A Quick, Practical Guide for Deception Bay Families
The summer holidays are winding down, and it’s almost time to get back into the childcare routine. Whether your little one has been away for two weeks or the entire six-week Queensland summer break, transitioning back can feel challenging for both children and parents.
At Trio Early Learning Centre, we’ve helped countless Deception Bay families navigate this transition. Here’s your practical, no-fluff guide to making it smooth.
Understanding Why It’s Hard
After weeks of:
- Sleeping in and staying up late
- Spending all day with mum and dad
- Beach trips, pool days, and barbecues
- No structured routine
…getting back to early wake-ups and separation can be tough! This is completely normal. Even children who loved childcare before the break may resist going back.
Good news: Most children readjust within 2-4 weeks with consistent routines and support.
Your 2-Week Countdown Checklist
Two Weeks Before (Mid-January)
Start shifting sleep schedules
- Move bedtime earlier by 10-15 minutes every few nights
- Wake your child 10-15 minutes earlier each morning
- Aim to be on the childcare schedule by the first day back
Return to regular meal times
- Re-establish breakfast, lunch, and dinner at consistent times
- Reduce holiday treats gradually
- Start packing similar lunches to what they’ll have at childcare
Talk positively about childcare
- “Soon we’ll see Miss Emma and your friends again!”
- Look at photos from childcare on your phone
- Read books about starting school/childcare
One Week Before
Practice the full morning routine
- Wake at the right time
- Get dressed, eat breakfast, pack baa g
- See how long it actually takes (probably longer than you think!)
Check and prepare supplies
- Spare clothes (2-3 sets) – check they still fit after summer!
- Sun hat (broad-brimmed for Queensland sun)
- SPF 50+ sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Any medications with proper forms
Contact Trio Early Learning if needed
- Update emergency contacts
- Confirm start date
- Let us know about any changes (allergies, new fears, developmental leaps)
The Night Before
Prep everything
- Lay out tomorrow’s clothes
- Pack the bath completely
- Prepare breakfast items
- Set multiple alarms
Have a calm evening
- Regular bedtime routine
- No overstimulation
- Extra cuddles
- Brief, positive chat: “Tomorrow we go back to childcare. You’ll play, eat lunch, have rest time, then I’ll pick you up after afternoon tea.”
Manage your own emotions.
- Process any anxiety away from your child
- They can sense your feelings
- Project confidence even if you feel worried
The Perfect Drop-Off (7 Simple Steps)
1. Arrive Calm (2 minutes)
- Take a deep breath before getting out of the car
- Gather bags without rushing
- Walk in confidently
2. Brief Greeting (2-3 minutes)
- Say hello to educators
- Help the child unpack the bag
- Quick sunscreen application
3. Short Engagement (2-3 minutes MAX)
- “Let’s see what’s out today!”
- Point to an activity: “Look, the water play is ready!”
- Briefly engage, but don’t linger.
4. Goodbye Ritual (1 minute)
- Create a consistent ritual (same every day)
5. Tell Them You’re Leaving (30 seconds)
- NEVER sneak away
- “I’m going to work now”
- “Miss Emma will take care of you”
- “I’ll pick you up after afternoon tea”
6. Leave Promptly
- Even if they’re crying
- Trust the educators (we’re trained for this!)
- Prolonging makes it worse.
- Most children settle within 5-20 minutes.
7. Don’t Come Back
- We’ll call if there’s a problem
- You can phone to check in
- Returning reinforces that crying brings you back
What NOT to Do
Sneak away – Damages trust
Keep saying “one more minute” – Drags it out
Show your distress – Cry in the car, not in front of them
Negotiate – “If you’re good, we’ll get ice cream, creates problems
Compared to other children, “Everyone else is happy!” invalidates feelings
Managing Separation Anxiety
It’s Normal If They:
- Cry at drop-off but settle within 20 minutes
- Are a bit clingy or resistant in the morning
- Have some emotional moments in the evening
- Take 2-4 weeks to fully resettle
Talk to Us If:
- Crying persists for hours
- No improvement after 4-6 weeks
- Severe physical symptoms (vomiting, panic)
- Your gut says something’s wrong
How to Help:
Before Drop-Off:
- Practice short separations at home
- Play peek-a-boo and hide-and-seek (teaches you come back)
- Talk positively about childcare
After Pick-Up:
- Greet warmly but calmly
- Give 5 minutes to transition before leaving
- Have a snack ready (they’re hungry!)
- Expect some emotional release (they’ve held it together all day)
Throughout:
- Validate feelings: “I know you feel sad when I leave”
- Express confidence: “You’re going to have a great day”
- Stay consistent – same routine, same responses every day
- Trust the process – it gets easier!
Your Quick Daily Routines
Morning Routine (Sample for 7:00 am Drop-Off)
6:00 am – Wake up
6:05 am – Bathroom (toilet, wash, brush teeth)
6:10 am – Get dressed (clothes laid out the night before)
6:20 am – Breakfast
6:40 am – Sunscreen, hat, shoes, grab bag
6:45 am – Out the door
7:00 am – Arrive at Trio Early Learning
Queensland tip: Pack bags near the air conditioning overnight so sunscreen isn’t hot!
Evening Routine
Pick-Up – Arrive calmly, give 5 minutes transition time
Home – Change clothes, wash up, downtime
Quality Time – 30-60 minutes focused attention
Dinner – Family meal when possible
Prep Tomorrow – Pack bag, lay out clothes
Bedtime Routine – Bath, pyjamas, teeth, books, cuddles
Sleep – Age-appropriate bedtime (6:30-8:00 pm)
Queensland-Specific Tips
Beat the Heat
- Send a full water bottle daily
- Broad-brimmed sun hat
- SPF 50+ sunscreen
- Light, breathable clothing
- Early drop-off before peak heat, if possible
Storm Season Ready
- Pack spare clothes (in case of wet)
- Check weather forecasts
- Have a backup pick-up person
- Keep phone accessible
January Heat Hack
It’s hot! Consider:
- Cool breakfast options (yoghurt, fruit)
- Air-conditioned car travel
- Frozen water bottle in bag
- Change of clothes if sweaty
Every child adjusts at their own pace. For personalised support, contact Trio Lane Early Learning Centre. We’re here to help your family succeed!
