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1300 543 725 Transitioning Your Child to Childcare
Preparing for Childcare
The transition for children into child care is an important milestone for children and families. This transition can be challenging and emotional for both the parent and the child. Therefore, we offer you this information to help the transition process.
We invite families to come for orientation the week before they start: stay in the centre with your child, meet the Educators and make yourself familiar with the routines prior to your child’s first day. This assists you and your child to feel more at ease and comfortable with the new environment.
If you haven’t already checked your eligibility for government subsidies, talk to Centrelink. You’ll find more information on subsidies in our FAQ section and CCS Calculator page.
How to Prepare
There is no one specific way to prepare, and every child is different in there needs, but here we have compiled some tips to help with the process.
The best way to prepare your child for childcare is to get them excited about their first day! It can take a while to settle in to care, so our team work on building a process of trust between Educators and children to form bonds between each other as quickly as possible.
Where possible, create an open and honest dialogue with your children about their start of care. They will have lots of questions and this is, for many children, the first time that they will spend extended periods of time away from their primary caregivers. Supplying any comfort items which can create some familiarity for the child, such as a toy or blanket, can go a long way in helping your child settle, and don’t forget to discuss with Educators in their room about any soothing remedies that you practice at home.
We expect lot’s of tears! And that is just the parents… It can be challenging for parent’s and children alike, so preparation of the child is only 50% of the work! It is also important for parents and guardians to mentally prepare themselves for the transition to childcare. To help with that transition period, we invite parents to become part of the journey and to spend time with their child during that Orientation phase. Our Centre Directors will be in touch with you where they will book a day and time convenient to your family to come and spend time with your child in their new room. At this time you will become familiar with the Educators, room routines and can discuss any needs your child may have.
We also have loads of ways that we keep an open dialogue with families, including the Kids Club Parent App where all updates and live information can be found about your child’s care. Don’t forget, you can also drop in anytime to say hello, or phone the Centre Director if you have any questions.
It’s the start of an amazing period of growth and development for them. If you’re happy they’re more likely to be happy.
Most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask any questions! If you have any concerns about the transition to care, don’t hesitate to raise these with your Centre Director. They are there to help you and your family to make sure that everyone can get as settled into their new centre as fast and as smoothly as possible!
What to Expect on Your First Day
First days can be challenging for both parents and children, so it’s natural to feel a bit anxious about this big change to the family routine.
Our centre staff are more than happy to explain the process of dropping off your child and saying goodbye. We encourage families to contact the centre at any time to check on their child and how their day is progressing. Families are also welcome to visit at any time of the day, without prior notice. At the end of each day you can talk to your child’s Educators or read through their observations to get a feel for how well your child is adapting to the change.
Your centre will do everything to help your child to settle in quickly. Before you know it, they’ll have made new friends and be running in without even a wave goodbye! If you feel your child is having difficulty settling into the centre, please feel free to discuss this with the Educators in your child’s room or the Centre Nominated Supervisor. Further information is provided to families in the Centre’s Enrolment pack to aid the transition and settling process.
Kids Club Welcome Pack for New Children
For every new child entering into our care, we supply a small welcome pack, full of goodies to help you prepare for their first day! These packs include:
Kids Club Back Pack
Kids Club T-Shirt
Kids Club Hoodie
Kids Club Bucket Hat
Kids Club Drink Botle
What is Provided?
Baby Bottles
5 Daily Meals Prepared On-Site by fully qualified Chefs
Creams & Wipes
Nappies
Baby Formula
Sunscreen & Sun Safe Protection
What to Bring?
While we attempt to remove the stress of getting out the door to care by providing as much as possible, we also recommend considering preparing the following items for care:
- Two change of weather appropriate clothes
- Bibs (x2)
- Comfort item (if required)
- Dummy in a sealed, named container (if required)
- Expressed milk (if required)
- Any medications – please give these to centre staff to manage directly (must be accompanied with a Doctor’s certificate, which will be kept on your child’s file).
Don’t forget to label your child’s personal items!
How to Enrol
Once you have worked out your options for child care and taken a centre tour, you’ll be in a good position to pick the right centre for your child. Enrolling at Kids Club is simple! Our Enrolments Team is there to answer all your questions and will help you every step of the way. Kids Club enrolment forms are completed online. To follow the instructions, visit our Online Enrolments Page.
Prior to commencing you will be emailed your Orientation information where you can book days and times convenient to your family to come and spend time you’re your little one in their new room. At this time you will become more familiar with the educators and room routines and can discuss any needs your child may have.
On your first day your Centre Director will give you an enrolment back pack full of goodies – a gift from us to you.
If you haven’t already checked your eligibility for government subsidies, talk to Centrelink. You’ll find more information on subsidies in our FAQ section and CCS Calculator page.