The First Day in Daycare: We are the Second Home for Your Child
Preparing for Your Child’s First Day
The first day in daycare is all about creating a positive start. To help, we encourage parents to join us for those early days, offering a reassuring presence as your child begins to explore their new environment. And even after this settling-in period, our doors remain open for you to drop in, connect, and share in your child’s journey.
To ensure your child feels at ease, here’s what to bring for their first day:
- A comfort item, like a blanket or favourite toy for nursery children, for emotional reassurance.
- Several changes of clothing for any messy adventures.
- Clearly labelled bottles, formula, or breast milk.
- A wide-brimmed hat for outdoor play and excursions, to ensure your child can explore safely under the sun.
At Journey, we make things easier for parents by taking care of the essentials. You do not need to bring nappies, wipes, or food—our centres provide these for your convenience. Meals and snacks are freshly cooked in-house and carefully prepared to be nutritious and delicious, following the guidance of our experienced nutritionist. These meals are designed to support your child’s health and energy throughout the day.
Feeling at Home in Their Second Home from the First Day
For children transitioning to a new room, preparation begins weeks in advance. Visits to their new room help them familiarise themselves with new surroundings, meet educators, and explore outdoor play areas. These steps build trust and excitement, ensuring that by the time they make the transition, they feel right at home.
Our centres are designed to be a second home for your child, filled with spaces that:
- Encourage Exploration: Age-appropriate areas where children can play, learn, and grow at their own pace.
- Foster Connection: Open layouts that encourage collaboration and friendships.
- Inspire Creativity: Materials and activities designed to spark curiosity and creativity.
Saying Goodbye with Confidence from the First Day
Goodbyes on the first day in daycare can be emotional, but they are an important part of building trust and routine. To help, we suggest:
- Keep It Short and Positive: A warm goodbye and a clear promise of when you’ll return, like “I’ll see you after lunch!”
- Create a Ritual: A special hug or wave that becomes part of your daily routine.
- Trust Our Team: Our experienced educators know how to support children in settling quickly, using engaging activities to make them feel safe and secure.
Open Communication and Collaboration from the First Day
We believe that a strong partnership with families is key to a successful daycare experience. From the first day and beyond, we prioritise communication to keep you informed and involved:
- Daily Updates: Information about meals, naps, and activities durick dropp off and pick up
- Real-Time Connections: Photos and updates shared through our digital platform Storypark.
- Community Events: We host regular events within the centre, such as morning teas to foster connection and exchange. These gatherings allow parents to connect with educators and other families, creating a sense of belonging and shared support.
If you ever have questions, no matter how small, our team is always here to listen and support you.
Start Your Journey with Confidence from the First Day
Your child’s first day in daycare marks the beginning of a beautiful adventure. With this in mind, at Journey Early Learning, we are honoured to be part of this exciting chapter. From the moment they arrive, we are dedicated to making every day one that your child will cherish.
If you have any questions or need guidance before, during, or after their first day, rest assured—we’re here to help every step of the way. Together with our passionate educators, we’ll create a nurturing space where your child feels at home, supported, and ready to shine.
Welcome to the Journey family!
