Starting at a childcare centre can feel a bit frightening for you and your child. It’s not unusual for parents and children to have worries and even separation anxiety.

In this article, we share tips to help you in preparing for childcare. We discuss establishing routines for your child, packing the essentials and managing first-day goodbyes.

We advise what you should pack for childcare and ways to support your child as they settle into the care environment.

If you’re anxious about that first drop-off or just want to ensure a smooth experience for your family, read on to find solutions that make a difference.

Why Preparing for Childcare Matters

Starting childcare is a major event for your family. The right preparation can make a big difference to how children and parents feel about this transition. Here’s why:

Supporting Your Child’s Well-Being

• Eases anxiety and makes your child feel safer with this new experience.
• Build confidence by helping your child know what to expect on their first day at childcare.
• Reassurance for parents, knowing they have done all they can to support this change.

The Benefits of Preparation

• Smoother, calmer morning drop-offs and less stressful goodbyes, as your child becomes familiar with the new routine.
• Children settle into childcare more quickly and start making friends.
• A positive start improves the chances of your child adjusting to and enjoying childcare.

Childcare Transition Tips for a Positive Start

Here are some tips to help you and your child have the best possible start with childcare:

Laying the Foundations

• Start talking about the childcare centre. Highlight the fun stuff, such as playing with new toys, making friends, and learning new things. This can help your child feel safe and look forward to what seems exciting.
• Visit the centre. Encourage your child to explore, meet educators, and check out other children.

Practice Being Apart

• Have short periods of separation when you leave your child with friends or family, or arrange play dates without you.

Use Positive Communication

• Tell them how exciting childcare is, with new activities, outdoor play, group singing, and story times.

Encourage Familiarity and Confidence

• Involve your child in preparations. Let them select a new backpack or help pack their lunch. Participation increases their sense of excitement.

Settling into Childcare: Routines and Preparation

Having daily routines and allowing your child to practise simple skills help children feel more in control.

Establish Morning and Evening Routines

• Begin these a week or two before childcare starts.
• Wake up at the same time every day, have breakfast and allow time to sit together.
• Allow extra time, avoiding the need to rush.
• Make after-school time calm with some quiet time and gentle activities before bed.

Get Organised the Night Before

• Pack a bag together, with essentials such as a spare set of clothes, a hat, water bottle, and snacks.
• Lay out clothes for the next day.
• Involve your child in these tasks and get them to choose a favourite toy for their bag.

Encourage Independence

• If they don’t already, teach your child to dress themselves, including managing shoes and jackets.
• Encourage them to use the toilet by themselves when necessary.
• Let your child carry their own bag or water bottle.

Talk About What to Expect

• Discuss a day at childcare, including activities, meals, and nap times.
• Talk about routines at the centre and how they might be similar or different to home.

What to Pack For Childcare

Packing the right items for your child at childcare helps them feel more comfortable.

Everyday Essentials to Include:

• A couple of spare sets of clothes, in case of spills or plain old messy play!
• Comfort items, like a favourite soft toy or blanket.
• A Hat for sun or rain, protection, for outdoor play.
• A Water bottle, to help keep them hydrated all day.
• Any medications, ensuring the staff know how and when to administer.
• Appropriate shoes that are safe and easy for your child to put on independently.

Preparation Tips:

• Clearly label every item with your child’s name to avoid mix-ups.
• Place all items in a backpack or bag that your child feels comfortable carrying.
• Check the weather forecast to ensure you’ve included the right clothing for the day ahead, such as a raincoat or jacket.

Helping Your Child Adjust to Childcare: Handling Goodbyes and Settling In

How to help your child through the separation process.

Saying Goodbye Confidently

• Keep your goodbye short and cheerful, even if your child is upset. 
• Let your child know when you will be back, say things like “I’ll see you after afternoon snack”.

Work with Educators and Carers

• Let educators know about your child’s preferences, comfort items, and routines to help them provide individual support when needed.
• Trust the childcare team to settle new children in and help your child adjust to childcare.
• Make sure the centre can contact you if needed.

After Drop-Off: Maintaining Connection and Support

• When you collect your child, ask them how they feel about their day. 
• Ask staff for feedback: Regularly check in to understand how your child is coping. Discuss any areas where further support may be needed.
• Be patient. Some children need several days or even weeks to feel truly comfortable.

Why Choose Us for your Childcare Centre?

At Mount Peter Early Learning, we help young children adjust and settle in at their own speed.

Here’s what you can expect:

• We ensure your child’s first day at childcare is fun and relaxed.
• Our early childhood educators use proven routines to help children settle in and feel secure.
• We ensure we understand each child’s needs and routines.
• We provide regular updates, and we’re always pleased to talk about any questions or concerns.
• We provide balanced routines and a range of engaging activities.
• We’re happy to arrange visits before the first day to help your child get familiar with our setting.

Find out more about our early learning centre. Our approach is aimed at making the transition to childcare as easy as possible for both children and parents.

Visit our webpage to see how we can support your family in preparing for childcare and making those early days at our centre a positive experience.