At nursery (ages 0–3), a parent has a legal right to a child-accompaniment programme of up to 10 working days (Government Decision 566/2022, Art. 17). At kindergarten (ages 3–6) there is no identical legal right — it depends on each unit’s policy. In practice, full settling-in usually takes a few weeks, and how you handle the goodbye matters enormously.

This guide explains exactly what the law says, how long adaptation really takes, and what to do (and avoid) in the first days.

What the law says: the 10 accompaniment days at nursery

The national methodology for organising nurseries — Government Decision no. 566/2022 (Official Gazette no. 437 of 4 May 2022), Art. 17 — provides:

“After enrollment, the parent/legal representative, following a discussion with the teaching staff, may benefit from a special programme of accompanying the child during the unit’s hours, for a period of up to 10 working days.”

A few important points:

  • These are 10 working days, not calendar days.
  • The daily schedule (how many hours per day, in what format) is not fixed by law — it is agreed “following a discussion with the teaching staff”. In practice you arrange it with the teacher.
  • The right applies to state, private and confessional nurseries alike — the methodology covers all these unit types (Art. 1).

Always confirm the law’s current form on legislatie.just.ro, as texts can be updated.

An important point, often confused: the 10 days are a right specific to the nursery (ante-preschool, ages 0–3). The regulation governing kindergartens (ROFUIP, Order ME no. 5726/2024) does not provide an identical accompaniment right at the preschool level.

That doesn’t mean you can’t be involved in kindergarten settling-in — many units allow, as internal policy, a settling-in period with the parent present. But here it’s a matter of each kindergarten’s practice, not a right guaranteed by law. Ask the kindergarten you chose directly how it organises the adaptation period.

How long adaptation really takes

The law gives you a framework, but a child’s actual settling-in follows its own rhythm. According to Creșa pentru Educație Timpurie Cluj-Napoca, the length of adaptation differs from child to child and usually passes through several phases:

  1. Denial / protest — crying, watching the door, refusing separation.
  2. Frustration — tantrums, disrupted sleep or appetite.
  3. Understanding / acceptance — the child begins to calm down.
  4. Integration — protests “diminish considerably” after a few weeks.

On average, full adaptation can take a few weeks (often 4–6), with possible regressions after longer breaks (holidays, illness). The first two weeks are usually the hardest — that’s normal.

What to do and avoid at goodbye

The tips below come from Cluj school-counsellors’ materials and the nursery network, and they make a real difference during adaptation.

What helps:

  • Talk positively about the nursery/kindergarten before the first day.
  • Allow a comfort object (a favourite toy), if the unit permits.
  • Make your departure firm, short and natural — no threats and no drawn-out hesitation.
  • Use concrete anchors for your return (“I’ll come after snack”), not abstract ones.
  • Stay emotionally calm at drop-off and pickup — the child senses parental anxiety.
  • Debrief with the child about the day, daily.

What to avoid:

  • Don’t sneak away without saying goodbye.
  • Don’t lie about when you’ll return.
  • Don’t prolong the goodbye by crying or hesitating in the doorway.
  • Don’t try to “convince” your child it’s a good decision — validate their feelings without negotiating attendance.

What to do if problems arise

If you feel adaptation isn’t working, or that the unit isn’t honouring the accompaniment programme, the law does not provide a specific fine for this case. The right path is to talk first with the teacher and the unit’s management, and if it isn’t resolved, to address the Cluj County School Inspectorate. For kindergarten, if the difficulty persists, ROFUIP allows withdrawing and later re-enrolling the child.

If you’re still choosing the right unit, see our guides on how to choose a kindergarten and from what age for nursery and kindergarten.

Frequently asked questions

How many days can I stay with my child at nursery for adaptation? Up to 10 working days, per GD 566/2022, Art. 17. The daily schedule is set together with the teaching staff; the law does not fix the number of hours per day.

Do the 10 days also apply to kindergarten? Not as a legal right. The 10 days are provided for the nursery (ages 0–3). At kindergarten, a settling-in period with the parent present depends on each unit’s policy — ask the kindergarten you chose.

Does the accompaniment right apply to private nurseries too? Yes. The methodology (GD 566/2022) covers state, private and confessional nurseries alike.

How long does a child’s full adaptation take? It varies from child to child, but often a few weeks (frequently 4–6), with the first two the hardest and possible regressions after breaks.

What if the nursery doesn’t grant me the 10 days? The law provides no fine for this case. Talk with the unit’s management and, if unresolved, address ISJ Cluj.

Sources

See all our official sources on the data sources page.

Conclusion

At nursery you have a clear right: up to 10 working days of accompaniment (GD 566/2022, Art. 17). At kindergarten, adaptation depends on the unit’s practice, so ask early. Beyond the law, the key is a calm, firm and honest goodbye — the rest comes with patience. You’ll find every nursery and kindergarten in Cluj-Napoca on the interactive piticluj.ro map.