Starting Daycare
Preparing Your Child for the First Day of Daycare
Gentle, practical ways to prepare your toddler or preschooler for their first day of daycare - from visits and routines to goodbyes and settling in.
4 min read · Published October 1, 2026
Starting daycare is a big step for children and for parents. A little preparation helps everyone feel calm and confident.
Before the first day
- Visit together. Familiar faces and spaces make the first morning easier. Ask about a visit with your child before the start date.
- Talk about it positively. Read picture books about school or daycare and describe what the day will look like.
- Shift routines gradually. If nap and meal times will change, start nudging them a week or two earlier.
On the first day
- Keep the goodbye short, warm and consistent. Lingering can make separation harder.
- Pack a comfort item if the centre allows it, plus any labelled essentials the centre has asked for.
- Share your child’s likes, dislikes and routines with the educators - it helps them connect quickly.
The first weeks
Tears at drop-off are common and usually pass. Educators are there to comfort and engage your child; ask for an update later in the day if you’d like reassurance. Celebrate small wins at pick-up and keep your routines predictable.
When to reach out
If your child is still very unsettled after a few weeks, talk with the director. Together you can adjust the approach so your child feels safe and secure.
Ready to begin? Start with our waitlist form.