Why 4 Year Olds Need a Different Daycare Preparation Than Toddlers

If you have a four year old, you know that this is a truly wonderful age. Curious, creative, and independent, four year olds are blossoming into people, right before your eyes, and they’re learning how to interact with the world around them. They’re funny and inquisitive, and it’s time for them to begin to have a more structured learning experience than they can have at home. And while preparing toddlers for daycare is centered on easing them through the transition, dealing with separation anxiety, and introducing new routines, daycare preparation for four year olds is all about fostering excitement and the eager anticipation of learning new things.

Preparing a 4 Year Old for Daycare: Understanding Daycare Readiness in 4 Year Olds

How do you know if your child is developmentally ready to begin daycare? Four year olds are learning and growing rapidly, developing stronger cognitive and social skills, and gaining more physical coordination. They can run, jump, and climb, and are beginning to acquire the skills necessary to skate or ride a bike. But is your little one ready for daycare? Preschool readiness means children can successfully follow directions, deal with transitions, regulate their emotions, and participate in group activities with their peers.

How to Start Daycare Smoothly: Practical Daycare Transition Tips for a Smooth Start

Look for a child care program that meets your family’s needs and supports your child’s development. A good program should support children’s social emotional learning, helping them learn to interact with their peers, manage their emotions, develop empathy, and grow in independence and confidence. Four year olds should participate in play-based learning that promotes cognitive, language and physical development while helping them to develop important skills like executive function, fine motor skills, and critical thinking. They need structure, consistency, and free time to use their imagination and strengthen their gross motor skills by running and playing. Preschool should also offer support to families, creating opportunities for parents to be involved in school events. Once you have found the right school, schedule a visit, bringing your child with you, so that both of you can begin to become familiar with the teachers, staff, and facilities. Then, facilitate a smooth transition by following these tips.

• Start your morning routine a few weeks before school starts, so that you and your child will adjust before it’s imperative to be on time.
• Talk about school, to get your children excited, and explain to them about what they should expect.
• Consider a new backpack or new clothes, to add to the anticipation.
• Once your children are in preschool, talk about their day with them after school.
• Recognize that your child will be tired after school for the first little while, and be patient.
• Give a little bit of extra attention, especially if your child has never been in daycare before and is not used to being away from you.

Emotional Preparation: Easing Daycare Anxiety for Kids and Supporting Your Child’s Feelings

Understand that new experiences can be a little bit scary. Especially if your child has never been in daycare before, he or she may feel anxious at first. It’s also normal for children to experience separation anxiety in the early days of daycare. Talk to your child about these feelings, encouraging emotional expression, and set routines that make transitions easier. Stay positive, and maintain a confident attitude, letting your child know that daycare is a safe space.

How Just Children Works with Families, Helping Kids Adjust to Daycare

Four year olds at Just Children take part in our pre-school program, which focuses on innovative curriculum that’s imaginative, educational, and full of fun. They’ll learn through play, exploring the world through activities and experiences that get them ready for their educational future. Our program is engaging, children take to it quickly, and we encourage parental involvement, building relationships with families while supporting child development. Parents are invited to visit during your child’s breaks to work on new activities together, or come for lunch, so your child has a moment with you, to share all he or she is learning at Just Children.

Tips for the First Day at Daycare: Helping Your Child Thrive from the Very Beginning

When you take your four year old to daycare for the first time, give yourself plenty of time for drop off. You’ll want to spend a little bit of time in the classroom, helping your child get settled and talking to the teacher. Put a drop-off routine in place, so that your child knows what to expect every morning. Resist the urge to sneak away while your child is distracted. Instead, give your child a brief goodbye while also providing assurance that you will be back. When you establish a consistent drop off routine, you set your child up for success by providing security.

Let Just Children Provide Your Children with the Optimal Daycare Experience

For a daycare where children can thrive, no matter their age or stage, trust Just Children to care for your little ones. Founded in 1983, our family-owned, fully-licensed centers provide a unique learning environment where we help children build the skills they need to succeed in life. Our year-round programs in Bucks County, Philadelphia, and New Jersey are convenient for working parents, and we design every program with age-appropriate activities that allow kids to learn, grow, and explore. We’re dedicated to creating a worry-free experience for parents while enriching the lives of children and providing a safe, nurturing environment with the highest standards of care, creativity, and learning. Visit our website to find a location convenient to you, or contact us to ask questions or schedule a tour.