Helping Your Child Prepare for Their First Days of Childcare

Starting childcare is a big transition. A new classroom brings new teachers, new children, unfamiliar routines, and time away from home. Some children walk in ready to explore, while others need more time to observe and feel comfortable. Both responses are natural. Parents can help make the transition feel more predictable with a few simple routines.

​

Talk about what will happen​

Before the first day, describe childcare in simple, positive language. You might say, “You’ll play and learn with your teachers and friends. I’ll come back after your school day.”

For young children, concrete explanations are often easier to understand than saying, “I’ll be back later.” Let your child know that their teachers will be there to help if they miss you.

​

Create a simple goodbye routine

A predictable goodbye can help children understand what happens next. It might be as simple as a hug, a kiss, and “Have a wonderful day. I’ll see you after school.”

 

Try to keep the routine consistent, even when your child is having a difficult morning. A short and familiar goodbye can help make the transition more predictable.​

 

Let comfort take time

During the first few days, your child may participate immediately—or spend more time watching. Observation is also a way of learning. A child who stands beside a teacher watching other children build may be figuring out how the classroom works before deciding to join.

​

Give your child time to build relationships and become familiar with the new environment.

 

Keep home routines predictable

Regular mealtimes, bedtime routines, and calm mornings can provide familiarity during a new transition. You can also ask simple questions such as “What was something you noticed today?” or “What would you like to do again tomorrow?”

​

Your child may not always have much to say, and that’s okay.

​

Work together with teachers

Families know their children in ways teachers are still discovering. Sharing information about your child’s interests, routines, comfort strategies, and recent changes can help teachers understand how to support them.

​

Over time, children begin to learn: My family leaves, I am safe here, and my family comes back.