The first big transition for your child, and often for you too. We deliberately take our time: around 8 settling-in days spread over two weeks, following the proven Berlin model.
Before the first day, the group leader gets in touch with suggested dates. In about an hour we go through the settling-in plan and the daily routine, and you tell us what your child likes and needs: eating habits, rituals, favourite ways of being comforted and put to sleep.
During the first days you are there: mum, dad or another trusted person. Your child explores the rooms, the children and their key person, at their own pace, through play.
Step by step your child stays without you, first briefly, then for longer. The key person gradually takes over changing, feeding and comforting, always in close contact with you.
After about two weeks your child feels secure. In the period that follows, the key person is there as much as possible; when several children start at once, we sometimes extend settling-in to three weeks.
Every child has their own pace, and that is just fine. How long settling-in takes is decided by your child, not by the calendar.
A tried-and-tested plan from our settling-in concept. Your child sets the pace, and we adapt the plan together with you.
Morning circle and first play; you stay the whole time.
You still do the changing and feeding, while the key person watches and gets to know your child.
You leave the room for the first time, for 15 to 30 minutes. The key person now does the changing while you watch.
An afternoon with a walk and a snack, plus the first half hour to an hour without you.
You leave after the morning snack and come back at 11.30 am to settle your child for their nap together.
You leave after the morning circle. Your child eats at the daycare and, by arrangement, naps here for the first time.
An almost full daycare day without you – just stay reachable by phone.
Your child comes for a completely normal daycare day. Settling-in is complete!
If your child needs more time, the group leader adapts the plan together with you. Feeling secure always comes before speed.
Research is reassuringly clear: children of working parents bond just as strongly with mum and dad. What matters is not the amount of time you spend together, but your attitude towards your child.
Call any time and ask how your child is doing. The group leader takes time for conversations and advice, and the short doorway chats at drop-off and pick-up are worth their weight in gold, especially at the beginning.
A fixed goodbye ritual, the comfort cloth from home and a small ring binder in which we and you note sleep times, meals and special moments: little rituals give your child stability, and you the full picture.
Pack this in the daycare bag:
Everything worth knowing, to read at leisure: the process, the background and what settling-in means for parents.
During a visit we show you the daycare, answer all your questions about settling in and look together at when a start would suit your child.
Arrange a visit