There is no single best age to start daycare. The right time depends on your child, your family and your work, and children can do well starting at many different ages. What helps most is understanding how children tend to respond at each stage, so you can prepare in the right way.
Babies under 12 months
Many families return to work within the first year, and babies can settle well in a caring room with consistent educators. Young babies often adapt to new people more easily than older babies, because strong stranger wariness usually develops later in the first year.
At this age, look for small groups, calm rooms and educators who follow your baby’s own feeding and sleep routines as closely as possible.
Around 9 to 18 months
This is often described as the trickiest time to start. Many children go through a stage of separation anxiety, becoming upset when a parent leaves. It is a normal part of development and a sign of a healthy attachment. Children who start at this age usually settle, but may need a gentler start and a few more weeks to feel at home.
Toddlers from 18 months to 3 years
Toddlers are curious, busy and keen to do things themselves. Many enjoy the activity and company of a childcare room. They may still find goodbyes hard, but they can be distracted by something interesting and are starting to understand that a parent will come back.
In a Montessori room, toddlers are shown how to do small tasks for themselves, like pouring water, putting on shoes and tidying up. This sense of independence often helps them settle.
Three to five years
Older preschoolers are often ready for more social play and longer activities. They can talk about their feelings and understand routines. Starting at this age can be a helpful step before kindy and Pre-primary, giving children practice with group life and separation.
Signs your child may be ready
Every child is different, but signs of readiness can include interest in other children, coping with short times away from you, and being comfortable with a new adult for a little while. Readiness also depends on the setting. A warm room with consistent educators makes a big difference at any age.
What matters more than age
Research and experience both point to the same things: the quality of care, the relationships your child forms with educators, and a steady routine. A child who starts at any age in a caring, well run centre, with a gradual start and good communication between home and the centre, usually settles well.
Practical things to consider
Think about when you need care, how many days suit your family and how drop off and pick up fit around work. If you can, plan for a few shorter days first. Check how the Child Care Subsidy applies to you, as this affects how many days feel affordable.
Visit and ask questions
Whatever age your child is, visit before you decide. Ask how the centre supports children of that age, how rooms are grouped and how new children are settled. At Orchard Montessori we group children from 0 to 2, 2 to 3 and 3 to 5 years, and you can read about our approach on our About page.
Preparing your child at any age
Whatever age your child starts, a little preparation helps. Visit the centre together before the first day. Practise short separations with trusted family or friends. Keep goodbyes brief and warm. Try to keep sleep and meal routines steady in the first weeks, and expect some extra tiredness while your child adjusts.
Above all, give it time. Most children take a few weeks to feel settled, and some take longer. Staying in close touch with the educators helps you both understand how your child is going and what might help.
Talking with other parents
It can help to talk with other parents who have been through the same decision. You will hear a range of experiences, which is a good reminder that there is no single right answer. What worked for one family may not suit yours, and that is fine.
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.
