Daycare Room Transitions — Moving Up Between Age Groups | Daisy Days Guide Regina SK

One of the most significant transitions a child experiences at a licensed daycare is moving from one room to another — from the infant room to toddlers, or from toddlers to preschool. At Daisy Days Daycare in Regina SK, we plan these transitions carefully because we know how much attachment, routine, and familiar faces matter to young children.

Understanding Age Groups at Licensed Daycares in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan’s provincial licensing categories define age groups in licensed daycares:

Room/Group	Age Range	Provincial Ratio
Infant Room	Birth to 18 months	1:3 (1 educator per 3 infants)
Toddler Room	18 months to 3 years	1:5 (1 educator per 5 toddlers)
Preschool Room	3 to 5 years	1:8 (1 educator per 8 preschoolers)
School Age	5 years + (K-Grade 6)	1:15

Room transitions occur as children age through these categories. The specific timing within the age range depends on developmental readiness, room availability, and the individual child’s pace.

What the Infant-to-Toddler Transition Looks Like at Daisy Days Daycare

Moving from the infant room (where ratios are highest and care is most individualized) to the toddler room is a significant transition for both children and parents. Our approach:

1. Advance notice: Parents receive advance notice (typically 2-4 weeks) that their child’s transition is approaching, with a planned timeline
2. Introduction visits: The child makes short visits to the toddler room — first with a familiar infant educator accompanying them, then independently
3. Educator handover: The infant room educator provides the toddler room educators with a comprehensive summary: sleep patterns, food preferences, comfort strategies, communication cues, favourite activities, and developmental stage
4. Gradual increase: The child spends increasing time in the toddler room over 1-2 weeks before fully transitioning
5. Parent communication: We check in with parents at the end of each day during the transition week to share observations

The Toddler-to-Preschool Transition

Moving from the toddler room to preschool typically happens around age 3 — and for many children, this is their biggest daycare transition yet, as the preschool group is larger, more structured, and more peer-socially complex. Daisy Days Daycare uses the same gradual transition approach, with specific attention to:

• The child’s self-help skills (toileting, dressing, feeding independence) — preschool expects more of these
• Group participation readiness — circle time, following group directions, waiting turns
• Peer relationship — introductions to children already established in the preschool group

How to Help Your Child Through a Room Transition

• Talk positively about the new room: “You’re moving to the big kid room! You get to play with new friends and try the cool climbing structure.”
• If possible, visit together: A brief visit to the new room with you present helps your child see it as safe before you’re absent during the transition
• Maintain home routine consistency: Room transitions are easier when sleep, meals, and evening routines are stable
• Expect a 1-3 week adjustment: Some children thrive immediately; others need a few weeks to settle. Some temporary regression is normal.
• Don’t overreact to temporary regression: A child who has been fully toilet trained may have more accidents during a room transition. This is normal and temporary.

→ First week at daycare guide
→ Managing separation anxiety during transitions
→ Kindergarten transition guide

Contact Daisy Days Daycare to discuss your child’s upcoming room transition.
306-807-3233 | info@daisydaysdaycare.com | 2007 Potts Crescent East, Regina SK S4V 2E5