The first day of childcare is an important milestone for both children and parents. Parents are away from their kids for a long time, and the children start to find out who they are without their family. It is both exciting and intimidating. This guide will help you get started with childcare. Read on if your child is going to start at a childcare centre in 2025. You will learn how to prepare them for success from their first day and beyond.
Why Prepare Your Child for Childcare?
Preparation is essential to your child’s comfort and security in a new setting. Children can easily feel overwhelmed by the new routines and surroundings, as well as people they don’t know. Children can be overwhelmed when they see so many kids their age. This is especially true if the family doesn’t have a lot of young children.
If you don’t prepare your child properly, they may experience tears at dropoff, clinginess, and difficulty adapting to the new routine. Those who are well-prepared tend to be more comfortable, enjoy their time at the childcare centre, and make friends more easily.
What to Tell Your New Centre
Your child’s educators are the trusted partners you need to ensure your child thrives at childcare. Open communication and sharing the right information about your child are essential for their success.
Here are some early things that you can discuss with your child’s childcare centre before they start:
- Share information about your child’s daily routines, including sleep, eating, and playing. The staff can then mirror your routines at home or discuss ways to make them more consistent.
- Let the staff know if your child has a comfort item, such as a blanket or stuffed animal. The educators of your child can use the item to comfort them and ensure it does not get lost.
- Dietary Requirements and Restrictions: Communicate any dietary restrictions or requirements to your child. This will help avoid problems with nutrition.
- Share milestones that your child has achieved, such as potty training, language skills, or social interaction. This will help the educators support your child’s future development and growth.
- Medical Conditions or Medication: Be sure to inform the centre of any medical conditions or needs your child has and give them clear instructions about how to administer medication if needed.
This information can help ensure a smooth transition.
What to do in the weeks before your wedding
Implementing a gradual approach can make the transition easier for your child. You can help your child adjust by doing a few practical things in advance.
- Visit Together the Centre Many childcare centres offer orientations and open days to new families. Visit the centre together to familiarize your child with the surroundings, the rooms and the educators.
- Start Talking Positively About Childcare: Begin talking positively at home about childcare. Talk about how much fun they will have, what activities they will participate in, and what new friends they will meet. To normalize this experience, read books together about the start of childcare or school. Avoid expressing any anxiety about your child’s first day of childcare.
- Practise Short Separations If your child is not used to being away from you for long periods, it’s best to begin practising short separations. You can leave them with a friend or family member for a couple of hours to get them used to being apart from you.
- Create a New Routine Align your routine at home with that of the childcare. If they nap at a specific time, you can adjust their schedule the weeks before their first day.
The night before starting childcare
Prepare yourself the night before your child’s first day at childcare. Organizing your life will reduce stress, both for you and your child. You should follow these routines every day before your child’s first day of childcare.
- Help Your Child Choose Their Outfit: Get your child to help you choose their outfit the evening before. It will save you time the next morning, and your child will feel more involved in choosing their outfit. You can earn extra points as a parent if your child helps you select your work outfit.
- Pack their Bag: Ask your child to help you pack the bag for daycare. Pack all the necessary items. This includes spare clothes, comfort products, nappies, bottles and water bottles. Label everything clearly.
- Read before bed: If a story is your child’s favourite nighttime routine, keep it up until the big day. Keep their routine familiar by adding a few new things, such as packing their bags and sorting their clothes.
During Daycare Dropoff
Dropoff can be the most difficult part of the day. Children often feel anxious and upset when separated from their parents, but there are ways to ease this transition.
- Be calm and positive. Children tend to mirror the emotions of their parents. Stay calm, confident and positive, even if you don’t feel it. This will reassure your child.
- Establish a goodbye ritual: Create a routine that is simple, consistent, and short. For example, you can use a hug and kiss to say goodbye or a reassuring “See You Later!”
- Do an activity with your child. If you can, spend a few moments reading a book together or helping them to start a fun game. This will allow them to get used to the surroundings before you leave.
- Make small changes. As your child grows more confident, you can gradually reduce the amount of time you spend with them at dropoff.
What to do Afterwards
When your child begins to attend childcare regularly, you should keep a few points in mind to ensure that they adjust well and flourish. Please make sure they get plenty of time at home to recharge and rest. Children can get tired when they are in childcare, especially if they have to adjust to new routines. It could be a quiet time of play or an earlier bedtime. Stick to a regular schedule in the mornings and at night. With little ones, consistency is key. A predictable schedule makes them feel secure and safe. In the first weeks of childcare, it’s not uncommon for children to be more tired, irritable or emotional. It’s part of the process to adjust, so be aware of any changes in mood and provide support when needed. It’s important to make time for your child, even if it is difficult. For a child, seeing less of their parents every day can be a major change. Make sure you spend as much time with them as possible.
With time, your child’s routines will become more comfortable, from the morning greeting to the meal and nap times. Once your child has adapted to the routines, they can provide comfort and security. To ensure that your child thrives and to address any concerns, keep the lines of communication with educators open. Please speak to us to learn more about the ways Little Zak’s can ease your child’s transition to daycare.
