Preparing your child for pre-school

Orientation is an important start for your child and family to connect to our Service. We encourage each child to attend the Service in the company of a family member two or three times before they start the day with us. This gives you and your child the opportunity to gain an understanding of our program, the lay out of the room, where to find things, provide Educators with additional information about your child and how we can best support their transition and settling period.

If your child is reluctant to attend, please discuss this with their assigned Educator so that they can develop strategies with you to support the transition from home to the Service. You are welcome to take photos of your child in our environment to show and discuss at home. Some children like to take a book from our library to read at home and return on the next visit.

We suggest purchasing the following books you can read to your child prior to starting. ‘Preschool Day Hooray’ By Linda Leopold Strauss, ‘Maisy goes to Preschool’ by Lucy Cousins, ‘What to expect at Preschool’ by Heidi Murkoff and ‘I love you all day long’ by Francesca Rusackas.

Communication between home and the Service must be open and happen often to best support your child during this time. There may be tears and extra tight hugs when saying goodbye for the first few weeks but there are always cuddles, reassurance and genuine care from Educators for both the children and their families. Sometimes this experience is upsetting more so for the family, not the child. We understand this and offer support through phone calls during the day, photos and open communication.

Saying goodbye

Ideally, your child will be settled at an activity before you leave, however some children find it hard to settle until their parents have gone. What works best is a set routine so try to establish the care routine from the orientation process. Being well organised and avoiding a rush usually results in a calm start to the day.

Most children will want to have a look around first to see who else has arrived and to look at what activities are available. Please tell your child when you are leaving as they may become upset if they haven’t had the opportunity to say goodbye. This will gain trust from the child, not only in you but in the Educator who is reassuring your child about their day and when you will return. Rest assured, we’ll contact you if your child becomes distressed.

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What to bring to the Service

Backpack

For independence, we work towards all children being able to recognise and open their own bag. Let them be involved in selecting the bag and taking ownership of it. Please ensure it is large enough to hold all their belongings and is clearly labelled.

Drink bottle

We work towards all children being able to recognise their own drink bottle. Please bring a drink bottle that your child is comfortable with and that you don’t mind leaving at the centre. We will wash and refill your child’s drink bottle of every attendance.

Sun smart hat

All children must have a sun-smart wide brim hat when they attend the centre. The best type of hat for children is a wide brim hat with a cord for securing on their head as they play. Please note that caps are not considered sun smart.

Comfort items

Please bring along any item that your child will use for comfort and sleep. Items such as: dummy, cuddly toy, special blanket, a family photograph, sleeping bag are all items that might make your child feel more secure.

Breastfeeding

This Service supports breastfeeding. Families that are breastfeeding should speak to the Educator or Director to be aware of our policies on storing and serving breast milk. Families that are formula feeding should also consult our Educators to be aware on how we need the formula prepared and stored.

Clothing

It is helpful to your child if they are dressed in non- restrictive, serviceable and easy to wash clothes so that they feel free to join in all the activities and to develop independence. Shoes also, need to allow children freedom to run, climb, hop & jump as well as being easy for the child to take off and put on by him/her.

Unsuitable shoes are thongs and open-toe sandals and we prefer that these be NOT worn to the Service. Lace up joggers or closed toe sandals are appropriate. Also, please consider clothing that enables the child to move around easily and allows children to be independent in dressing. Clothing such as long dresses, overalls, braces, belts and stiff buttons can prove a problem for children who need to go to the toilet. We require all t-shirts to have sleeves (no mid-drift or strap tops).

Spare clothes

Every now and then accidents occur and it may be necessary for your child to get changed into a fresh set. Please include a complete change of clothes every day which can stay in your child’s bag…just in case!

Toys / Nappies

The Service has an abundance of educational resources designed to enhance children’s learning and development. This eliminates toys getting lost, broken, disappointment for other children and responsibility on Educators to track numerous toys throughout the day.

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