Separation in the Classroom

We've done a lot of these ECFE separation classes, and the teachers have usually been the best allies in getting the kids to warm up. A couple of things that helped:
1) find an activity that your son loves to do, but don't let him do it until it's time for you to leave. It acts as sort of a precial incentive, like "this is something special you get to do with your teachers." In my son's toddlin' tykes class that was bubbles.
2) My son's lovey was a burpie (just plain ol' burp cloths). When he got older, it worked for us to cut a piece of one, and put it in his pocket for him to feel whenever he was feeling lonely. Less to worry about than carrying around a whole object that can get lost or taken by another child. And it didn't draw any attention either. Of course, we had a dozen burpies and they were interchangeable, so this probably wouldn't work with a special blanket unless there are already tatters hanging off that you could sneak off. :)

This may not work for everyone but here's the advice I was given from a child care center director [when I was transitioning my son from being cared for by family to a group center]:
1. For a few days, stay with your son & spend a few minutes (5-10) with him and the teachers--showing your son that you're happy with his teachers & the place. Play with toys with him,etc
2. When it's time to go, be sure to say goodbye to your son (hug/kiss) & let him know when you'll be back -- but make that goodbye short & sweet. No "sorry I'm leaving" or "it'll be okay"--just say goodbye, give a little love, & leave

Note: Never leave without saying goodbye.

It ended up working great for us, but my son was a year at the time--a much different stage than 21 months.
Good luck!

D.,

Something that worked for a friend of mine with a similar situation was to bring a book of photos of her and her husband and have one of the teachers aids in the classroom work with the child when she left. That way there was consistency in who was caring for the little boy, and what they were going to do (at least for the first part of the separation) so it was an easier transition for him.

I'd talk directly to your ECFE teacher and see if she has any other recommendations.

Good luck!
J.

Hang in there! Some children take a bit longer to adjust to this kind of situation. Make sure he can bring a comfort object or a picture. I like the other posters idea about the gradual time increase. Is there any way you can stay to play with him for a few days without leaving him? That might help him to see that you like being there too. I would also go ahead and leave vs. stay when you pick up. He's stressed from it and needs to have some comforting down time.

Good Luck! He should adjust eventually!

I used to work in an infant and toddler classroom. You should set up a meeting with his teacher and see if there is a plan that you can work out that will work for your child. Not all kids are able to transition well into a new environment/people/kids. It is scary when you go somewhere new and mom leaves. Some kids just need that nice, gradual transition. Say you bring him, leave for a half hour and come back. Do that for a week or two. Then after that, leave for a half hour and come back, leave again for about a half hour and come back to get him. Or start at leaving for a half hour and gradually extend the time you are gone to work up the time that the class is in session. That way he realizes that you are leaving, but that you are coming back. Once he gets comfortable with the fact that you are coming back, he will enjoy himself. You just have to figure out what is going to work for him and the teacher should work out a plan with you.
Good luck!