You may spend more time thinking about the first day than your toddler does. For you, there’s the bag to pack, the goodbye to prepare for and the worry about whether they’ll feel comfortable. For your child, there’s a new grown-up, interesting toys and a place they haven’t quite figured out yet.
A little preparation makes the morning easier. Here’s a practical guide for Newmarket and East Gwillimbury parents, including what to bring, what to tell the caregiver and what to expect when you pick up your child.
A week before: make the new place feel familiar
Start with a visit, if one can be arranged. Let your child see the play space, meet the person who will be caring for them and spend a little time exploring with you nearby. Seeing where toys, outdoor activities and rest happen can make the first morning feel less unfamiliar.
Talk about daycare in short, ordinary sentences. You might say, “We will go to Diana’s house, you’ll play and have lunch, and I’ll come back after your day.” A toddler doesn’t need a speech about why you’re going back to work.
If a new schedule means waking earlier, begin nudging the morning, lunch and nap routine a few days ahead. Ontario’s childcare preparation guidance recommends familiarization visits and practising the daily routine.
What to pack for daycare
A bag packed the night before means one less decision when everyone is trying to get out the door. At Diana Daycare, a healthy lunch and two snacks are provided, so parents ordinarily don’t need to pack meals. Tell Diana about allergies, dietary needs or other arrangements before the first day.
- Two changes of clothes: comfortable items that can handle paint, outdoor play and spills.
- Weather-appropriate clothing: boots, mittens and a snowsuit in winter; a sun hat and suitable outdoor clothing in summer.
- Comfort item: a small blanket or soft toy, if permitted and helpful for your child.
- Rest-time supplies: check with Diana whether a blanket or small pillow is suitable.
- Diapers and care supplies: diapers, wipes and any agreed supplies if needed.
- Labels: add your child’s name to clothing and personal items.
Think of this as a starting checklist, not a universal required-supplies policy. Diana will confirm what to bring for your child’s needs during enrollment.
What Diana needs to know about your child
Some of the most helpful details won’t fit on an intake form. Does your child ask for water in a particular way? Need a few minutes to wake after a nap? Have a word they use when they’re upset or need the toilet?
Share any allergies and health information clearly, including the family’s written allergy plan where applicable. Diana’s allergy-aware kitchen update explains the importance of discussing food needs in advance. If your child needs medication or other special care, discuss those arrangements directly before attendance.
Tell Diana which comfort routines work at home. Small details can help a familiar caregiver respond to an unfamiliar situation.
The morning of the first day
Give yourself a little extra time. Dress your child in comfortable clothes, offer breakfast as usual and keep the drop-off simple. A predictable goodbye may be a hug, a sentence about when you’ll return and a warm handoff.
It’s possible your child will cry. It’s also possible they’ll head for the toys and barely look back. Neither reaction is a verdict on how the rest of the day will go.
Try not to slip away without saying goodbye, even if it seems easier in the moment. If you expect separation tears, our article on helping your child settle into home daycare offers practical drop-off ideas.
What actually happens during the day
There isn’t a single “perfect” first-day experience. One toddler may join a painting activity straight away, while another prefers watching from the edge. A child may need a familiar toy, a quiet moment or an invitation to play.
Diana’s routine includes stories, creative play, indoor and outdoor activities as weather allows, a healthy lunch, two snacks and rest. The exact order can vary with the children and the day. You can see the usual rhythm on the daily daycare schedule.
With a small group of no more than five children and one regular caregiver, Diana has opportunities to notice how each child is responding without expecting everyone to adjust in the same way.
At pickup: ask about the small moments
You’ll be speaking with the person who spent the day with your child. Ask a few practical questions: Did they eat? Were they able to rest? What seemed to interest them? Was there a difficult moment that tomorrow’s routine could help with?
Children may be tired, clingy or unusually emotional when you get home. A first day can be a lot to take in. A quiet evening with familiar routines may be more helpful than a busy celebration.
Don’t judge daycare by day one
A first day is a starting point, not a final test. Watch for gradual familiarity with the caregiver, favourite toys, the daily rhythm and other children. Some children show confidence quickly; others take longer and may have harder days after illness or time away.
If a gradual introduction or shorter first day would help, ask Diana whether it fits the current schedule. It should be a discussion, not an assumed service. The Ontario government suggests discussing a transition plan with your childcare provider when possible.
Common questions from parents
Do I need to pack lunch?
Normally, no. Diana provides a healthy lunch and two snacks. Discuss food allergies and any special arrangements before the first day.
What should my child wear?
Comfortable, washable clothes and layers appropriate for the weather. Label everything and pack spare outfits.
Can I contact Diana during the day?
Yes, but remember that her priority is caring for the children. A message is often more practical than a call, and she may reply between activities rather than immediately. Urgent matters should be clearly identified.
Can we begin with shorter days?
Ask Diana directly. Any settling-in arrangement depends on the child’s needs and the daycare’s available schedule. Part-time attendance is generally considered for at least three days per week when spaces permit.
What if my child cries at drop-off?
A calm, predictable goodbye helps many children. Keep communicating with Diana about what works, and seek your child’s healthcare provider’s advice if distress persists or significantly affects their well-being.
Diana Daycare is an independent, unlicensed home childcare program in Newmarket for children generally starting at 18 months. Ask about a visit, or check the current spaces and rates for updated information.
This child care program is not licensed by the Government of Ontario.