Starting childcare means a new environment for your child, with new people and new routines. It can be an emotional change for your child. And for you. Some children settle within a few days or weeks, while others still get upset and cry after the first few weeks. The seven tips below apply whether you’re starting childcare in Croydon, in Melbourne’s east, or on the other side of the country.
Prepare Early and Start Slowly
According to the Raising Children Network, an Australian Government-supported parenting website, separation anxiety is a common part of children’s development, and it usually eases gradually through early childhood. A little preparation before the first day can help you both.
Tip 1: Practise Short Separations
The Raising Children Network suggests starting slowly where it suits your family. You might stay with your child for the first few short days, then leave for brief periods and build up to a full day. Each time, tell your child you’re going and when you’ll be back, then return as promised.
Tip 2: Book Orientation Visits
Ask about the centre’s orientation program and any settling-in suggestions. Some services run transition mornings or playtimes for parents and children, while others may let you visit at another time to get to know the space and the educators. Ask about the daily schedule too, so you can bring lunch, play and nap times into your routine at home.
Tip 3: Talk About It Positively
If you know who your child’s main educator will be, ask for a photo and talk about them by name. Walk through the day your child can expect: playing, eating lunch with other children, having a rest and seeing you come back at pick-up. Talking positively about the new place, the educators and the activities can help you both feel positive too. Picture books about starting childcare can also help your child understand what’s coming and explore big feelings.
Questions Worth Asking When Touring Centres
Tip 4: Ask How Settling In Works
Every centre handles the first few weeks a little differently, so ask about it on the tour. Start with the practical side: can you stay in the room for the first few sessions, and are you welcome to call during the day? Then ask how you’ll hear about your child’s day, whether that’s through a family app, a daybook or a chat at pick-up. One more question is worth asking directly. What do educators do when a child is upset after drop-off?
For families in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, a practical place to start is looking at local options for childcare in Croydon and nearby areas, then taking these questions along to each tour. Starting Blocks, the family website run by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA), can help you compare local services and their quality ratings before you arrange a visit.
Make Drop-Off Predictable
Tip 5: Keep Goodbyes Short, Warm and the Same Each Day
The Raising Children Network suggests settling your child into an enjoyable activity before you leave, then saying goodbye briefly rather than dragging it out. Give a hug, say goodbye to your child and their educator, and leave promptly. Let your child know you’re going every time, even on mornings when slipping out while they’re busy feels easier. Over time, you’ll find a drop-off routine that works for you both.
If your child has a favourite soft toy or blanket, check whether the centre allows comfort items from home.
Tip 6: Describe Pick-Up by the Routine, Not the Clock
The Raising Children Network suggests letting your child know when you’ll be back. You could link your return to a part of the day they’ll recognise, such as “I’ll pick you up after afternoon tea”, rather than a time on the clock. Ask the educators what the afternoon looks like, then use the same marker each day.
Support the First Few Weeks
Tip 7: Share What You Know With Educators
Before and after your child starts, tell the educators what they need to know. How does your child show they’re tired, and what word do they use for the toilet? Which comfort items or activities help them feel settled? It’s worth building a good relationship with them too, as the Raising Children Network notes that children are more likely to feel secure when they see you trust their educators.
Childcare is also very stimulating, so your child will probably be tired at the end of the day. Allow plenty of downtime at home, which might mean an earlier bedtime or some quiet play.
According to the Raising Children Network, your child has probably settled well if they’re generally happy to go, show you things they’ve made and talk happily about their day (if they’re talking yet). If you have concerns, talk with the educators. If you’re worried about your child’s wellbeing, your GP or child and family health nurse is a good place to start.
If you’re still choosing a centre, tour a few and ask how settling in works in practice. Pay attention to how educators interact with the children while you’re there, and trust what you notice.
