Preparing Your Child for Childcare: What to Bring and Expect.

Starting childcare is a major milestone for your child, and for you. Whether you're enrolling for the first time or switching centres, knowing exactly what to prepare makes all the difference. In this blog post, we'll walk you through the documents you need, what to pack each day, and practical tips to help your little one settle in happily.

What Documents Are Required to Enrol?

Before your child's first day, you'll need to complete a few key steps to get enrolment sorted. Here's what you'll need to provide:

1. Online Enrolment Form: Complete the centre's online enrolment form with your child's routines, needs, and preferences so educators can hit the ground running.

2. Birth Certificate: A copy of your child's birth certificate is required to confirm their identity and age.

3. Immunisation History Statement: Download your child's up-to-date immunisation statement from Medicare. This is a legal requirement for childcare enrolment in Australia.

4. Child Care Subsidy (CCS) Application: Apply for CCS through your Centrelink online account. You'll need your Customer Reference Number (CRN) and your child's CRN to activate payments.

5. Complying Written Agreement (CWA): Sign and return the CWA included in your enrolment confirmation email. This is a legal agreement outlining your booking arrangement.


What Should My Child Bring to Childcare?

• A sheet set for nap time
• Spare clothing including underwear and socks
• Sun-safe hat that covers the face, neck, and ears
• Formula and bottles if applicable
• Dummy in a sealed container if used
• Comforter or cuddly toy
• Medications handed directly to our educators


First Day Checklist.

Use this checklist the night before to make sure you're ready for a smooth morning:
• All documents submitted and CCS confirmed in Centrelink
• Bag packed with all daily essentials (& labelled!)
• Comforter or special toy included
• Any medications handed to educators with instructions
• Orientation visits completed (Active Kids Group offers up to three orientation sessions!)
• You’ve planned a calm, consistent drop-off goodbye routine

Handling Separation Anxiety: Tips for Parents

It’s completely normal for children and parents to feel anxious at drop-off. Here are some tried-and-tested ways to make the transition easier:

1. Visit before the day: Active Kids Group offers up to three orientation sessions before enrolment begins. These relaxed visits let your child explore the rooms, meet educators, enjoy a snack or activity, and build confidence at their own pace. Familiarity makes a huge difference.

2. Keep goodbyes short and positive: A warm, confident goodbye signals to your child that everything is okay. Showing distress can amplify their anxiety, positivity from you makes all the difference.

3. Bring a comfort item: A favourite toy or small blanket from home can provide a sense of calm and security throughout the day.

4. Communicate with educators: share your child's preferences, fears, routines in detail through the enrolment form and during orientation. The more your educators know, the better they can comfort and engage your child.

5. Give it time: Most children settle within a few weeks. If separation anxiety persists, speak to your child's educators - they're experienced in supporting families through the transition.


Ready to Get Started?

Get in touch with our friendly Family Relations Team at Active Kids Group, we're here every step of the way.

Call us on (02) 8362 3000 or email enrolments@activekidsgroup.com.au for help with you enrolment.