A parent’s guide to drop-offs and pick-ups

Children love their parents best, so first separations can be tough. Keeping goodbyes consistent and quick at childcare drop off time can help smooth the transition.

Remember when you could just grab your bag and dash out the front door? Mornings sure become more complicated once you have children to get ready too! At Edge Early Learning, we want to share how to make daycare drop off easier, so your children can settle in quickly and you can be on your way. By working together, we can all have a great start to the day.

Prepare your child with a chat

Please tell your child about Edge Early Learning before their first day. It’s helpful for children to have an idea of what to expect and to be reassured that you absolutely will pick them up at the end of the day. That will make childcare drop off easier for everyone. There’s a fantastic book called The Invisible String, by Patrice Karst, that is great to read with children before starting daycare. It talks about an invisible string made of love that binds children and their parents together even when they’re physically apart.

Letting children know that going to Edge is a positive experience, will help children feel safe and secure at childcare drop off time. Talk to your child about the type of enjoyable activities they may take part in, such as playing in the sandpit, making friends, building with blocks or painting. It’s helpful for them to understand the structure of their day, so they know they’ll have lunch and a nap and then play a bit more before you pick them up. You may like to book a tour so your child can become familiar with the centre. Please let them know when they will be going to daycare, so it’s not a surprise. Helping to pack their daycare bag with a hat and jumper the night before can be a simple cue that helps prepare them for childcare drop off and pick up.

Establish a routine

A consistent routine is a great way to make daycare drop off easier. If you don’t already have a morning routine, it is worth establishing one before starting daycare. Children love to have a visual checklist they can tick off or pop a sticker on once they’ve completed it. It can be as simple as:

• Eat breakfast
• Brush teeth
• Get dressed
• Do hair
• Put shoes on
• Pack bag
• Childcare drop-off

You may find it helpful to practice the routine in advance by dropping them at a family member or friend’s house for a short visit.

Implement positive goodbye strategies 

Keep goodbyes short and cheerful to help the childcare drop off run smoothly. Lingering prolongs any angst and makes it harder to settle children. Work out a special “see you later” ritual, such as a hug, kiss, high-five or first bump.

Bring a familiar comfort to childcare

If your child finds the morning childcare drop off challenging, they may find comfort bringing along a blanket or toy from home.

Consistent pick-up times

Predictable childcare pick up and drop off times help children feel secure and trust that their parents will return. If you are going to pick-up later than usual, please let us know so we can provide reassurance to your child.

Talk to childcare staff

Please ask questions and seek feedback so we can improve childcare drop off and pick up times. Your child’s carers may have specific tips for how to make daycare drop off easier. Likewise, it’s helpful for you to share information about your child’s particular needs, preferences and routines.

Managing emotions for parents and children

It is completely normal for children – and parents(!) – to feel anxious about being separated. Take care of yourself too. You may find it supportive to talk to other parents or to try mindfulness and relaxation techniques. Above all, know that children usually settle quickly once they know their parents have gone for the day. They are in safe hands at Edge and have a great time playing with the other children and growing their bodies and minds.

Edge supports families

Our dedicated Educators are experienced in supporting families through transitions. If you need help with how to make daycare drop off easier, please ask.