Starting childcare is a big milestone for babies, children, and parents alike. The first day at daycare can bring a mix of excitement, nerves, questions, and sometimes a few tears. It’s a big step and a new chapter for the whole family. With the right preparation and support, this transition can be a positive and confidence-building experience for everyone involved.
Here’s what to expect along the way and how you can prepare your little one (and yourself) for their first day at childcare.
Key Takeaways
- Share essential information about your child’s routine, sleep patterns, and temperament with Educators before their first day.
- Start preparing your child weeks in advance through centre visits, talking positively about the new environment, and introducing the daily routine at home.
- Pack familiar comfort items, spare clothes, and necessary supplies the night before to ensure a calm morning.
- Keep goodbyes short and positive during drop-off times, as separation anxiety is completely normal in the first few weeks.
- Give yourself and your child enough time to adjust, as the first few days of early childhood education can bring strong emotions for everyone.
Before Your Child Starts Childcare: What to Share With Educators
One of the most important steps before your child or baby’s first day is sharing information with Educators at the child care centre. The more they know about your child, the better they can support them from day one and help your child feel comfortable in a new environment.
Helpful information includes:
- Your child’s sleep patterns and nap times.
- Their temperament and personality.
- Comfort items (such as a dummy, blanket or favourite toy).
- Interests and favourite activities for play and learning.
- Health information, including allergies, medical issues, or any necessary information about medications.
- Developmental needs, toilet training progress, or family circumstances that may affect your child.
- Details about drink bottles, food preferences, and any dietary requirements.
“Every child is unique, and those early conversations help us create a sense of familiarity and belonging from the very first day,” the team at Guardian Doncaster East.
Preparing in the Weeks Before the First Day
Starting preparation a few weeks before your child’s first day can make a big difference to how they settle and develop independence. These simple tips can help ease the transition.
Get Familiar With the Centre
Many childcare centres offer orientation visits, transition mornings, or play sessions. These visits allow your child to explore the space, meet Educators, and begin forming connections in a relaxed, familiar way. It helps your little one understand what to expect and see the childcare centre as a safe, welcoming environment.
Introduce the Routine
Ask your centre about the daily routine and, where possible, gently introduce similar meal, play, and rest times at home. This consistency can help your child feel more settled and calm once care begins, as the new routine won’t feel quite so new.
Talk About Educators and New Friends
If you know who your child’s main Educator will be, talking positively about them by name, or even showing your child a photo, can help build familiarity and trust. You can also talk about making new friends and the exciting opportunities for early learning and play ahead.
Helping Your Child Emotionally Prepare
Books, stories, and positive conversations about childcare can help children understand what’s coming. It’s okay to talk about all emotions and feelings, including excitement, nervousness, or sadness. Remember, when children hear you talking positively about the experience, they often absorb that confidence.
“Children pick up on our emotions very quickly. When families talk positively about childcare, children often feel more confident walking through the door,” the team at Guardian Parramatta.
The Night Before: Practical Tips for a Calm Morning
A little preparation the night before can reduce stress and ensure a calm morning on the big day.
Try to:
- Follow your normal evening routine and allow time for a good night’s
- Label all belongings clearly, including clothes, bottles, and comfort item
- Pack essentials like spare clothes, nappies, wipes, bottles, and familiar toys or blankets.
- Prepare food and drinks according to the centre’s guidelines.
- Set aside enough time in the morning so you don’t feel rushed.
Feeling organised helps everyone start the day ahead calmly and confidently, setting a positive tone for the moment your child walks into the centre.
Tips to Make Drop-Offs Easier and Support Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is common and completely normal, especially in the early days of childcare. Morning drop-offs can be emotional for both children and parents, but there are helpful strategies to help your little one through this big step.
Some effective strategies include:
- Practising short separations at home before starting care to help your child understand you’re always coming
- Talking about the day ahead, so your child knows what to expect, which builds confidence.
- Bringing a comfort item from home, as familiar objects provide reassurance.
- Settling your child into an activity or with an Educator before leaving the centre.
- Keeping goodbyes short, as lingering can make separation harder for your child.
- Staying positive and calm during drop off, as children often mirror your emotions.
Many families find the first few days the most challenging, but with consistency and support, most children settle into their new routine within the first few weeks.
“Children feel safest when goodbyes are predictable and honest. Even babies benefit from hearing when you’ll be back,” the team at Guardian Tullamarine.
What to Expect in the First Week of Childcare
The first week is often emotional, but it’s also a time of discovery and connection. Educators focus on learning your child’s routine, interests, and cues so they can provide personalised care and support. They’ll help your child feel comfortable in this new environment and begin to develop friendships with other kids.
Many centres:
- Schedule orientation visits before the first day at daycare.
- Encourage families to stay briefly during drop-off in the first few days.
- Provide phone updates or photos during the settling-in period.
- Observe and respond to children’s interests and comfort needs.
- Create opportunities for your child to explore, play, and settle at their own pace.
“Our goal is to make the centre feel like an extension of home. We take the time to build trust with both children and families,” the team at Guardian Aspley.
Supporting Your Child’s Development Beyond Daycare
As your baby or child settles into their early childhood education journey, remember that learning and development continue at home too. Talking with Educators about what your child is learning at the centre can help you reinforce these skills at home through play and daily activities.
Don’t forget to celebrate small wins, like your child making new friends, trying new foods, or gaining independence in areas like toilet training. These moments of celebration boost your child’s confidence and reinforce how well they are adapting to their new environment.
Start Your Child’s Childcare Journey With Guardian
At Guardian Childcare, we understand that choosing the right childcare centre for your family is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.
Our experienced Educators go the extra mile to create nurturing environments where children feel safe, supported, and excited to learn from the very first moment they walk through the centre doors.
From orientation visits to personalised settling plans, we’re here to make your child’s first day at childcare, and every day after, a positive experience.
Book a tour at your local Guardian centre, or call us directly on 13 82 30, to find out how we can help make your family’s early learning journey as smooth, simple and rewarding as possible.
