Starting Childcare,
Together
A gentle beginning, supported every step of the way.
Starting childcare is a meaningful milestone, for your child and for you. It is completely natural for this transition to bring a mixture of excitement, uncertainty and emotion.
At Kids Club, families are supported through the transition with orientation visits, open communication and Educators who take the time to understand each child’s routines, relationships, interests and individual needs.
Before your child begins care, you will be invited to spend time together at the centre. These orientation visits provide an opportunity to meet your child’s Educators, become familiar with their room and routines and share information that will help us support your child from their very first day.
Together, we create a familiar and reassuring beginning that unfolds at your child’s own pace.
Your Transition Journey
Beginning childcare is a gradual process rather than a single first day. Through preparation, orientation and ongoing communication, we work in partnership with your family to help your child build familiarity, trust and a sense of belonging.
Before They Begin
Before They Begin
Share your child’s routines, interests, relationships, comfort strategies and individual needs with the centre team. These conversations help Educators begin to understand your child and prepare an environment where they can feel recognised, supported and welcomed from the beginning.
Orientation Visits
Orientation Visits
Spend time together in your child’s new room before their first day. Orientation visits provide opportunities to meet the Educators, explore the environment, become familiar with daily routines and begin building the relationships that will support your child’s transition into care.
Their First Days
Their First Days
Every child responds to change differently. During their first days, Educators will offer comfort, reassurance and familiar experiences while carefully responding to your child’s cues. Families can stay connected through conversations with the centre team and updates shared through OWNA.
Helping Your Child Prepare
There is no single way to prepare for childcare and every child will respond differently. These simple strategies can help your child become more familiar with what to expect while supporting a calm and reassuring beginning.
Talk About What Comes Next
Use simple and reassuring language when talking about childcare. You might mention their Educators, new room, activities or daily routine to help your child begin developing an understanding of what to expect.
Visit Together
Orientation visits allow your child to explore their new environment with you nearby. Follow their lead, notice what captures their interest and give them time to become familiar with the room and Educators.
Share Their Routine
Talk with your child’s Educators about their sleep, meals, interests, comfort items and soothing strategies. Familiar information helps Educators provide care that responds to your child’s individual needs.
Create a Goodbye Routine
A warm and consistent goodbye can help your child understand what is happening. Keep it simple, let them know you are leaving and reassure them that you will return.
Bring Something Familiar
Where appropriate, a familiar comfort item, family photograph or dummy may offer reassurance while your child adjusts to their new environment. Discuss suitable comfort items with the centre team before their first day.
Allow Time
There is no set timeline for settling into childcare. Some children feel comfortable quickly, while others need more time. Educators will respond to your child’s cues and support the transition at their individual pace.
What to Expect on Your Child’s First Day
First days can bring a mixture of emotions for children and families. Your child’s Educators will be ready to welcome you, talk you through the morning routine and support your child in a way that responds to their individual needs.
At drop-off, share any information that may help your child throughout the day, such as how they slept, how they are feeling or whether anything has changed at home. These conversations help Educators provide familiar, responsive care from the moment your child arrives.
You are welcome to contact the centre during the day for reassurance. Families can also stay connected through conversations with Educators and updates shared through the OWNA app.
One day, the unfamiliar will become familiar.
The faces, the spaces and the routines.
Until then, we’ll be beside your child with patience, comfort and care.
Getting Ready for Their First Day
We provide many of your child’s daily essentials, helping make mornings a little easier for your family. Before their first day, prepare the personal items below and check with your centre team about anything specific your child may need.
What Kids Club Provides
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Five nutritious meals prepared fresh on-site each day
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Nappies, wipes and creams
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Baby formula and bottles
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Bed and cot linen
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Sunscreen and sun-safe protection
What to Bring
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Two labelled changes of weather appropriate clothing
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A comfort item or family photograph, if appropriate
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A dummy in a sealed and clearly labelled container, if required
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Expressed breast milk, clearly labelled and stored appropriately, if required
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Any required medication and supporting documentation, provided to staff
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Any additional items requested by your centre team
A little reminder: please clearly label all personal belongings with your child’s name.
A Special Welcome to Kids Club
Starting somewhere new is a significant moment. To help every child feel welcomed and part of the Kids Club community, each newly enrolled child receives their own complimentary Kids Club Welcome Pack.
Thoughtfully created for their days in care, the pack includes practical essentials they can proudly call their own.
Kids Club Back Pack
Kids Club T-Shirt
Kids Club Jacket
Kids Club Bucket Hat
Kids Club Drink Botle
Common Questions About Starting Care
What happens during orientation?
Before your child begins care, your centre will invite you to attend orientation visits together. These visits provide an opportunity to explore the room, meet your child’s Educators, become familiar with daily routines and share information about your child’s needs, interests and preferences.
What if my child becomes upset when I leave?
It is completely natural for some children to become upset during drop-off, particularly while the environment and relationships are still unfamiliar. Educators will offer comfort, reassurance and familiar experiences while responding to your child’s individual cues and needs.
How should I say goodbye?
Keep your goodbye warm, clear and consistent. Let your child know that you are leaving and that you will return, rather than leaving without saying goodbye. Once you have said goodbye, allow their Educator to support them through the transition.
How long will it take my child to settle in?
There is no fixed timeline. Some children settle quickly, while others need more time to build familiarity, relationships and trust. Educators will work in partnership with your family and support the transition at your child’s individual pace.
Can I contact the centre during the day?
Yes. Families are welcome to phone the centre, email the Centre Director or message their child’s Educators through OWNA. Please contact the centre whenever you need reassurance or have important information to share.
What information should I share with my child’s Educators?
Tell the team about your child’s routines, interests, relationships, sleep patterns, dietary needs, comfort strategies and anything that may affect their day. Open communication helps Educators provide familiar, responsive and individualised care.
Where Your Child’s Future Begins
