PL T6.01Arriving and Saying Goodbye
The child follows the same short arrival and goodbye routine every day: a greeting from the caregiver, a clear goodbye from the parent, and support from the caregiver afterward.
Safety
- Release the child at pickup only to adults on the family's authorized list, and record arrival and departure as licensing requires.
- A comfort object from home must not fit in the small parts test cylinder (1.25 in. × 2.25 in.) and has no loose cords or buttons.
Presentation
- 1
Before the first day, agree with the family on one short goodbye they will use every day, for example a hug and 'Goodbye. I will come back after rest.'
- 2
Meet the child and family at the door. Kneel to the child's eye level and greet them by name.
- 3
Wait while the child hangs their bag and coat with the family member, or with you.
- 4
The family member says the agreed goodbye and leaves. They never leave without saying goodbye, even when the child is busy.
- 5
Stay close to the child. Name what you see: 'You are sad. Papa went to work. He will come back after rest.'
- 6
Offer comfort and, when the child is ready, a familiar work or the window to wave goodbye.
- 7
Use the same goodbye yourself: when you leave the room for a break or at the end of your shift, tell the child you are leaving and who will be with them.
- 8
At pickup, say: 'Your mama is here.' Say goodbye to the child by name and tell them when you will see them again.
Extensions, easiest to hardest
- The child waves goodbye at the window
- The child says or signs 'bye' to the family member
- The child greets the caregiver first and then says goodbye to the family member
Control of error
None in the material; the adult observes how long the child takes to settle each day and whether it gets shorter over the weeks.
Ready to move on when the child…
- Separates from the family member within a few minutes, with or without crying
- Goes to the caregiver or a work after the goodbye
- Waves or says goodbye at arrival or pickup
Guide note
Many Montessori 0–3 programs start new children with a phased start, a family member present for the first days and the time apart growing each day. A family member who leaves without a goodbye while the child is busy usually leads to more distress the next day, not less. Tell families this in the first meeting.