Help the child become familiar with his or her new surroundings. Take him or her on a tour of their new environment, pointing out places and items that will be important to them. For example, show the child the back yard where they will play, or the cot where they will take a nap, etc. Stay by them and help them through the often scary process of meeting new friends. Develop a routine that the child can depend on.
Children feel more comfortable when they have a consistent schedule they can predict.
In the beginning, explain what the child can expect throughout the day up to and including when they can expect their parent's arrival. Once the child becomes secure with their environment and the routine you can begin to incorporate extras or slight variations in your program. Suggest that the child bring his or her favorite toy, pillow, or blanket to use as a comfort during the early transitional stages. Offer the child a special safety or comfort zone all of their own. It may be a certain chair or cot where they can go to be alone with their blanket or pillow when they are feeling sad.