"Back-to-School" and Routines

It's "back-to-school" time. Children who have been away for the summer, and new friends who are joining us for the first time, are making their ways into our child care program. Although this is an exciting time for many children, I do notice the crying as some of our young friends have difficulty adjusting to being with us instead of home.

It's not that we don't run a high-quality program or that the children don't enjoy themselves once they settle in for the day. It’s simply a reminder for us of why routines are so important in our program. Our routines show the children that there is order in this place. They know what to expect at what time and can feel much more secure about the day. Instead of constantly being “on alert”, the children are able to relax and move freely throughout their day because it has a framework that makes sense.

I have no doubt that, within a couple of weeks, these children will have no difficulty transitioning into our program each morning...because we have provided a predictable routine that they will have adjusted to and even thrive on.

Misty