Kindy is where your child's love of learning continues to grow.
A positive transition supports your child as they take their first big steps into kindy and helps lay the foundation for positive long-term educational experiences and social outcomes.
As your child adjusts to kindy, they'll encounter new routines and expectations, new ways of learning, new relationships with other children and adults, and new physical surroundings. This can all feel overwhelming at first, so your support and encouragement play an important role in helping your child feel secure, confident and ready to thrive in their new environment.
How to prepare your child for their first day
Before the first day
Getting to know the kindy community also plays a big part in helping your child feel safe, confident and welcome in their new environment. You can try the below:
- attend transition to kindy sessions, open days and advertised social events
- spend time with your child in the kindy program
- get to know your child's teacher and other kindy staff
- take time to talk to the educators and understand the routines your child will likely experience at kindy.
Before starting at kindy, talking with your child about kindy will help them feel more comfortable about the transition. Try speaking to them about:
- where they will be going—drive or walk past the service so they get familiar with the area and entry zone. Some services will offer a contact or trial day for you to consider
- when they will be going—explain they will stay there for a period of time until you pick them up
- what they will be doing—start integrating kindy activities into your daily conversations
- who they will meet—help them feel excited about making new friends.
Implementing daily routines can also help your child’s preparation, by getting them familiar with the day-to-day activities required. It's best to give them simple, 2-part directions to follow. Encourage them to do daily routine tasks such as:
- getting dressed (zipping, buttoning, putting on a hat, getting shoes on and off)
- putting on sunscreen
- opening and closing their lunch box and water bottle
- throwing away their rubbish
- not interrupting and, instead, excusing themselves
- playing and talking with others, sharing and taking turns
- packing up after play and other activities.
How to speak to your child about kindy
Talking positively about kindy in everyday conversations can help your child feel more comfortable about the transition. You could talk about:
- the location of the kindy: 'when we go to the shops today, we will drive past your kindy' or 'the kindy room is the next one along, do you remember seeing the kindy kids in the playground?'
- when your child will start kindy: 'next year, you will start kindy—let's put it on the calendar'
- who your child might know at kindy: 'did you know Sam, Kellie and Jake will be going to your kindy?'
- making friends at kindy: 'you can say, hello my name is...I'd like to play too'.
You can reassure your child and make them feel safe by:
- reminding them to ask the educators for help if they are worried or unsure what to do
- talk through some 'what will I do if?' situations with your child, for example 'what will I do if I can't find my bag?'
- practice easy ways of asking for help, e.g. 'can you help me with my shoes please?', 'I don't know where to play', 'I don't know where to put my hat'.
Speak to your child about the routines they will likely experience, for example:
- use the names of educators if known (especially if you are staying at your current centre)
- ask if your child thinks there will be group times for stories, songs and games
- ask your child what they think they will be able to do when outside
- ask your child what they are looking forward to the most about kindy.
Being prepared for the first day
Being prepared for the first day can help your child feel comfortable and confident for the big day. The items your child will need to bring can vary depending on the kindy or long day care service you choose. Ask your chosen service what they would like you to pack for your child each day.
Some common items include:
- fresh food in a lunchbox—nutritious snacks and lunch to keep your child fueled for the day
- drink bottle—to stay hydrated during play and learning
- spare clothes—for any accidents or messy play
- broad brimmed hat and shoes—for outdoor play and sun safety
- sleep sheet and pillow—if your child has a rest or nap time.
How to get there
Some kindies offer bus services for pick-up and drop-off. There are also public transport options available that can help you and your child get to kindy each week. If driving, it is best to familiarise yourself with the parking and drop-off process. Talk to your chosen service to find the best option for your family.
Post-first day
It's important to check in and help create positivity around your child’s kindy experience throughout their first few weeks. Asking questions to check in, speaking to them about what they are enjoying, and ensuring they feel comfortable creates a sense of importance around the move and lets them know you are supporting them through the transition.
After their first day, you might like to talk to them about:
- what they enjoyed doing most at kindy
- which new activities they experienced
- who they spoke to and the new friends they made
- how they are feeling after the day.
Sleep is also an important part of maintaining positive wellbeing during this transition. Children can often feel tired or overwhelmed as they adjust to new routines. Supporting healthy sleep helps them feel more confident, resilient and ready to enjoy kindy.
Here are some tips to support good sleep:
- keep a consistent bedtime and wake-up schedule
- include calming bedtime routines like reading or storytelling
- create a comfortable sleep environment with familiar items
- give them time to talk about their day, helping them process new experiences and unwind for bed
- watch for signs of fatigue and plan for earlier bedtimes if needed during their adjustment.
For more information on getting ready for kindy, speak to your service provider.
Download the
wonderful me kindy poster and complete with your child to support their move to kindy.
For further information access
making the big move to kindy or Prep—practical ideas to support your child with the move to kindy or Prep.
Be You, in collaboration with Early Childhood Australia and headspace, has developed a range of evidence-informed resources for families and educators including:
Together, let's make the big moves smaller.