The first weeks in family day care are something completely new for your child. That is why we shape the settling-in in close consultation with you, tailored to your needs and those of your child.
We work with needs-based settling-in according to the Berlin Educational Programme.
What does “needs-based” mean?
The focus is on the individual child, not a rigid timetable.
The child sets the pace. How long settling-in takes is individual. Through their behaviour the child shows when they are ready for the next step.
The familiar person gives security. At the beginning your child needs you as a support. From there they explore the new surroundings and make contact.
We build a relationship. The aim is not only that your child can stay without you, but that a trusting relationship with us develops.
Separation is not forced. We reduce your presence step by step and watch your child’s signals so that they do not become overwhelmed.
The other children help too. A child finds access to the new surroundings through the group and gradually becomes part of the community.
How settling-in works with us
Four weeks are planned; if your child needs longer, we take the time they need. Beforehand we talk in a detailed getting-to-know-you conversation about how it will go and exchange important information.
Week 1
Getting to know each other
A parent or another caregiver is present for about an hour every day. There is no attempt at separation yet. We make contact, sit down with the child and play or sing together. In doing so we observe your child.
Week 2
First short separations
When your child is playing, say goodbye and go out for a few minutes. Saying goodbye is important so that your child is not startled when they look for you later.
After that
Longer, step by step
Depending on how it goes, we increase the time without you. If your child has formed a bond and can be comforted quickly, we extend it further.
When is settling-in complete?
Settling-in is complete when your child
has built a trusting relationship with the responsible educator,
relaxes in their presence,
explores their surroundings,
makes contact with other people and
lets the educator comfort them in difficult situations.
There will still be days afterwards that are difficult for your child. That takes understanding and time with you.
What your child needs
nappies on a regular basis,
a complete change of clothes for the season,
clothing suited to the weather and season with suitable headwear,
in summer, sun cream applied in the morning.
Your child gets breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack with us. Please check regularly whether the size and completeness of the spare clothes still fit.
Every family is different
If your child moves to us from another care setting, a four-week settling-in period is usually not necessary. Getting to know each other over a few days is usually enough.
Every family takes this path in its own way. That is why we do not set rigid rules. We discuss the process in the getting-to-know-you conversation and exchange news with you every day during settling-in. We adapt the process to your child.
You can read more about our work in the section Settling-in period of our concept. How it goes from the request to the care contract is explained in the guide Kita voucher.
Would you like to get to know us? We are in Berlin-Schöneberg, only a few minutes from Innsbrucker Platz. Send us a non-binding place request. We usually reply within 24 hours.
