Moving with a Child in Daycare: Transition Guide 2026

Moving is stressful for the whole family, and leaving a beloved daycare adds another layer of challenge. Your child will lose their teachers, friends, and familiar environment just as everything else in their life changes too. With thoughtful planning, you can make this transition as smooth as possible.

Timeline for the Move

2-3 Months Before

Start planning:

• Research care in new location
• Begin waitlist process
• Give notice to current daycare
• Start talking to child about move

1 Month Before

Finalize plans:

• Confirm new childcare
• Plan for any care gaps
• Prepare child emotionally
• Gather records for transfer

2 Weeks Before

Prepare:

• Complete current daycare goodbye
• Transfer records
• Pack comfort items last
• Maintain routines where possible

Moving Week

During chaos:

• Keep some normalcy
• Comfort items accessible
• Extra patience and cuddles
• Don't start new care same week if possible

First Weeks in New Place

Settling:

• Start new care when home is somewhat settled
• Extra support during transition
• Patience with adjustment
• Connection with old friends if possible

Finding New Childcare

Before You Move

Research:

• Area childcare options
• Waitlists in new location
• Quality indicators
• Cost comparison

Challenges

Moving makes childcare harder:

• Can't tour in person easily
• Waitlists don't know you
• Spot may not be available
• Quality hard to assess remotely

Solutions

Strategies:

• Virtual tours if offered
• Ask specific questions by phone
• Check online reviews
• Connect with local parent groups
• Temporary care if needed

Leaving Current Daycare

Giving Notice

Handle professionally:

• Follow contract requirements
• Give adequate notice
• Express gratitude
• Ask for records

Goodbye for Your Child

Create closure:

• Let them say goodbye
• Take photos with friends/teachers
• Small gifts if appropriate
• Memory book or keepsake

Maintaining Connections

If possible:

• Stay in touch with close friends
• Video calls with special teachers
• Cards and letters
• Future visits if nearby

Helping Your Child

Emotional Preparation

Before the move:

• Talk about it in age-appropriate way
• Read books about moving
• Validate feelings
• Focus on exciting aspects too

During the Move

Support by:

• Keeping comfort items accessible
• Maintaining bedtime routines
• Extra patience and connection
• Acknowledging the hard parts

Starting New Care

Help adjust by:

• Visiting before starting if possible
• Talking about new daycare positively
• Extra transition time
• Comfort items allowed

After Starting

Continue support:

• Expect adjustment period
• Extra connection at home
• Patience with regression
• Celebrate small wins

Managing the Gap

If No Care Immediately

Options:

• Take time off if possible
• Temporary sitter
• Drop-in care
• Work remotely temporarily
• Family help

Temporary Arrangements

Short-term solutions:

• Care.com sitters
• Local drop-in centers
• Temporary nanny
• Au pair with flexibility

Special Considerations

Military Moves

PCS considerations:

• Start childcare search immediately
• Use military childcare system
• Connect with FRG for recommendations
• Subsidies transfer

Frequent Movers

If you move often:

• Prepare children for transitions
• Build resilience skills
• Maintain some constants
• Create portable routines

Long-Distance Moves

Extra challenges:

• Can't pre-visit easily
• Different state regulations
• Culture differences
• Unknown area

Starting New Daycare

First Days

Make it easier:

• Don't start during moving week
• Wait until somewhat settled
• Give extra time for adjustment
• Be patient and present

Comparing to Old Daycare

Your child may:

• Compare unfavorably
• Miss old friends and teachers
• Resist new place
• Take time to warm up

Supporting Adjustment

Help by:

• Not comparing yourself
• Giving it time
• Communicating with new teachers
• Extra support at home

Key Takeaways

Plan ahead:

• Start childcare search early
• Join waitlists in new area
• Give proper notice
• Create closure at old daycare

Support your child:

• Prepare emotionally
• Maintain connections
• Extra patience during transition
• Allow adjustment time

Handle the gap:

• Plan for care transitions
• Temporary solutions exist
• Don't start care during moving week
• Give yourself grace

Expect adjustment:

• New care takes time
• Comparing is normal
• Support consistently
• It will get better

Moving is hard on everyone, including young children who don't fully understand the change. With patience, preparation, and support, your child will adjust to their new daycare and thrive.

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