Hi heliana,

As a childcare worker, these are the things I would say would be best for you to do for the first day:

(It's excellent that you have pre prepared her by talking about it and going for visits! That will be a big step in helping her settle.)

- Take your time in getting there. Have time to spare and don't rush. Tyr not to have to take her when you need to work. You will be distracted, especially if it doesn't go smoothly and will have time limitations. Try to do it on a day off or take a days leave.
- Try not to carry her into the centre and get her to carry her own bag. I know it sounds like a horrible thing to do, but it makes it easier to transition from you to a carer or activity, avoids her being able to velcro herself to you if she's likely to do it. And gives her a sense of being responsible and 'a big girl'.
- Make sure you have everything you need, forms (filled out), documents blah blah...as well as her bag packed (get her to help with this), ensure comfort items are included! the night before, so that it's all done and ready to leave in the morning. Then you can have breaky together, talk about the day ahead...before you leave in the morning.
- Try not to go in when they are busiest. Maybe call in the morning and ask what time is best for them to give her lots of attention. I would suggest before 8 or after 9.30, though that depends on the centre. Find out who her primary carers are and hand her over to one of those people. I have had children attach themsleves to me on arrival, only to have to go through separating from me when the children are separated to their own rooms.
- Ensure the carer takes your child on a tour of the room. Toilets, where the drinking water is and where her bag is going is top on the list for her to know.
- Create a routine. Do the same thing every morning you go to preschool. Eat breaky, brush teeth, get dressed, do hair, out the door, sign in, put bag away, read a story, hand over to carer, say goodbye then LEAVE! No coming and going back and forth. Say you're going to work/to do chores/whatever you're going to do, you're coming back later or if someone else is picking her up (make sure she knows this!), kiss, cuddle then go. Don't stick around and don't let her see you again until you're going to pick her up to go home. Be consistent, try not to change it, not until she's really settled in. Call the carers if you need to find out how she is, they won't mind if they are a good centre, though ask when is a good time to chat.
Don't leave her too long on her first few days. Try for 3 hrs or so, then get longer and longer. Try to take her in when the routine things are going on like morning tea, grouptimes, lunch....
- *These things may NOT HAPPEN!!!!! But...* Be prepared for second day blues. Often the first day goes really smoothly and parents think it will be great the next time too, only to have them scream the house down cause the child knows that they will be staying there for the day. Also be prepared for her to be a bit clingy at home. It may NOT happen, but sometimes does. Just give her extra hugs and let her know you're always there for her.

Ok that'a all I can think of!! I hope it helps and I hope it all goes smoothly.