It’s 7:45 AM on Monday. You’re in the parking lot with your child. Your chest feels tight. Your mind keeps looping: Will they be okay? Will they cry? Will they feel safe without me?
Even when you know this daycare is the right choice, the first day still hits you in the heart.
This feeling is normal. Every parent has stood in this same moment. What matters now is understanding exactly what happens next. That’s where we come in.
This guide walks you step-by-step through the first day at Paramus Daycare at Jumpin Jax so you know what to expect and how we support both you and your child from the very first minute.
Before Your Child's First Day at Paramus Daycare
Your child’s first day starts long before you walk in the door. We prepare intentionally so your child is welcomed, recognized, and supported from the start.
What we’ve already handled behind the scenes:
- Your child's cubby is labeled and set up
- Teachers reviewed your intake forms carefully
- Comfort notes added: nap habits, allergies, likes, dislikes
- Staff met to discuss your child’s individual needs
- Emergency contacts confirmed and programmed
- Classroom materials and activities chosen with age-appropriate comfort in mind
Your child is not walking into something unfamiliar or random. They are being welcomed into a space that has been prepared for them.
What Should Your Child Bring to their First Day at Paramus Daycare?
No need to pack a huge bag. Just a few purposeful items that support comfort and routine.
Bring:
- A full change of clothes (including socks and shoes)
- Diapers or pull-ups and wipes if needed
- A comfort item from home like a blanket or stuffed animal
- Labeled bottles or formula if applicable
These items help your child feel supported, especially during transitions and nap time.
What you do not need:
- Toys
- Snacks
- General wipes or lotions unless medically required
We provide everything else. Keeping it simple prevents lost items and morning stress.
First Day Drop Off: Paramus Daycare Parking Lot (7:45 AM)
This is usually the hardest part of the day, and it’s harder for parents than it is for children.
You may be feeling:
- Nervous
- Emotional
- Unsure
- Guilty
Every parent experiences versions of these feelings. Take one slow breath. Speak calmly and confidently. Your child draws emotional cues from you more than from anything else.
First Day Walk In: Paramus Daycare Entrance (8:00 AM)
We make the entrance experience calm and predictable.
What you can expect:
- You and your child are greeted by name
- Your child’s teacher meets you at the front, expecting you
- You walk together to the classroom without rush or pressure
- Your child sees their name on their cubby and materials
This signals belonging. Most children relax visibly at this moment.
How Paramus Daycare Helps Handle The First Goodbye
We don’t force anything. We choose the approach that fits your child best.
1. Quick and Confident
- Short hug and goodbye
- Hand-off to teacher
- Parent leaves calmly (This prevents anxiety escalation and works for most children)
2. Gradual Transition
- You sit with your child for 10 to 15 minutes
- Teacher gently draws your child into play
- You step back and leave once engagement begins
3. Comfort Object Forward
- Child transitions with a favorite blanket or toy
- Familiar touch supports emotional regulation
Tears are normal. Tears are communication. We understand how to respond with steady, warm reassurance. We will send you a photo update within the first 30 minutes. Most parents say this is the biggest relief of the entire day.
Want to Make the Daycare Transition Easier?
The smoothest first days start with a tour. Tours often help children get excited and familiar with our daycare. They also help you make the most informed decision about your child’s care. We highly recommend every prospective family come in for a consultation and facility tour. Call us today at (201) 500-2951 or visit our website to secure your spot!
Morning Activities (9:00-11:30 AM)
This is where children begin to feel comfortable and explore.
Circle Time
- Songs, simple language cues, and warm teacher connection
- Some children sit with the teacher. Some observe from the side. Both are okay.
Learning Through Play
We rotate through centers designed to support emotional and developmental growth:
- Blocks and building for problem-solving
- Pretend play for confidence and connection
- Art and sensory tables for calming engagement
- Books and cozy spaces for comfort and quiet time
Children approach other children naturally through shared curiosity, not forced socializing.
Snack Time (around 9:30 AM)
- Small group
- Calm and predictable
- Teachers sit and eat with the children (This helps children feel grounded and included)
Outdoor Play
Movement supports stress relief and confidence. Fresh air helps children reset emotionally.
What We Observe Quietly:
- Social comfort style (watcher or joiner)
- Preferred activities
- Emotional triggers and self-soothing patterns
- Early signs of emerging friendships
This blend of activities ensures children get the stimulation, rest, and social interaction they need to thrive. This is how we tailor care to your child’s personality. Seeing this schedule in action on a Paramus Daycare tour is the best way to understand the flow!
Lunch and Rest Time (11:30 AM – 2:00 PM)
Lunch is calm and social. Children eat together and build routine comfort.
Nap time is handled with patience:
- Comfort item available
- Quiet music
- Teacher support as needed
- Rest is treated as success, even if your child doesn’t sleep on day one
The goal is relaxation, not performance.
Afternoon and Pickup (2:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
After nap and snack, we shift to low-pressure activities based on each child’s energy level:
- Outdoor play
- Indoor movement
- Light art or music
Children have processed a lot by this point. Fatigue is normal.
Pickup Preparation
Teachers:
- Review the day
- Document meals, naps, diapering, comfort level, and play highlights
- Prepare your child’s belongings
- Have specific stories ready to share with you
The Pickup Moment
Parents often expect excitement but sometimes see clinginess or tears. This is normal and healthy. It simply means your child feels safe enough with you to let out their feelings.
Your teacher will talk through:
- How the morning separation went
- Who your child played near or interacted with
- What they enjoyed most
- How they responded to new routines
- What to expect tomorrow
You leave with clarity, not confusion.
Why Families Trust Paramus Daycare at Jumpin Jax
Choosing a preschool means choosing a partner in your child’s success. We have guided hundreds of children and parents through first days. We understand the emotional weight of this transition.
We hope this guide gives helpful insight into our first day routine at Paramus Daycare at Jumpin Jax.
As the trusted choice for families seeking exceptional daycare and preschool in Paramus, NJ and all of Bergen County, we encourage you to take the next step in finding the best daycare fit for your child. We invite you to come see us!
Schedule a tour and a personal care assessment today to walk through our classrooms, meet our educators, and see our safety protocols in action. Call Paramus Daycare at Jumpin Jax right now at (201) 500-2951 or visit our website to book your tour!
Visit: https://paramusdaycare.com/
Helpful Early Childhood Development Resources
Learn more about how to best support your child during daycare transitions to help them adjust to new structures and routines:
How to Help Kids with Transitions
