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Starting day care in Bowie, MD, is one of the biggest milestones in your child’s early years, and for parents, it’s a mix of pride, excitement, and maybe a few butterflies. At Celebree School of Melford, we know this transition is more than a change in routine. It’s the start of something wonderful: new friendships, new discoveries, and new confidence for your child.
Our school is more than just a place for care. It’s a community where children are safe, nurtured, and inspired every single day. From our warm, welcoming teachers to our engaging classrooms, everything at Celebree is designed to help your child feel secure, valued, and ready to learn.
Understanding the Emotional Side of the Transition
For young children, new environments can feel exciting and a little overwhelming. Adjusting to day care means learning new faces, routines, and rhythms. Some children adapt quickly, while others take more time, and that’s perfectly okay.
Here’s how you can make the transition easier for both of you:
- Model calm confidence. Your tone and body language set the tone for your child. A smile and a positive goodbye help them feel reassured.
- Talk about what’s coming. Describe what their day will look like—storytime, outdoor play, meeting new friends—so they can visualize the fun.
- Acknowledge emotions. Let your child know it’s normal to miss home, but remind them that you’ll be back soon and that their teachers will take great care of them.
- Visit before the first day. Touring the classroom, seeing familiar faces, and meeting their teachers can ease first-day jitters.
At Celebree School of Melford, our teachers are experts at helping children settle in with comfort and care. We take the time to build relationships and help each child feel seen, heard, and loved.
The Practical Side: What to Bring
A little organization goes a long way toward making that first day feel smooth and stress-free. Below is a handy checklist based on what each age group needs.
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 your child’s name, contents, and date)
- Formula, breast milk, or food
- Bibs
- Pacifier (optional)
Toddlers
- Extra clothes (at least one set; more if potty training)
- Crib sheet and blanket for nap time
- Diapers, pull-ups, and wipes
- Lunch (labeled with your child’s first and last name)
- Sippy cups (one per meal, labeled)
Twos and Preschoolers
- Extra clothes (at least one set, more if potty training)
- Crib sheet and blanket for nap time
- Diapers, pull-ups, and wipes (if needed)
- Lunch (clearly labeled)
Tip: Label everything with your child’s first and last name to make sure belongings always find their way back home!
The Celebree Promise: Protect. Educate. Nurture.
At Celebree School of Melford, safety and growth go hand in hand. Our classrooms feature state-of-the-art security, limited-access entry systems, and first aid/CPR-certified staff. But safety is just the beginning.
We’re also deeply committed to education and emotional well-being. Our programs are built around the Seven Domains of Learning, designed to support your child’s physical, emotional, and academic development. Every lesson, story, and activity is infused with creativity, curiosity, and care.
Most importantly, we nurture a sense of belonging. Children learn best when they feel valued, and at Celebree, every child is celebrated for exactly who they are.
Your Family’s Journey Starts Here
Preparing your child for day care is about more than packing a bag. It’s about setting the stage for confidence, joy, and lifelong learning. At Celebree School of Melford, we’ll partner with you every step of the way to make this transition a positive one.
Here, we don’t just care for children. We help them grow into their brightest, happiest selves.
