Switching daycares or moving: How to make the transition smooth

Switching daycares or moving: How to make the transition smooth

Switching daycares is a major change — not just for your child, but for the whole family. Whether the switch is triggered by a move, dissatisfaction with the current daycare or changed life circumstances: with the right preparation and a mindful transition, you can make the switch as smooth as possible. When moving to another canton in particular, additional challenges arise: new subsidy systems, different licensing requirements and perhaps even a different language.

This guide accompanies you step by step through the entire process — from the decision through to the settling-in at the new daycare.

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When does switching daycares make sense?

Good reasons for a switch

Not every dissatisfaction justifies switching daycares. A switch is a disruption for your child that should be carefully considered. However, there are clear situations where a switch is sensible or even necessary:

Reason	Explanation	Recommended action
Move	The daycare is too far away after the move	Switch is usually unavoidable
Quality issues	Persistent problems with care, staff or safety	First talk to management, then switch if needed
Relationship problems	Child feels persistently uncomfortable, no bond with the caregiver	Seek conversation, possibly switch caregiver or daycare
Pedagogical approach	Concept no longer fits (e.g. wish for forest daycare or bilingual daycare)	Research and specifically seek new daycare
Change in life circumstances	New job, changed working hours, separation of parents	Seek new daycare with suitable opening hours
Costs	Current daycare too expensive, subsidised place available	Compare costs, switch if appropriate
Bullying or exclusion	Child is persistently excluded by other children	Talk to management, switch if unsuccessful

When you should rather stay

A switch is less sensible when:

• The problem is short-term (e.g. a difficult phase your child is going through that has nothing to do with the daycare)
• You are dissatisfied with a single caregiver, but the daycare overall is good (speak to the management)
• Your child is in the middle of a sensitive phase (e.g. has just completed settling-in)
• The switch is purely financially motivated and the savings are small — the adjustment costs (emotional, organisational) can be higher

Tip: Before giving notice, always speak to the daycare management first. Many problems can be resolved in conversation — whether it's a change of primary caregiver, an adjustment to the care model or a clarification of misunderstandings.

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Notice periods: What does the contract say?

Typical contract terms

Before you give notice, read your care contract carefully. The conditions vary from daycare to daycare:

Contract point	Typical arrangement	What to watch for
Notice period	1–3 months	Observe the deadline, otherwise you may owe additional payments
Notice dates	End of month or end of quarter	Some daycares only allow notice as of end of quarter
Settling-in fee	CHF 200–500	May not be refunded if you cancel very early
Deposit	1–2 monthly payments	Check refund after contract end
Sibling discount	5–20%	May no longer apply when one child leaves
Holiday arrangements	2–5 weeks closure	Last holidays before departure: Do you still have to pay?

Giving notice correctly

1. Give notice in writing: By letter (registered mail) or email with read confirmation
2. Calculate the deadline: Notice period starts from the date of receipt, not the sending date
3. State the date: Specify a concrete departure date
4. Stay friendly: Even if you are dissatisfied — your child will still spend the remaining time there
5. Address deposit: Have the refund confirmed in writing

Special cases

• Moving to another canton: Some contracts contain a special clause for relocations that allows a shorter notice period
• Daycare closure: If the daycare closes, the notice period for parents no longer applies
• Serious deficiencies: In the case of demonstrable safety or quality deficiencies, immediate termination may be justified (seek legal advice if in doubt)

For more on the legal aspects of daycare contracts, see our article Daycare contract: What you should look out for.

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Moving to another canton: What changes

Applying for new subsidies

When you move to another canton, your entire subsidy system generally changes. Childcare vouchers or subsidised places are regulated at cantonal and municipal level. This means:

• Subsidies from the old municipality end when you move away
• You must submit a new application at your new place of residence
• Processing time can be 2–8 weeks
• In the meantime, you may pay the full rate

Canton comparison: What can differ

Aspect	Can change	Example
Subsidy model	Yes, fundamentally	Vouchers (Bern) vs. subsidised places (Basel)
Parental contribution	Yes, considerably	Same family: CHF 800/month in Zurich vs. CHF 1,400 in Aargau
Licensing requirements	Varies	Some cantons have stricter requirements
Staff-to-child ratio	Varies	1:5 in one canton vs. 1:8 in another
Opening hours	Varies	Urban daycares often open longer than rural ones
Language	Depending on language region	Dialect, standard German, French, Italian

Checklist for changing cantons

1. Research the subsidy model at your new place of residence (our canton pages can help)
2. Submit a new subsidy application as early as possible (even before the move)
3. Reserve a daycare place at the new location (mind waiting times!)
4. Cancel old subsidies
5. Check tax differences (childcare cost deductions vary by canton)
6. If moving to a different language region: prepare your child linguistically

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Preparing your child: Shaping the farewell

Why the farewell matters

For your child, switching daycares means the loss of their familiar environment, their primary caregivers and their friends. This is a real experience of grief, even if adults sometimes underestimate it. A consciously shaped farewell helps your child process this change.

Age-appropriate preparation

Age	How to explain the switch	What helps
Under 2 years	Child barely understands the situation but senses changes	Take familiar objects along, stay calm and relaxed
2–3 years	Simple words: "We'll be going to a new daycare soon. There'll be new toys and children."	Picture books, visit the new daycare beforehand
3–4 years	Child understands the switch and has questions and fears	Visit the new daycare together, talk about fears
4–5 years	Child understands the reason and needs a say	Include in decisions, help shape the farewell celebration

Actively shaping the farewell

• Organise a farewell celebration: Have a small farewell party with the old daycare. This gives your child the opportunity to say goodbye consciously.
• Take memories along: Photos, craft projects, drawings — everything that reminds your child of their time there.
• Exchange contact details: If possible, get contact details of daycare friends so play dates remain possible.
• Transition object: A cuddly toy or a favourite toy from the old daycare provides security in the new environment.
• Stay positive: Talk positively about the new daycare without badmouthing the old one. Both are important: sadness about the farewell and excitement about the new.

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Finding a new daycare: What to look out for

Criteria for the daycare search

When searching for a new daycare, you should use the experiences from the old one. You now know much better what matters to you and your child.

Important questions during the visit

• How does settling-in work for children who already have daycare experience?
• Are there children the same age as mine?
• What is the staff-to-child ratio?
• How are new children integrated into the existing group?
• Can my child do a trial day before the official start?
• How does the daycare handle the transition for children who are switching?

Using the kizi.ch search

With the kizi.ch search, you can find all licensed daycares in your area. You can filter by distance, opening hours, availability and pedagogical approach. This way you quickly find the right daycare for your child — whether you're staying in the same city or moving to another canton.

For details on what to look out for during visits, see our article Recognising daycare quality: What parents should look for.

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Settling-in at the new daycare: What's different from the first time?

The good news

Children who already have daycare experience often find the second settling-in easier. They know the concept of daycare, know that mum or dad will come back, and already bring social skills with them. The settling-in can therefore often be shorter than the first time.

The challenge

At the same time, children who are switching also bring comparisons. "The old daycare was better," "At my old daycare I was allowed to do that" — such statements are normal and show that your child is processing the change. Some children also test boundaries in the new environment because they first need to find their place in the group.

Settling-in for children who are switching: Recommended process

Phase	Duration	Process
Trial visits	1–2 visits	Child visits the new daycare with a parent, gets to know rooms and children
Accompanied start	1–3 days	Parent stays 1–2 hours at the daycare
First separations	Day 3–5	Half days without parent, child is picked up if needed
Full care	From week 2	Child stays the whole day, including lunch and nap time

Important: Even if your child is already daycare-experienced — allow enough time for settling-in. You should plan for at least one to two weeks. Some children need 3–4 weeks even when switching until they feel truly comfortable.

Tips for a successful second settling-in

• Don't compare: Avoid statements like "It was different at the old daycare." This unsettles your child.
• Establish new routines: Create new goodbye rituals that suit the new daycare.
• Be patient: Setbacks are normal. Your child has a lot to process right now.
• Maintain contact with the old daycare: Play dates with old friends help process the transition.
• Talk to the caregiver: Share what your child likes, what they need and what worked well during the last settling-in.

For a comprehensive overview of settling-in models by age, see our article Settling-in by age: Baby, toddler, preschooler.

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10 steps for a successful daycare switch: Checklist

This checklist guides you through the entire process — from the decision to the completed settling-in:

1. Make the decision: Reflect on the reasons for the switch. Is a switch really necessary or can the problem be solved differently?
2. Search for a new daycare: Find suitable daycares using the kizi.ch search. Arrange visits.
3. Visit daycares: Compare at least 2–3 daycares. Pay attention to atmosphere, staff and concept.
4. Reserve a place: Sign the contract for the new daycare. Set the start date.
5. Cancel the old daycare: Give notice in writing. Observe the notice period and dates. Clarify deposit refund.
6. Clarify subsidies: If changing cantons: apply for new subsidies, cancel old ones. Plan for a transition period.
7. Prepare your child: Talk about the switch in an age-appropriate way. Visit the new daycare together.
8. Shape the farewell: Farewell celebration at the old daycare. Take memories and contact details along.
9. Complete settling-in: Allow enough time (at least 1–2 weeks). Use trial days.
10. Monitor afterwards: In the first weeks, pay close attention to whether your child feels comfortable. Speak regularly with the caregivers.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

How long does settling-in take when switching daycares?

For children who already have daycare experience, settling-in typically takes 1–3 weeks — shorter than the first time. However, there is no guarantee: some children need 4–6 weeks even when switching. This depends on age, temperament and the circumstances of the switch. Plan generously and don't put your child under pressure.

My child doesn't want to go to the new daycare. What should I do?

Resistance is normal and shows that your child misses their old daycare. Give your child time and show understanding. Talk about the feelings without dismissing them. At the same time, it's important to remain consistent — most children adjust to the new environment within 2–4 weeks. If the resistance doesn't subside after 6 weeks, speak with the caregivers and potentially a parenting advisory service.

Can I switch daycares in the middle of the year, or only in summer?

In principle, a switch is possible at any time, provided the notice periods are observed and a place is available at the new daycare. In practice, switches at the beginning of a quarter or semester are easier because daycare groups are often restructured at those times. Mid-year it can be harder to find a place — so plan at least 2–3 months lead time.

Do we have to start settling-in completely from scratch when moving to another canton?

Yes, a new settling-in is needed at the new daycare — your child doesn't know the rooms, the caregivers or the other children. However, the settling-in can be shorter since your child already has daycare experience. Talk openly with the new daycare about your child's previous experience and what worked well in the previous care arrangement.

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Conclusion: A switch is doable — with the right preparation

Switching daycares is a challenge, but not a catastrophe. Children are more adaptable than we often give them credit for. With a conscious decision, careful preparation and empathetic support, the transition can go well for everyone involved. The most important thing: take enough time, listen to your child and trust that they will find their way in the new environment.

Further articles:

• Recognising daycare quality: What parents should look for
• Settling-in by age: Baby, toddler, preschooler
• Daycare contract: What you should look out for

Find a new daycare near you now: kizi.ch search