What to pack for kindergarten

Starting kindergarten is a significant milestone for both children and their parents, and we understand that it can be nerve-wracking to navigate how to prepare and what to pack in your child’s bag.

Here’s our simple kindergarten packing checklist, along with practical tips to help you and your child feel ready for their first day.

Kindergarten packing essentials

• A backpack large enough to hold all your child’s belongings
• A wide-brimmed hat, with no chin strap
• Water bottle
• A spare change of clothes (learning can get messy!)
• A lunchbox packed with nutritious food for the day (if not provided). Your Centre Director will be able to advise you of any food that will be provided and any food to avoid bringing in case of Allergies at your centre.
• Bed sheets and blankets for nap time (if not provided)

If you are starting kindergarten with C&K, you’ll receive a free wide-brimmed hat and t-shirt as part of your enrolment, which you are welcome to wear on the days you attend your centre.

Do I need to label items for kindy?

Yes, all items should be labelled with your child's name so educators can easily determine ownership. It also helps your child to learn about their name and their belongings.

Some options for labelling items include:

• Permanent markers
• Waterproof stickers
• Iron-on labels
• Name stamps
• Keyrings

Labels with fun designs are a great way to help young children recognise their belongings even before they can read their name.

Medications must be labelled with a pharmacy label, including the child’s name and directions for use. This also applies to non-prescription items such as sunscreen and insect repellent.

Where do I put items for kindergarten when I arrive?

When you arrive at the centre, your teaching team will show you:

• Your child’s designated space for their bag
• The fridge for storing their lunchbox (please remove from insulated lunch bags before placing in the fridge)

Assist your child with storing their belongings. Knowing where they can find their things will help your child to feel confident and independent.

If you are ever unsure about what to pack or what your centre provides, don’t hesitate to reach out to your teaching team. They’re here to help make the transition as smooth as possible for your family.

Looking for more tips to help prepare for the start of your child’s kindy journey? Check out our “Building confidence for starting kindy: A guide for parents” blog post.