Toddler Crying and Whining All Morning!

I don't know how long she's been in daycare but she's also at the age where separation anxiety is more seen. She also may just be tired in the morning. I'm not saying she's not getting enough sleep, she just might want to sleep a little longer then she knows she's getting up to go to daycare and you aren't there. Is she this way on the weekend? if so, does it last as long as the week day? I really think kids know this hurts us more than them, my oldest and youngest didn't like daycare at all. My youngest only went for a couple of week and now he's at home with his daddy. My heart always hurts when they are crying, even my sister watched him, and he would cry for her. I know he was fine but it just tugs on your heart.
You are doing a great job and I wouldn't worry about it. It will pass some day, it may go on for a while. Just continue to be strong and just know she Loves her Mommy!
God bless

Does she wake up on her own at 5:30? I get up at 5:00 for work, but I don't wake the kids up until 6:00, so they are awake less of the time in the morning and I have time to get ready (less of an opportunity for whining to occur). Also, my daughter is 11 months old and sometimes she wakes up "too" early and I can't keep a good eye on her. So, I'll put a Baby Einstein movie in and it totally occupies her. Is there anything like this you can do? Or, can your 5 year old play a special game with her? (I have a 5 year old as well and I enlist him all the time to play with my daughter (like rolling a ball to her). Maybe they could do a puzzle together at your feet while you get ready (if she insists on being near you).

What time is she going to bed at night? She may still be tired. If she wakes up at 5:30 every morning she should probably be going to bed b/w 7-7:30pm. If that is not it, she may be teething? Those are just a few thoughts...

It's probably a phase. My younger one does the same thing & he is perfectly capable of expressing himself with words. When she whines at you try telling her "I cant understand you when you whine, please use your words." You have to do it consistently but it worked with my oldest.

It seems that most kids go through a second phase of separation anxiety at 18 mos. Just keep your routine like you have been so she has the security of knowing what's going to happen when, and she'll grow out of it. And try to give yourself some extra down time here and there so you have the emotional strength to handle the extra crying. It will get better!