Taking the child to the day care the first day and spending a bit of time helping your child adjust will make the transition smoother for the child. Talk about the day care in advance, explain what will happen, stay positive and explain to your child that you will be back to pick them up.

Be sure to talk to your child about the day care. Encourage them to stay positive and to get to make friends at the day care. Parents can encourage this by planning a small party at their house or simply inviting some of the other children from the day care over for a visit.

Make a point of checking in with the staff at least once a week to find out how your child is doing at the day care. Don't do this at drop off or pick up as this is a very hectic time for the staff and is also not confidential or private. A phone call or a quick note is often the easiest way to facilitate the communication.