Before Nursery

We understand how challenging it can be for parents to entrust their child to a facility they only know from the internet and a brief meeting. Trust is key, and that’s why we put great emphasis on building relationships with parents. We want the transition into daycare to be as natural as possible – for the children, the parents, and ourselves.

We are often asked what can be done to help your child manage the adaptation period – the time of getting used to daycare – in the best possible way. We have prepared a few tips to help both you and your child navigate this important step with as much ease as possible.

The JáSám Course

You can join the JáSám (I Can) course for parents and children – Jásám, co zvládám já sám (I rejoice in what I can do myself)! These courses take place directly at the Maloušci premises, and some are led by our instructors from the classroom. This gives your child a unique opportunity to not only meet their future caregiver but also become familiar with our philosophy, approach, tools, and activities that we regularly use in the classroom.

This natural and gentle approach to adaptation can help the child find familiar and safe anchors in Maloušci – things they already know and can rely on when they first enter. This way, we can ease their transition and provide them with a greater sense of security.

Sign up for the course

Workshop

You can also take advantage of our short online workshop “Adapting Your Toddler to a Childcare Group”, which we’ve specifically prepared for parents who want to make their child’s transition to daycare as smooth as possible.

The workshop will be led by the director of Maloušci, Ivana Procházková, who has been dedicated to this topic for over 15 years and has helped thousands of families navigate the adaptation period with greater ease and peace of mind. In this practical workshop, she will share proven tips and strategies that can help you and your child feel as safe as possible in this new situation.

Přihlásit na workshop

Personal preparation & setup

In addition to practical steps, your own preparation and mindset can significantly ease your child’s adaptation. How can you do this?

  • Take an interest in the Montessori philosophy – Understanding how the facility works will help you have realistic expectations. Think about why certain things are set up the way they are, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
  • Look for information on respectful parenting – Books, articles, and the experiences of other parents can help you better understand the approach we use in the group.
  • Give yourself time for inner peace– If you send your child to daycare with uncertainty or guilt, the child will sense it. Try to make this step only when you feel confident and at peace with it yourself.

Your calm confidence is the best foundation for a smooth start for your child.

How to support your child during the adaptation to daycare

Adapting to daycare is a big step not only for the child but also for the parents. Every child adapts differently and needs a different approach. However, there are several proven tips that can make the process easier:

  • Prepare your child a little ahead of time
  • Talk to your child about what they can expect at daycare – who will take care of them, what toys will be there, and what the daily routine will be.
  • Read books together about daycare.
  • Look at pictures from daycare.
  • Visit the space before your child starts – so they can get used to the environment.
  • Create safe “anchors”
  • If the daycare allows it, involve your child in adaptation activities (e.g., courses, meetings with the caregiver).
  • Stay calm and positive
  • Children sense their parent’s emotions. If you’re nervous, your child will pick up on it.
  • Talk about daycare with enthusiasm, but avoid making exaggerated promises ("It will be great every day!" – the child may have some rough days, which is completely normal).
  • Make goodbyes short, honest, and loving
  • Don’t drag out the farewell. A short, certain goodbye gives the child a sense of security.
  • Tell your child when you will pick them up ("I’ll pick you up after lunch.") and always keep that promise.
  • Expect variability and be patient
  • The first few weeks may be challenging, but with patience and trust, the adaptation will go smoothly.
  • Every child is different – some adapt quickly, others need more time. Both are perfectly okay!
  • Talk to us about your feelings if something "doesn't feel right."