Our Ignite family and team are here to support you and your child through the settling-in period. Supporting families and children for their child’s first day and weeks to follow at our early learning centres.
The experience of starting childcare can be highly emotional for you and your child. All children react differently to changes, here are a few ways to prepare your child for their first day at Ignite.
- Start With Shorter Visits
To ease the transition, we recommend shorter visits at the start and building up to a full day gradually. To help your child with settling in. Speak to the Ignite educators about the best way to help with your child’s transition. Ignite provide highly qualified educators who are experienced in transitioning children into childcare and would be more than happy to suggest options for your child and family. - Consistency Is Key
Consistency is the key to a big change in your child’s routine. It is important in creating a consistent routine in order to reduce any anxious feelings or uncertainty in your child. A simple way to be consistent is to have a regular routine in pick up and drop off times. Another way to be consistent is to maintain a bedtime and morning routine. - Packing A Bag
To help the child with self-help skills. Pack a bag the night before with your little one nearby so that they understand this ‘new’ norm; talk about what you are taking and why. It is always helpful to pack a familiar item to help with the transition. - Morning Routine At Home
A positive and consistent morning routine will assist your child to feel relaxed, prepared, and ready for their day. Establishing a predictable daily pattern of eating breakfast, brushing hair and cleaning teeth, assists young children to recognise that they are preparing to attend the centre. Speaking positively about what is new and exciting at the centre and this will be reassuring for your child through this transition time and beyond. - Saying Goodbye
When it is time to leave your child for the day, let them know you are going and when you will be back. It may be tempting to sneak out but by saying goodbye it can reduce the likelihood of anxious attachments and allows them to understand what is going on. One of the best ways to start the goodbye routine is to have a conversation about what their day may look like once you get to childcare. Give your child a hug and a kiss, say goodbye to your child’s educator and leave promptly. This makes it easier for your child to settle down with their educators. - Conversations
We recommend having regular talks with your child about your early childhood education and care service. Discuss with them who you may see there, what they may do and play with and always reassure them that when you leave, you (or who) will always come back later to pick them up. This will create a happy and positive outlook on their new space and allow them to feel safe, secure, and supported through this transition. We also promote an Open Door Policy, which allows you to spend some time with your child on the first day. However, please remember that we are only a phone call away and happy to assist at any time while your child is in our care.
Here’s what parents and
carers are saying
carers are saying
My children have been attending Ignite since the centre was opened. The educators and management have been very caring and involved in their job. The owner and the director are amazing and attend very promptly my all requests. The educators are very lovely and caring. I strongly recommend this childcare.
I would highly recommend families to enrol their children in this beautiful service. Ignite Early Learning Centre has a very warm and inviting environment for all families and children; the learning rooms are all filled with great resources and programs designed for the children’s developmental needs. I have been in the centre because I have friends who work there and I am very impressed with the pleasing and friendly educators working with the children and the management who are kind, down to earth and willing to help families at all times. It is also amazing to see the children’s daily activities and experiences which will help them grow as confident, responsible and caring children.
We have been going for almost a year now. Much much better than other centres such as the ones next door at bardia. Attitude to customer service, parents requests and concerns are the standouts. Staff are well trained and professional. Thry don’t whinge and have an attitude like many centres. Recommended by a parents who goes there as well. We recommend as well. Centre itself looks great, safe and tidy. The owner is the key. She is active in managing the centre.
Ignite ELC acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the first Australians and custodians of the land. We pay our respect to Elders past, present and emerging.