Talk with them about the new place and how it may be different from their last school or child care program. Although, as a parent, you may feel sad or fearful about your child starting school, you may dampen some of the excitement or enthusiasm your child has about starting school. Get to school or child care a few minutes early on the first few days. If your child is new to child care, plan on staying for a little while to help him or her settle in. Whether your children are starting elementary school or child care, help them handle the transition by being calm, prepared, and enthusiastic.