🌟 How to Prepare for the First Day of Daycare & Preschool (With Free Printables!)

The first day of daycare or preschool is such an exciting milestone. Whether your little one is an infant, toddler, 3K, Pre-K, or preschooler, this big day comes with plenty of smiles—and sometimes a few butterflies too. At AMC Day Care, we want to help families feel confident and prepared. That’s why we’re sharing simple tips to make the first day smoothalong with a special free printable gift to capture the memory!

Talk About School Early 🗣️

For toddlers and preschoolers, start conversations about daycare a few days before. Remind them of fun activities like playing with friends, singing songs, and exploring the classroom. Even infants benefit when parents use a calm, cheerful voice while talking about their teachers and new routines.

Pack a Comfort Item 🧸

It’s natural for children of all ages to feel separation anxiety. Sending something familiar—like a family photo, small blanket, or soft toy—can help children self-soothe. Even older preschoolers may enjoy keeping a special note from home in their bag.

Keep Goodbyes Short & Sweet 💕

Whether you’re leaving an infant in loving arms or a preschooler at circle time, short and positive goodbyes work best. A quick hug, a smile, and a confident “See you later!” reassures your child that you trust their caregivers and that you’ll be back soon.

Share Excitement 🎉

Children notice your emotions. If you’re calm and enthusiastic, they’ll feel more secure. Talk about the exciting adventures they’ll have—meeting friends, painting, singing, and learning new things. For infants, your smile and gentle tone communicate that school is a safe, happy place.

Final Thoughts 🌈

The first day of daycare—whether for infants, toddlers, or preschoolers—is filled with big emotions and beautiful beginnings. With a little preparation, your child will start the year feeling confident, supported, and ready to grow.

At AMC Day Care, we can’t wait to welcome our families back for another year of laughter, learning, and love. 💕

🎁 Free Gift: Printable First Day of Preschool Sign!

To make this milestone even more special, we created free printable “First Day” signs for families! They’re colorful, fun, and perfect for snapping that all-important first day photo before school.

👉 Choose the right sign for your child:

📸 Parent Tip: Print your sign the night before and set it out with your child’s backpack. On the first morning, let them proudly hold it for a quick photo before heading to school.

And don’t forget—tag us on Instagram when you share your pictures! We love celebrating those bright smiles and first day memories with our AMC Day Care families. 🌈✨

Looking Ahead 🌟

The first day of daycare or preschool is just the beginning of a year filled with laughter, learning, and growth. From infants exploring their world to preschoolers preparing for kindergarten, every step is worth celebrating. We’re so excited to share this journey with your family—here’s to an amazing year ahead at AMC Day Care! 💕