Day One ELC is supporting our families both at our centres and in their homes during the challenging time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

What are we doing in our centres?

We have implemented a range of enhanced health and hygiene practices at our centres to protect the health and safety of our educators, our children and families.  You can find these here and they will be updated from time to time as we follow the Government’s expert health advice.

What are we doing for families staying home at this time?

In April we launched DO@Home, our learning program for children and their families staying home during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Through weekly newsletters and regular videos of our educators sharing stories and activities at the centres, you and your child can stay connected to their centre until you are ready to return.  You can read all about the DO@Home Program here.  All learning materials are issued via the ChildCarers App.

We also have a collection of resources that we recommend you access at any time when you are feeling lost for what to do next to keep your little ones engaged in something meaningful. Here you can access a range of ideas to enjoy with your children in the home and with materials you may have on hand or can access via the internet. These ideas are meant to be fun. What is important is that you are there playing alongside your child.

How can you best support your child at this time?

1. Self-care for parents

It is only natural to be feeling some big emotions at this time and of course our children pick up on these feelings and are exposed to lots of images and conversations about the virus itself.  Remember the importance of taking care of yourself first so that you are able to best take care of your family at this challenging time.

Remember to make time for yourself to be still and quiet so that you can re-group and be ready to take on whatever comes next.  It’s more important than ever to also make time to connect with your favourite people by phone or video – we all need each other more than ever right now.

2. Self-care for children

One of the most important things you can do as parents/carers, is to play with your children, talk with them about the everyday routines in your family and share time together.

It doesn’t matter if you are at home with a baby, toddler or pre-schooler, the time you spend together is one of the strongest contributors to children’s overall development.

“Me time” or self-care shouldn’t only be reserved for busy parents—children no matter what their age also need time to refresh and recharge both physically and mentally.  In amongst all the questions and routines and chores and activities, remember the value of simple things like building a tent in the lounge, running around the garden, snuggling in bed, having a bubble bath or icing a cake!

3. Start the conversation about Coronavirus with your child

Start the conversation about Coronavirus with your children by watching the Education Department’s video for tips on how to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Please remember, we will get through this together!

4. Creating a routine that is useful 

Children need routine and structure as much as they need free time and play. As families are spending more time at home together, this short video introduces ways for parents and carers to manage routines for their children during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rest assured that even our routines and programs at Day One need to change and be flexible on a daily basis – don’t let the routine run you! It is there as a guide.

5. Stay Connected

We’ve seen all sorts of amazing connections happening over social media – Zoom birthday parties, Facebook Messenger chats and WhatsApp video calls to name a few.

Remember to keep checking in with Day One via ChildCarers and as soon as you are ready, please start to re-book your usual days at Day One.

We can’t wait to see you back with us!