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20 | Early Childhood Education and Care Department TRANSITIONS Making the transition to a new child care setting can be stressful for both children and their parents, families, and legal guardians. The following tips can help ease the process: • Visit the child care environment with your child to help them become familiar with the new setting • Talk to the caregiver about your child’s specific needs, interests, and preferences • Check with the caregiver about necessary items or information needed for a smooth transition • Develop a routine at home that is consistent with the child care setting’s schedule, including mealtimes, naps, and daily activities • Give your child enough time to get ready before leaving for child care, ensuring a calm and smooth start to the day • Ensure your child’s security needs are met by providing comfort items, attending to any special needs, and maintaining contact at pick-up time • Let your caseworker know before changing child care providers (if applicable) • Always say goodbye before leaving, even if it feels easier to slip out unnoticed. A proper goodbye builds trust and security • Pick up your child on time as promised, reinforcing reliability and security for both your child and the caregiver • Allow your child time to express their feelings about the change and reassure them throughout the transition Continual parent involvement and communication are key to making transitions easier for both children and parents or legal guardians, fostering a supportive and secure environment. IMMUNIZATIONS Children need immunizations (shots) to protect them from dangerous childhood diseases. These diseases can lead to serious complications or even be life-threatening. By ensuring your child is immunized on time (by age 2), you not only protect your child from disease but also help protect others at school or in child care settings. Immunizations are an essential part of keeping children and communities healthy. For more information about immunizations, contact The New Mexico Immunization Hotline at (505) 827-2483 or 1-800-232-4636 or visit nmhealth.org/about/phd/idb/imp/.