Preparing for Your Child's First Day at Day Care

Preparing for Your Child's First Day at Day Care
Patricia Solomon • January 6, 2019

Preparing for the First Day


Before Your Child's First Day

Review the Daily Schedule
Talk to your child about what a typical day at daycare will look like. Use clear, reassuring language to explain activities like playtime, meals, and nap time. The more your child knows what to expect, the more comfortable they’ll feel.


Ease Into the New Routine
Begin adjusting your child’s sleep and wake times a few days before daycare begins. This helps their body get used to the new rhythm and reduces stress on the first morning.


Take a Tour Together
Familiarity builds confidence. Bring your child to visit Nu Building Blocks ahead of time. Let them explore the classroom and meet the teachers. Encourage them to walk around freely at their own pace. Remember, we have an open-door policy—you’re always welcome to stop by.


Create a Positive Send-Off
Consider giving your child a small “first day” gift—like a new lunchbox, backpack, or special note. A thoughtful gesture can make the transition feel like an exciting new adventure.


On the First Day

Arrive a Little Early
Give yourself time to help your child settle in. Invite them to show you around the classroom, then offer a warm and confident goodbye. Keep goodbyes short and positive—this helps your child feel secure.


Send a Comfort Item

If needed, pack a familiar item from home, like a small toy or blanket, to provide comfort during the day.


At Pick-Up Time

Be On Time

Especially during the first week, punctuality matters. Knowing you’ll be there right on time gives your child a strong sense of security and trust in their new routine.

Children in safari hats at a table, crafting. Stickers, paper, glue, and colorful walls are in the classroom.

Back 2 School Week Recap at Nu Building Blocks

September 6, 2025
Back 2 School week at Nu Building Blocks was full of joy and learning. Enrollment is open—join us at our Open House Fair Block Party on Sept 13!
A baby's foot resting on a person's hand with black nail polish. On a fuzzy gray blanket.

Choosing the Right Infant Care: What to Look for in a Daycare

July 28, 2025
When it comes to choosing a daycare for your infant, there’s no decision more important—or more personal. From nurturing environments to strong safety measures, the right childcare center should offer more than supervision; it should support your baby’s development and give you peace of mind.
child reaching out lovingly to his father

Summer Learning Loss: How to Keep Kids Engaged Year-Round

July 1, 2025
Help your child avoid summer learning loss with practical tips to keep kids engaged, curious, and learning all year long. Discover fun activities for every age.
A woman with glasses guides a young boy stacking colorful wooden blocks at a table in a playroom setting.

12 Reasons for Play Based Learning

By Patricia Solomon • December 5, 2018
Professor Tina Bruce states, “play transforms children because it helps them to function beyond the here and now. They can become involved in more abstract thinking about the past, using the past, and into imagining the future, or alternative ways of doing things. It helps them to problem solve, and to experiment. It helps them to work out what they think and feel.” Bruce identifies 12 “Features of Play”: Children use first hand experiences from life; Children make up rules as they play in order to keep control. Children symbolically represent as they play, making and adapting play props. Children choose to play – they cannot be made to play. Children rehearse their future in their role play. Children sometimes play alone. Children pretend when they play. Children play with adults and other children cooperatively in pairs or groups. Children have a personal play agenda, which may or may not be shared. Children are deeply involved and difficult to distract from their deep learning as they wallow in their play and learning. Children try out their most recently acquired skills and competences, as if celebrating what they know. Children coordinate ideas and feelings and make sense of relationships with their families, friends and cultures.