Do toddlers’ levels of cortisol and the perceptions of parents and professional caregivers tell the same story about transition from home to childcare? A mixed method study

The study investigates how toddlers’ cortisol levels, as well as the perceptions of parents and kindergarten employees, reflect toddlers’ transition from home to kindergarten. The researchers measure changes in toddlers’ cortisol levels during the first month of kindergarten and at a three-month follow-up session. They also investigate how parents and kindergarten employees perceive toddlers’ adaptation process during the same period. The research questions are: 1) How do toddlers’ cortisol levels change during the first months of kindergarten? 2) How do kindergarten employees and parents experience toddlers’ adaptation process during the first months of kindergarten?

The results show that toddler cortisol levels and the perceptions of parents and kindergarten staff about the adaptation process were aligned. The data indicate an easier start in kindergarten when parents were present, while the first weeks without parents were demanding. After three months, cortisol levels had decreased, and the children’s well-being was considered high. The study concludes that toddlers need time to adapt to kindergarten, and both parents and kindergarten staff should be aware of the children’s need for emotional support during this transitional phase.

Cortisol levels from saliva samples collected from 113 toddlers between 12 and 17 months of age were quantitatively tested. Qualitative data were collected through notes from parents (n=87) and kindergarten staff (n=101). Quantitative data were analysed using linear mixed models and qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Drugli, M. B., Nystad, K., Lydersen, S., & Brenne, A. S. (2023). Do toddlers’ levels of cortisol and the perceptions of parents and professional caregivers tell the same story about transition from home to childcare? A mixed method study. Frontiers in Psychology 14: 1165788.