Orientation in Learning Ladder’s baby room

Being away from your baby for the first time is a big step for any parent. At Learning Ladder, we’ll ensure you feel well supported as we work together to respond to your baby’s unique routines and needs.

To help your baby settle into their new early learning centre, we encourage you to take part in our orientation program. This will give both you and your baby a chance to become familiar with your new surroundings while enabling you and our educators to get to know each other.

Reducing separation anxiety

Separation anxiety is a normal part of child development. It typically begins when the child is about 8 months old and peaks between 10 and 18 months. Babies and young children who experience separation anxiety may cry and protest when their caregivers leave them, even if they’re not going far. They may also cling to their caregivers and refuse to let them out of their sight.

Orientation sessions allow babies to get acquainted with new faces and develop relationships before they start in childcare. This can ease their anxiety by making them feel comfortable enough in the care of others to no longer need constant reassurance from you.

Orientation for babies

Our babies’ orientation program focuses on you as parents, our educators’ role and building your baby’s confidence to be in someone else’s care for extended periods of time. Our baby orientation sessions are short to start with to minimise stress on the babies. We also plan them on the same day your baby will attend the centre to help your baby feel comfortable with the educators who’ll be taking care of them.

Here are a few things for you to consider when your baby starts their orientation at Learning Ladder:

Sharing information about your baby​

Think about what information about your baby you want to share with educators during orientation. This may include background information on your family, as well as your baby’s temperament, likes, dislikes, strengths, challenges and routines. This information helps educators get to know your child and family quickly, building trust and helping your baby settle in.

Feeding your baby

We support you in feeding your baby in whatever way you choose. This may involve our educators feeding your baby expressed breastmilk or formula or you coming into the centre at a scheduled time to breastfeed your child. If your baby is bottle-fed, we’ll stick to your preferred routine while also reading your baby’s hunger cues to ensure they’re always satisfied.

Packing for the day

It’s important that you pack everything your baby needs to feel comfortable and happy throughout their day at Learning Ladder.

Here’s our list of childcare essentials and nice-to-haves:

∙A change of clothes
∙A special toy or comforter
∙A winter coat and beanie or a summer/legionnaire hat
∙A family photograph
∙Any special bottles or feeding equipment

Please clearly label these items with your baby’s name.

Emotions during the transition to childcare

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Even if you’ve taken part in our orientation program, the first couple of weeks in childcare can be a little overwhelming for you and your baby. It’s normal for parents and children to feel sadness, anxiety and excitement as they adjust to the new environment.

You’re welcome to call or visit the service to see how your baby is settling in. We’re also available by phone at any time you need to talk about your baby’s experience or progress in our centre. If your baby experiences separation anxiety, please know that we have plenty of experience managing this and are here to help.

Learning Ladder early learning

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As every family and baby is different, we adapt our orientation sessions to meet the needs of your little one and you. If you’re considering childcare for your baby, please get in touch with us to learn more or book a tour of your local Learning Ladder centre.