Frequently Asked Questions
What to Expect: The First Day
A family’s first day at childcare is often a mixture of excitement, nerves and possibly a few tears. To make the transition a little bit easier for you and your child, here are a few common questions (and answers) about what to expect on the first day.
What time should I turn up?
What do I need to bring?
-
Hat/ sunscreen. A protective sun hat must be worn every day when playing outside. A preschool hat will be provided on your first day and 30+ sunscreen is available. We ask parents to help their child apply sunscreen before, or on arrival, each day. We then provide sunscreen for children to re-apply before heading outdoors later in the day
-
A water bottle for their child to use throughout the day.
-
Some spare clothes as some experiences can get messy.
-
Any comforters and sleeping bag/blanket the child might need to make them feel more settled during rest if needed.
-
Bedding/sheets: The younger children (3-4 years) have a rest time each day. Children are set up on individual beds. The preschool can provide you with information about the sheet set required for your child. We send your child’s sheet set home at the end of their week at preschool and ask that you clean them and return them on the first day your child returns in the following week. The older children (4-5 years) have a quiet time each day after lunch and only require a towel or blanket to lie down on, if desired.
Some other nice-to-haves to help children settle in are a family photo and soft toy or comfort blanket for nap time.
Who should I ask for when I arrive?
What will happen when I arrive?
What’s the best way to say goodbye to my child?
My child seems upset, how do you settle them in after I leave?
What will you do with my child on their first day?