Getting Started at Childcare | Child's Play ELC

What to expect when starting at Child’s Play

Childcare is a big new adventure, and we want you and your family to feel as comfortable and prepared as possible! As a family-owned childcare, we know there might be some first-day tears, but we’re here to support you and help you feel confident in every part of our service.

There are 4 main steps to getting started at Child’s Play:

A tour of your nearest centre

Enrolment

Orientation

First days in childcare

Touring your nearest Child’s Play centre

After submitting an enquiry form, you’ll receive an email with a link to book a tour at your selected Centre. Visiting in person means you’ll get to meet our educators, explore our facilities, and see children actively engaged in play-based learning.

During the tour, our educators will show you:

the beautiful indoor and outdoor learning spaces your child will use

a typical day, including healthy meals, rest times, and incursions

our play-based curriculum, inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach

our fees, subsidies, and availability

Tours are the best way to picture your little one settling into their day here. If Child’s Play feels like the right fit, we can walk you through the enrolment process.

Book a tour

Enrolment made easy

Our educators will take you through the enrolment process step by step. We’ll sit down together (or chat over the phone if that’s easier) and get to know your family a little better, including:

Your family

Things you and your child like to do together

Your child’s hobbies and interests

Relevant medical history or health needs

Who’s approved to pick up your child

Your child’s dietary requirements

We’ll send you clear information on how to apply for childcare subsidies and help you work out what you’re eligible for. From there, we’ll start planning your orientation sessions together.

Enrol today

Childcare orientations

Our play-based orientation sessions encourage your little one to interact with our educators and our indoor and outdoor facilities. These sessions are tailored to each family, so they’re held at a convenient time and generally last an hour. It’s a great opportunity for parents to ask questions and meet our room leaders.

For us, it’s a chance to get to know your family and ensure childcare feels like a second home for your little one. We generally recommend at least two sessions to help everyone settle in comfortably.

What to pack for day 1

Making sure you feel fully prepared for day 1 means you have more time to focus on your child and help them settle in. It’s a good idea to have a special bag that you and your little one picked out, especially for childcare.

When packing, be sure to include:

A change of clothes
A special toy to soothe them if they get upset
A coat and a beanie (in winter) or a legionnaire or summer hat (in summer)
A photograph of your family that can be kept at the centre
Any special bottles or feeding equipment your little one prefers