How to prepare for childcare

There’s so much to think about when your child is first enrolled in an early learning centre – what to pack, how to dress them and how the drop-off and pick-up runs will fit into your daily routine. We realise it can be a bit daunting, so our centre staff are there to help you and your child settle in to your Goodstart Early Learning centre.

How to enrol

Once you’ve worked out your options for care and taken a centre tour (or two!), you’ll be in a good position to pick the right centre for your child. Enrolling at a Goodstart Early Learning centre is easy, and we’ll help you every step of the way. Your Centre Director will give you an enrolment pack covering everything you need to know about the centre and your child’s routine. They’ll also provide you with a quote for your fees. If you haven’t already checked your eligibility for government subsidies, talk to Centrelink. You’ll find more information on subsidies in our FAQs section.

How to prepare

The best way to prepare your child for childcare is to get excited! It’s the start of an amazing period of growth and development for them. If you’re happy they’re more likely to be happy. PS. Don’t forget to label your child’s things and read all the information provided by your Centre Director.

What to expect on Day One

First days can be tough for both parents and children, so it’s natural to feel a bit anxious about this big change to the family routine.

Our centre staff are more than happy to explain the process of dropping off your child and saying goodbye. They may also stay in touch during Day One to let you know how things are going. At the end of each day you can talk to your Room Leader or read through their observations to get a feel for how well your child is adapting to the change.

Your centre will do everything to help your child to settle in quickly. Before you know it they’ll have made new friends and be running in without even a wave goodbye!

What to pack for childcare

Each centre has different requirements for what to pack, and your Centre Director will provide you with a detailed list upon your enrolment. Consider packing:

• A sunsafe hat which covers your child’s face, neck and ears
• Change of clothes (when involved with hands-on play-based learning, your child may get a little messy!)
• Bib or two
• Comfort item (if required), such as a toy or blanket
• Dummy in a sealed, named container (if required)
• Sleeping sheet set or blanket for nap time
• Bottles
• Expressed milk (if required)
• Nappies, wipes and cream (if your centre does not provide them)
• Water bottle with a lid or a sippy cup
• Any medications – please give these to centre staff to manage directly.

Find out more about choosing quality early learning and what to expect from a typical day at Goodstart.