changing day care settings

I'm switching my kids from the daycare they currently go to - it is a great place as far as daycare goes for toddlers, but it doesn't have the structure my son really needs for a pre-school setting...I got them into a Hildebrandt center - which I'm really excited about...they have a great program and they actually have a curriculum - potty training is worked on (not required) Ian's still having some pooping issues...he just won't stop what he's doing to poop...

anyway - how do I break it to the kids they're changing...just talk it up or just "do it"? Also am I obligated to give the old daycare a reason or can I just say that the twins won't be back after 8/28?

 

I think it's appropriate to give them a reason, but don't feel too guilty -- people change daycares all the time for many reasons. Just tell them how much you've enjoyed your time there.

As far as the kids -- do they not know at all? I would probably have given them at least a few weeks to get used to the idea. But I would certainly tell them now, and talk it up about how great the new place is going to be. Also, if they have particular friends at their current daycare, try to get their phone #s so you can say that you'll arrange some playdates so they can still see their friends.

And expect that the transition might be rough for a little while. When my kids moved to a new preschool room (even within their same daycare center, with all the same friends), it took about a month for them to really settle down. We had more tantrums, bedtime difficulties, etc., because they were just feeling uncertain about life in general.

 

I would definitely talk to them about it, and how nice it is going to be. I switched my kids to a different daycare at the beginning of the year (we have since switched back to the one theyve been at their whole lives) and I talked about it from the time I found out we would be switching. I wanted to get them used to the idea that they would have new teachers and friends, etc. . If you just take them to a completely new place that Monday, they will more than likely freak out, not knowing anything about the switch.

 

I agree, tell the kids it's going to happen. Even visit with them first, if you can. Plus, yes, give a reason. There's nothing wrong with saying Ian needs a little more structure. :hug: I hope the adjustment goes well for them!

 

I totally agree!

 

Hi...we switched daycares three times in one year due to issues. I just told the kids they were going to a new school. We did take them to visit each new school and meet their teachers. After that, they were fine. They never asked me why they were switching. As for the daycares, I just told them I was switching and when the kids' last day would be. With one school, we had problems with the teachers in their classroom so they really weren't surprised. With the second one, we got off the waiting list for another one and told them the reason. Hopefully, we will get to stay at the third one until they go to kindergarten. Anyhow, if you can take the kids to visit and meet their teachers, that would be great. Then, just tell them they are switching schools and making new friends. Worked for us! Good Luck!

 

We haven't used daycare so far, but we did move recently and I think that talking to our kids about the move really helped to make it a smooth transition. They love their "new home" and I think a lot of that is because we made a big deal out of it in a very positive way. We focused on the positives of the new place, as opposed to the scariness of change. Having lots of positive things to look forward to made the move very exciting for them.

I also think that saying something like "You have been great to our kids, but we feel like Ian needs more structure as he is getting older. We have found an opportunity elsewhere, so we will be leaving. Our last day will be 'x'. Thanks so much!" would be sufficient.

Good luck with the transition!

 

I agree that you should talk with them and it's good idea to visit the new center with them so they can see it and meet their teacher. I think it is always good to let children know what to expect and not just surprise them with a change. Everytime we changed daycare centers with my son we always allowed him to see the new center and meet the teachers so he wasn't so anxious on the first day. They always know something is up when you take them somewhere new and if you surprise them with change they may think they can't trust you..or that's always what I used to think. So I was always careful to make sure I was up front with my son about any major change..and changing daycare is major since he spent a lot of his time there. Besides, the less anxiety they have, the easier it will be to leave them.

Also, it's none of the daycare's business why you're leaving as long as appropriate notice has been given. If you don't want to tell them, then don't, just give them the notice and leave it at that. Just make sure you follow the rules outlined in your handbook, otherwise you could be liable for charges.

 

I have to agree with the others. The kids are plenty old enough to talk to about it and they deserve the warning. If they have time to wrap their minds around it, ask their questions, and start getting used to the idea, it will usually be a little easier. Good luck!