Settling into care with Sustainable Play Preschool

We know that beginning care can often be a little daunting for both children and families alike. For some families, this may be the first time that you have been separated for an extended length of time.

At Sustainable Play Preschool, it’s our job to ensure the transition to care is as easy as possible.

We believe that preparation, and knowing what to expect in those first few weeks can help to make this process a smooth one for everyone. Our Educators will help to guide you through this process and provide a range of tips in relation to settling your child into care.

Below you will find a few things to begin to think about – and don’t forget, if you have a question, don’t be shy!

• Photo – A photo of your child with the special people in their life. We will display this in their room to help them to develop a sense of belonging to the Preschool.
• Sheets – A set of cot sheets if your child likes to sleep or rest at Preschool.
• Comfort Item – If your child likes a comfort item to feel safe, please bring it along.
• Clothing:
  • Clothes that are comfortable and 2-3 changes of spare clothes
  • Raincoat and boots for all-weather play
  • Sandals or closed-in shoes. Closed-in shoes are essential for Bush Kindy
  • Broad-brimmed, bucket or legionnaires style hat
  • A reusable wet bag for those times your child may require changing

• Bottles – If your child requires a bottle, please bring it along, empty. The preschool will provide milk for your child. If your child requires breast milk or formula, you will be required to bring this each day clearly labelled.
• Nappies – If your child uses nappies, please bring at least 6 nappies. Educators will endeavour to change every child every 2 hours or more if required.

Please ensure that you label all items in your child’s bag, including socks, underpants, and shoes so that we can return them easily if they get lost.

Arriving – When you first arrive, you will enter the Preschool using the door code provided. You will be greeted by our team and all team members will know that it’s your first day.

Sign in – It is vital that you sign your child into the Preschool on arrival. You can sign your child in via the OWNA app on your personal device, or on the Preschool tablet located outside the office.

Your bag – Place your bag in the locker cubby assigned to your child. This will be clearly labelled for you.

Bottles/milk/nappies – If you are providing empty bottles, formula or nappies for your child, please leave these within your bag. Our Educators will get them when required. If you are providing breastmilk for your child, please provide this to the kitchen. All these items must be clearly labelled with your child’s name.

Settling in – Families are encouraged to stay and participate in the morning’s activities for a period of time – especially in the first few days of care. Your child’s Primary Educator will support you in helping your little one to settle into care, engaging with them one-on-one to assist with the separation process. Always let our Educators know about your child’s night and morning so that they can make adjustments or provide any additional support that may be required.

Ready to leave – When you are ready to leave, it’s important that you do so without too much hesitation. Say ‘Goodbye’ to your child a let them know that you will be back – providing them with an approximate time if this is possible. Children will develop a sense of security if routines are consistent.

Communication – Don’t forget, that this is also a period of transition for families. We encourage you to call at any point to discuss your child’s progress and we’ll also be in contact with you throughout the day to provide updates to you.

Separation anxiety is normal. Just about every child will experience it when placed in the care of others. For parents, their child’s separation anxiety can be the most difficult part about going back to work.

Our educators are here to help. Our team of educators will concentrate on forming relationships with each child and making routines and transitions as smooth and consistent as possible.

Communication between families, children and Educators is critical in helping everyone adjust to this new arrangement.