Gradual Entry to Childcare 2026

Gradual or phased entry helps children adjust to childcare more smoothly. Understanding how it works helps you support your child through this important transition.

Gradual entry

What Is Gradual Entry?

Definition

Gradual entry means:

Phased start to childcare
Building up time gradually
Parent stays initially
Slow separation
Gentle transition

Why It Helps

Benefits include:

Less overwhelming
Builds trust
Allows adjustment
Reduces anxiety
Smoother transition

Who Benefits

Especially helpful for:

Young infants
Children with anxiety
First childcare experience
Sensitive children
Any child starting care

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Typical Gradual Entry Schedules

Week One Example

Common pattern: | Day | Duration | Parent | |-----|----------|--------| | Day 1 | 1-2 hours | Stays | | Day 2 | 2-3 hours | Stays briefly | | Day 3 | 3-4 hours | Short departure | | Day 4 | 4-5 hours | Longer departure | | Day 5 | Half day | Full departure |

Week Two

Building up:

Extending hours
Including nap
Adding meals
Reaching full day
Parent fully away

Variations

Schedules vary by:

Child's needs
Program approach
Family availability
Child's response
Individual adjustment

How Programs Approach It

Standard Policies

Programs may have:

Required gradual entry
Optional gradual entry
Recommended approach
Flexible arrangements
Specific timelines

What to Ask

Before starting:

Is gradual entry offered?
Is it required?
What's the timeline?
Can it be adjusted?
What's the cost?

Program Support

Good programs:

Guide the process
Communicate daily
Adjust as needed
Support parents too
Have experience

During Gradual Entry

When You Stay

While present:

Observe and don't interfere
Let teachers lead
Be available but not hovering
Fade to background
Support without taking over

First Separations

When leaving:

Keep goodbye brief
Sound confident
Follow routine
Don't linger
Trust the process

Communication

Stay connected through:

Brief updates
Check-in calls
End-of-visit summary
Daily communication
Progress discussions

Supporting Your Child

Before Starting

Prepare by:

Talking about childcare
Reading books together
Visiting if possible
Keeping it positive
Managing your anxiety

During the Process

Help through:

Consistent routine
Positive attitude
Extra connection time
Patience
Emotional support

After Each Visit

At home:

Talk about the day
Answer questions
Provide comfort
Maintain routine
Celebrate progress

Challenges and Solutions

Child Doesn't Want to Stay

If struggling:

Be patient
Trust the process
Brief goodbyes still
Consistent approach
Give time

Separation Anxiety Peaks

When anxiety increases:

It's normal
Typically temporary
Stay consistent
Extra reassurance
Follow guidance

Taking Longer Than Expected

If more time needed:

Communicate with program
Adjust timeline
Don't rush
Follow child's lead
Seek guidance

Age-Specific Considerations

Infants

For babies:

Focus on caregiver bonding
Feeding transitions
Sleep adjustment
Parent comfort
Primary caregiver relationship

Toddlers

For toddlers:

Separation anxiety normal
Routine is key
Predictable goodbye
Patience needed
Consistency essential

Preschoolers

For older children:

May adjust faster
Can understand more
Still need transition
Verbal preparation helps
Independence building

Work Schedule Considerations

Planning Time Off

You may need:

Days or week of flexibility
Partial days
Leave from work
Partner coordination
Planning ahead

If Time Is Limited

Options:

Shortened gradual entry
Weekend visits if available
Alternative caregiver during transition
Communication with employer
Modified approach

Employer Communication

Let work know:

Transition needs
Timeline
Flexibility required
Return plan
Professional approach

Signs of Successful Adjustment

Positive Indicators

Watch for:

Increasing comfort
Engaging with activities
Connecting with teachers
Less crying
Happy to be there

Normal Patterns

Expect:

Good days and hard days
Some regression
Gradual improvement
Not always linear
Individual pace

When to Celebrate

Progress means:

Any improvement
Brief or no tears
Engagement increases
Comfort grows
Settling in

When Gradual Entry Isn't Working

Warning Signs

Concern if:

No improvement over time
Significant distress continues
Child is suffering
Not settling at all
Extended difficulty

What to Do

Consider:

Longer transition
Different approach
Program evaluation
Professional consultation
Alternative options

Key Takeaways

Gradual entry helps:

Reduce overwhelm
Build trust
Allow adjustment
Smooth transition
Support children

Understand the process:

Ask about policies
Know the timeline
Expect adjustment
Be patient
Trust it

Support your child:

Positive attitude
Brief goodbyes
Consistent routine
Extra connection
Celebrate progress

Work with program:

Follow their guidance
Communicate
Be flexible
Trust their experience
Partner together

Remember:

Adjustment takes time
Every child is different
Progress isn't linear
Patience is essential
It will get better

Gradual entry is an investment in your child's successful transition to childcare.

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