Starting childcare is a big milestone — for your child, and for you. Whether your little one is a bubbly six-month-old or a cautious three-year-old, the transition to childcare brings up a whole mix of emotions: excitement, worry, guilt, hope. All of it is completely normal.
The good news? With some thoughtful preparation, the transition to childcare can be a positive and even joyful experience for the whole family. Here are our best tips, drawn from years of experience working with children and families in the Healesville community.
Why Preparation Makes a Difference
Children thrive on predictability and routine. When they know what to expect, they feel safe — and when they feel safe, they can explore, learn, and connect with new people and environments. Thoughtful preparation before the first day helps build the mental and emotional scaffolding your child needs to manage a new experience with confidence.
Research in developmental psychology shows that children who undergo gradual transitions into childcare — with supported orientation visits rather than sudden starts — settle more quickly and develop stronger attachments to their educators.
In the Weeks Before Starting
Visit the Centre Together
Most quality childcare centres, including Loving Start Childcare & Education in Healesville, offer an orientation program where families can visit the centre, meet the educators, and spend time in the rooms before the official start date. These visits are invaluable.
During orientation visits:
- Let your child explore at their own pace — don't rush them toward activities
- Stay calm and positive; children read your emotional cues acutely
- Let them see you chatting warmly with their future educators — this signals that these adults are safe and trustworthy
- Find out about a "transition object" — whether your child can bring a comfort item from home (a small toy, a photo of the family)
Contact Loving Start on 03 5905 3735 or Healesville@Lovingstart.com.au to arrange orientation visits before your child's first day.
Talk About Childcare Positively and Honestly
Talk with your child about what childcare is. Use simple, positive language:
- "You're going to a special place where you can play with other children."
- "There are wonderful educators who love looking after children."
- "You'll do painting, build things, play outside, and have yummy food."
Avoid phrases like "Don't cry" or "There's nothing to be scared of" — these inadvertently signal that there is something to worry about. Instead, validate feelings: "It might feel a bit new at first, and that's okay."
For older toddlers and preschoolers, books about starting childcare or daycare can be a wonderful way to introduce the concept. Ask your local Healesville library for recommendations.
Practise the Routine
In the weeks before starting, try to mirror the childcare routine at home:
- Shift wake-up and breakfast times to match the childcare schedule
- Practise saying goodbye — even brief, playful separations ("I'm going to make a cup of tea, I'll be back in two minutes!") help young children understand that separation is temporary
- Get used to being apart from you — short play sessions with familiar adults (grandparents, family friends) are helpful
Pack the Bag Together
Getting your child involved in packing their childcare bag can build excitement and a sense of agency. Most centres provide a packing list, but typically you'll need:
- A change of clothes (at least two for younger children)
- A sun hat
- Sunscreen (or confirm the centre provides it)
- A labelled lunchbox and water bottle
- A comfort toy or small item from home (check with the centre)
- Any required medications with a completed medical action plan
Label every single item, including socks. Yes, really.
The Night Before
- Lay out clothes and pack the bag together the evening before
- Aim for an early bedtime — a rested child settles far more easily
- Avoid overscheduling the day before; keep the evening calm and connected
- Read a favourite book together and reinforce positive messages about the next day
- For very anxious children, leaving a note or photo in their bag ("Mummy loves you and I'll be back after afternoon tea!") can be deeply reassuring
Drop-Off: The Most Important Moment
Drop-off is often the hardest part — for parents as much as children. Here is the most important piece of advice: make your goodbye brief, warm, and confident.
The Loving Goodbye
- Arrive on time (not too early, not late) — a rushed drop-off is harder for everyone
- Settle your child in — hand them to their key educator with a warm, positive greeting
- Have a ritual — a special hug, a secret handshake, a kiss on the hand (tell them they can hold it in their hand all day)
- Say goodbye clearly — don't sneak out; this destroys trust and increases anxiety
- Be confident — "I'm going to work now. I love you. I'll be back after afternoon tea." Say it, believe it, and leave.
- Don't linger — prolonged goodbyes increase distress for most children
It is completely normal for children to cry at drop-off, even for weeks. In most cases, children settle within minutes of the parent leaving. Loving Start educators will always let you know how your child is going — most centres offer a morning check-in call or message for parents of children who are finding the transition challenging.
Timing Matters
- Avoid drop-off during nap times or lunch — children are more vulnerable when tired or hungry
- Mornings are usually best — children have more energy and are more open to new experiences
- Consistency is key — try to drop off at roughly the same time each day to build a predictable routine
Managing Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is a completely normal developmental phase and peaks between 8–18 months, with another common surge at 2–3 years. It is, ironically, a sign of healthy attachment.
Signs that separation anxiety is within normal range:
- Crying at drop-off but settling quickly (within 5–15 minutes)
- Asking for Mummy or Daddy during the day but engaging happily with educators
- Being happy at pick-up (and sometimes not wanting to leave!)
Signs to discuss with the centre and your GP:
- Inconsolable crying for extended periods (more than 30–45 minutes)
- Physical symptoms (stomach aches, headaches) only on childcare days
- Regression in sleep, toileting, or eating that persists beyond the first 2–3 weeks
After Childcare: How to Support the Transition
Pick-up and the hours after childcare matter almost as much as drop-off:
- Arrive at a consistent time — knowing when you're coming is reassuring
- Expect big emotions — children often "hold it together" all day and release emotions when safe with you. This is called "after-school restraint collapse" and is perfectly normal
- Offer a snack and calm time — hunger and tiredness amplify emotions
- Ask open-ended questions — "What was the funniest thing that happened today?" works better than "Did you have a good day?"
- Celebrate small wins — "You did it! That was a big brave thing."
A Note to Parents: You're Doing the Right Thing
Placing your child in quality childcare is not a compromise — it is a gift. The relationships your child builds with caring, qualified educators; the friendships formed with other children; the rich play experiences; the confidence that comes from navigating a world beyond home — these are profound developmental gifts.
And on the days when it's hard? Remember that every parent in the Loving Start community has been where you are. Our team is here to support you through the transition with warmth, patience, and genuine care.
Ready to start the journey? Arrange an orientation visit today:
- Call us: 03 5905 3735
- Email: Healesville@Lovingstart.com.au
- Visit: 349–353 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville VIC 3777