcomed together with their parents in one room by two professionals.
- Separation phase: The first short separations begin after about five days, always in consultation between the two acclimatization specialists and the parents. At first, the separations take place one after the other, later they overlap. The duration of the separation is gradually extended on an individual basis, based on observations of the children.
- Extension phase: As the separation times are extended, the prepared room slowly opens up to the entire childcare center, and the small peer group is integrated into the rest of the children's group. During the separations, the parents initially stay in a nearby room and later leave the facility for longer periods of time.
In the peer group model, the caregiver takes on an accompanying role during the entire settling-in process. They support the development of the relationship, observe the children closely and support the parents during the settling-in period. The entire settling-in process according to the peer group model usually takes four to six weeks.
How long does it take to settle in at childcare center?
How long it takes to settle in depends on the individual child. As a rule, parents should allow around six to eight weeks for the settling-in period. During this time, you do not need to be permanently present, but you do need to be on call and quickly on site in case your child does not calm down.
In order for the child and parents to settle in well at the childcare facility, it is important that the settling-in phase meets both the individual needs of the child and the professional requirements of the parents.
Why is a slow acclimatization important?
The settling-in phase serves to build trust in the new caregivers and the new environment. To find their way around, make initial contact with the children and slowly and steadily detach themselves from their parents. In order to promote the children's basic trust, the settling-in period should always take place at the child's own pace.
Settling in at the child's pace is important for various reasons:
- Each child builds up trust in the new caregiver individually.
- Each child has their own pace to find their way in their new environment.
- Every child finds it differently easy to detach themselves from their parents.
What do I do if settling in at childcare center is challenging?
If your child has difficulty separating and cries a lot, there is always the option of taking another step back. This means that you will come back to the group or your child will only be separated from you for a few minutes.
If your child does not calm down at all during the separation, you will usually be called back again. Here too, it is important togo at your child's pace and give them the time they need.
When should the acclimatization be interrupted?
The settling-in period should be interrupted if the child cannot be calmed down by the caregivers even after a longer settling-in period and the separation time cannot be extended.
Listen to your gut feeling here too. How far do you feel comfortable? Are you confident about settling in? It could also be that your fears and insecurities are being transferred to your child and they are only reflecting them.
How do I behave as a parent during the acclimatization process at childcare center?
Parents often feel uncertain about how they should behave towards their child during the settling-in period. It is important that you give your child freedom and security at the same time. You will be in the group during the first few days of settling in. You will probably be provided with a chair a little to one side where you can sit during this time.
- Try to be a safe point of contact for your child.
- However, give your child the freedom to explore the new environment independently.
- Avoid running after your child.
When it comes to the first separation, it is essential that you say goodbye to your child. Think about a small ritual for the goodbye in advance, which you can keep as short as possible. Experience has shown that the longer the goodbye is delayed, the more difficult it will be for the child in the end. The phrase "short and sweet" is usually very appropriate here.
If possible, do not discuss worries and concerns in front of your child, but seek separate contact with the educational staff.
How can I as a parent prepare for settling in?
Settling in at childcare center is a big step, both for you as parents and for your child.
Be aware of your own concerns and try to address them before you start the settling-in process. Talk about them with other parents or your future caregivers.
Visit the facility in advance to get a personal impression. If you feel comfortable, your child will feel comfortable too.
Establish new routines in advance. Your morning will probably change, so find a new morning routine before you start settling in. This will avoid additional stress during the settling-in period.
Discuss with your child in advance what they can expect at the facility, for example playing together, new friends, the great garden with climbing frame. There are some great picture books that tell the story of settling in in a child-friendly and vivid way (e.g. "The little owl comes to kindergarten" by Debi Gliori).
Involve your child as much as possible:
- Buy a rucksack together for the childcare center,
- or, if necessary, choose a lunch box and water bottle together.
- Discuss with your child what they need these things for.
As a parent, how can I tell that the acclimatization was successful?
- Satisfaction and well-being:Your child appears happy and balanced when they come home from childcare center . They are happy when they enter childcare center and say goodbye without much resistance or tears.
- Trust in the caregivers: Your child has built up a relationship with the caregivers and feels comfortable around them. They seek support and comfort from them when needed.
- Participation in activities: Your child actively participates in the activities on offer and plays with other children. It shows interest in the daily routines and activities in the group.
- Communication: Your child talks about their experiences at childcare center, talks about games, friends and caregivers. They communicate on their own initiative.
- Routine and adaptation: Your child has become accustomed to the daily procedures and routines at childcare center and copes well with them. It does not have any major difficulties in the transition from one activity to the next.
- Physical signs: Your child shows no signs of stress or discomfort, such as sleeping problems, loss of appetite or increased crying. His or her general state of health is stable.
- Independence: Your child will become increasingly independent and have the confidence to do things on their own. They will be confident in their new environment.
- Friendships: Your child makes their first friends and interacts positively with other children. They actively seek contact with their playmates.
- Emotional balance: Your child shows a stable emotional balance. They can deal with minor frustrations or conflicts and know how to calm themselves down (e.g. they withdraw).
- Feedback from caregivers: The caregivers report positively on your child's development and integration. They confirm that your child has settled in well and is actively participating in childcare center life. If you are unsure, ask the caregivers. Do you have any worries or concerns? Talk to them.
How does the childcare center familiarization process work at the pme Lernwelten facilities?
In our pme Lernwelten facilities, the settling-in phase is individually tailored to the needs of the children and families arriving. Various models are available for a structured settling-in phase, which focus on different aspects and also have different requirements.
The familiarization phase in our facilities is most frequently based on the Berlin Model. The Munich model and the peer group model also offer valuable approaches to settling in at our childcare centers.
Would you like to find out more about the pme Lernwelten facilities? Take a look at our pme Lernwelten to find out more.
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