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?

Families are welcome to turn up anytime they please as they should have conducted orientation days before their start date and therefore know their way around and what to expect. We do like to encourage families to turn up on their first day at the time they would normally be dropping off their child going forward so they become used to that drop off time.



What do I need to bring?

We provide all meals. Due to our positioning at North Shore Temple Emanuel, we do not allow meat, pork or chicken. A fish and vegetarian menu is provided by local nutritionists. Our centre is completely NUT FREE. At Apples & Honey, we ask families 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?

When arriving on your first day the Centre Manager (or 2IC) and Room Leader will be there to greet you and settle your child in.



What will happen when I arrive?

When families arrive they will be assisted to sign their child in, find their child’s locker and put their bag away as well as meeting the rest of the room educators if this didn’t happen during orientation. An Educator will settle the child in by taking them over to an experience, introducing them to the other children in the room. Sometimes mum and dad need some extra support and a tissue or two! We have a parent survival kit for that.



What’s the best way to say goodbye to my child?

If you have time it is comforting for your child when you take some time to settle them in rather than run off quickly at drop off. It is important to always say goodbye and remind your child that you will be back to get them later as this provides them with a sense of security especially when they see you at pick up time just like you promised.



My child seems upset, how do you settle them in after I leave?

If you leave after drop off and your child seems upset, a specific educator will stay close by to settle your child and help them feel safe in the new space. We can also call once they are settled and use StoryPark to communicate what activities your child is engaged in. Crying at drop-off is common and usually does not last long as your child becomes with familiar with their surroundings and makes connections with educators and other children.



What will you do with my child on their first day?

The first day (and first few weeks) is all about building relationships between educators and other children. We will support your child in getting to know their new environment, encouraging them to engage in fun and creative experiences which are of interest to them.