Starting childcare in Shepparton: what first-time families need to know
Starting childcare is a big milestone for your child and for you. It is completely normal to feel excited, nervous, and a little unsure all at once. This guide covers everything Shepparton families ask us before their child’s first day.
When is the right age to start childcare?
There is no single right answer. It depends on your family’s circumstances, your child’s temperament, and what works for you. At Guthrie Street we welcome children from six weeks of age in our Nursery room, right through to school age in our Kinder program.
Many families in Shepparton start their baby at around 6 to 12 months when parental leave ends, while others wait until their toddler is 18 months or 2 years old. Research consistently shows that quality early childhood education and care has lasting benefits for children’s development, language, and school readiness, regardless of when it starts.
What does the settling-in process look like?
Good childcare centres do not drop children in on day one. At Guthrie Street we use a gradual settling process that gives your child time to build trust with their educators before you leave.
First visit
You and your child visit together for 30 to 60 minutes. No drop-off, just exploring the space and meeting the team.
Second visit
You stay for part of the session, then step out briefly while an educator your child already knows stays with them.
First full day
Usually a shorter day (for example, 8am to 2pm) so your child is not exhausted. You build up from there.
Most children need 2 to 4 weeks to feel fully settled. Some take a little longer, and that is completely okay.
My child cries at drop-off. Is that normal?
Yes, and it is one of the most common worries parents share with us. Separation anxiety typically peaks between 8 and 18 months, but it can appear at any age.
The important thing to know is that most children stop crying within a few minutes of you leaving. Our educators will always settle your child and send you a photo or message once they are happy and engaged.
A few things that help at drop-off:
- ✓Keep your goodbye short and warm. A long, drawn-out goodbye can signal to your child that something is wrong.
- ✓Create a consistent ritual such as a special hug or a wave from the gate, so your child knows what to expect each time.
- ✓Avoid sneaking out. It builds more anxiety over time than a proper goodbye does.
- ✓Trust your educators. If your child has a genuinely hard day, we will contact you.
What should I pack for childcare?
Every centre is slightly different. At Guthrie Street you will generally need:
- ✓A clearly labelled bag (a backpack works well)
- ✓Spare clothes, at least 2 to 3 sets
- ✓Nappies and wipes if your child is not yet toilet trained
- ✓A comfort item such as a small teddy or muslin
- ✓Sunscreen (we apply it, but families provide their own)
- ✓A labelled water bottle
- ✓Lunch and snacks (we provide morning and afternoon tea, but not lunch)
- ✓A hat for outdoor play
Tip: label everything. We have a lot of children and a lot of identical water bottles.
How do I know my child is ready?
Here is a reassuring truth: there is no checklist your child has to pass. Children do not need to be toilet trained, eating independently, or talking before starting childcare. Our educators are qualified to support children at every stage of development.
What matters more than any milestone is that you feel confident in the centre you have chosen. Children pick up on parental confidence, so your trust in the centre makes a real difference to how quickly they settle.
What about school readiness?
One of the questions we hear most from families of 3 and 4-year-olds is whether childcare will help their child be ready for school. The short answer is yes, particularly when the program is play-based and led by qualified early childhood educators.
At Guthrie Street, our Preschool and Kinder rooms follow the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework and the National Quality Standard. Children develop the social, emotional, and cognitive skills that underpin school readiness, including listening, taking turns, managing emotions, and building curiosity.
Our Bush Kinder program takes this further with nature-based learning on Yorta Yorta Country that builds resilience and a love of the outdoors.
How much will childcare cost?
Most families pay significantly less than the daily rate once the Child Care Subsidy is applied. The subsidy is income-tested and covers between 36% and 90% of your fees.
Our daily rates are $154 for Nursery and Toddler, and $142.50 for Preschool and Kinder. To see what your family would actually pay out of pocket, read our CCS guide for Shepparton families, which includes an interactive calculator.
Questions to ask when you tour a centre
Before you commit to any childcare centre in Shepparton, a tour is essential. Here are the questions worth asking:
- ✓What is the educator-to-child ratio in each room?
- ✓How long have the educators in my child’s room been here?
- ✓How do you handle the settling-in period?
- ✓How do you communicate with parents throughout the day?
- ✓What does a typical day look like for my child’s age group?
- ✓What is your approach to behaviour guidance?
- ✓What is your NQS rating?
For a deeper guide, read our article on how to choose a childcare centre in Shepparton.
Ready to book a tour?
Come and see what makes Guthrie Street different. Tours are free and take about 30 minutes.
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