Once you've found the right early learning childcare, it's time to prepare for your child's first day. Whether they're 12 weeks old or 5 years old, the first day of day care can be tough for you and your child. This is especially true if this is the first time your little one will be away from you for an extended period of time. But there are ways to make the transition easier for the whole family and make it easier. Read some of our tips below:
1. Tell your child what to expect
Take the time to set your child's expectations before their first day. Tell them about their schedule, the things they will learn and activities they're going to do. If your child is feeling a bit apprehensive, try to highlight the fun and exciting things they'll experience, such as making friends, playing outdoor games, and more!
2. Visit the centre’s orientations sessions
A reputable centre will arrange an orientation session with your child to help familiarise them, and you, to a new environment. The orientation session will bring a sense of comfort as you, your child and the educators will have been to the early learning childcare centre before the first day. In addition to getting to know the centre during orientation, you can be acquainted with the teachers and get answers to any questions you might have. If your child has special needs or specific dietary requirements, this is also a good time to bring it up with the teachers.
3. Get used to a new routine
Give your child and yourself a few days to adjust to a new sleep schedule. Start getting up at the time you'll need to wake up on day care days and keep an appropriate bedtime to get plenty of sleep. You can also match your home schedule to that of the day care's well before their first day. The closer your child's day resembles the day care's, the less they'll feel anxious or sad.
4. Buy school supplies together
Remember the rush of excitement you felt when buying supplies together for the first day of childcare? Take your child shopping and let them have a hand at choosing items, such as bags, water bottles, close toed shoes, a sun hat and other supplies to get them hyped about their first day. Having new stuff will make them look forward more to going to an early learning childcare centre.
5. Be early
Start the first day by getting ready for child care early. This allows you to avoid the morning rush, feel less stressed, and give you the chance to help your child settle in.
6. Trust your child care provider
It's important to make sure you trust the people who will take care of your child. If you have done your research and found the best facility for your family's needs, you can rest assured that
your child will be in the best hands. Your child will most likely cry for a bit but the teachers will know how to care for them and make them feel at ease--they're experts, after all.
Sending your child to daycare for the first time may be difficult. But, with these tips, you can make your child's first day a happy experience.
If you have any questions or are looking for the best day care in Melbourne, 3 Bees Early Learning Centre is your best choice. We are a child care centre in Oakleigh focusing on preparing children for their life as young children and students at school. Please feel free to call us at 03 9504 3368.