Before your child’s first day
Talk about childcare in a positive, simple way. Explain what the day may include—playing, eating, resting and seeing their educators—using words your child understands. Reading a story about starting care or passing the centre during a walk can also make the idea more familiar.
If the centre offers an orientation visit or settling-in session, ask how it works and whether your child can explore the room with you. Use the visit to introduce your child to the educators and share what helps them feel comfortable.
A few days before the start, you might gently practise parts of the morning routine, such as getting dressed, packing a bag and leaving home at a similar time.
Tell educators what helps your child feel secure
You know your child best. Share useful details with the team, including:
- their usual sleep, meal and comfort routines
- the words they use for important people, objects or needs
- favourite songs, books, games or calming activities
- allergies, medical needs, family languages or cultural practices
- how they usually respond when separating or meeting someone new
Ask how educators will share updates with you and agree on a settling-in plan that can be adjusted to your child.
Keep the goodbye calm and predictable
A short, warm goodbye routine can help your child know what to expect. For example, you could give a cuddle, say who will pick them up and when, then hand them over to an educator. Let your child know you are leaving rather than slipping away without saying goodbye.
Every child responds differently. If your child is upset, tell an educator what usually comforts them and ask what handover approach the team recommends. You can also agree on when and how you would like an update after you leave.
What should you pack?
Check with the centre about what it supplies and what your child needs each day. Depending on your service’s routine, you may need labelled spare clothes, a hat, a drink bottle or a familiar comfort item if permitted. Add any required medication or care instructions through the centre’s usual process.
Label belongings clearly and keep the bag simple, so your child’s items are easy for educators to find.
Give settling-in time to unfold
There is no single timetable for settling in. Some children appear comfortable quickly; others need more time, and a child’s feelings can vary from one day to the next. Staying in touch with educators helps you understand how your child is going across the day, not just at drop-off.
If you remain concerned, arrange a conversation with the educators and review the plan together. You can ask what they are noticing, what is helping and whether a different routine or extra orientation time may suit your family.
Questions to ask on a centre tour
- How do you introduce a new child to the room and educators?
- Can families arrange an orientation visit before the first day?
- How will you let me know how my child is settling?
- What should we bring, and what is provided by the centre?
- How do you work with families if a child needs extra time or support?
At Happy Steps in Pendle Hill, families can talk with our team about their child’s routines, care needs and first weeks at the centre.
More information for families
For independent guidance, visit Raising Children Network’s tips for settling into child care and ACECQA’s information on enrolment and orientation.
You can also read our guide to how Child Care Subsidy works for Pendle Hill families.