7 Signs Your Child is Ready for Childcare: A Parent's Guide

Is your child ready for childcare? Look for these 7 key signs to help you decide:

1. Self-Care Skills: Can they wash hands, eat on their own, or dress with minimal help?
2. Social Interest: Do they enjoy playing with others, share toys, or show curiosity about other children?
3. Emotional Control: How well do they handle feelings, resolve small conflicts, or calm themselves?
4. Communication: Can they express needs, follow simple instructions, or use gestures effectively?
5. Routine Adaptability: Are they comfortable with daily schedules, transitions, and familiar patterns?
6. Time Away from Parents: Do they adapt well to short separations or enjoy time with other trusted adults?
7. Physical Skills: Are they steady on their feet, able to climb, or participate in active play safely?

Quick Tips to Prepare:

• Practise independence with simple tasks like washing hands or dressing.
• Arrange playdates to build social confidence.
• Introduce consistent daily routines for structure.
• Gradually increase time apart to ease separation anxiety.

Every child develops at their own pace, so these signs may appear at different times. If your child is showing progress in some areas but not others, that's perfectly normal. Childcare can also support their growth in these skills.

Starting Childcare Top Tips

1. Self-Care Skills

A child's ability to handle basic self-care tasks shows they’re ready for childcare. It also helps them build independence, responsibility, and confidence [1].

Everyday Tasks They Can Practise

Here’s a breakdown of age-appropriate self-care skills:

For Toddlers (12–18 months):

• Washing hands with some help
• Drinking from an open cup
• Taking off their shoes
• Assisting with dressing
• Using a hairbrush with guidance

For Older Toddlers (18 months–2 years):

• Taking off simple clothing items
• Helping put away toys or belongings
• Using a napkin during meals
• Wiping small spills
• Throwing rubbish in the bin

"Learning to get dressed, brushing teeth and other simple self-care tasks help children develop a sense of autonomy and responsibility." – Ariadne Brill, Coach [1]

Why Self-Care Matters in Childcare

Self-care skills can make the transition to childcare smoother. When children master tasks like dressing or feeding themselves, they feel more confident and find it easier to engage with others. Breaking tasks into smaller steps gives them a sense of accomplishment while helping them adapt to group settings. For example:

Task	How It Helps at Childcare
Hand washing	Encourages good hygiene and routine
Independent feeding	Makes group mealtimes more inclusive
Managing belongings	Teaches organisation and responsibility
Basic dressing	Eases transitions for outdoor activities

Let your child practise these skills at their own pace, without pressure. Then, watch how they interact during play to gauge their social readiness.

2. Playing with Others

Social interaction is an important sign of whether your child is ready for childcare. Observing how your child interacts with others can give you a good idea of their preparedness for a group setting.

Signs of Social Skills

As tamariki (children) grow, their play habits change. By around 30 months, they often start showing interest in the activities of other children. This is a strong indicator that they're ready for more social engagement [2].

Here are some key milestones to watch for:

Early Social Signs:

• Shows curiosity about other children
• Plays independently but stays close to others (parallel play)
• Imitates what nearby children are doing
• Shares toys with reminders
• Maintains eye contact during interactions

Advanced Social Signs:

• Joins in associative play with peers
• Takes turns without becoming overly upset
• Displays basic empathy when someone is sad
• Communicates needs using words or gestures
• Shows interest in group activities

These skills form the building blocks for participating in structured group settings.

Group Activities at Childcare

Childcare provides excellent opportunities for social growth through both planned activities and free play. Different types of play contribute to social development in unique ways:

Play Type	What It Looks Like	How It Helps
Parallel Play	Painting side by side at easels	Builds comfort around peers
Associative Play	Riding trikes together without a plan	Develops basic interaction skills
Cooperative Play	Working as a team to build block towers	Encourages collaboration and sharing

To help your child grow socially at home, try these tips:

• Model positive behaviours like sharing and using kind words.
• Set up regular playdates to build confidence in social settings.
• Use role-playing games to practise different social situations.
• Promote turn-taking during family or group activities.

Children develop at their own pace, but if your child shows no interest in interactive play by age 2½, it might be worth discussing with your Plunket nurse or GP [2].

For playdates, using a timer to signal turns can help ease waiting periods and gradually build longer interaction times [3].

3. Managing Feelings

Handling emotions is an important step in preparing tamariki for childcare. When children can manage their feelings, they’re better equipped to navigate the challenges and joys of being in a group environment.

Signs of Emotional Control

Children show emotional readiness in many ways, often through behaviours that reflect their growing ability to self-regulate. Here are some key behaviours to look out for:

Basic Emotional Skills:

• Sharing their feelings through words or gestures
• Recognising and responding to others’ emotions
• Trying to resolve small conflicts on their own
• Asking adults for help when needed
• Using techniques to calm themselves

One clear sign of emotional maturity is when your child pauses before reacting to strong emotions. For instance, they might calmly ask to share a toy instead of grabbing it [4].

Emotions in Group Settings

Emotional skills are especially important in group environments. Childcare provides opportunities to develop these skills further. Dr Pamela Cole, a psychologist at Penn State University, explains: "Emotion regulation calls on so many skills, including attention, planning, cognitive development, and language development" [5].

Helping Your Child Grow Emotionally

Your child may be ready for childcare if they can:

• Express feelings in a positive way
• Step away from stressful situations to calm down
• Negotiate and compromise with peers
• Pay attention to others' emotional cues
• Bounce back quickly after being upset

To encourage these skills, you can:

• Expand Their Emotional Vocabulary: Talk about feelings regularly. For example, ask, “Are you feeling nervous about tomorrow?”
• Teach Calming Techniques: Show them how to count to 10 or take deep breaths, which can be helpful in group settings.
• Practice Through Role-Play: Act out common childcare scenarios to help them prepare and learn how to respond [6].

"Strong, warm and supportive relationships with adults enable children to learn understanding of their own feelings and those of others. Support children to manage their emotions, develop a positive sense of self, set themselves simple goals, have confidence in their abilities, and to persist and wait for what they want, directing attention as necessary." [6]

Every child develops at their own pace. Some might be managing their emotions independently by age three, while others may need a bit more time and guidance. Emotional control, along with self-care and social skills, plays a big role in getting your child ready for childcare.

4. Getting the Message Across

Clear communication is a key sign that your tamariki is ready for childcare. Along with self-care and social skills, being able to express themselves helps children navigate and thrive in childcare settings.

How Children Communicate

Children show they’re ready to communicate through various actions, such as:

• Using simple words or phrases to express needs
• Responding when their name is called
• Following basic instructions
• Asking simple questions
• Making eye contact during interactions
• Using gestures to show what they want
• Reacting to facial expressions
• Showing understanding through their actions

"Communication is a collaborative process through which two or more individuals connect and share meaning around thoughts, ideas and feelings" [8].

These early communication skills form the basis for further growth in structured childcare environments.

You can support your child’s communication development by:

• Expanding Their Words: If your child says "milk", you can respond with, "Would you like some milk in your cup?"
• Practicing Active Listening: Make eye contact and show you’re paying attention when they speak.
• Encouraging Self-expression: Give them time to respond and share their thoughts without rushing.

Communication Growth at Childcare

Childcare settings help children build on their communication skills through daily interactions. Activities such as:

• Group storytimes
• Singing songs and rhymes
• Playing and interacting with peers
• Structured tasks that involve listening
• Conversations during meals

"Children are far more likely to share their ideas and feelings if they know they won't be judged, teased, or criticised" [7].

Signs Your Child Is Ready

Communication Skill	What to Look For
Basic Expression	Can express basic needs like hunger or thirst.
Understanding	Follows and responds to simple instructions.
Social Communication	Shows interest in engaging with others.
Non-verbal Skills	Uses gestures and facial expressions effectively.

Every child develops communication skills at their own pace. Some might start talking early, while others take a bit longer. The main thing is that they can communicate their needs and follow basic instructions in a way that works for them.

5. Following Daily Schedules

Being able to stick to a daily schedule is a good sign your tamariki is ready for childcare. Routines help prepare them for the structured environment of an early learning centre.

Signs They Can Follow Schedules

Here are some signs your child may be ready to follow a daily schedule:

• They understand and follow basic morning and bedtime routines.
• They transition between activities with gentle reminders.
• They recognise daily patterns like mealtimes and naptimes.
• They respond well to "5-minute warnings" before changes.
• They follow familiar routines with growing independence.
• They participate in group transitions.
• They follow multi-step instructions.
• They handle small schedule changes without distress.

Helping Your Child Get Used to Routines

You can encourage your child to follow routines with these practical strategies:

Routine Strategy	How It Helps
Visual Schedule Charts	Uses pictures to make daily activities easier to understand.
Consistent Wake/Sleep Times	Regulates your child's internal clock, making the day more predictable.
Regular Mealtimes	Provides reliable anchor points throughout the day.
Structured Activity Blocks	Familiarises your child with organised time periods, similar to childcare.

These strategies not only make life easier at home but also reflect the routines your child will experience in childcare.

The Role of Schedules in Childcare

Childcare centres often follow a balanced routine of structured activities and free play, offering predictability and comfort. Understanding these routines can help your tamariki feel more prepared and secure.

Dr. Natalie Escalante highlights why routine-building is so important: "Learning how to organise your day and make a routine when you are young sets you up for success later in life" [9].

"Consistent routines, activities that happen at about the same time and in about the same way each day, provide comfort and a sense of safety to young children." - ZERO TO THREE [10]

6. Time Away from Parents

Feeling comfortable being apart from their whānau (extended family) is a good sign your tamariki is ready for childcare. Just like routines help prepare kids for structured days, being OK with short separations is a step toward independence.

Signs Your Child May Be Ready

Look out for these behaviours that show your child is becoming more independent:

• Can spend a few hours at a friend's house without issue
• Feels at ease with trusted relatives or caregivers
• Shows interest in activities outside the home
• Adapts well to meeting new people and being in new places
• Can calm themselves when upset
• Looks forward to spending time with others

These behaviours help make saying goodbye at childcare a smoother experience.

"The challenge of parenting lies in finding the balance between nurturing, protecting, and guiding your child, and allowing her to explore, experiment, and become an independent, unique person" [11].

Making Goodbyes Easier

If your child shows these signs of readiness, try these strategies to make separations more positive:

Strategy	How It Helps	Practical Example
Create a Goodbye Ritual	Adds predictability	A quick high-five and a hug before you leave
Use Comfort Objects	Helps with self-soothing	Let them take a favourite toy or blanket
Practice Short Separations	Builds confidence gradually	Start with short visits to grandparents (30 minutes)
Keep Promises	Builds trust	Always return when you say you will

Here are a few more tips to ease farewells:

1. Talk About the Day Ahead
   Explain what their day at childcare will look like and when you'll return. Use specific events they understand, like saying, "I'll pick you up after afternoon tea."

2. Work with Teachers
   Collaborate with your child's kaiako to make the transition smoother. Share details about their routines, likes, and dislikes.

3. Stay Positive Yet Honest
   Keep a cheerful tone but acknowledge their feelings.

"Remember to validate the children's feelings. Let them know that you understand how they feel and that it's okay for them to be sad. Reassure them that they are safe and their parents will return for them" [13].

Separation anxiety is common in tamariki aged 6 months to 3 years [12]. Calm, quick goodbyes and a reassuring attitude can help them see that being apart is normal and safe.

7. Physical Skills

Physical skills play a key role in preparing children for childcare. They help tamariki engage safely in daily activities and boost their confidence through active play.

Basic Movement Skills

Physical abilities are just as important as self-care, social, and emotional skills when it comes to adapting to childcare routines.

Skill Type	Examples	Why It Matters
Locomotor Skills	Walking steadily, running safely, jumping	Supports group and outdoor play
Strength	Climbing low steps, carrying light toys, standing independently	Helps with daily tasks and playground exploration
Coordination	Basic ball handling, using simple play equipment	Aids in structured activities and social games
Body Control	Moving around obstacles, stopping safely, basic balance	Ensures safe navigation in childcare settings

"Providing opportunities for children to develop physical skills through active play reaps benefits in every aspect of their development for the rest of their life." - Robin McMillan, Canadian Childcare Federation [15]

Active Play at Childcare

Active play builds on basic movement skills, further enhancing your child's physical development. Experts recommend tamariki aged 1–5 engage in 3 hours of energetic play each day [14].

Childcare environments encourage physical growth through:

Indoor Activities:

• Dance sessions with waiata
• Simple yoga poses
• Soft ball games
• Balance beam challenges

Outdoor Adventures:

• Climbing on safe, age-appropriate equipment
• Running games with friends
• Nature walks
• Obstacle courses

Studies show that children involved in play-based physical activities experience:

• 75% improvement in emotional development
• 88% growth in cognitive skills
• 94% increase in overall physical activity [15]

"A positive attitude towards active play at an early age positively affects their later involvement in physical activity and fitness." - Robin McMillan, Canadian Childcare Federation [15]

To encourage your child's physical growth:

• Provide safe spaces for movement and exploration
• Promote daily outdoor activities
• Offer climbing and balancing challenges
• Include activities that develop hand-eye coordination
• Balance active play with quiet, restful periods

Making Your Decision

It’s perfectly normal for your child to show readiness in some areas while still developing in others.

Here’s a quick guide to key readiness areas:

Readiness Area	What to Look For
Self-Care	Using the toilet independently, washing hands
Social Skills	Playing alongside others, basic sharing
Emotional Control	Managing brief separations, expressing feelings
Communication	Expressing basic needs clearly
Daily Routines	Following simple instructions, participating in routines
Independence	Spending time with other trusted adults
Physical Skills	Moving confidently, showing basic coordination

At Little Dinosaurs Childcare, we understand that starting childcare is a big step. Our experienced kaiako (teachers) work closely with whānau (families) to make the transition as smooth as possible. We offer familiarisation visits, flexible settling-in periods, regular updates, and continuous support to help your child build confidence and skills.

If your child isn’t fully ready in every area, that’s okay. Our nurturing environment is designed to help children grow. Research highlights the importance of secure, responsive relationships with adults for healthy development [16].

Want to prepare your tamaiti (child)? Here are a few tips:

• Visit our centre during regular sessions to get familiar
• Talk about the fun activities they’ll enjoy
• Share your child’s interests with their kaiako
• Establish a consistent morning routine
• Bring along a comfort item from home

These steps work hand-in-hand with our small-group approach. With just 27 tamariki (children) in our group, we ensure each child gets individual attention, helping them thrive socially and emotionally.