The first day of preschool is a huge milestone for your child – just as precious as their first smile, their first tooth and their first steps. While they have a whole new world of adventures, friendships and learning ahead of them, it can also be a really emotional time… for them and for you too!

On your child’s first day, we ask that you stay until your child has settled, and pick them up early if possible. It’s important that your child’s first impressions of our centre are happy and enjoyable. Here’s a few things you can do to help them get settled:

• Visit the centre with your child, prior to your child commencing
• You are welcome to ring through the day to see how your child is doing.
• Always say goodbye to your child. This stops them from panicking when they can’t find you.
• Don’t keep returning to check on your child. A child who is gradually settling in will be confused and upset by a parent who keeps appearing and disappearing.
• If your child is upset or crying when you leave and you are worried, which is only natural, please ring us an hour or so later to see how your child is going.
• Children may bring their security blankets, dummies etc. with them if this helps them settle and feel secure. 
• Some children may take a long time to settle in, but the persistence is well worth the effort. Children who have had difficulties settling, nevertheless become happy and adjusted to the centre. Extra encouragement, understanding and support as well as firmness is all that is needed. We look at each child’s settling in period as uniquely as the child themselves.