What to Expect Your Child’s First Week at Daycare in Regina SK | Daisy Days

The first week at daycare is an emotional time for both children and parents. Whether your child is an infant, toddler, or preschooler, starting licensed daycare in Regina SK comes with a predictable adjustment period. Knowing what to expect — and what’s completely normal — can make the transition much smoother for your whole family.

Days 1-2: The Novelty Phase

On the first day or two, many children are excited and curious about their new environment. The novelty of new toys, new faces, and a new space can temporarily override separation anxiety. Don’t mistake this calm for a sign that the transition is complete — the real adjustment usually begins in the first week once the novelty wears off.

What to do: Keep drop-offs brief and confident. Say goodbye clearly and cheerfully, and leave promptly. Lingering at the door makes separation harder for children, not easier.

Days 3-5: The Protest Phase

By mid-week, most children recognize the routine: parent drops off, parent leaves, child must stay. This is often when crying, clinging, or reluctance begins — and it’s completely developmentally normal. It means your child has formed a healthy attachment to you and is experiencing healthy separation protest.

What to do: Trust your ECE educators. Research consistently shows that children settle within minutes of parent departure in the vast majority of cases. Call to check in if you’re worried — Daisy Days Daycare welcomes parent check-in calls during the first weeks.

The Adjustment Period — What’s Normal (Weeks 1-4)

• Crying at drop-off — Normal for most children, typically resolves within 4 weeks
• Tiredness and emotional meltdowns at home — Daycare is cognitively and socially demanding; children often “let it out” at home with safe caregivers
• Sleep disruption — Temporary sleep changes are common during the transition period
• Regression — Some children temporarily regress in skills (potty training, language) during big transitions — this passes
• Illness increase — Exposure to new germs in group care typically increases illness frequency in the first 3-6 months — this is temporary and actually builds long-term immune resilience

Signs Your Child Is Settling In

By weeks 3-6, most children show signs of successful adjustment:

• Walking into the centre without hesitation or with minimal tears
• Talking about their daycare friends, educators, and activities at home
• Showing excitement about certain activities (water play day, art day)
• Eating well at daycare and at home
• Engaging happily in peer play

How Daisy Days Daycare Supports the Transition

Our ECE educators in Regina SK use research-based transition practices including:

• Consistent primary educator assignment (same educator receives your child daily)
• Parent communication at pickup about your child’s day
• Brief check-in calls available during the first weeks
• Familiarity objects welcomed (special stuffed animal, comfort blanket)
• Flexible drop-off timing in the first week if needed

→ Managing daycare separation anxiety in Regina SK
→ How to prepare your child for their first day at daycare

Book your free tour at Daisy Days Daycare. | 306-807-3233 | info@daisydaysdaycare.com | 2007 Potts Crescent East, Regina SK S4V 2E5