Orientation and gradual entry

Once you have accepted your offer of enrolment, it’s time to get ready for your child’s first day with UBC Okanagan Child Care.

Your orientation

After accepting your offer, the Program Manager will contact you to arrange an orientation meeting, which will take place prior to your child’s first day. They will also provide you with your gradual entry schedule.

Your orientation will take about one hour, during which time you will get the chance to:

  • visit your child’s new child care program.
  • meet your child’s Educators.
  • learn more about the gradual entry process and schedule.
  • find out about what to bring to your child’s program (more on that below)
  • ask any additional questions.

Gradual entry

Starting child care can be a big adjustment for both children and their families. Even children who have been in child care before typically need time to get to know new people before they become comfortable in a new space.

With that in mind, and to help provide the best start for your child, gradual entry is a required element of our orientation process.

Schedule

Gradual entry lasts approximately one week, beginning with short visits and building up to a full day of care by the end of your child’s first week. The gradual entry schedule template is illustrated in our parent package.

Pick-up and drop-off

To ensure there is opportunity for daily discussion and connection between families and educators during gradual entry, we recommend that a parent or guardian drop off and pick up their child during gradual entry.

However, we understand that some families may need to have another family member or caregiver drop off and pick up their child during gradual entry. If that will be the case for your family, please let us know on your first day.

What to bring to your child’s program

Be prepared to provide:

  • Napping supplies—a blanket and/or cuddly toy for children of napping age.
  • Extra clothing—a complete set of extra clothing. Please bring two or three sets for children who are still in toilet learning stages.
  • Outside clothing—a complete set of rain gear and warm clothing for outdoor play.
  • Snacks—send two nutritious snacks for the day.
  • Lunch—send a packed lunch for your child. Both hot and cold food is welcome, as long as it is packed safely (i.e., in a thermos to keep it hot or with an ice pack to keep it cold).

Any additions or changes to the above list will be discussed during your orientation meeting.

Nutritious lunch ideas!

Check out these helpful resources for lunch ideas, snack ideas and nutritional recommendations:
Our feeding tips
HealthLinkBC