First day at daycare: what to bring and easier goodbyes

The night before a first day, many parents lie awake with two worries. What do I pack? And how will I get through the goodbye?

Both have calmer answers in daylight. Here is the plan in three steps: pack from one page, tell us about your child, then keep the goodbye short and warm.

What do I need to pack?

Our First Day Checklist fits on one page. Bring the items that apply to your child, and label everything with their first name and last initial.

The everyday list:

• A water bottle or sippy cup
• A complete change of season-appropriate clothes: pants, shirt, socks and underwear
• Closed-toe shoes for indoor play
• A sweater to keep at the centre
• Diapers and wipes, if needed
• Weather-appropriate clothing and a seasonal hat
• A copy of your child's immunization history

Winter means a warm coat, snow pants, boots, mittens and a toque. Summer adds a brimmed sun hat.

Some ages need extras. For toilet training, send two complete changes of clothes. For infants, send two or three outfits and extra socks, plus labelled bottles, formula or breast milk, and written feeding instructions.

Play can get messy. Our materials are washable, but some paint colours are hard to remove, so send washable clothes and an extra full set.

The checklist does not list a lunch box. In our daycare rooms we provide a morning snack, a hot lunch and an afternoon snack. We are a nut-free centre, so please do not send foods that contain nuts, and ask your child's educator before sending anything extra. See our article on snacks, lunches and allergy habits.

What should I tell the educator?

It helps children when families and educators share information. Page 3 of the Registration Package is a tick-box page about your child's routines. It asks about toileting, naps, feeding, interests, and what your child may find difficult, such as separation or new people. Write extra details only if educators need them.

The Parent Handbook says why this matters: a familiar goodbye routine and clear communication with educators can help your child feel secure. Four things are worth saying out loud on the first day:

• Naps. Say how your child naps, or whether they nap at all. In our infant, toddler and preschool programs, each child has a cot or crib, and children who are not sleeping are offered quiet choices.
• Comfort items. The checklist suggests a blanket and a familiar comfort item for children who nap, where the room's sleep guidelines allow. Ask the room educator what works.
• Allergies. List them in the registration package and tell the educator directly too.
• Medication. Hand it straight to an educator with a completed medication form, not in your child's bag.

For health questions, ask your doctor. Our guide to how registration works has the forms and first steps.

How do I get through the goodbye?

These are general tips, not our rules, and every child is different. A simple goodbye might be a hug, a short phrase such as "See you at pickup time," and a wave. Many families find these habits help:

• Repeat the routine. The same few steps each day show a child what comes next.
• Keep it short and warm. A long goodbye, or coming back for one more hug, often makes things harder. Slipping away without a word can confuse a child, so say goodbye.
• Say when you will return. Use words your child understands, then be there as promised.
• Stay calm. Children often take their cue from us, so a steady voice helps.

On arrival, sign your child in through the centre's attendance system. Then bring your child to an educator and make sure they know your child has arrived.

What happens after I leave?

Crying at drop-off is common, and for many children it eases once they are busy with the group. Some settle quickly and some need more time. Both are normal.

Our educators make time to listen, comfort and encourage children, and we want children to feel comfortable telling us their big feelings. Tell the educator about the morning, such as a rough night or a big change, and ask how the day went at pickup.

If the upset does not ease over time, start with your child's educator. If a worry is still there, you can reach the director at 780-464-2637. Be gentle with yourself, too. A first goodbye is hard for parents as well as for children.

What is my next step?

Next step: Read our free Parent Handbook, eight pages long, and turn to page 3 for starting care and daily attendance.