The children are back, and with them new activities,new families and cycles. In order for things to be as predictable and organized as possible, it is important to create new routines that might have gotten lost during the summer months.

Just like the children, we may be a little nervous about the new situations that will arise in this new school year.

For that, here are some tips to help you have a calm, happy and above all a well organized back to school month.

Tips for a successful return of children after summer break to the family child care home 🎒

1. Organize, pick up and move old furniture, old photos, and old curtains that you might have. Renewing the pedagogical material that you have in your space, to make way for the new is encouraged. Even as a first day activity with the children, you could re-decorate the space together, and with elements that you have in the center: Paint, new color, and reorganizing the space so that everyone feels comfortable here are activities that can make a lot of fun and create good rapport with the old and new children.

2. Remind parents what should not be missing in the children's backpacks (such as a complete change of clean clothes, (properly marked to avoid losses), take if they use (pacifier, bottle, and hygiene kit such as diapers, changing cream and wipes).

3. This applies to new and old children in the center: Bring an object dear to the child. It is recommended that they bring an object to which they are especially attached to reassure them. It can be a favorite doll, stuffed animal, blanket or pillow. Anything to make them feel safe, especially in these moments of transition.

4. Do a short activity at drop off or pick up, so that parents and children can re-acclimate to the space, and meet other children and new families.

5. In these first days, work a lot on the creation of routines and the implementation of the rules that the center has. It is important that these rules are visible around the center, same as having a predictable schedule so that the children can identify step by step what is happening throughout the day, so they know what’s coming next and what to expect.

• Ask families to share ways they care for their children at home, and how they promote learning as a family. For example, if a mother sings a lullaby, particularly to her child before bedtime, ask her to teach you the song.

• Incorporate families' positive approaches to care and learning to ensure that there is consistency between what they learn at the center and at home.

• Tell parents to prepare the children a few days before they enter the center, explaining what is going to happen: what the space is like, what they will do, who will take care of them, who will pick them up, emphasizing that coming to school is something good and fun, that it will be a great place for the child to make new friends and have new experiences.

• If possible, take the child to see the space before the first day of school. Coordinate a schedule with the parents so that they gradually begin to leave the child longer days at the center so that he/she can adapt well.

For new parents:

And lastly, don't forget to have fun and be open and curious about the interactions that will take place with the children in your care. A receptive and open attitude to working with the children will allow you and them to enjoy, relax and be calm to face the new year or school year.