Visit before you decide
Start by visiting the centre you are considering. Our Austral, Rossmore and Thirlmere pages show where to find us. A tour gives you time to meet the team, explore the rooms and ask how a day might look for your child.
Bring questions about the things that matter most to your family. You might ask how sleep and rest are supported, how educators respond when a child is upset, what communication you will receive and how children move between activities. Our child safety page is a useful starting point for questions about wellbeing and safe care.
Help us get to know your child
You know the small details that can make a big difference. Tell the educators about your child’s interests, familiar words, home languages, routines and what helps when they need comfort. A favourite song or the way they like to approach a new activity can be a useful connection.
Discuss allergies, health information and additional support needs with the Director before starting. Ask what documentation, plans or permissions the centre needs. Let the team know who is authorised to collect your child and keep emergency contact information up to date.
Useful things to share
- How your child communicates that they are tired, hungry or need help.
- Sleep, rest and meal routines that matter at home.
- People, cultures, languages and interests important to your family.
- What has helped with other changes or unfamiliar places.
Plan your first days together
Ask your chosen centre about its orientation and settling-in arrangements. Visiting together can give your child a chance to become familiar with the space and educators while you are nearby. Talk with the team about what is practical for your family and your child’s needs.
At home, describe childcare in simple, reassuring terms. You can talk about hanging up a bag, playing, eating and coming home again. Keep promises concrete and realistic. A short, familiar goodbye routine can be easier for a child to recognise than a different approach each morning.
Complete the centre’s enrolment steps and check your fees and CCS arrangements. An interest registration does not confirm a start date, so make sure your place and agreed days have been confirmed.
What should I pack?
Your centre will confirm its packing list for your child’s age and room. Meals and snacks, nappies, wipes and sunscreen are supplied at our centres, so ask about any individual exceptions or additional items you need.
- Labelled spare clothes suitable for the day’s weather and play.
- A labelled water bottle and sun hat, as advised by the centre.
- Any approved comfort or rest item discussed with educators.
- Items needed for your child’s individual routine, agreed with the team.
Check bottle, milk, medication and storage arrangements directly with the centre where relevant. Naming belongings helps the team return them to the right family.
Settling in is a conversation
Some children explore quickly; others need more time with a familiar adult close by. An unsettled goodbye does not tell the whole story of a day. Speak with the educators about how your child settles after you leave, what they enjoy and when they need more support.
Agree on a goodbye routine with the team and say when you will return in a way your child understands. If you are worried after drop-off, ask the centre how best to check in. At collection, allow some quiet time to reconnect before asking lots of questions.
Little Learners shares everyday moments and learning through conversations and daily OWNA updates. Tell us what you notice at home too. If settling remains difficult, arrange a conversation with the Director so you can plan the next steps together.
Common questions
How long does settling in take?
There is no single timetable that suits every child. Talk with your educators about your child’s responses, routines and support needs, and review the approach together.
Can I visit with my child before starting?
Ask your selected centre about orientation and the visits it can arrange. A centre tour is also a chance to meet the team before deciding on care.
What if my child needs extra support?
Speak with the Director before starting so you can discuss your child’s strengths, needs, relevant information and planning. Continue sharing what helps your child at home.
