How to Support Your Child Settling Into Childcare for the First Time

Starting childcare or preschool is a big milestone—for children and families. It’s completely normal to feel a mix of excitement, nerves, and even guilt as your child begins this new chapter. For children, settling into childcare means adjusting to a new environment, new educators, new routines, and time away from the people they feel safest with.

The good news? With the right preparation, consistency, and partnership with your child’s educators, most children settle beautifully over time. Here’s how families can support a smooth and confident transition into childcare or preschool in Merrylands.

Before Your Child Starts

A positive transition begins before the first official day.

Visit the Centre Together

Attending orientation visits allows your child to explore the environment while you’re close by. They can begin building familiarity with the space, educators, and routines in a calm, supported way. Many services also offer gradual starts—such as shorter days in the first week—which can be especially helpful for young children .

Talk Positively About Childcare

Children pick up on your emotions. Speak about childcare as a safe, exciting place where they’ll play, learn, and be cared for. Keeping your language positive helps your child feel secure and confident about the transition.

Practice Short Separations

If possible, allow your child to spend short periods with trusted adults (such as grandparents or close friends). This gently helps them understand that separations are temporary—and that you always come back .

The First Day

First days can bring big feelings—for everyone.

Stay Calm and Reassuring

Even if you feel emotional inside, try to remain calm and confident on the outside. Children are highly attuned to their parents’ emotions and often mirror them.

Take Time to Connect With Educators

Introduce your child to their educators and briefly share something familiar or comforting about your child. This reinforces trust and helps your child see educators as safe, caring adults.

Always Say Goodbye

It can be tempting to slip away quietly, but this can increase anxiety and mistrust. Always say a clear, loving goodbye, reassure your child that you will return, and give them a simple timeframe they can understand—such as “after afternoon tea” rather than “soon” .

During the Day

Once you’ve said goodbye, it’s okay to step back.

Most children settle quickly once the separation moment passes

It’s completely acceptable to call the centre for reassurance

Educators will support your child with comfort, distraction, and connection

Remember, learning to separate is an important developmental step that supports school readiness and emotional resilience.

Pick-Up Time

Your child may seem extra emotional at pick-up—and that’s normal.

Reconnect With Warmth

After holding it together all day, children often release emotions when they see you again. Offer cuddles, reassurance, and your full attention.

Talk About Their Day

Ask about favourite activities, friends, or educators. This helps children reflect positively on their experiences and builds enthusiasm for returning the next day .

Be Patient

Every child settles at their own pace. Some children are confident from day one, while others take weeks to feel fully comfortable. It’s also normal for children to seem settled one day and emotional the next as routines become familiar.

Consistency, routine, and strong partnerships between families and educators are key to success.

How We Support Settling-In at Elementary Academy

At Elementary Academy, we understand that starting childcare is a significant transition for families.

Our approach focuses on:

• Strong educator–child relationships

• Consistent routines that create a safe learning environment

• Open communication with families

• Respect for each child’s emotional needs and individual pace

As a trusted provider of quality early childhood education in Merrylands, we work closely with families to ensure every child feels safe, supported, and confident as they begin their learning journey.