Brand New Classroom, Brand Newborns

[kb220]

This is half a request for advice and half just curiosity,

My class will soon be moving up, and then I'll be in a room with a class of 8 newborns and (for the most part) new daycare parents. What would you make sure to do if you could start with a 'blank slate'? With both new kids and new parents?

My big thing is going to be putting my foot down about late pickups and no show/no call days right off the bat.

I'll have these kids for the next two years, so I'm anxious to start out on the right foot.

[flying_babyb]

I start with a brief letter about myself. I do a bit about me, a little bit about my education, a bit about my family,ect. Then I add what there child will learn and things they need to know.
I then ask the parents what I should know about their child. I do a form that says:
My name is______. I eat__________. I eat every________hours. I eat__________ounces. I am allergic to________.When Im upset I like_____________. I like to do____________. I do/do not take a pacifier. I dont like________. The people in my family are_________. I will be dropped off around_______. I will be picked up around___________. My family needs you to know________________________.

I then put the forms in a "Child information" binder. I put there emergency card on the back. I tell every teacher who may be in my room, and anyone who may sub where to find this. It prevents "OH i didnt know" syndrome. Makes the parents feel like you really care too. Get to know their names, a bit about them too.

[Blackcat31]

This is half a request for advice and half just curiosity,

My class will soon be moving up, and then I'll be in a room with a class of 8 newborns and (for the most part) new daycare parents. What would you make sure to do if you could start with a 'blank slate'? With both new kids and new parents?

My big thing is going to be putting my foot down about late pickups and no show/no call days right off the bat.

I'll have these kids for the next two years, so I'm anxious to start out on the right foot.

Are you in a center or home based?
Do you get to make the rules/enforce them?

I guess for me the biggest thing in regards to having newborns in care are parents that allow what we cannot in child care. ie: holding baby 24/7, allowing baby to sleep in swings or rock and plays or with blankets etc...

Those types of things create so many issues in child care that it's easiest and best to inform parents of these things before they become bad habits that you must struggle daily to over ride.

Other than that, a general respect and observance of the rules/policies is a must.

[Unregistered]

I like what black cat said! mabey a handout (that they sign) that says:
IN daycare we can:
List some things you can do for baby to help them sleep such as sleep sacks

We can't:
Things you cant do

[Cat Herder]

A "Preparing your infant for daycare" letter would help. Editing and adding your own experience would be helpful.

This is an excellent example of one by a provider in Minnesota. I apologize to the author as my autocorrect and Grammarly had a field day, so it is not verbatim.

http://www.kidzrule09.com/preparing-your-infant-to-childcare.html

Preparing infant for childcare:

Preparing your new baby for the transition to childcare is extremely important. The last thing anyone wants is a baby who is crying all day because the transition is just too much. Below are some tips for preparing your baby for childcare.

1. Let your baby nap in his or her crib.

• Your baby will not be able to sleep in a swing, car seat, carrier, or the caregiver's arms, so it is imperative that your baby learns to sleep on his or her own in a crib or pack 'n play. Make sure you start the transition to a crib for naps a couple of weeks before starting daycare if not sooner. Recreate the same sleep environment the baby will have at daycare.
  
• If your caregiver allows swaddling and your baby enjoys it, make sure you are using the approved type of swaddle and consistently use that during nap time at home. Make sure you always place your baby on his or her back for naps and don't use any equipment, clothing, or other items that will not be used at daycare. Also, make sure nap time is not a silent time because in order for the baby to sleep soundly at daycare, he or she must be used to sleeping with some noise.

2. Give your baby a bottle on a regular basis if breastfeeding.

• I know from experience that bottle feeding and breastfeeding can often be a difficult combination, but it is essential that your baby can drink from a bottle consistently throughout the day. Nobody wants a baby starving and screaming because they aren't used to drinking from a bottle. Practice early and often. Try pumping at the same intervals you will at work if you will be pumping.
  
• It may be hard to maintain your supply because pumping is much different than a baby emptying the breast. Try pumping for a few days and bottle feeding to get your body used to this new routine and to figure out how much milk your baby drinks.

3. Write things down for your childcare provider.

• It will be helpful for your provider to know when your baby often naps, how many dirty and wet diapers he or she typically has and at what interval, and how often/much your baby eats.

4. Don't use all your sick leave on maternity leave.

• As much as we all hate illness, children are bound to get sick not just at daycare but interacting with anyone who leaves their home! While illnesses help build immunity, we don't want illnesses spreading all over the daycare if we can help it, so most childcare settings have strict illness policies. You may be spending a few days at home with your sick baby upon starting childcare.

5. Expect your baby to be clingy and extra hungry in the evenings.

• If your baby is extra clingy and hungry the first couple weeks of starting childcare, don't automatically assume he or she is not receiving quality care. Babies often will eat less at daycare so they can eat more at home bonding with their mom and dad. They also will have missed you, so they will want to spend extra time with you at night and on weekends. Snuggle your baby but be sure not to hold your baby constantly because that is impossible for the caregiver to keep up when they are caring for other children as well.