If you decide to use a nursery school, you cannot suddenly leave your child there for a long period of time.
Acclimatisation care is a period of time during which the child is accustomed to the nursery. They call this ‘Narashi Hoiku’ in Japanese.
This period is an important time for the children and also a tense period for the parents.
This article provides advice from nursery staff and recommendations on how to spend the acclimatisation period.
Purpose of ‘Narashi Hoiku’
The purpose of familiarisation nursry school is to build children’s emotional stability and trust with their parents.
Children may feel anxious about leaving their parents and their new environment.
‘Narashi Hoiku’ is a period for children to become accustomed to the nursery and it is important to build a sense of security and trust for the children during their time at the nursery.
When you find out about the specific timetable for ‘Narashi Hoiku’ , it is usually when the child has been offered a place at the nursery and at the enrolment meeting with the nursery.
The way in which ‘Narashi Hoiku’ process is carried out depends on the nursery’s philosophy, the child’s developmental status and personality.
For example, on the first day of school, the child will be nursed for one hour, on the second and third days in the morning, on the fourth day until lunch, and on the fifth day at …… with a nap, and so on.
However, if the child is not accustomed to the environment, cries constantly, cannot eat school lunches or cannot take naps, the nursery school may suggest extending the period of acclimatisation care for a little longer in consideration of the burden on the child.
Narashi Hoiku is a gradual process of adjusting a child to life at a nursery school.
The main purpose is to ease the ‘stress and anxiety of being suddenly separated from their parents’ and to allow the child to gradually become accustomed to life at the nursery by leaving for a shorter period of time than usual.
This period is also an important time for both parents and carers to gradually get to know each other along with the child.
As for how soon the child gets used to the environment, it can only be said that it depends on the child.
Some children, even of the same age, will adjust to nursery school immediately, while others may find it difficult to get over their nervousness.
For children who adjust quickly, Narashi Hoiku process may take about a week for children aged 1-2 years, and about three days for children aged 3 years and above, but it is rare for the process to proceed according to the schedule, as children may catch a cold and have to take time off during the process.
Narrashi hoiku Schedule
The acclimatisation schedule is decided in a meeting with the nursery teacher prior to the child’s enrolment.
school lunch
School lunch
Nap time
School lunch
Nap time
Snak time
From the first to the third day after the entrance ceremony, it is common for children to attend only in the morning.
School lunches are provided once the children have become a little more accustomed to the school. Some nurseries require a parent to accompany the child.
Once the child is able to go down to nap, normal childcare begins.
However, it is important to take into account that many children become ill after a week or so of starting nursery.
If this happens, it is important to know that you may have to start acclimatisation care from the beginning again.
What parents should be aware of during Narashi Hoiku period
During Narashi Hoiku period, you should be aware of the following
・Leave the child with a cheerful and positive attitude
・Tell them that nursery school is a fun place
・Be on time for pick-up
・Tell your child that you will always be there to pick him or her up
・Establish a good rhythm of life
・Write their names on their belongings
・Give your child an image of the nursery
・Watch your child carefully so that you can tell the nursery staff how he/she is doing at home
Adjustment period is an important time
Narashi Hoiku period is an important time for the nursery, the child and the parents to build a relationship of mutual trust.
There will be many times when communication in a foreign country can be difficult. Many nurseries are now equipped with translation software, as they often use apps to communicate with each other.
It is good to get used to this gradually.
