Even though it seems like the summer just began, it’s already time to think about sending the kids back to school. For those families with children under the kindergarten age, that means getting ready for the first day of daycare.

Just For Kids LLC is proud to be a trusted provider of high-quality, educational child care in Chicago, and we’re always excited to meet new families as well as greet familiar faces when the school year starts up again.

If your son or daughter will be starting child care in Chicago for the first time this year, you might be wondering what kind of supplies to send with them on their first day. After all, child care is different from school, which requires pens, paper, markers, and other very specific school supplies.

The child care experts here at Just For Kids LLC has helped many Chicago families prepare for the transition into daycare, and over the years we’ve amassed a checklist of sorts. We recommend finding a sturdy backpack in which you can fit the following (depending on age, of course):

8 Things Your Child Should Bring To Daycare

1. A change of clothes and sealable bags – Accidents do happen! Whether it’s falling into a mud puddle or an overflowing diaper, you want to make sure your child has a full set of clothes to change into. Include sealable bags so the dirty clothes can be packed away for laundering without messing up the rest of the bag.
2. Diapers (cloth or disposable) – No matter which version of diaper your child uses, you’ll want to provide plenty of replacements. Include pins, rubber covers, rash creams/ointments and a bag for storing dirty diapers.
3. Bottles/Formula/Breast Milk – You should pack enough bottles for the length of time your child will be at daycare, as well as one extra in case of emergency. Remember that both formula and breastmilk need to be bottled ahead of time
4. Snacks/beverages – Packing snacks and beverages is especially important if your child has any special dietary needs or food allergies. In general, food from home can be a useful tool in stressful situations.
5. Comfort items – Blankets, pacifiers, and even a picture of Mom and Dad can be a great help to child care providers if your kid becomes upset, especially when they’re still getting used to daycare. Be sure to check with your child care provider before sending toys as comfort items.
6. Cold-weather clothing/sun protection – Weather in Chicago can be unpredictable and it’s important to make sure your child is prepared for outdoor time or field trips.
7. Medicine – If your child is sick or takes a regular medication, it’s absolutely essential that it be sent to daycare.
8. Contact Details – Although it’s likely this information is on file with the child care center, it’s always a good idea to include it in your daycare bag so that it’s easily accessible in the event of an emergency.

Have more questions about what your child’s first day will be like at our child care center in Chicago? Contact Just For Kids LLC today!