If you have been searching for childcare Fremantle families recommend and now have a start date, you are probably wondering how the first weeks will go. Starting childcare is a big step for a small child, and often a bigger one for their parents. Most children settle well with a little preparation, a steady routine and time. Here is what tends to help, based on what families and educators see in the first weeks.
Visit before the first day
If you can, visit the centre with your child before they start. Let them see the room, the outdoor area and the educators while you are right beside them. A familiar place feels far less daunting on day one. At our Fremantle centre on Wray Avenue, families are welcome to arrange a visit before their child begins.
Talk about it at home
Keep it simple and positive. Tell your child where they will be going, what they might do there and that you will come back to pick them up. Picture books about starting childcare can help younger children understand what is coming. Avoid building it up too much, as a calm and matter of fact tone usually works best.
Start gradually if you can
Shorter days in the first week or two give children time to adjust. Some families begin with a morning, then build to full days. If your work allows, a gentle start makes a real difference, particularly for babies and young toddlers.
Keep goodbyes short
A quick, warm goodbye is kinder than a long one. Tell your child you are leaving, give a hug, and go. Slipping out without saying goodbye can make children more anxious the next time. It is completely normal for some tears at drop off, and many children stop crying within minutes of their parent leaving. Educators are used to this and will comfort your child and help them find something to do.
Bring a comfort item
A favourite soft toy or a small item from home can help, especially at rest time. Label everything your child brings, including spare clothes, hats and drink bottles.
Keep routines steady
Children cope with change best when the rest of life feels predictable. Try to keep bedtimes and mornings consistent in the first weeks, and allow for extra tiredness. Settling in takes a lot of energy, and many children are ready for an early night.
How Montessori helps with settling
In a Montessori room, children are shown how to do things for themselves, from hanging up their bag to pouring a drink. For a new child, learning these small routines gives a sense of control and belonging. Mixed age groups also help, because older children often take a newcomer under their wing.
Stay in touch with the educators
Ask how the day went, what your child enjoyed and how they ate and slept. Share anything useful from home too, such as a new word they are using or a rough night. Good communication in both directions helps educators respond to your child as an individual.
How long does settling take?
Every child is different. Some walk in happily on day one and wobble in week three. Others take a few weeks to feel at home. If your child is still very unsettled after several weeks, talk with the educators about what they are seeing and what might help.
If you are looking for childcare in Fremantle, you can read more about our centre, facilities and approach on our Fremantle centre page.
A simple first week plan
Every family is different, but a first week might look like this. On the first day, stay for a short visit together and leave after an hour or two. On the second, try a short stay on your own. Build up to a morning, then a full day by the end of the week or into the next. Keep the same drop off routine each time so your child learns what to expect.
After pick up, give your child some quiet time together before the evening rush. Many children save their big feelings for home, where they feel safest, so a meltdown after a good day is common and not a sign that childcare is going badly.
To see how this works day to day, book a tour at our Fremantle centre on 08 9336 4965 or our Maddington centre on 08 9493 5071, or send us a message through our contact page.
