Supporting Children and Families Through a Gentle Start at Rise Early Learning
As the new year begins and families settle into routines, many early childhood services are welcoming new children, and with them, new emotions. Separation anxiety is a normal developmental experience, especially for infants, toddlers and preschoolers adjusting to a new environment. For some children, parting from their parent or carer can trigger tears, clinginess, or distress. For families, it can lead to guilt, worry and feelings of helplessness.
At Rise Early Learning, we know that settling into care is a journey. For some children, saying goodbye at drop-off can feel difficult at first. Tears, clinginess, or uncertainty are all completely normal responses as children adjust to a new environment, new educators, and new routines.
With time, consistency, and nurturing support, children develop a strong sense of security and belonging — building the foundation for confident, capable learners.
With time, consistency, and nurturing support, children develop a strong sense of security and belonging — building the foundation for confident, capable learners.
Settling In Is a Normal Developmental Process
Many children experience separation anxiety during the settling-in period, particularly between 6 months and 3 years of age, when strong attachments to parents and caregivers are forming.
This is a healthy developmental stage and reflects a child’s growing understanding of connection, trust, and familiarity.
Children may also need extra support during other transitions, such as:
- Starting care for the first time
- Moving into a new room
- Returning after holidays or illness
- Adjusting to changes in routine
These moments are a natural part of early childhood and are best supported through calm, responsive care.
What Settling Into Care Might Look Like
Every child settles in differently. Some children transition smoothly, while others need more time and reassurance.
Common behaviours during the early weeks may include:
- Crying or clinging at drop-off
- Reluctance to engage in play
- Wanting to stay close to educators
- Difficulty settling during rest times
- Seeking comfort and reassurance
- eating less than they usually do
These responses are developmentally appropriate and usually ease as children build trust in their new environment.
How Rise Educators Support Children to Settle Into Care
At Rise Early Learning, our educators play a crucial role in supporting both children and families through the early weeks of care. Here are some of the gentle strategies we use to ease separation anxiety and promote a strong sense of belonging.
1. Building Trusting Relationships Early
Secure relationships are the foundation of emotional well-being.
Our educators focus on:
- Greeting each child warmly by name
- Getting down to the child’s level
- Offering a consistent primary educator during transitions
- Using predictable rituals such as songs or visual schedule
When children feel known and understood, they begin to feel safe.
2. Supporting Calm and Confident Goodbyes
We work closely with families to make drop-offs as smooth as possible.
Helpful approaches include:
- Keeping farewells short, warm and reassuring
- Avoiding sneaking away (this can increase anxiety over time)
- Creating a special goodbye ritual — a wave at the window, a hug, or reading a book together
A calm goodbye helps children trust that their parent will return.
3. Supporting Children’s Feelings With Comfort and Reassurance
Children need to know their feelings are seen and accepted.
Educators may say, “You’re really missing Mum right now. It’s okay to feel sad.”
We stay close, provide nurturing reassurance, and gently redirect children toward play and connection.
Simple reminders, such as “Dad will be back after lunch.” help children begin to understand the rhythm of the day.
4. Communicating Openly With Families
Separation anxiety can be just as emotional for parents and carers.
At Rise, we provide reassurance by:
- Sharing updates throughout the day
- Offering photos, quick messages, or verbal feedback
- Normalising how long settling-in can take
- Celebrating small milestones in confidence
Families deserve to feel supported and informed during this transition.
5. Creating Predictable Routines and Transitions
Children thrive when their day feels familiar and structured.
We use:
- Consistent daily routines
- Visual cues to show what’s coming next
- Transition songs or props to guide movement between activities
Predictability builds security.
6. Encouraging Comfort Items From Home
Sometimes a familiar object can provide powerful emotional support.
Comfort items may include:
- A soft toy or blanket
- A family photo in their bag
- A special book from home
These items help children regulate emotions and feel connected while they adjust.
7. Reflecting and Collaborating as a Team
Every child is unique, and settling looks different for everyone.
Our educators regularly reflect together to:
- Share what strategies are working
- Adapt approaches for individual children
- Support one another through challenging transitions
This collaborative practice ensures every child receives consistent care.
A Gentle Reminder
Settling into care takes time — and that’s okay.
With patience, consistency, and supportive relationships, children develop confidence and independence over time.
At Rise Early Learning, we are committed to walking alongside families through every transition, creating a nurturing environment where children feel safe, secure, and ready to thrive.
Helpful Resources for Families
If you’d like to learn more, these trusted resources offer practical guidance:
- Raising Children Network: Separation Anxiety in Babies and Children
Be You: Transitions in Learning Communities - StartingBlocks: How you can help your child settle In