When parents decide to send their children to Karibu I offer a free 'Home Visit' and two free 'Starter Sessions'.
But what is a 'Home Visit' many ask, and why do it?
I offer to come to the children's home and spend an hour or so with the family. By this point most children have met me as most come to view Karibu and have a play when first deciding childcare options. A Home Visit gives parents an opportunity to ask me any questions and for the child to see me in their own home and build up a sense of trust. I come for both the parents and the child. I'm very aware that when parents drop off in the morning or pick up that they often don't have the time to chat as everyone is leading busy lives. However this can often slow down the relationship building between setting and family which is absolutely paramount to a child's development. Having a well thought through, extensive transition period helps everyone.
When I'm beginning to build a relationship with a child who will start Karibu I usually try to build the trust of someone close to them. This is usually a parent or an elder sibling. Once this has happened the child often chooses to enter interaction. The beauty of this is that the interaction is instigated by them so they're more in control. I often get shown all their favourite toys, get to look at some of their precious things and learn more about their life so far.
I hate being pressured into signing contracts before reading them thoroughly and giving them more thought. This is a feeling I want to avoid giving the parents who are signing up to Karibu. During the visit I always go through the paperwork with parents as it can sometimes be a bit daunting. I then leave the contract with them so they can carefully look through it in their own time. I also have to break the news to them that they need to read lots of exciting policies and procedures and sign to say they have done so. I don't print these off (to save the trees!) but share them with parents via a secure online link. This way parents can always access the most current policy or procedure.
Before leaving I book in some Starter Sessions and ask the parents how they want them to work.
So far every Starter Session has been different but I take the parents lead. After all, they will always know their children best!
The starter sessions tend to involve the child and family member/s coming to Karibu. By this time I know what they are interested in from their Home Visit and I've often asked them what they would like to do when they arrive so they have a reason to come to Karibu.
On arrival we have a good look round and I encourage parents to show them the downstairs bathroom. Each child has a peg and a storage box too. Parents then tend to head off for an hour or two and leave us to play, explore and have a snack. The only tears we've had is when they've had to leave!
On a few occasions I have suggested to parents that the child's elder sibling also attends the Starter Session, even if they are not going to be joining Karibu. This has been to aid settling in but also to get the child used to having other children in the space.
All of this is a completely free service I proudly offer to support families settling into Karibu.
Simon Jay