The first day

Practical Tips

A smooth start at Day Care or Pre-School

Starting Day Care or Pre-School for the first time is a big step. Everything is new: unfamiliar voices, new faces, and different surroundings. At Basker International Childcare, formerly Zein International Childcare, we make sure this beginning feels calm, secure, and familiar. Step by step, we introduce your child to the rhythm of the group. We do this together, with you as a parent, your child, and our team of well-qualified pedagogic practitioners. With these tips, you can feel confident and well-prepared for your child’s first day.

For the youngest children

At Basker International Day Care, we create a safe environment where your baby can gradually start discovering the world around them. Your child receives dedicated attention and care from our pedagogic professionals. Whether indoors in one of the play corners or outside enjoying the fresh air.

These tips will help you prepare for a smooth start dat Basker International Childcare:

Talk about what will happen

Even when your child is very young, it helps to explain what to expect. Babies notice far more than you might think and are sensitive to change. Tell your child where they will be going and who will pick them up. Walk through the first day together and talk about what will happen. It also helps to be open about how you feel.

Practice beforehand

It’s very helpful to practise the new daily routine before officially starting Day Care. Try doing this about a week in advance: getting dressed, having breakfast, changing a nappy… There are quite a few steps before you can leave the house. Knowing how long each one takes will help you plan what time to get up and create a calmer morning routine. Don’t forget to factor in travel time to Day Care and to work.

Give your child time to adjust

Your child will be entering a new environment with different children and unfamiliar adults. This can take some getting used to, especially if your child is very comfortable with grandparents or close friends. Don’t worry, our pedagogic professionals are experienced and know exactly how to help your child feel safe and secure in no time.

For the older children

When children are a little older, they discover that there is something exciting to experience everywhere. New toys to explore. New friends to make. It can feel a bit thrilling and that’s part of the fun. These practical tips will help prepare your child for this new adventure.

Talk about what will happen

What does the Day Care or Pre-School environment look like? And what can your child do there? Children like hearing that they will have the chance to make new friends. They may feel a little nervous - and that’s perfectly normal. Talk about starting Day Care together and make room for reactions, emotions and questions.

Involve your child in the preparations

Choose the first-day outfit together. Pack the bag as a team, with everything they’ll need. Their favourite cuddly toy, a spare set of clothes and other essentials. This helps your child feel involved and confident before the first day arrives.

Create a mini countdown calendar

Decorate a fun calendar and mark the first day your child will go to Day Care or Pre-School. Hang it somewhere visible at home. Each evening before bedtime, cross off a day together. Your child can see that the big day is getting closer. Talk about what your child is excited about and what still feels a little new or uncertain.

Visit the environment together

Take a walk past the Day Care or Pre-School and take a peek inside. You might even hear children laughing. Turn it into a fun outing and explore the environment together. What do you notice? Which colours and toys stand out?

Can’t visit in person? Take a look at the location page our website together. Go through the photos and information. This can be especially helpful if your family is still living abroad.

Children and teacher are playing with sand

All feelings are okay

Sometimes your child may feel cheerful and curious. Other times a little nervous. All feelings are okay. Talking helps and laughing or crying together is always allowed.

We’re in this together

Parents have plenty on their minds already. At Basker International Childcare, we like to make things a little easier for you. Nappies, food and drinks? All taken care of. Need an extra day of childcare occasionally? Just let us know and we'll check availability. We’re here to support you and help make your mornings run more smoothly.

There's so much to look forward to

Curious about the exciting adventures that await your child at Day Care or Pre-School?