Starting child care is a big step for any family. If your little one is about to begin at Precious Memories in Mystic, CT, knowing what to bring and what to expect can make the first days feel calmer for both of you. This guide walks through the paperwork, training days, and packing list families need before their child’s first full day at Precious Memories Preschool of Sandy Hollow.

The center is located at 195 Sandy Hollow Road in Mystic, CT, and is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. It serves infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and pre-kindergartners, so the checklist below covers a range of ages.

Start With the Enrollment Paperwork

Before anything goes in the diaper bag, make sure your paperwork is complete. All enrollment forms, along with your child’s most up-to-date physical and shot record, must be handed in before or on the first training day. Children cannot be dropped off without the enrollment paperwork.

Families should also review the flu vaccine requirement on the New Student page, which applies to children ages 6 months to 59 months enrolled in licensed child care centers in Connecticut during flu season.

What to Expect During New Student Training Days

Precious Memories uses short training days to help ease separation anxiety and introduce children to a structured routine:

  • Training day one (8:00 – 9:00 a.m.): You visit the classroom together, share any important details about your child with the teacher, say a quick goodbye, and leave your child at the center for one hour.
  • Training day two (8:00 – 10:00 a.m.): You drop your child off with their classroom teacher and leave them for two hours.

For these shorter visits, only bring what your child needs for that amount of time, such as diapers, a bottle, sippy cup or water bottle, a spare change of clothes, and a comfort item. Parents are asked to keep classroom visits brief and to avoid taking photos or videos in the classroom, since some children are not allowed to be photographed.

First Day Packing List

On your child’s first full day of care, bring the following items:

  • At least two changes of weather-appropriate clothing
  • A sheet and lightweight blanket for nap time (children 1 year and older)
  • Comfort items, such as a stuffed animal or blanket
  • Diapers and diaper cream, if needed, with the topical form
  • Bottles for formula or breast milk
  • A sippy cup or water bottle (two cups if your child uses a sippy cup for milk)
  • Sunscreen during the summer months
  • Any medications, along with the required documents from your physician

If your child needs an EpiPen, inhaler, or nebulizer, it must be on site in the classroom with the proper paperwork before your child can attend. Bottles, sippy cups, and water bottles go home each day to be washed.

Helpful Drop-Off Reminders

  • Drop off by 9:15 a.m.: Exceptions are made only for medical reasons or special circumstances approved by the Director.
  • Let the office know about absences: Notify Administration as soon as possible if your child will be out sick or taking a family day.
  • Plan around rest time: Children who leave for an appointment cannot return between 11:30 a.m. and 2:15 p.m.
  • Car seats: The school does not have space to store car seats, so plan ahead if someone else is picking up your child.

Meals are part of the day, too. A nutritious breakfast is served from 7:00 to 8:00 a.m., along with lunch and snacks, as described on the Our Programs page.

Explore Programs at Precious Memories in Mystic, CT

Whether your child is joining the infant program, toddler program, preschool program, or pre-kindergarten program, a little preparation goes a long way toward a smooth first day.

If you are looking for a caring preschool in Mystic, Connecticut, Precious Memories Preschool of Sandy Hollow is here to help your family get started with confidence.

Have questions about enrollment or your child’s first day? Call us today at 860-572-9958.