Many childcare programs will transition into quiet activities where children are present in the classroom prior to departure time. The purpose of this is usually for ease of transition during pick up times. Preschool classrooms will often have circle time or a simple group activity during departure time after children have gathered their belongings and are prepared to be picked up. It may be best to give children a choice between two relatively quiet activities during departure time as an alternative. Toddler rooms may do something similar, though expecting toddlers to stay seated for a prolonged period of time may be unnatural for their busy bodies and minds.
Infant departure is simpler as parents or guardians may come in and pick the child up at various times throughout the day. Transition time may be similar to arrival time where some separation anxiety can occur for infants. This may be due to a disruption in something that they had become adjusted to throughout their day in child care, or because they are transitioning once more. Child care professionals can ease this transition period by being aware of the normal departure time for each infant and being prepared. Planning ahead for this time is helpful as you can be sure that the infant is prepared to transition home. Some things to prepare for are feeding and diapering as well as the infant’s belongings being gathered and ready.
Infant departure is simpler as parents or guardians may come in and pick the child up at various times throughout the day. Transition time may be similar to arrival time where some separation anxiety can occur for infants. This may be due to a disruption in something that they had become adjusted to throughout their day in child care, or because they are transitioning once more. Child care professionals can ease this transition period by being aware of the normal departure time for each infant and being prepared. Planning ahead for this time is helpful as you can be sure that the infant is prepared to transition home. Some things to prepare for are feeding and diapering as well as the infant’s belongings being gathered and ready.
