Separation Strategies

[Elizabeth]

A caregiver who has observed a child and knows them well is better equipped to help a child say goodbye to his parents. A caregiver can help the child acclimate to the care setting by having the activities the child enjoys available at drop off time. This way a child can enter and go directly to the thing he loves doing, which makes the transition easier. It may also help for a caregiver to sit down and read a book with the child about how parents go  to work and come home. There are many wonderful children's books written for this purpose. 

[SHANNON]

I think it is important to study you kids and parents and find what works well for each family. I try to know some of the favorite toys that they like and let the parents know that also so they can direct their child to that toy. I do have parents who just want you to take their child from them and deal with it after they have left. I will let the parent direct their way of dealing with it. but always aware and available to help.