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What to Expect on Your Child's First Day of Daycare
How to prepare your child and yourself for the first day of daycare, what drop-off can look like, and how the first weeks usually go.
The first day of daycare is a big step for your child and for you, and it is normal for both of you to feel it. A little preparation makes it easier. The tips below come from pediatric and early childhood organizations, and each one links to its source.
Before the first day
ZERO TO THREE recommends a few simple things to do in the weeks before school starts:
- Visit together. Tour the school with your child and play on the playground a few times before the first day.
- Read books about starting school and talk about how the characters feel.
- Play pretend. Take turns being the parent, the child and the teacher, and act out saying goodbye, hanging up a coat, singing songs, story time and nap time.
- Practice small skills as a game, like putting on shoes, zipping a coat or opening a lunch box.
- Start the school bedtime about two weeks before the first day.
A tour is the easiest way to begin. Book a tour at Bufi to see the classrooms and meet the teachers before the first day.
What to bring
Ask your child's teacher what to bring for their age group, since infants, toddlers and Pre-K children need different things. A comfort item can help: the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests a favorite stuffed animal for babies, and ZERO TO THREE suggests leaving something familiar with the caregiver, such as a family photo or a worn shirt that smells like you.
Drop-off, step by step
- Keep a short goodbye ritual. For example, give a kiss on the palm for your child to "hold" all day. A consistent ritual makes the moment predictable.
- Keep your tone positive and upbeat. Children pick up on how the adults they trust react.
- Always say goodbye. Sneaking out is tempting, but it can make a child worry that you might disappear at any time.
- Then leave. For babies, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests saying goodbye and quietly leaving. For toddlers, be understanding but firm, and avoid coming back unless you plan to stay, because returning can undermine their trust.
- Tell older toddlers when you will be back in terms they understand, such as when you finish work or your errands. See the AAP's tips on making drop-off easier.
The first few weeks
Separation anxiety is a normal stage. ZERO TO THREE explains that it can begin around 7 to 9 months, when babies realize that when you leave, you have gone somewhere they cannot follow. It does not last forever: with your help, your child learns that you come back every time.
- Keep the routine the same each day. Consistency helps babies settle.
- Be patient. Each time you leave and come back, your child learns that you return.
- Stay in touch with the teacher about how the day went and what helps.
Questions to ask your child's teacher
- How will you keep me updated during the day?
- What happens if my child has a hard time at drop-off?
- What does a typical day look like for meals, naps and play?
- How can I help my child settle in at home?
Visit Bufi
Bufi Preschool in Doral is open Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM, for children from 3 months to 5 years. Book a tour to see the school and ask your questions in person, or read about our programs.