Settling in at childcare is all about finding the right rhythm for both the child and their family. It’s exciting, a little emotional, and it’s completely normal to wonder how your child will adjust.
We like to take things slow, with flexible orientation sessions, a familiar key educator, and open communication every step of the way. Our team keeps an eye on how each child is adjusting, checking in at six and twelve weeks to make sure everyone’s feeling confident and comfortable.
Below, we go deeper into what this looks like at our early learning centres and how you can support a smoother start.
Book a tour at your nearest Child’s Play centre to see for yourself how calm and welcoming a start to childcare can be.
What does ‘settling in’ look like at Child’s Play?
Our son has been attending Child’s Play since February and we couldn’t be happier with how well he has settled in. The staff, educators and teachers are very warm and welcoming, which made the transition so smooth for him. Jalpa and Anna have been very supportive and caring and we are so grateful for the positive impact they’ve had on his experience here. – Priya, Child’s Play ELC Tarneit
Flexible orientations
We make our orientations work around your child and your family’s schedule. Most families like to start two to three weeks before the official first day, visiting at different times so their little one can experience playtime, mealtimes, and rest. It’s a gentle way to get familiar with the day-to-day rhythm before fully diving in.
As Sam Magro, our Centre Director at Point Cook, explains, ‘We’re flexible. We offer more orientation sessions if families need them. It’s always about each child as an individual.’
And to make each new child feel extra comfortable? ‘For the first orientation session, a family member always stays in the room. We only ever schedule one child orientation at a time so we can focus on them.’
Read our blog on ‘Everything You Need to Know About Childcare Orientations’ to find out more about how we ease your child into life at Child’s Play.
A gradual start
Many families like to ease into childcare with a few short sessions first, then build up to half days and eventually full days. Taking things slowly helps your child get used to new faces and routines, and you can feel confident that they’re in safe hands.
As Sam shares, ‘It’s about settling the child and the family into the service and taking the time to do that properly. How you start that transition, welcoming a family into our family, is really important. It shouldn’t be rushed.’
Getting to know what makes your child feel at home
Our educators take the time to really get to know each child, including what they enjoy, what comforts them, and how they like to spend their day.
Your child will have familiar educators who learn their cues and interests. Those educators will share that knowledge with the rest of the team so care feels consistent, no matter who’s nearby.
Sometimes it’s as simple as finding the right connection. ‘If a child loves dinosaurs, Play-Doh, or art, we make sure those things are set up for them in their new space,’ Sam says. ‘If they love helping, we might ask them to help set up the tables for mealtimes. That sense of purpose makes a big difference.’
Communication through the OWNA app
We use the OWNA app to keep families in the loop throughout the day, so you can see what your little one’s been up to and feel reassured that they’re happy and engaged.
You’re always welcome to call the centre or chat with our educators at pickup. Settling into childcare isn’t a one-day process. It’s a journey we take together, and our open communication with families makes the transition feel calmer and more reassuring for everyone.
Supporting families from all backgrounds
If your child is new to Australia or speaks a language other than English at home, we learn key words from you for comfort, food, toileting, and sleep. Visual schedules, family photos, bilingual labels, and familiar songs help children understand what comes next and feel seen. We also work with you on cultural preferences in meals and celebrations.
Read our blog on ‘Supporting Migrant Families Through Childcare’ to find out more about how we support cultural diversity in our centres.
Tips for parents: small habits that make a big difference
- Prepare early. We all know how stressful it is to be rushed in the morning. Pack the bag, lunch, and spare clothes the night before. A calm morning sets up a calmer first day for your child.
- Start slowly. Begin with short days and build up from there. A day at childcare is a lot of busy fun, so feel free to keep afternoons quiet at home, with earlier bedtimes or longer naps while your child adjusts.
- Make the drop-off predictable. Arrive a little early. Show your child where to put their bag and say hello to educators. Play for a few minutes together before heading off.
- Say goodbye, and say when you’ll be back. ‘I’m going to work now. I’ll be back after your lunch.’ For some children, sneaking out can break trust.
- Book a tour and bring your child. Seeing the spaces and faces in advance reduces nerves for everyone.
- Build relationships with educators. Share what works at home, from comfort toys to sleep cues. If settling in is bumpy, we problem-solve together.
Supporting smooth transitions – from room changes to school readiness
As children grow, they move through different rooms at Child’s Play, from nursery through to kinder, and each transition is handled with care. With each transition, educators share detailed notes about every child’s interests, routines, and comfort items, and when possible, a familiar educator moves up with the group to help maintain that sense of familiarity.
When it comes time for kinder and the move toward school, we build independence step by step. ‘We have a sign-in table where the children practice writing their names,’ says Sam. ‘And we do lunchbox week so they can get used to opening containers, wrapping, and managing their food like they will at school.’
‘Sometimes we have children who are emotionally not quite ready, even at this stage. In those cases, we work closely with families, teachers, and even the preschool field officer to make sure we’re setting that child up for success, not stress.’
How to know if your child is settling in at childcare
Every child is different, yet these signs are helpful guideposts:
- They arrive at childcare more calmly and leave happily.
- Eating and sleeping patterns are stable.
- They talk about their day, show you their art, or mention a new friend or educator by name.
- They show excitement about going to childcare in the morning.
- Their emotions at drop-off and pick-up are easier to manage.
If things wobble, we adjust. ‘The first thing we do is talk to the family,’ Sam says. ‘We ask about what they enjoy doing at home and what their interests are.’
Sometimes a temporary return to a previous room, a different drop-off routine, or giving your child a small helper role at mealtimes is all it takes.
Ready to make settling easier?
Book a free tour at your nearest Child’s Play ELC. Meet your key educators, plan a gradual start, and see how our approach helps children feel safe, curious, and ready to learn. We’ll map out an orientation that fits your family and supports a smoother first term.
FAQs about settling in childcare
How long does settling in at childcare take?
Anything from a few days to several weeks. We plan check-ins at six and twelve weeks to review progress and adjust support.
Can I call to check in on my child?
Of course! You are always welcome to call. We also share updates on OWNA and at pickup.
What if my child cries at drop-off and struggles with settling in at childcare?
Tears can be part of healthy attachment. Keep the goodbye warm and brief, tell them when you will return, then allow educators to comfort and redirect with something they love.
Can we do extra orientations?
Absolutely. As a family-owned service, we take the time you and your child need. We want to help your child settle in properly, and we never want to rush the process.
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