Dear Parents to ensure a smooth and successful start in our Kindergarten, we have developed a concept for a gentle settling in. Your role as parent, as the most important person for the child, is vital for the process. Usually the settling in phase takes around two to three weeks. It might be shorter or longer depending on the child’s pace to be comfortable with the new rhythm and environment. The basic principles are set out in this brochure to ensure an easy start for you and your child in the Kindergarten. We believe in a successful settling in phase as a basis for the child to establish a trustful relationship with the key person and to feeling safe and secure in the new environment.
We will have ongoing meeting and discuss child’s settling in with parents to make sure we are in agreement and united to take further steps to settle the child in.
For more information on Settling In please see the admission policy and Settling in policy. Please find below our four phases of settling in process:
Fundamental phase
During this phase you, or the child’s constant carer, are asked to come into the Kindergarten with the child for approximately two hours per day. Parents/carers are the safe harbor for the child. You stay in the setting in your space and take the child home with you after two hours. There is no separation during this phase. The key person slowly and carefully starts to get in touch with the child. All contact is very gentle and sensitive.
Separation phase
You come in with your child. After your child is settled you say goodbye to your child and leave the room, but stay very close to the Kindergarten. The child’s reaction is the basis for the decision to either proceed with the separation or to call you back. If the child is happily continuing their play the separation can be extended for up to two hours. This will also be the case if the child starts to cry but can be comforted and calmed by the key person. But if the child is inconsolably crying you will be asked to come back. We will arrange for a longer settling in phase instead.
Stabilization phase
If the child accepts the separation we extend the duration of the separation on the following days. You will still be asked to stay close to the setting. The key person will discuss with you how long the individual separation should be. However, the longest time for your child to stay in the Kindergarten should not exceed three hours. If a child is extremely relaxed about being in the Kindergarten, the separation periods can be extended according to the individual level, but you need to be in short reach at all times.
Some children do take longer than others to settle and some settle quickly and then become distressed a few weeks into the placement. We will work with you in partnership to support your child through this transition period and make it as easy as possible
Closing phase
It’s done!! The duration of the daily attendance will be extended step-by-step until the daily routine is fully accepted and understood by your child. You should still be available on the phone in case your child might need you during the day. The settling in is finished when the child accepts the key person as ‘safe hub’ who comforts and helps them back into play. This also applies if the child is upset about you leaving but can be comforted and starts to play happily when you have left. The relationship between parents/ carers and the key person is paramount to all our work for your child in the Kindergarten. We are dependent on a trustful relationship and good communication with you.