Starting childcare is a big milestone for any family. It often brings a mix of excitement, uncertainty, and practical questions about how the first few weeks will unfold.
At Mount Peter Early Learning, we approach transitions with structure and clear communication. Families are not left to “see how it goes.” We follow a carefully designed childcare transition plan that supports children emotionally while providing parents with clarity and reassurance.
Below, we outline our process, explain what daycare orientation at our centre in Cairns looks like, and share practical starting childcare tips that reflect how we work every day.
The Orientation Process
A smooth start is built on preparation. We guide families through a clear, step-by-step process so that both children and parents know what to expect.
Step 1 – Stay-and-Play Sessions
Before a child begins regular attendance, we invite families to attend a stay-and-play session. This visit allows your child to explore their new environment with you present. They can move through the room, meet educators, and observe routines without pressure.
For parents, this is an opportunity to see how the day runs, ask practical questions, and understand how educators respond to children in real time. It also allows us to begin building a relationship with your child before their first independent day with us.
If you are considering care, you can book a tour through our website.
Step 2 – Gradual Start with Shortened Days
When possible, we recommend gradually increasing attendance. Shortened days allow children to build confidence and form relationships without becoming overwhelmed.
A child may begin with a few hours, then extend to half days before transitioning to full days. This supports emotional regulation and gives educators time to understand each child’s routines, preferences, and cues.
This approach is part of our broader Mount Peter ELC enrollment process, in which we tailor the transition plan to each family’s needs.
Step 3. Encouraging a Comfort Item
We encourage families to send a familiar comfort item, such as a small blanket or soft toy. Transitional objects provide continuity between home and care, helping during rest time or moments of uncertainty. To help our educators keep these special items safe, please ensure all personal belongings are clearly labelled with your child’s name. This simple step is an effective part of settling into childcare and makes the early days more manageable.
Building Trust Through Connection
We know that the first few weeks of early learning come with a mix of excitement and big emotions for both children and parents. At Mount Peter ELC, we believe clear communication is the best remedy for those first-day jitters.
It’s completely natural to crave frequent updates as your child settles in. To bridge the gap between home and the classroom, our educators provide mid-morning check-ins via our parent communication app on your child’s first independent day. This might include a photo of them exploring a new activity or a quick note on how they settled after drop-off. Our goal is to ensure you feel connected to their day throughout the morning.
Because every family is unique, we adapt to your needs. This might mean a digital update or a quick, reassuring phone call. For our team, communication isn’t just a phase. It is an ongoing partnership that supports your child’s growth from their very first day through to our Kindergarten program.
Health & Safety Protocols
Trust is built on consistent systems. Families need to know that health and safety protocols are clear, documented, and followed.
For children with medical needs or allergies, our transition process includes a formal review of the Medical Action Plan before the first day. Educators are briefed on triggers, response steps, and documentation requirements in advance.
This preparation ensures the learning environment remains inclusive and safe. Documentation is updated regularly, and communication with families is ongoing.
Our management team oversees compliance with the National Quality Framework, ensuring policies are not only written but implemented in practice. You can learn more about our approach on our About Us page.
Supporting Families Through the First Weeks
The first weeks are about building trust. Children are learning new routines. Parents are learning how the day flows without them present. Educators are building relationships and observing how best to support each child.
Our role is to provide consistency, clear communication, and calm environments so children feel secure. Our reading nooks, rest areas, and learning spaces are designed to feel welcoming and predictable, supporting emotional safety as children adjust.
We understand that starting childcare is not only a developmental milestone. It is an emotional one. Our responsibility is to ensure that every family feels supported from the first inquiry through to confident daily attendance.
We would love to welcome you to book a tour of our wonderful centre.
Written by the Mount Peter Educational Leadership Team
Our management team brings decades of combined experience in Queensland early childhood education. We specialise in family enrollment and early childhood transitions, ensuring every child’s entry into our Mount Peter community is handled with professional care and emotional support
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