Starting day care marks the beginning of a new and exciting chapter. At Celebree School of Hampstead, we understand that this transition is about much more than finding quality child care. It’s about finding a place where your child feels safe, happy, and inspired to learn every single day.
As a parent, you want to feel confident that your child is surrounded by caring teachers, engaging activities, and a nurturing environment that feels like an extension of home. That’s exactly what you’ll find at Celebree. We’re more than a day care. We’re a community that helps children grow with joy, curiosity, and connection.
Helping Your Child (and Yourself) Prepare Emotionally
Every child reacts differently to the start of day care. Some can’t wait to jump into playtime, while others may cling a little tighter during drop-off. Both are completely normal. At Celebree, we focus on making each child’s adjustment gentle, positive, and full of encouragement.
Here are a few ways you can help your child prepare for this exciting transition:
- Talk about what’s coming. Describe what they’ll do at school: meeting friends, singing songs, building with blocks, and spending time with caring teachers.
- Model calm confidence. Children pick up on your emotions. A relaxed, positive attitude tells them day care is a happy and safe place to be.
- Acknowledge emotions. It’s perfectly okay if your child feels nervous or misses home. Offer reassurance while reminding them that you’ll always come back.
- Visit before the first day. Tour the classroom together, meet teachers, and explore the play areas. Familiar faces and spaces make that first day easier.
At Celebree School of Hampstead, we partner closely with parents to make sure every child’s first experience in school feels welcoming and full of joy.
Packing for Success: What to Bring on the First Day
A smooth morning starts with good preparation. Here’s a helpful checklist of what your child will need—organized by age group for your convenience.
Infants
- Extra clothes (at least three sets, including socks)
- Crib sheets (pack-and-play size, optional)
- Diapers and wipes
- Diaper cream
- Bottles (one per feeding, pre-mixed if using formula, labeled with name, date, and contents)
- Formula, breast milk, or baby food
- Bibs
- Pacifier (optional)
Toddlers
- One or more sets of extra clothes (more if potty training)
- Crib sheet and blanket for nap time
- Diapers, pull-ups, and wipes
- Lunch (labeled with first and last name)
- Sippy cups (one per meal, labeled)
Twos and Preschoolers
- One or more sets of extra clothes (including underwear)
- Crib sheet and blanket for nap time
- Diapers, pull-ups, and wipes (if needed)
- Lunch (clearly labeled)
Parent Tip: Please make sure every item is labeled with your child’s first and last name. It helps our teachers keep things organized and ensures nothing gets misplaced.
The Celebree Difference: Learning Through Love and Laughter
At Celebree School of Hampstead, we believe that every child deserves a learning environment that nurtures the mind and the heart. Our teachers focus on the whole child, helping them develop socially, emotionally, physically, and academically.
Our classrooms are bright and engaging, filled with opportunities for exploration, discovery, and creativity. We follow a curriculum built around the Seven Domains of Learning, supporting every stage of your child’s growth, from building language skills to developing problem-solving abilities and emotional intelligence.
And because safety and trust are at the heart of everything we do, our school features secure entry systems, First Aid/CPR-certified staff, and open communication with families every step of the way.
Your Partner in Every Step
Preparing for day care isn’t just about the checklist. It’s about laying the foundation for your child’s lifelong love of learning. At Celebree School of Hampstead, we’re here to walk beside you, guide you through the transition, and celebrate each milestone along the way.
Because at Celebree, we don’t just care for children. We help them grow, laugh, and thrive.
Ready to take the next step?
Schedule a tour of our day care in Hampstead, MD, today and discover how Celebree can make your child’s first school experience a joyful one.
