The first month in childcare can bring a range of big feelings for both children and parents. While some children settle in quickly, others need more time, and both are completely normal. At Enrich, we guide families through this adjustment with our EQM approach (Emotional Intelligence + Montessori), helping everyone feel safe and supported.

To explain the emotional side of starting childcare, we often share the “five stages of settling in,” adapted to the childcare experience. Just as adults experience stages of adjustment when starting a new job or moving to a new place, children often move through similar emotional stages when starting child care.

The five stages of settling into child care

• Honeymoon – excitement and curiosity: Many children are excited to play with new toys and friends. Yet, for some, this stage lasts until a parent leaves. When the goodbye comes, separation anxiety might hit. Every child’s pace is different, and that’s okay.
• Anxiety – the wobble after the novelty: As the novelty wears off, separation anxiety or overwhelm may appear, especially during morning goodbyes. Our educators respond with emotion coaching: validating feelings (“It’s okay to miss Mum, she always comes back”) and gently guiding children into play.
• Adjustment – comfort through routines and connection: Soon, your child bonds with an educator they trust. This “safe haven” provides them with the security to explore and participate. Consistent educators are key to building that attachment.
• Adaptation – active participation: Your child begins to join daily routines more confidently, such as clapping along to songs they sing during group time, or exploring activities with enthusiasm. These moments show they’re gaining confidence.
• Integration – feeling at home: Friendships form, confidence grows, and your child begins to thrive in their new environment. This is the stage where childcare starts to feel like a second home.

Families often ask how they can tell if their child is settling in. While every child is different, some signs include: 

• Smiles or calmness at drop-off or pick-up.
• Sharing new skills at home (e.g., songs, independence, fine motor activities).
• You might notice your child concentrating deeply during play: stacking blocks, matching objects, or practising new movements. That focus on new activities or movement is a sign they have settled in.
• Talking about new friends, what toys they’ve played with, or educators they like. 

Another sign that your child is settling in is the emergence of new skills and milestones

One mother shared that her 8-month-old found the first drop-off difficult. Like many parents, she spent the day wondering how her child was coping. At pick-up, however, she noticed something remarkable: her baby was sitting up independently. The educators explained they had spent the day gently encouraging this new skill. Mum was delighted. Within days, her baby became more comfortable in the environment, and drop-offs gradually became easier.

Your child’s first day in childcare is a special milestone for your whole family. At Enrich Early Education, we go above and beyond to make this transition as smooth, supported, and memorable as possible. Here’s what you can expect when you arrive, along with how we support both you and your child throughout the day.

A warm welcome from our team

When you walk through our doors, our educators greet you with warmth and care. You’ll meet your child’s room leader and educators, who will walk you through the day’s schedule. This first connection helps build trust and eases nerves for both parent and child. We also ensure that an educator remains close, offers comfort and reassurance, and follows your child’s cues throughout the day.

Settling in: Child-led at their own pace

Every child settles in at their own pace. Some run straight to the playground while others prefer to stay close to a parent or educator for comfort. At Enrich, we acknowledge and validate their feelings, whether it’s excitement, hesitation, or sadness, so they know it’s okay to feel however they feel. 

Our Montessori-inspired environment fosters independence while offering the reassurance young children need. We prepare the classroom and playground so children can explore shelves or trays of carefully chosen, hands-on materials that spark curiosity and joy. Giving children a choice in which activity they would like to start their day with helps them feel in control and eases first-day nerves.

Our educators are partners in helping your child feel safe, settled, and supported. When you arrive, we encourage you to share details about your child’s routines, interests, and favourite songs or activities. This helps our educators create a familiar and comforting experience by include these activities into the day. Everything we do is focused on making your child’s first day as positive and reassuring as possible.

Group time is where our day gently anchors. It begins with our Acknowledgment to Country, grounding ourselves in gratitude and respect. Followed by a chat about our identity photos. This strengthens the children’s sense of self and belonging. Each group time, we sing emotion focused songs to work on their phonics. These comforting rhythms help the children feel safe and seen.

We listened to a story called “The Bear and the Picnic Lunch”. It sparked a conversation about kindness and sharing food with friends, which helps children build empathy and social skills. Today’s intentional learning focus was on grace and courtesy. During the activity, we practices serving ourselves and our friends a drink by using a tray. An activity focused on not only practical life skills but also kindness, respect and motor skills. 

Group time is not about sitting still. It’s about coming together, sharing ideas, and building a sense of ‘we’. Montessori group time adds a splash of togetherness to a child-led day.

Happy Feet Dance Class

Our day finished with laughter and movement during Happy Feet Dance Class. Through music, dance, and storytelling, the children explored ‘road safety’ concepts. Recognising pedestrian crossings, waiting for signals, and practising how to cross safely.

Every child received their on steering wheel to pretend drive a car! As the children ‘drove around’, they learned about how traffic lights work. These playful lessons are designed to help children build essential life skills in a way that truly sticks.

Happy Feet Dance Class is a much-loved part of our Activity Program and is included as a complimentary experience for all enrolled children. It offers a beautiful opportunity for children to express themselves, build confidence, and learn through the joy of dance.

Book a tour

We’d love to welcome your family for a personal tour so you can see our enriching activities for yourself. Book your tour today to secure your child’s spot.