Starting at Everlearn

Your child's first day

A big step for your whole family. Here's how we make the move into preschool gentle, warm and reassuring — for your child and for you.

It's completely normal to feel a flutter of nerves — for both of you.

This is a big step, and it's natural for parents and children alike to find parting hard, especially the first few times. Every child settles differently: some join straight in, others need a little longer. Whatever stage your child is at, we're here to make their transition as smooth as we can.

You're not starting from scratch

We already know a little about your child

Many of our team will have met you both on your tour or orientation morning, and we've read everything you shared during enrolment. So we already have a good picture of your child's individual needs — and we're genuinely excited to welcome them into our community.

The first-day journey

Three gentle stages, together

From the days leading up, to the morning itself, to the afternoon cuddle — here's what to expect at each step.

Before the big day

Paperwork, subsidies, an orientation visit and a packed bag — small steps that make the morning calm.

The first day

A warm welcome at the pool gate, a goodbye routine that works, and educators ready to take great care.

After pick-up

Storypark moments to share, belongings to gather, and plenty to chat about on the way home.

Get set

Before the big day

Finish your paperwork and enrolment. Most families are eligible for up to 95% in subsidised fees, so complete your Child Care Subsidy application with Centrelink before you start. Read more here.
Be positive about starting. If you're apprehensive about leaving your child, they'll sense it — children tend to pick up on our feelings and magnify them.
Visit us beforehand. We always encourage an orientation in your child's group before they start — speak to the office about options.
Set up your sign-in PINs and Storypark account on an early visit, so it's one less thing to think about on the first morning.
Tell us about your child — their habits, the things they like, their routines and the language(s) spoken at home. Share it on the enrolment form or through Storypark.
Pack the bag the night before (see what to pack below) so the morning isn't a rush.

Up to 95% of your fees may be covered by the Child Care Subsidy. Lodging your Centrelink application early means it's sorted before day one. Start your CCS application →

The night before

What to pack

Everything labelled, nothing that needs heating. Packing their own lunch is part of our School Readiness Programme.

×1

Preschool bag

One bag to carry it all.

×3 or more

Spare underpants

More if your child is toilet training.

Summer + winter

Spare clothes

A full change for sudden weather turns.

×1

Drink bottle

For water — we also provide cups.

Nut-free

Lunch

Easy to open and eat unaided. Mostly healthy, treats only sometimes. No food that needs heating.

If needed

Medications & creams

Hand to the office. Complete the Medical Admin Form online first.

Everything

Clearly labelled

So educators can return items. Each campus has a Lost Property tub — check it regularly.

Provided

Legionnaires hat

A named hat is provided at enrolment and stays at preschool, so it's never lost.

Dress for mess and movement

Please dress your child in comfortable, sun-safe clothing that's easy to remove for toileting and good for running, climbing, painting and playing in sand and water. Messy play is an essential part of early learning and we encourage it — so leave the 'Sunday best' at home.

Sun-safe before you arrive

Please apply SPF30+ broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen to your child each morning before drop-off. Forgotten it? There's a sunscreen station in the foyer. A named legionnaires hat is provided at enrolment and lives at preschool, so it's never left behind.

The morning itself

Your first day

This is an exciting day for your family and for us. Your child will make new friends, delight in new experiences and start to know the place we hope becomes a second home. As you arrive, our friendly team will greet you and take your child from the foyer pool gate into the centre, where they'll meet their key educators. Do allow some extra time.

The pool gate goodbye

Over the years we've found this is the kindest way to help children settle: you say your warm goodbye at the foyer pool gate, and one of our team walks your child in. It creates a clear, gentle boundary — this is their space, and this is where you part. Always let a team member know you're leaving.

A few things that help

Don't leave home in a rush — allow time to speak with the educators.
Bring something comforting from home, like a favourite soft toy or a security blanket.
Have a special goodbye signal — a blown kiss, a hug, a high five. Find what works and stick to it.
Always say goodbye. Children feel insecure if a parent seems to simply 'disappear' — a clear farewell builds trust.
Then leave quickly and smoothly once you've said goodbye.
Follow along on Storypark through the day, and call us anytime — it can be reassuring for you too.
If parting is hard, tell us. Separation anxiety is entirely normal; let a team member know and we'll comfort your child so you can go. There's lovely guidance on the Raising Children Network.

Once you've left, please don't sit and worry — call us anytime to check in. And if we ever feel your child isn't coping with their day, we'll ring you.

At the end of the day

After pick-up

Look back over Storypark together. Children often love seeing the photos, and it's a lovely way to talk about their day.
Read any written notes from the day — nappy changes, sleep charts and the like.
Chat with our team about the activities your child enjoyed and the new friends they made.
Gather all their belongings, especially comfort items, and check their family pocket.
Give a big afternoon cuddle. Tell them you missed them and you love them — and encourage a wave goodbye to their educators.