Back to School Readiness: A Parent’s Checklist for Daycare Success

As summer winds down and September approaches, many families begin preparing their little ones for a smooth transition back into daycare. At Chatter Splatter Daycare in the Philadelphia suburbs, we know that starting—or restarting—daycare can be both exciting and overwhelming for children and parents alike. That’s why we’ve created this daycare readiness checklist to help your toddler or preschooler feel confident, comfortable, and ready to thrive in the classroom.

1. Establish a Consistent Morning Routine

One of the best ways to prepare your child for daycare is by setting up a predictable morning routine. Children feel more secure when they know what to expect each day.
✅ Wake up at the same time each morning
✅ Get dressed before breakfast to avoid last-minute rushing
✅ Allow time for a calm goodbye instead of a rushed drop-off

At Chatter Splatter Daycare, we’ve seen how children who arrive with a routine feel more confident and excited to start the day.

2. What to Pack in Your Child’s Daycare Bag

A well-packed daycare bag makes life easier for both parents and teachers. Here’s a quick checklist:

• Extra set of clothes (including socks and underwear)

• Comfort item (small blanket or stuffed animal)

• Healthy snack or lunch (if required)

• Water bottle labeled with your child’s name

• Diapers, wipes, or pull-ups if needed

Tip: Use a backpack your child can recognize and carry themselves—it helps build independence!

3. Easing Separation Anxiety at Daycare Drop-Off

It’s natural for toddlers and preschoolers to feel nervous when saying goodbye. A few strategies to help:

• Create a goodbye ritual: a hug, high-five, or special phrase.

• Stay positive—children pick up on your emotions.

• Avoid “sneaking out,” as this can increase anxiety.

• Remind your child that you’ll be back after school.

Our teachers at Chatter Splatter Daycare are trained to comfort and engage children quickly, helping them transition from “goodbye” tears to “hello” smiles.

4. Talking to Your Child About Going Back to Daycare

Conversations are powerful tools in helping children feel secure. A few ways to prepare your child:

• Read books about starting school or daycare.

• Visit the center together before the first day.

• Talk about the fun activities they’ll enjoy—art, music, playtime with friends.

In our bilingual daycare program, we also encourage parents to use simple Spanish or English phrases at home to help children get excited about learning in two languages.

5. Bonus: Easy Spanish Phrases to Practice at Home

Since Chatter Splatter Daycare offers a bilingual curriculum, here are some phrases you can try with your child:

• Buenos días (Good morning)

• Adiós, hasta luego (Goodbye, see you later)

• ¿Listo para la escuela? (Ready for school?)

• ¡Muy bien! (Very good!)

These small touches build confidence and excitement about language learning.

Final Thoughts

Preparing your child for daycare doesn’t have to be stressful. With a clear routine, a well-packed bag, and open conversations, you can set your child up for success this school year. At Chatter Splatter Daycare in Philadelphia, we are here to support your family every step of the way with safe care, creative learning, and a nurturing bilingual environment.

✨ Ready to give your child the best start to the school year? Contact Chatter Splatter Daycare today to schedule a tour and learn more about our programs.