Enrolling and preparing for the first days
A T.L.C. Footprints handbook covering the enrollment path, required information, what to pack, drop-off, and the first weeks of care.
General information for families, not medical, legal, or financial advice. See the Terms.
Start here
Use this book after a tour, when you are preparing to enroll or organizing the first week.
Before the first day:
Ask questions before care begins. A clear plan makes the first morning easier for the child, family, and provider.
The enrollment path
1. Tour the home
Tours are by appointment. This gives us time to see the environment, talk about your child, and discuss the schedule your family needs without rushing.
2. Reserve and enroll
A $150 non-refundable enrollment deposit is required to reserve your child's childcare space. We then complete the required forms, emergency contacts, and immunization records together.
3. Prepare for the first day
We agree on a start date and review what your child needs for a comfortable beginning. Age-specific care instructions and supplies are confirmed before care starts.
Information to have ready
Enrollment forms guide the final list, but it helps to gather:
Bring questions about any form or policy. It is better to clarify an expectation before the first day than during a busy drop-off.
A practical packing list
Every item should be labeled with your child's name.
Most families should plan for:
Do not place medication, sunscreen, diaper cream, or another topical product in a child's bag without discussing authorization and safe handoff first.
Infant items to confirm
Infant needs are reviewed individually. A typical list may include labeled bottles, milk or formula, diapers and wipes, two clothing changes, pacifiers when used, and written feeding information.
California requires an Individual Infant Sleeping Plan for infants under 12 months in licensed family child care homes. Soft objects, loose blankets, pillows, and stuffed animals do not belong in an infant sleep space.
Review the California safe-sleep resources and discuss any sleep questions before care begins.
Make drop-off warm and clear
A short, predictable goodbye is usually easier to understand than leaving without saying goodbye or returning several times.
Try a simple routine:
Your child may cry and still settle after you leave. A difficult goodbye does not automatically mean the entire day will be difficult.
Expect adjustment to change from day to day
The first day may feel easy because everything is new. A later day may feel harder once the new routine becomes familiar.
At home, protect time for rest and connection. Keep morning routines simple, and avoid promising that a child will not feel sad. A more helpful message is that they are safe, their caregiver will help them, and you will return.
Parents adjust too. Agreeing on when an update is realistic can reduce worry without interrupting active supervision.
Keep communication useful
Tell the provider about changes that may affect the day, such as poor sleep, medication, a difficult morning, or a change in pickup plans.
Ask for a conversation when distress is intense, continues for long periods, or does not gradually improve. The goal is not a fixed adjustment deadline. The goal is a shared understanding of what the child is experiencing and what support may help.
If you are ready to begin, request a tour or contact T.L.C. Footprints to discuss current availability.