We are excited to welcome your family to ours and that you have chosen Where We Grow to partner with you on your child’s learning journey. We want to make sure that your child’s transition to care is as smooth as possible. We offer families orientation sessions so you and your child feel more comfortable with our learning environment and education team.
Orientation Sessions
We invite all families to attend an orientation process before commencing at our centres, which is focused on the individual needs of each child and assists them to adjust into a new environment.
For some children it may be helpful to start the child with shorter periods of time in care, starting with half days for the first few days, than gradually increasing to a full day. We encourage parents/careers to bring their child, and stay with them at the centre before commencing their first day. Ongoing, open communication and feedback with our families, provides a support framework for new children settling in.
What to bring?
Each day your child will need the following:
- At least 2 full sets of clothes, including socks clearly labeled
- A jacket for the colder weather
- Comforters such as a dummy if necessary
- Bedding
- Hat
- Water bottle
Please label all items with your child’s name.
Other items for nursery aged children may be required; your Centre Manager will be able to provide you a list upon enrolment.
At our centre we provide nappies, wipes and sunscreen.
If you have any further questions, our friendly Centre Managers will be able to answer your questions.
First Day at Where We Grow
Your first day at Where We Grow is an important milestone for you and your child. Every child settles into care differently and it can take 6 weeks for children to settle and feel comfortable, it is a journey for everyone!
Drop off and pick up:
On the first day, try and arrive the normal time that you would be dropping off, this helps establish a consistent routine. Upon arrival, families will be assisted to sign in their child on the ipads in the foyer, find their child’s locker and accompany your child into the room. The room leader will settle the child by offering breakfast if it is early or introducing them to an experience in the room. It is important to always say goodbye to your child at drop-off and re-assure them that you will be back later in the day to pick them up. This helps them have a sense of security rather than quickly dropping them off.
Separation Anxiety:
Separation anxiety is when the child is distressed when their parent (or loved one) departs. Children’s adjustment into the childcare centre may vary. Some children take only a day or so to feel at home, whilst other children may take several weeks or months. Try not to worry if your child is not settling. It is a new experience for both of you and one, which must be handled consistently. Always feel free to phone or to talk the staff about your child’s day. Always say goodbye and tell them that you will be back in the afternoon to pick them up. Give them hug and kiss before departing. Our Educator’s will communicate via our parent app, where you will be able to receive updates and photos on how your child’s day is progressing.