Sending your firstborn off to daycare can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re confused by all the rules, regulations, procedures, and things to pack. And although there is no “right” or “wrong” way to start daycare, you’ll feel better sending your child away from home for the first time if you’re prepared.
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of our top things to know about how daycare works. Learn which questions to ask, what you should communicate with your daycare provider, how your child should dress, and much more!
What Questions Should You Ask in Advance?
If you’re looking for general information or have questions about day-to-day policies, save yourself time (and stress) by going right to the source: your daycare provider! Ask things like:
- What happens if I am late for pickup? Some daycare centers are flexible with lateness, while others impose fines.
- Are parents allowed to visit during the day? If you’re a parent who likes dropping in, some daycares have strict rules prohibiting this, so make sure you know their policy.
- What is your policy on illness? It’s important to know, especially during cold and flu season, how long you’ll need to keep your child at home during an illness.
- What should I pack? You’ll want a list of what to pack for your child. This ensures they have all the items necessary for the child care center to look after them.
Remember, there is no such thing as a silly question when it involves your child! Your daycare should be happy to help you in any way they can. At Cornerstone Academy, we love to help our families by answering questions!
What Should You Let Your Daycare Know?
Special Routines
If your child is known for having to go potty at certain times of the day, likes to have a snack before lunchtime, or is prone to needing quiet time, these are all great things to inform your daycare center of. This will help the staff better accommodate your little one, as they’ll be able to anticipate their needs in advance as opposed to learning them over time. It makes the transition for your child quicker and easier!
Allergies or Medical Conditions
When you send your child to daycare with specific medications, it may be beneficial to talk to the staff about the exact medication process (like if a pill or inhaler needs to be taken at a certain time). If your child is allergic to something, let the daycare know what their reaction may be and what needs to happen in case of a severe reaction.
As a general rule of thumb, if your child has any sort of medical condition that requires special attention, the staff should know.
Emergency Contacts
Although this will most likely be something the daycare already requires, it’s always important to double-check that the daycare staff has accurate emergency contacts for your child. As a general rule of thumb, you want to provide as many contacts as you’re able (for both your peace of mind and for extra security).
Your Expectations
You should always make an effort to communicate your expectations to daycare staff, even if you feel like you’re overstepping. New parents in particular may feel insecure about stating what they’d like for their child, but remember, you know your child best. Explain to the staff how you’d like your child to be treated and cared for in order to avoid confusion, miscommunication, or mistakes.
Communication is key at Cornerstone Academy, and something our team values. Please do not ever feel like you cannot approach our teachers with comments or suggestions. You can contact us anytime about any concerns you may have—in fact, we encourage it!
Your Child’s Interests
Letting daycare staff know what your child does or doesn’t like isn’t oversharing—it’s actually very helpful for the teachers! That way, they can ensure your child doesn’t get put into situations they’re uncomfortable in, or they can encourage your child to participate in things they’ll know they’ll enjoy.
How to Prepare For Their First Day
There is never a clear-cut routine for how your child’s day at daycare will go, but there are plenty of things daycare staff want parents to know to help make their child’s transition smoother.
Make Goodbyes Brief
When it comes time to leave your child at daycare, remember to make it brief and impactful. Lingering with your kiddo at drop-off will only elongate the process and make your departure even harder. There may be tears, and that’s okay! Whether they come from you, your child, or both, it’s a normal way to express emotions about big changes.
Re-think Their School Outfits
Kids will get dirty! Your child will be running, playing, and learning in a new environment with new things to touch, feel, and get themselves messy with. When picking out their first day of daycare clothes, try to avoid dressing your kiddo in their best outfit (you’ll be bummed when they come home with it ruined).
- We recommend your child wear:
- Closed-toe shoes
- Soft, stretchy fabrics (like cotton)
- Layers, in case they get warm or cold
- Elastic waistbands, not zippers (for easy bathroom trips)
Remember That Accidents Happen
If your kiddo comes home from daycare with bumps, bruises, or cuts, don’t be alarmed. Although we do our absolute best to avoid any injuries or accidents, children are a force of nature when it comes to playing and interacting at daycare, and it will sometimes result in accidents.
When something does occur, we try to be as detailed as possible when filling out reports so you can know exactly what happened and if any additional steps are going to be needed to avoid the same accident in the future.
Pack Them a Lunch They’ll Enjoy
Make an effort to pack foods your child will actually eat! While it’s natural to want your child to eat their fruits and vegetables, packing them foods they don’t like will only encourage them to go hungry. (And on their first day, an empty stomach won’t help nerves.) Try to stick to the four main food groups:
- Protein: Peanut butter, meat, cheese, beans, yogurt
- Fruit: Apples, bananas, blueberries, clementines, grapes
- Vegetable: Carrot sticks, celery, broccoli, cucumber, bell pepper
- Grains: Crackers, whole grain bread, tortillas, rice, pasta
And don’t feel like you can’t pack your child a small treat, like a cookie or mini muffin. It’s a perfect way to remind them that you are thinking about them and love them during their day.
Looking for More Daycare Information? Contact Cornerstone Today
For many parents, daycare can be a drastic change that will take some time to get used to. However, being prepared can help you set realistic expectations, answer questions, and feel more secure. If you have any more questions or concerns regarding daycare, feel free to fill out our form or give us a call at 262-552-5368.
