Starting childcare is a big milestone for both children and parents.

It can bring excitement, nerves, questions and a few tears as everyone adjusts to a new routine. Whether your child is a baby, toddler or preschooler, the transition into care is a significant step.

The good news is that there are simple things families can do to make the first day of childcare feel smoother and more manageable. At Best Start ELC, we work closely with families to help children settle in and feel safe, supported and welcomed from the beginning.

Here are some practical ways to prepare your child for their first day of childcare.

Talk about childcare in a positive way

In the days or weeks before your child starts, begin talking about childcare as a normal and positive part of life. Use simple language and keep the tone calm and reassuring.

You might say things like:

• You are going to have a lovely day playing and learning
• You will meet kind educators who will help you
• There will be books, toys, outside play and other children
• Mummy or Daddy will always come back after the day

Young children take emotional cues from adults, so your calm confidence can help them feel more secure.

Visit the centre before the first full day

If possible, arrange a short orientation or visit before your child starts. This gives your child the chance to see the environment, meet educators and become familiar with the room.

Even a brief visit can help make the first day feel less overwhelming. You can point out the toys, outdoor area, quiet spaces and where their bag will go. Familiarity builds comfort.

At Best Start ELC, families can contact our team to ask questions or explore the centre before their child starts.

Establish a predictable routine at home

Children usually cope better with transitions when daily routines are predictable. In the lead-up to starting childcare, try to establish consistent times for waking, meals, naps and bedtime.

A more settled routine at home can help your child adjust to the rhythm of the day at the centre. This is especially useful for toddlers and preschoolers, who often respond well to consistency.

Practise small separations

If your child is not used to spending time away from you, practising short separations beforehand can help. This could mean spending time with a grandparent, trusted relative or close friend for a short period.

These small experiences can teach your child that separations are temporary and that safe adults will care for them until you return.

Pack familiar comfort items

A familiar item from home can provide extra reassurance during the early days. Depending on the centre’s guidelines, this might be a comfort toy, dummy, blanket or family photo.

Comfort items can help children self-soothe when they are feeling uncertain or tired.

Be honest and keep goodbyes calm

On the first day, it is usually best to say goodbye clearly rather than slipping away unnoticed. While it may seem easier to leave quietly, children can become more distressed if they realise you have gone without warning.

Keep your goodbye short, calm and confident. Let your child know you are leaving and that you will come back later. Try not to prolong the moment, even if emotions are high.

A simple routine can help:

• One cuddle
• A clear goodbye
• Reassurance that you will return
• A handover to an educator

Share important information with educators

Your child’s educators can support them much better when they understand your child’s routines, preferences and comfort strategies. Let them know about:

• Sleep routines
• Food preferences or allergies
• Comfort items
• Words your child uses for common things
• Things that help when your child is upset
• Any recent changes at home

This information helps create consistency and builds trust between families and educators. You can also learn more about our approach through our team, what we offer and our education programmes.

Expect some emotions during the settling-in period

It is completely normal for children to take time to adjust. Some children settle quickly. Others may cry at drop-off for days or even a few weeks. This does not necessarily mean the centre is not right for them. It often means they are working through a major change.

Many children calm down soon after their parent leaves and become more settled as the routine becomes familiar. Educators are experienced in supporting this transition.

Parents often need reassurance too. It can be emotional handing your child over for the first time. Be kind to yourself during this stage.

Create a consistent drop-off routine

Children feel safer when they know what to expect. A simple and consistent morning routine can make drop-offs easier.

For example:

• Arrive calmly
• Put bag away together
• Wash hands
• Say hello to an educator
• One cuddle and goodbye

Keeping the routine similar each day can reduce uncertainty.

Celebrate the day afterwards

When you collect your child, keep the focus positive and warm. Ask simple questions, talk about their day and celebrate the fact that they managed a big new experience.

You could say:

• I am so proud of you
• You had a big day today
• I loved hearing about your play

This helps build confidence and creates a positive association with childcare.

A gentle start makes a difference

Starting childcare is a transition, not a test. Children do not need to manage it perfectly from day one. They just need caring adults around them, supportive routines and time to adjust.

At Best Start ELC, we understand how important the settling-in period is for children and families. We work closely with parents to create a reassuring and supportive start for every child.

To learn more, you can read about our philosophy, view our commitment to child safety, find out about enrolment, join our waitlist or contact our team.