I Strongly Dislike Starting New Families :|

[Pandaluver21]

My current issue with new families is the drop off- with new child clinging to parent for dear life while screaming bloody murder. It's like they have to be pryed off.

We moved from indoor to outdoor drop off because of covid. It did not affect veteran families who already knew us. Their kids had similar behavior when they were new but it seemed less of a scene with indoor drop off.

I actually think the indoor drop off with new kid went easier in that it helped them settle in and reduced parents' anxiety faster.

How do you get a screaming child who does not want to separate from parent inside? And how do you make parents feel better about it?

I think it depends on the age definitely. A younger kid, I do what cat herder said, just grab them :P
I had a 3.5yr old one year and he would scream and cling to mom. His 2.5yr old sister came in with no problems :P I would peal him off and set him next to the door. I told him he can join when he's ready. He would sit for a few minutes, and join no problem. I also sent mom/dad pictures of them playing happily

**Side question- Cat Herder, what do you do when kids turn 1, do they have to leave?

[Cat Herder]

**Side question- Cat Herder, what do you do when kids turn 1, do they have to leave?

No. My program is a little different. :: My focus is on creating a long term community, not just childcare. I only keep two infants, max. I have little to no turn-over. I don't advertise. It is more a continuation program than anything. :confused: I planned to close years ago, they won't let me.

I keep kids until age 6 yrs, mostly sibling groups beginning with their first child. Many of my families stay well over 8 years, here, 2-4 kids. Most redshirt, starting kindergarten at 6 yrs with strong social/emotional bonds within the current and former families along with a solid preschool education. I have multi-generational families, as well. We are rural and most of our families have been here for several generations.

*I don't like to enroll older toddlers/preschoolers as it is harder to blend them naturally into the group. Not in the way you think.

I like new enrollees to be the youngest of the group; learning routines by watching and bonding with the older kids. Then, they slowly work their way up to being the oldest, modeling for the youngest. IMO, Each "sibling" role and phase is valuable in a well rounded early learning experience. To me, it is a more natural way of growing up that mimics how children are generally born into their natural families. My kids are all here almost 50 hours per week. It is rare to have one that is not because that is the job market we have.

IMO, When an older child comes in it can disrupt the established familial roles in the group and make for harder transitions for the entire group. All children welcome a younger child and the group bonds more easily.

[Cat Herder]

FTR, I am so glad you let them go. :hug:

You will enjoy your holidays so much more, now. lovethis We only get so many to spend with family, I dread to let work stress ruin that if I can help it. Happily, we can.

[Pandaluver21]

No. My program is a little different. :: My focus is on creating a long term community, not just childcare. I only keep two infants, max. I have little to no turn-over. I don't advertise. It is more a continuation program than anything. :confused: I planned to close years ago, they won't let me.

I keep kids until age 6 yrs, mostly sibling groups beginning with their first child. Many of my families stay well over 8 years, here, 2-4 kids. Most redshirt, starting kindergarten at 6 yrs with strong social/emotional bonds within the current and former families along with a solid preschool education. I have multi-generational families, as well. We are rural and most of our families have been here for several generations.

*I don't like to enroll older toddlers/preschoolers as it is harder to blend them naturally into the group. Not in the way you think.

I like new enrollees to be the youngest of the group; learning routines by watching and bonding with the older kids. Then, they slowly work their way up to being the oldest, modeling for the youngest. IMO, Each "sibling" role and phase is valuable in a well rounded early learning experience. To me, it is a more natural way of growing up that mimics how children are generally born into their natural families. My kids are all here almost 50 hours per week. It is rare to have one that is not because that is the job market we have.

IMO, When an older child comes in it can disrupt the established familial roles in the group and make for harder transitions for the entire group. All children welcome a younger child and the group bonds more easily.

I agree with tis 110%! I am just preschool now, but I start with "early learners" which is my 2-3yr old class. I much prefer 3-5yr olds, but I find getting them at 3 is ROUGH! I like starting them off as young as possible and having them grow up throught the program. One little boy I have now that just turned 2, I've actually had since 8 weeks (before I switched to preschool only) and him and his family are absolutely amazing. Any of my other kids coming in older have been SO rough to get into the routine. For a few years (I'd say 4?) I had a class of preschoolers who were all about the same age (3-4) and one younger (2) I did this for several years in a row and loved it. When the older kids aged out (I teach through kindergarten) the now "oldest" gets to help the new recruits!

[Dohare81]

Parents can be like children. They will push and push. I would explain again your policies. Once you explain how it's not working out for you, they will jump on board. I would not give them more than one chance.