What to Expect in Your Child's First Week of Childcare
Starting childcare is a big step for your child, and an even bigger one for you. Whether it's your first time or your third, a mix of excitement, nerves and tears is completely normal. Most parents tell us they spent more time worrying about the first week than their child did.
At Brady Bunch Early Learning Centre, we're a family-owned and operated business with nine centres across Queensland and Victoria. Over the years, we've guided plenty of families through this transition, and the most important thing we can tell you is that the first week of childcare is a settling-in period, not a test. Here's what it usually looks like.
Getting ready before the first day
A little preparation helps everyone feel calmer. If your centre offers an orientation visit, take it. Even an hour spent playing in the room with your child means the space, and the faces in it, won't feel completely new on day one. It's also a good chance to tell your child's educators what only a parent knows: how they like to fall asleep, what they do when they're upset, and the toy they can't leave behind.
At home, talk about childcare in a relaxed and positive way. Picture books about starting care are great for this, and so is simply chatting about the painting, songs and outdoor play waiting for them. When it comes to packing, bring a hat, a water bottle, a few changes of clothes (more than you think you'll need) and a small comfort item. Label everything, because small belongings have a way of wandering.
Day one: short and sweet
Many families start with shorter days, and we usually encourage it. A few hours gives your child time to take in the new sights and sounds without becoming overwhelmed. Don't be surprised if they spend much of that first day watching. Some children launch straight into the block corner, while others prefer to stay close to an educator and observe from the edges. Both are perfectly normal, and both show your child is working out that this is a safe place to be.
The goodbye
For most parents, drop-off is the hardest part of the whole week. The best advice we can give is to keep it warm, brief and confident. A hug, a kiss, and a wave at the window work well, especially if you do the same thing every morning. Children find comfort in predictability, and a familiar goodbye ritual tells them what to expect next.
It can be tempting to slip out while your child is distracted, but we'd gently discourage it. A clear goodbye, even with a few tears, teaches your child that you always come back. Sneaking away can leave them unsettled and watching the door. The tears usually pass quickly, too. Most children are happily engaged within minutes of a parent leaving, and if you're worried, our educators are always happy to send you an update during the day.
Why the tears happen (and why they're okay)
Some children cry at drop-off for days or even weeks. Others breeze through the first couple of mornings, then fall apart on day three or four when the novelty wears off and they realise this will keep happening. This is separation anxiety, and although it's hard to watch, it's a healthy sign that your child has a strong bond with you.
Our educators are experienced at comforting little ones through this stage. We lean on familiar routines, gentle distraction and plenty of cuddles, and we'll work with you to adjust the settling-in plan if your child needs more time.
What a day looks like
Even in the first week, your child will start to pick up the day's rhythm. The day includes indoor and outdoor play, songs and stories at group time, meals and snacks, and a rest period after lunch. In between, they'll get stuck into creative activities like painting, sensory play, and building.
Sleep is often the biggest adjustment. New sounds, new beds and a different routine can mean shorter naps at first, which is why some children come home a little frazzled.
What you might see at home
Expect a tired child. Everything is new in the first week, and new things are exhausting. You might notice earlier bedtimes, extra clinginess after pick-up, or big emotions saved up for the moment they see you. Appetite and sleep can wobble for a while, and a runny nose or two is common as your child meets a whole new set of germs. All of this usually settles within a couple of weeks.
If you can, keep afternoons and evenings calm that first week. Simple dinners, a quiet bath and an early night go a long way.
How long does settling in take?
There's no fixed timeline. Some children feel at home within days, while others take several weeks. What matters is that your child feels safe and supported, and grows a little more confident each day. If you have concerns, talk to your child's educators. We can extend shorter days, introduce a primary educator for your child to bond with, or tweak the routine to suit them.
Don't forget about you
This transition is big for parents, too. Plan something small for yourself after drop-off, even if it's just a coffee in the car. Children pick up on our emotions, so staying calm and positive at the door helps them more than you might think. And talk to other parents. Nearly everyone has stood in that doorway with a lump in their throat, and most are happy to share how it went for them.
Start your childcare journey with Brady Bunch
Your child's first week will have its share of tears and tiredness, but it will also have plenty of proud moments: a first friendship, a new song, a painting covered in handprints. We'd love to help your family get off to a great start.
Ready to get started? Book a tour at your nearest Brady Bunch centre, or contact our team to ask about vacancies, orientation visits, and how we support children as they settle in. With nine locations across Queensland and Victoria, there's a Brady Bunch centre near you.