Settling and Starting Childcare

Starting at a new childcare centre can be a stressful time for parents and children, especially after extended one on one time during lockdowns.

An unfamiliar environment and new faces can take time for children and whanau to adjust to.

This is especially true for children who have never been cared for by people outside their immediate family and home environment. This is why Equippers Kids encourages a well-planned settling programme for all new children, no matter how old they are.

What is settling?

Settling is an opportunity for children to experience the new environment with their parent  (or other whanau member) at their side. We encourage at least three visits where you stay close by and participate in play and learning. Having you with them will make your child feel more confident and inclined to explore. These first visits should last at least one hour, but no more than two. It’s great if your child doesn’t want to leave! That way you can tell them that you’ll be coming back, and they will look forward to it.

After these first few visits, we ask you to say goodbye to your child and leave them with us for at least an hour. We like to do these solo visits a few times before their first official start date. We will book times so that your child can experience free play, mat time, meal time and also rest time.

As children settle and become familiar with the centre they will form relationships with other children and teachers. They will recognise the spaces and faces.

Settling also gives parents and whanau an opportunity to see how Equippers Kids works. You will understand how the various times of the day flow and get to know your child’s teachers. This is important as you need to feel comfortable asking questions and feeling confident about your child’s new carers.

If settling is done well, your child will feel safe and confident in their new environment.

Remember that all children are different, some might need more settling visits, some might need less. Even confident children who have already been in childcare love to have their parent with them in the new environment for a few visits.

The goal of settling is for your child to look forward to coming to school each day, knowing that it is a safe and fun place to be.