Relocating with Young Children: Childcare Guide 2026

Moving to a new area means finding new childcare. Planning ahead and managing the transition helps your child adjust while you settle into your new community.

Relocating childcare

Before the Move

Start Early

Research ahead:

Investigate new area options
Understand the market
Know waitlist situations
Get on lists early
Begin the search remotely

Remote Research

How to search:

Online directories
CCR&R in new area
State licensing website
Community groups online
Ask future neighbors

Getting on Waitlists

From afar:

Call programs directly
Complete applications online
Pay deposits if required
Explain your timeline
Follow up regularly

Questions to Research

About the Market

Find out:

How competitive is it?
What are typical costs?
What types of care available?
What's the waitlist situation?
What are licensing requirements?

About Specific Programs

Ask:

Availability timeline?
What's needed to hold spot?
Remote enrollment possible?
What information needed?
When could you start?

Virtual Tours

When You Can't Visit

Options:

Video tours
Phone interviews
Photos and videos
Virtual meetings
Remote assessment

What to Ask

During virtual contact:

Walk me through a typical day
What's the environment like?
What's the staff like?
What's your approach?
Any current openings?

Limitations

Understand:

Can't fully assess remotely
Plan to verify in person
May need flexibility
Trust but verify
Be prepared to adjust

Transition Planning

Timeline

Plan for:

Research before move
Waitlist timing
Start date flexibility
Gap care if needed
Adjustment period

Gap Care

If no immediate opening:

Temporary arrangements
Babysitter short-term
Work flexibility
Nanny temporarily
Family help

Moving Day and After

First Priority

When you arrive:

Visit programs in person
Verify your choice
Complete enrollment
Tour with child
Start date confirmed

If Things Change

Be flexible:

May need to adjust
Trust in-person impression
Keep options open
Be prepared to pivot
Have backup plans

Helping Your Child

Saying Goodbye

At old daycare:

Acknowledge the leaving
Celebrate the time there
Get pictures/memories
Keep connections if possible
Allow feelings

Preparing for New

Talk about:

New daycare/caregiver
What to expect
Excitement and nervousness
Questions they have
Positive framing

The Transition

Support by:

Visit before starting
Meet caregivers
Shorter days initially
Extra patience
Consistent routines

Multiple Transitions

Compounded Stress

Moving involves:

New home
New childcare
New community
Many changes at once
Stress is normal

Managing It

Help by:

One thing at a time if possible
Maintain some routines
Extra patience
Connection time
Gradual adjustment

Building New Community

Through Childcare

Connect via:

Other parents at daycare
Parent events
Playdate opportunities
Community recommendations
New friendships

Settling In

Over time:

Relationship with caregivers
Familiarity grows
Community connections
New normal established
Feeling at home

Key Takeaways

Start early:

Research before move
Get on waitlists
Virtual research
Plan timeline

Be flexible:

May need gap care
Adjust plans as needed
Verify in person
Keep options open

Support your child:

Goodbye to old
Prepare for new
Transition support
Patience and love

Manage the transition:

One thing at a time
Maintain routines
Extra connection
Patience with adjustment

Build community:

Connect through childcare
Meet other parents
Get recommendations
Establish new normal

Relocating with young children requires planning and flexibility. With preparation and patience, you'll find great care in your new community.

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