Starting your little one at a new childcare centre can feel daunting and even overwhelming so we've pulled together a printable checklist to help you prepare for day one.
Here's a handy daycare checklist of the admin you'll need to complete before you commence childcare.
1. Childcare centre documentation
Ensure you've completed all the necessary forms for your chosen childcare centre. You'll need to provide a copy of your child's immunisation history (which can be downloaded from the Medicare app) and their birth certificate.
2. Introduce your child
To help the early learning centre cater for your child's needs be sure to tell them as much as you can about your little person. Consider sharing the following:
- Interests (i.e. fairies, space, diggers, unicorns, trains)
- Name of their cuddly toy
- Favourite learning activities (i.e. books, building blocks, puzzles, Lego, playdough)
- Sleep routines (i.e. nap time, sleeping bag, comforter, dummy)
- Milk/bottle requirements (i.e. breast milk expressed, formula, cow's milk/other milk)
- Toileting habits – specific if you need nappies and detail any toilet training needs
- Pick up arrangements – note any other family members or carers who are involved in their lives regularly (i.e. Grandparents, Aunts/Uncles)
3. Child Care Subsidy
The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is a nationwide program designed to provide families with Government funded assistance towards child care costs. To receive this benefit, you'll need to ensure you have registered your child via Centrelink and been issued with a CRN for both you and your little one. Once you've done this, check in with your childcare provider to ensure the registration process has worked at their end before commencing care. You will then receive the fee reduction relative to your family income tier. You can work out your potential subsidy using our Child Care Subsidy Calculator. More information on the CCS can be found here.
4. Name labels
If you haven't yet ordered name labels then now is the time to do it. Jump online and order some labels for your child's belongings. You'll want to label all that you can to ensure any lost goodies are returned. If you don't have time to get this done, then a permanent marker will do the job!
5. Pack their bag
Mulling over what you need to pack for your child to take to childcare? The childcare centre will provide you with a guide of what you need to pack for your child as it will depend on whether they're providing food, nappies, formula, etc but as a general rule, you'll need the following:
- Drink bottle
- Sleeping bag (if your child has a day sleep)
- Comforter or soft toy for sleep
- Formula and baby bottles (if required)
- Broad brimmed hat
- Sunscreen (if you would like to provide your own)
- Change of clothes in case of accident
- Medications (if required)
- Lunch box containing healthy snacks (free from nuts) – only if centre doesn't provide food
- Food allergies – ensure the centre is aware of any allergies your child has, to prevent potential risks.
- Nappies (if required and not provided)
6. Orientation
Each childcare centre has their own orientation process which will gently introduce your child to the centre and allow them to bond/familiarise themselves with the educators and the surroundings. It's also a chance for you to adapt to the drop-off routine and ensure the child's routine is maintained to ease them into what will become the new normal.
7. Talk about it
Like any big change in life, talking about it always helps. To prepare your little one for their new routine at early learning centres, start discussing it ahead of time. Involve them in the process where you can and try to make it positive from the outset. Perhaps you could go shopping for their new drink bottle and backpack together. You could also ask the centre to send you a pic of the carers so they can become familiar faces in your household before day one, or pack a family photo in your child's bag to help them feel at ease.
Lastly, don't forget to check in on your own emotions and be kind to yourself, as national quality framework standards ensure your child is in safe hands. The transition into childcare is huge for both baby/child and parents/carers and can be especially significant for younger children, as they adapt to new routines and environments. It's completely normal to feel apprehensive and/or anxious—and even keep worrying "Are children supervised at all times?". Try to remember that the educators will care for your child as if they are their own, supporting their mental wellbeing while building resilience, independence, and social skills, and fostering school readiness.
