Preparing for Childcare Success 2026

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.

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What every centre asks you to bring

Whatever else changes between programmes, the supply list barely does. These four turn up on nearly every one.

Best Nap Mat

Makemake Organics Organic Cotton Nap Mat

~$98

GOTS-certified with a removable, machine-washable cover, which is what decides whether a mat survives a year of daily use.

Check price on Amazon

Best Backpack

Skip Hop Sparks Kid's Backpack

$31

Sized for a preschooler rather than a school-age child, so it actually fits a classroom cubby.

Check price on Amazon

Best Lunch Box

Yumbox Original Leakproof Bento Lunch Box

$34

Leakproof compartments a small child can open unaided, which is the whole test for a daycare lunch.

Check price on Amazon

Best Labels

Name Bubbles Custom Name Labels (95 Labels)

~$43

Ninety-five waterproof labels in six sizes. Every centre requires everything named, and this covers a full year.

Check price on Amazon