A first step toward independence and growth
An unfamiliar place, unfamiliar adults and children, without a parent close by.
This can feel deeply unsettling for a child. A gradual introduction helps respect those feelings.
Even very young babies can feel stress from a change of environment.
Fatigue can build up, and a child may develop a fever after a week and need another week at home. If possible, allow time by starting childcare 1–2 weeks before returning to work.
Settling in is primarily about helping the child feel comfortable, but it also gives parents time to become used to childcare and staff time to get to know the child.
It is a time for children, parents and childcare staff to get to know one another.
Sample settling-in schedules
6-day example
| Day | Childcare hours | Suggested duration | Morning snack | Lunch | Afternoon snack |
| Day 1 | 8:30–10:30 | 2–3 hours | ○ |
||
| Day 2 | 8:30–11:30 | 2–3 hours | ○ |
||
| Day 3 | 8:30–12:30 | Until after lunch | ○ |
○ |
|
| Day 4 | 8:30–13:30 | Until after lunch | ○ |
○ |
|
| Day 5 | 8:30–15:00 | Until after the nap | ○ |
○ |
|
| Day 6 | 8:30–18:00 | Full-day care | ○ |
○ |
○ |
10-day example
| Day | Childcare hours | Suggested duration | Morning snack | Lunch | Afternoon snack |
| Day 1 | 8:30–9:30 | About 1 hour | |||
| Day 2 | 8:30–10:30 | 2–3 hours | ○ |
||
| Day 3 | 8:30–11:30 | 2–3 hours | ○ |
||
| Day 4 | 8:30–11:30 | Until after lunch | ○ |
○ |
|
| Day 5 | 8:30–13:00 | Until after lunch | ○ |
○ |
|
| Day 6 | 8:30–13:00 | Until after lunch | ○ |
○ |
|
| Day 7 | From 8:30 Depending on nap time |
Until after the nap | ○ |
○ |
|
| Day 8 | 8:30–15:00 | Until after the nap | ○ |
○ |
|
| Day 9 | 9:00–17:00 | Until after the nap | ○ |
○ |
○ |
| Day 10 | 8:30–18:00 | Full-day care | ○ |
○ |
○ |
* These are guidelines only. Hours may change according to your child's needs.