It is so daunting for parents when their little ones start attending childcare. It doesn’t matter if they start at six weeks of age or at five years old; it is still a huge adjustment for you and your child alike. To ease the transition (and your nerves), it pays to be prepared about what the first week looks like, what your child might experience, and how choosing a premier service like Little Zak’s Academy lets children and families be supported during this important milestone.
The big move into childcare requires preparation from both parents and their new childcare team. Here’s how you can prepare at home:
It helps if you start talking to your child about their new daycare. Mention the fun activities, new friends, and caring teachers they will meet. Get them excited!
Children do their best inside a routine. A few days before you start, wake up early, get dressed, and have breakfast at the same time you’ll need to when childcare starts. This makes the day of change feel less new for them.
Check with your daycare service about what to pack. This will usually involve things like: a labelled backpack, spare clothes, a hat, a water bottle, and a comfort toy. Some services want you to bring your own nappies, so make sure you’ve spoken to the team!
Week one can feel stressful, especially if it’s your first child and you’ve never done this before! But don’t worry, here’s what you can expect during your child’s first week.
Your child will be greeted by friendly, qualified educators trained in early childhood development and in managing transitions.
Centres like Little Zak’s are designed with safety and learning in mind. Bright, open spaces and engaging play areas encourage creativity and interaction.
The first week will include activities designed to help children adapt while stimulating learning. This includes things like music, movement, storytime, sensory play, outdoor play, and group activities. At Little Zak’s, every activity is tailored to developmental stages and aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework.
It’s normal for lots of children to experience separation anxiety. This is developmentally appropriate, and it means your child loves you, but it can also be very distressing for parents. Consistency and reassurance are your friends here. Trust the educators at your centre, knowing that they have experience supporting both children and parents through this stressful time. Even through your little one’s tears, keep your language positive and reassuring, keep your goodbye the same every day, and bring a comfort toy to help make them feel more at ease.
Our childcare services are purpose-built facilities with talented staff who are passionate about early education. Our comprehensive programs cover a whole range of things, with extra-curriculars like Little Zak’s Kitchen, Zakaroos, and Little Zak’s Prep School. And we provide real-time updates via our apps, letting you know what your child ate and when they had a nap, helping ease your daily worries from day one until they graduate.
By the time your little one’s first week at childcare is finished, you’ll wonder what you were even worrying about. Keep your preparations simple and consistent, and show patience every step of the way for the best experience for you and your little one. Find a childcare centre near you today!
