Here at Aghamore Childcare Company Ltd. we are committed to the smooth transition of the child and the parent/guardian into our childcare service. Settling in should be a positive experience as it will enhance children's self-confidence, their attitude to relationships and their social skills and it will lay the foundation for lifelong learning. During the settling in period we ask the parent/guardian for their co-operation implementing the following procedures to make the transition into the childcare setting as easy as possible for the child.
All registration forms must be filled in and discussed with childcare workers prior to official start date.
We will be sensitive and empathic towards the needs of both parents and children and are happy to receive calls during the day if a parent/guardian wishes to contact us to see how a child is doing.
Toddler room
- The Toddler room offers a settling in period of up to five days free of charge, prior to the child's official start date. (1st visit 15 mins with Mum or Dad, 2nd visit ½ an hour to 1 hour on their own, Mum should remain in building or in car during this visit. The 3rd visit may be up to 3 hours and as the week goes on the time frames are extended according to the Childs abilities. to cope with the transition.
- During the settling in period the childcare practitioner will gather information from parents regarding their child's feelings, sleep routines, rituals, preferences etc., we will help the child create close links with home in different ways e.g. bringing photos of family members for our special wall or bringing a comfort blanket or dummy along to the service..
- We will work with you to ensure the child feels secure in their new surroundings by their official start date.
- We will agree on arrival times and collection times to promote stability and security for your child.
Pre-school children's first day
- The staff at Aghamore Childcare Company Ltd will greet the child and the parent.
- We recognise that parents are very vulnerable to their children’s acclimatisation in this process.
- Parents should be prepared to stay for the child's first session - if necessary. Some children may not be ready for a full session and others may not require the parents to stay.
- Staff will advise parents on this matter. Parents are encouraged to interact with their child and other children and adults in the play group in order to reassure the child of the safety of their new surroundings and the people in it.
- On your child’s first day of playschool early years practitioners will gather information regarding your child e.g. a need to remind them to use the toilet; any special words they have for items; comforters they may use, etc.
- Experiences are meaningful for children when linked to their home culture. Early years' practitioners will build a positive link with home and playschool for children by asking parents/guardians to provide photos of things that are special to a child and providing information on activities, traditions and experiences which are part of the child’s family environment.
Pre-School Children must be dropped off and collected promptly - at the appointed time – persistent late drop-off/collections will incur facility administration fees.
If you have any concerns regarding this policy please do not hesitate to contact us.
Contact Information If you require further information regarding this policy contact:
Name Lorraine Casey, Business Manager
Phone number 094 93 70833
Email; glornanog@gmail.com
Date this policy was created Sept 2008
Date the policy is reviewed May 2024
Date this policy will be reviewed May 2025