Patti's Play Center

Mercer Island, Washington

Phone: 206-232-4453    

4400 86th Avenue Southeast, Mercer Island, Washington 98040
Located at Emmanuel Episcopal Church

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Easing Separation Anxiety

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During the first few weeks at Patti’s, sometimes the good-byes can be difficult. Please feel free to stay a few minutes with your child, and then let the teachers comfort them as needed.
Here are some tips to ease separation anxiety:

  • Establish an easy good-bye ritual, such as giving 3 hugs or reading 1 short story.
  • Stick to your ritual.
  • When you are ready to leave, let the teachers hold your child for you.
  • Leave.
  • If your child is upset when you leave, wait 10 minutes, then call the Play Center at (206) 232-4453. The teachers will report on how your child is doing. Most often, they will have settled down and are playing happily.
  • If your child usually has a blanket or other security item, you are welcome to bring it along.
  • If you child has difficulties separating, keep your ritual and drop-off time short.

 

affordable, convenient, part-time childcare

Patti’s Play Center provides a nurturing and well-supervised social environment where children are encouraged to develop new friendships and explore interests at their own pace. Offering part-time childcare programs for 2–4 year olds, Patti’s Play Center fills a unique niche. Patti’s is not a daycare or a preschool, but a structured play center designed to both prepare young children for their first preschool experience, and complement an older child’s preschool schedule.