Tips for a Smooth Transition Back to Daycare or Preschool During & After COVID-19

Almost one year ago, life as we knew it came to a screeching halt. In many places around the country, schools and workplaces closed, forcing parents and children to navigate the unprecedented challenge of working from home and attending school, all together under one roof. In the last few months, with increased access to testing and vaccine roll-outs well under way in most states, many parents are returning to the workplace and need to send their children back to daycare or preschool. Naturally, there are concerns about separation anxiety, how to make the transition back to a more “normal” schedule, and more importantly about the safety of schools and childcare centers after COVID-19. Here are some ways to transition back into the work/school grind in a way that prioritizes your child’s feelings as well as their health and safety. 

Slowly get back into a pre-pandemic morning routine

If your child has gotten used to a slow morning, or staying in their pajamas all day, try to start implementing a morning routine that will more closely resemble what it will look like when you return to work and they return to school. A few weeks before going back, restart a solid bedtime routine if yours has fallen off track, and wake your child up at the time they will need to be up during the week. Have them get dressed, eat breakfast and perform any other tasks that will help get them used to the busier pace of a “normal” weekday morning. 

Practice leaving

Depending on your child’s age and temperament, you may also want to practice saying goodbye. Even if your child attended preschool or daycare prior to the pandemic, they may have trouble separating when they return. Therefore, it’s a good idea to get them comfortable with the idea of you leaving and coming back. Even if this is as simple as going through your morning routine and then having them play in the living room while you work in another room. If you have friends or family who can watch your children for a few hours, while you run out and do errands, that is a great way to practice. You want them to internalize “my grownups may leave, but they always come back.” Daniel Tiger has a great episode about separation that you can watch with your child.  

Talk about what might be different 

It is also a good idea to talk to your child’s school or childcare provider about their safety policies and procedures, to help prepare your child for what to expect. For example, teachers may be wearing masks or gloves or your child may be expected to wear a mask. There may be smaller class sizes, or different drop off and pick-up routines and talking about change in a positive and age appropriate way can help ease any worries your child may have. There are great children’s books about social distancing, like Billie and the Brilliant Bubble, that can help your child get used to the fact that they may need to give their friends more space than they are used to. Remember, the way you explain these things to your child will have an impact on how they feel about them. If you are worried or uneasy, they will be too. 

Acknowledge their feelings

Even if you have read all the books and talked about the changes in a positive way, your child may still have some big feelings about returning to daycare or preschool and that’s okay. Let them know that it is okay to be worried/scared/sad and you are there for them. 

Reassure yourself that your child will be safe 

It is normal to be worried about your child’s health and safety when returning to daycare or preschool. To ease your mind, studies have shown that childcare is not a major source of COVID-19 spread. In addition, you can check your childcare provider’s Winnie listing to find out more about their COVID-19 safety policies and procedures. Don’t be afraid to speak with the Director of your child’s program about any questions or concerns you may have, that’s what they are there for. Remember, many preschools and childcare providers have been open throughout the pandemic and have been able to care for children of essential workers and front-line healthcare providers safely. 

Accept it is going to take time to get back to “normal”

Change is hard for everyone. Give yourself some grace and remember that these are challenges families all over the country are facing and no one has all the answers. There will be forgotten lunches and tears and hard days, but it will get easier. Just as working and learning from home was a big adjustment, getting back to the way things were before the pandemic will also be an adjustment. If there is anything the last year has taught us all it’s that we are stronger than we think and we will get through this, together.  

To continue the conversation with other parents and providers about returning to daycare or preschool after COVID, head to the Winnie Community