10 Easy Ways to Get Your Toddler Ready for Starting Daycare

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Please read my full disclosure for more information here.

Starting daycare is a big step in your toddler’s life. Whether your child is used to being at home with you all day, or he’s already used to a daycare environment, the shift to a new routine and new surroundings can be a challenging one.

starting daycare

However, with a few small steps and some planning, the step into school life can be a positive experience for both of you. If you want to know when you should put your baby in daycare, this post will benefit you better. If your baby is over 13 months, then this is your post because we’re taking a deep dive into 10 Tips to Get Your Toddler Ready for Daycare fast.

This post is about starting daycare for toddlers.

starting daycare

How to Get Your Toddler Ready for Starting Daycare

Work on potty training. Many Daycares require you to bring your child already potty trained. The earlier you plan on starting Daycare, the more critical it is to begin potty training early. 

Start with a shorter day or shorter week. Many Daycare programs allow your child to attend shorter school sessions. Consider a program that only meets two or three days per week initially. You can also opt for half-day sessions at some Daycares. 

Bring your toddler to playgroups. If your child has many experiences in playgroups with other kids, he will be used to interacting with other children. Offer opportunities for your child to become as comfortable as possible in social situations. 

starting daycare

Teach Them About Their Autonomy

Work on discipline early. Establish a consistent discipline routine with your toddler. Get your child used to consistent consequences for misbehavior and try to make those consequences similar to those he’ll face in Daycare

Give your toddler art supplies. Get your toddler used to using art supplies like paper, crayons, and chalk. Many Daycare days feature a time of arts and crafts, and you can ease your child’s transition to school life by introducing art to him early.

Read to your toddler every day. When you read to your child every day, you help them to think and learn about the world around them. Pick new books to read every once in a while but keep returning to your toddler’s favorites also. If you encourage them to read while they’re young, they’ll be excited about learning for a lifetime.

Interested in purchasing items you saw in the video? Click here to see where I bought everything in my toddler bag.

You Are The First Teacher for your Toddler

Start naming letters and numbers. Introduce your child to letters and numbers whenever you have the opportunity. Numbers and letters are often taught in Daycare, but your everyday routine offers many opportunities to introduce these concepts in a fun, engaging way.

Identify colors and shapes. The same goes for naming colors and shapes. It’s a good idea to point these things out to your child as you go about exploring life. Ask your child about different colors and conditions when you see them.

Take your toddler to all checkups. Regular checkups are essential for ensuring that your child is healthy. Your child may require specific immunizations to enter school. During your visits, your child’s doctor will verify that his physical development is on track.

Let them go. It’s tough to watch your little baby grow up right in front of your eyes. Getting ready to start school can be a significant change in your toddler’s life, but it’s a substantial change in yours as well. Prepare yourself emotionally for the big day and remember that Daycare is simply the beginning of a new, exciting stage in both of your lives.

toddler at 15 months

Daycare brings with it a set of challenges that you may have never faced before. As you adjust to the new routines together, remember that anything new brings exceptional opportunities and experiences. Embrace those experiences together and make the most of this new season of life.

This post was about starting daycare for toddlers.

Pin for later:

starting daycare

Leave a Reply

No Comments Yet.