As the first day of childcare approaches, ensuring your child feels secure in their new environment is crucial.
To assist in this transition, here’s a checklist of what to do before your child starts and which essential items to pack in your child’s backpack:
Before you start care
– Ensure that your Child Care Subsidy (CCS) has been approved. Child Care Subsidy – Services Australia
– Provide the centre with your child’s current immunisation history statement.
– Share any important information that the centre needs to know to care for your child the best. This information can include your child’s routine (especially for babies), any allergies, asthma, medication, court orders, foods or type of milk your child has not tried yet (for small babies), etc.
– Make sure your child has at least three orientation sessions before starting. Some children might need more. Please note that families need to stay on the premises during the orientation process.
What to pack
All children:
– Backpack
– Two to three changes of clothes
– Comfort item (soft toy, blanket, family photo or book for older children)
– Plastic bag or swimming bag for dirty clothes
– Sunscreen, if you prefer a brand other than Coles
– Weather-appropriate clothing (Bucket hat, tops covering shoulder, comfortable clothes, Velcro shoes, socks, beanies, jackets, gloves, etc.)- Water Bottle (for children over 1)
6 weeks to one year-old
– Baby bottles
– Sippy cup for water
– Frozen breast milk bags or Baby Formula (if applicable)
– Nappy rash cream, if applicable
If your child is over three years old and is in nappies or toilet training, please pack enough nappies for the day and extra changes of clothes.
Some of our centres do not provide nappies for children over three years old. Please check with your child’s educator.
Please make sure all items are labelled with your child’s name.
Additional Tips:
– Remember, open communication with your child’s educator and staff is key for a smooth transition.
– Feel free to tailor this checklist based on any specific requirements or recommendations from your child’s educators and the centre.
Interested in similar content? Check out our related articles:
Easy Ways to Prepare Your Child for Starting School (ymca.org.au)