It was just yesterday that your baby came into your world and now he or she is already several months old! Where did the time go? If you’re a working parent, you may be realizing that your maternity or paternity leave is coming to an end and that it will soon be time to return to work. You’re beginning to ask yourself, when is a good time for your baby to start day care? Which infant day care in the south Bronx or Brooklyn is best suited to help you and your baby with this transition? How much will it cost?
Tips for Making the Transition to Daycare Easier for Your Baby
LOOK FOR A FAMILY-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT
At early ages, babies form attachments to their primary caregivers (you and family members!) which are very important to childhood development. For this reason, a daycare that offers small group sizes is a must so your child receives plenty of special attention and opportunity to interact with a loving caregiver. At Luminous Early Childhood Learning Centers in the Bronx and Brooklyn (Richman Plaza, Morris Heights, and four other centers), we work hard to create a small, family environment where each of our providers are tasked with care of only 4 children under 12 months-old. For children 12-24 months, each provider cares for only 5 children.
INTRODUCE ROUTINE
For the most part, your baby sleeps for however long they want and eats whenever they’re hungry (which tends to be around the clock!). In fact, for an infant, day and night are virtually inseparable. To prepare for day care, try introducing some simple routines into your baby’s life. For example, having dinner at exactly the same time together or playing his or her favorite lullabies at the same hour of the day can go a long way towards fostering a sense of routine for your child.
PLAN TO STAY WITH YOUR BABY FOR THE FIRST FEW DAYS OF DAYCARE
Studies have found that, by gradually increasing younger infants into daycare ─ particularly if parents are present the first few days — parents can help little ones feel less stressed and anxious. (Not all babies find the experience stressful but it doesn’t hurt to be prepared just in case.) Also, bring their favorite stuffed animal, blanket, or toy companion with them.
ARRANGE FOR YOUR BABY TO SPEND TIME AWAY WITH SOMEONE YOU TRUST
If your baby has never spent much time away from home, arranging for him or her to spend a morning, afternoon, or evening with a trusted family member, friend or godparent can help with the transition to daycare. Again, be sure your baby’s favorite animal, blanket, or toy comes along. This person you choose should of course be loving, attentive, and know your child.
SCHEDULE A TOUR
Having confidence in the daycare you choose is essential. Take time out to come to our center and have a look around. Meeting our staff and visiting our facility, spaces, and outdoor play areas is one of the best ways to figure out if our daycare is the best match for you and your child. Feel free to ask questions.
CHOOSE A DAYCARE THAT HONORS VOUCHERS AND MAKES DAYCARE AFFORDABLE
Vouchers can help ease the financial stress of daycare – reducing the cost to as little as $1 to $50 dollars per week per child depending on eligibility. Learn more about qualifying for HRA and ACS vouchers for our Bronx and Brooklyn centers. Payment can also be made by SEIU/1199 Child Care, check, credit card, and through the Luminous reimbursement program.
Contact the Luminous Early Childhood Learning Center at info@luminouschildcare.org or call us at 718-682-3650.