Starting childcare is an important event in your child’s life! This is the beginning of their learning journey. Soon, your child will develop the skills they need to thrive at school.
When it’s time to send your toddler to a childcare centre, it’s important that they are prepared with all the supplies they need. This can make the transition to childcare much easier, as well as helping your child’s educators.
To help you prepare for your child’s first day at childcare, here are the top five things they need!
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1. A Packed Backpack
Good preparation starts with a packed backpack! By providing your child with a backpack, you can support them to take ownership of their belongings as they begin attending childcare.
A backpack allows you to send your child to childcare with all the essential items they may need throughout the day. Before your child’s first day at childcare, choose a fun and practical bag, and fill it with your child’s belongings.
2. A Drink Bottle
While your child is at childcare, they’ll need to drink plenty of water! Provide your child with a plastic drink bottle that can be washed at the end of each day.
Depending on the rules and food policies at your child’s early learning centre, you may also need to provide your child with a packed lunch of snacks. Before your child’s first day, ask their educators whether you should provide good food for them to eat throughout the day.
3. A good Sunhat
At childcare, your child will have lots of opportunities to play outside in the sun! A good sunhat is an important addition to your child’s backpack.
Most childcare centres require children to wear a hat when outdoors. If possible, choose a bucket hat that shields your child’s face, neck, and shoulders from the sun. If your child’s centre doesn’t provide sunscreen, add this to your list too!
4. A Spare Set of Clothes
Often, children have accidents at childcare. Other times, they engage in painting and other activities that could mess up their clothes.
When sending your child to childcare, always provide them with an extra set of clothes so that they have something to change into if they need to. In many cases, it can be helpful to send two or three clothing changes just in case! Remember to label your child’s belongings, and provide a plastic bag to store dirty clothing.
5. A Comfort Toy Or Item
While your child is at childcare, they’ll have access to plenty of toys and play equipment! But if your child is feeling anxious or worried about starting childcare, it can help to send a comfort toy with them.
Send a small comfort toy or blanket in your child’s backpack, and let your child’s educators know where to find it if your child is feeling upset. As your child adjusts to the childcare environment, you can remove this from their backpack.
Searching for the right childcare centre for your child? Visit MyXplor to search for local early learning listings, like Kindy Kollege in Mount Druitt!