What do I need to bring to daycare?
Did I Pack Everything? Do I Need To Pack Everything?
First Day At Daycare Essentials List
Bedding?: We have lots of cots and mats for the children. Parents are asked to provide a crib sheet, blanket or sleep sack if their child uses them at home, and any stuffies/soothers that they keep close during bedtime. This will help ease the transition from home to daycare sleep, as well as a comforting item from home helps them feel safe like home.
Potty Training/Diapering?: Parents are asked to bring diapers, wipes, and any diaper creams that they regularly use. We have room to store sleeves of diapers if you wish to bring a large amount, or you can bring a few each week depending on the days your child comes. We will send home a note when diapers/wipes are low so you will know when to send more. Please send any diaper cream or vaseline that you normally use on your child. The same goes for any body/face lotion, please let the teacher know it is in the bag and when you would like it to be applied (there will be a form provided).
If your child is potty training, we do have a potty seat and a floor potty that is optional for the children to use. Please be advised to send extra pants and underwear as accidents do happen, especially in a new place so let’s make the transition from home to school seamless. You are welcome to also send any wipes, creams, whatever their child is typically using at home.
Medications?: We are not permitted to administer any over the counter medication to your child, so please keep baby Tylenol, Advil, Motrin etc. out of their bag as it can easily end up in tiny hands. This is unfortunately something that will have to be administered at home or at the end of the day, medication of any kind will not be administered unless there is a doctor’s note provided with exact dosing, original packaging, and the child’s name on the bottle.
Pacifier?: If your child uses a pacifier, please be sure there is always at least one spare somewhere else in the daycare, besides the child’s bag. This can be a challenge at naptime, or for the comfort of the child, especially during teething time.
Labels?: YES. Please label everything you send to daycare as all girls items are often similar colors, as well as boys items. It is easy for everyone to have a navy blue zip up jacket, or something similar to another child. It is the parent’s responsibility to label each item. Mabel’s Labels work great, and are durable during the wash.
Seasonal items?: Keep your winter/summer items in the cubbies provided. This way, you are able to ensure they are here instead of taking them home and bringing them back. It is easy to forget and parents are busy! Keeping them in the cubby means your child is prepared for any day outside, and can participate comfortably. Items that are helpful - hats, gloves, sunscreen, muddy buddies, snow pants/jackets, sunglasses, etc. These are all optional but for parents to decide what their child will need to be comfortable in all weather.
Extra clothes?: Daycare is messy! We move quickly and we often play outside for extended periods of time. I want the children to be comfortable to be messy in their space, to play openly in puddles, to walk along the forest, and to get their hands in the paint. Please be sure to replenish the clothing when you take it home, and check the children’s cubby often to see what is low or sized out for your child. Extras include onesies, shirts, pants, socks, underwear, sweaters.
Eating?: We have plenty of plates, bowls, cups, spoons, forks, and knives for the children! This is something we will work on using daily and show the children what each is used for. Parents are asked to simply provide an AM snack, Lunch, a PM snack, and a water bottle. The quantity is based on the child as well as the parent understanding the amount the child normally eats. If we notice during the day the child is often saying they are feeling hungry, we will ask parents to provide a few more snacks or keep extras at daycare, but we trust the parents will know their child and provide an adequate day’s amount of food, as well as healthy choices for their growing child. Also, fruits and vegetables, as well as lunches, should arrive ready to eat. This means cut (grapes especially!). I am able to heat up lunches that require warming but will not be preparing any of the meals. All food will be stored in the fridge.
NOTE: We are a NUT-FREE facility. This means NO NUTS can come in. Sometimes children’s snacks do say “May Contain..”, as a precautionary measure, let’s avoid these items so everyone is safe at school.
Other items to avoid: Juice boxes, chocolate, candies, popcorn (for children under 3).
Milk?: Formula or milk can be sent to daycare, as well as the bottles. Please send the right amount of bottles that you would like the child to have that day, as well as the milk. If this is a formula, it can be the container or pre-measured amounts for each bottle. This is entirely up to the parents how they wish to pack it, as well as when the amounts change/milk types.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask me! I’m here to make this as smooth for your child as possible, as well as you.
Warm Regards,
Natasha
