Preparing for Childcare Success 2026
Complete preparation guide for starting childcare. Before enrollment, what to buy, and setting up for a smooth transition.
Preparation makes the childcare transition smoother. This complete guide helps you get ready for a successful start.
Before Enrollment
Administrative Tasks
Complete:
- All paperwork
- Health forms
- Emergency contacts
- Payment setup
- Contract signing
Health Requirements
Arrange:
- Physical exam
- Immunization records
- Allergy documentation
- Medical forms
- Doctor clearances
Communication
Establish:
- Contact information
- Communication preferences
- App setup if used
- Emergency procedures
- First day details
What to Buy
Daily Supplies
Essential items:
- Daycare bag
- Extra clothes
- Diapers if needed
- Wipes
- Blanket for nap
Labeling Supplies
Get:
- Name labels
- Fabric markers
- Waterproof labels
- Label maker
- Organization system
Comfort Items
If allowed:
- Lovey or comfort item
- Family photos
- Transition objects
- Sleep aids
- Security items
Preparing Supplies
Clothing
Prepare:
- Easy-on clothing
- Weather-appropriate
- Multiple changes
- Labeled items
- Not precious clothes
Bottles and Feeding
If applicable:
- Labeled bottles
- Formula or breastmilk
- Feeding instructions
- Storage containers
- Feeding supplies
Sleep Items
For nap time:
- Crib sheets if needed
- Blanket
- Sleep sack
- Comfort items
- Per program requirements
Emotional Preparation
For Your Child
Help prepare:
- Talk about daycare
- Read books about it
- Visit beforehand
- Practice separation
- Keep positive
For Yourself
Prepare emotionally:
- Acknowledge feelings
- Connect with others
- Plan for adjustment
- Arrange support
- Be gentle with yourself
For Siblings
If applicable:
- Explain changes
- Address feelings
- Prepare for different schedules
- Individual attention
- Adjust routines
Home Adjustments
Schedule Changes
Before starting:
- Adjust wake times
- Practice morning routine
- Align sleep schedule
- Meal timing changes
- Transition gradually
Morning Routine
Establish:
- Early enough wake time
- Efficient getting ready
- Breakfast plan
- Organized departure
- Buffer time
Evening Routine
Plan for:
- Post-pickup time
- Simple dinners
- Early bedtime
- Connection time
- Recovery
Information to Share
About Your Child
Tell program:
- Temperament
- Preferences
- Fears or concerns
- Comfort strategies
- What works
Health Information
Share:
- Allergies
- Medical needs
- Medications
- Health history
- Emergency information
Routines
Communicate:
- Sleep patterns
- Feeding schedule
- Comfort needs
- Special routines
- What soothes
First Day Preparation
Night Before
Prepare:
- Pack everything
- Lay out clothes
- Early bedtime
- Your own rest
- Calm evening
Morning Of
Plan for:
- Extra time
- Simple breakfast
- Calm atmosphere
- Positive energy
- No rushing
What to Bring
First day items:
- All supplies
- Paperwork if needed
- Comfort items
- Extra everything
- Positive attitude
Setting Expectations
Realistic Timeline
Understand:
- Adjustment takes time
- Weeks not days
- Progress isn't linear
- Every child different
- Patience needed
What to Expect
Normal experiences:
- Some tears
- Adjustment behaviors
- Tired children
- Emotional parents
- Gradual settling
Success Indicators
Look for:
- Decreasing upset over time
- Engagement increases
- Comfort grows
- Relationships form
- Routine establishes
Building Relationships
With Teachers
Start well by:
- Introducing yourself
- Sharing about child
- Being friendly
- Showing appreciation
- Partnership mindset
With Program
Establish:
- Good communication
- Understanding of policies
- Appropriate expectations
- Professional relationship
- Trust building
Backup Plans
Sick Days
Prepare:
- Backup care options
- Work flexibility
- Family support
- Emergency contacts
- Plans ready
Schedule Changes
Have plans for:
- Late pickups
- Early closures
- Unexpected needs
- Holiday coverage
- Emergencies
Key Takeaways
Administrative prep:
- Complete all paperwork
- Health requirements met
- Contact info current
- Payment arranged
- Communication set up
Supply preparation:
- All items purchased
- Everything labeled
- Bags packed
- Extras ready
- Organized system
Emotional preparation:
- Child prepared
- You prepared
- Support arranged
- Expectations realistic
- Patience ready
Home adjustments:
- Schedule aligned
- Routine established
- Morning plan ready
- Evening plan set
- Transitions considered
Relationships:
- Partnership mindset
- Information shared
- Communication open
- Trust building
- Positive start
Good preparation sets the foundation for a successful childcare experience for your whole family.
Related guides you may find helpful:
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Written by
ChildCarePath Team
Our team is dedicated to helping families find quality child care options through well-researched guides and resources.
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