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How to Prepare Your Child for Their First Day at Childcare
INTRO
Starting childcare is one of the biggest transitions in a young child’s life. It can also be one of the most emotional for parents. The good news is that with the right preparation and a high-quality centre by your side, most children settle in beautifully within a few weeks. Here is how to make the process as smooth as possible.
Before the first day: preparing at home
Talk about it positively
In the weeks leading up to starting childcare, talk to your child about what they will do there. Use positive, enthusiastic language: ‘You are going to make friends and do painting and play outside.’ Avoid phrases like ‘you will be okay’ or ‘don’t be sad’, which signal to your child that there is something to worry about.
Visit the centre beforehand
Most quality centres, including Hand in Hand, offer orientation visits before your child’s first day. Take advantage of these. Let your child explore the space, meet the educators, and begin to feel familiar with the environment before any separation happens.
Read books about childcare
There are wonderful picture books that help young children understand what childcare is and what to expect. Reading these together normalises the experience and opens up conversation.
Practise brief separations
If your child has not spent much time away from you, practise small separations in familiar, safe environments: leaving them with grandparents or a trusted family friend for an hour or two. This builds their confidence in your return.
The first week: what to expect
It is completely normal for children to cry at drop-off, sometimes for several days. This does not mean your child is unhappy at the centre. Research consistently shows that most children settle within minutes of a parent leaving, once the routine becomes familiar.
At Hand in Hand, our educators are skilled in supporting children through the settling-in period. They will:
- Greet your child warmly and guide them into an engaging activity
- Keep you informed via our family app throughout the day
- Call you if your child is genuinely struggling to settle after a reasonable period
- Work with you to adjust the settling approach if needed
Tips for drop-off
- Keep your goodbye short, warm, and consistent. A long, drawn-out goodbye makes separation harder for everyone.
- Establish a simple goodbye ritual: a special handshake, a hug and a wave from the window, or a consistent phrase like ‘I will be back after your afternoon snack.’
- Trust the educators. If they signal that your child has settled, believe them.
- Avoid sneaking out without saying goodbye. Children need to know where you have gone.
- Call the centre 20 minutes after drop-off if you are worried. They will honestly tell you how your child is going.
What about separation anxiety?
Separation anxiety is a normal and healthy developmental stage, typically peaking between 8 and 18 months and again around 18 months to 3 years. It is a sign that your child has formed a secure attachment to you, which is actually a great foundation for adjusting to childcare.
If your child experiences significant separation anxiety, speak with your centre director. Our team at Hand in Hand can tailor the settling-in approach to suit your child’s individual temperament and needs.
What to pack for the first day
- A clearly labelled bag with a change of clothes (or two)
- Nappies and wipes if your child is not yet toilet trained
- Any comfort object your child relies on (a special toy or blanket)
- Sunscreen (centres are required to apply this before outdoor play)
- A water bottle
- Any food or formula if the centre requires you to supply it (check with Hand in Hand)
After the first few weeks
Most children develop a genuine love for their childcare centre within four to six weeks. They begin to form friendships, look forward to favourite activities, and build a real relationship with their educators. Many children will happily run in each morning without a backward glance: which is wonderful, even if it is slightly bittersweet for parents.
If your child is not settling after several weeks, do not hesitate to speak with the centre director. At Hand in Hand, we see our relationship with families as a genuine partnership, and we will work with you to find a solution.
Ready to take the next step?
Ready to start your child’s journey at Hand in Hand? Enquire today for South Wentworthville, or register your interest for Narellan and St Marys opening mid-2026.
Enquire online | Book a tour | Register your interest
Enquire online | Book a tour | Register your interest
