CCW Tips

Before your child begins ...

It is important you know, trust and feel comfortable with your provider of child care. Prepare your child in advance by talking about the child care program and what to expect. Use appropriate language to your child's age and development. Gather the necessary supplies with your child (food, extra clothes, rest items, sleeping buddies etc.) If possible, arrange to visit the school close to your child's start date, staying 30 to 60 minutes. Write down questions for the director or teacher to ask during your visit.

Saying Goodbye ...

It is important you always say goodbye to your child. Try to leave ample time to say goodbye when you arrive. Be positive in your approach to separation, acknowledge your ambivalent feelings about separating, but try to demonstrate trust in the care giving situation. The staff is there to help you if your child needs help separating.

Separation can be hard for many children and parents. One way to help avoid the teary goodbye is to develop a routine in the morning. Please bring your child into a teacher. Children may never be dropped off outside the classroom or at the bottom of the stairs. Come into the classroom, put your child's belongings away and spend a few minutes with your child. Let your child choose an activity and then say goodbye. If you continue to experience difficulty, speak with your child's teacher. Please feel free to call and check on how your child is doing.

Saying hello again ...

Sometimes the end of the day, children again have problems leaving the school. He/she may be tired, may be involved in their play and may not have expected you to arrive so soon or so late. Give your child a few minutes to finish what they were doing, clean up and to say goodbye to their friends and teachers. Once you arrive, you are responsible for supervision of your child. Please remember that your child can never be left unsupervised anywhere on school property.

Things to consider ...

Each child is an individual. Please tailor these guidelines to meet your child's needs. Remember that separation is an ongoing process, any change in situation: a new baby, a move, illness, divorce, or a new developmental stage may cause a separation issue to resurface. Please make your child's teacher aware of any changes in order for us to work together to help your child make the transition.

Things from home ...

Please do not bring toys from home. It is hard to keep track of these items and it causes sadness when lost or broken. Special items or toys may be brought to school on "show & tell" day. Weapons or war toys are not allowed.

Children may not bring in small items like coins or keys. They may be easily swallowed or lost. No gum, candy or cough drops are allowed at school.