New Family Orientation Checklist for Childcare Centers and Preschools

A new family orientation checklist helps childcare providers organize a successful welcome event by outlining tasks before, during, and after the orientation. It ensures families receive all necessary information—from daily schedules to safety policies—setting the stage for a positive partnership between the program and the family.

A free, printable preschool orientation checklist 

This childcare orientation checklist includes everything you need to do to host a successful orientation and welcome new families to your program. 

With this free checklist, you can:

• Easily plan out what to do before, during, and after the orientation
• Effectively invite new families to the orientation
• Prepare materials that will help families feel ready for the new school year
• And more!

Why you want to use this preschool orientation checklist

This free preschool orientation checklist is designed to help you conduct a smooth and informative orientation event for new families. This comprehensive checklist covers essential steps to take before, during, and after the orientation, ensuring every aspect of the event is planned and executed effectively. It includes suggestions for what handouts and materials to use at the orientation, such as welcome packets, school policies, and curriculum outlines, as well as topics to discuss with new families, like daily routines, learning goals, and communication channels.

Using this orientation checklist enables you to create a well-organized and engaging event that sets the stage for a successful and collaborative relationship with families. By downloading and using the checklist, you can create a positive first impression, leaving new families feeling informed and connected right from the start.

What to include in your orientation

Wondering what to cover during your orientation? Here's a quick overview of a typical agenda:

• Welcome session: Introduce your team and share your center's mission and values.
• Tour of the facility: Show families the key areas, from classrooms to outdoor play spaces.
• Policy and procedure review: Go over important guidelines, expectations, and daily routines.
• Q&A session: Give parents a chance to ask questions and clarify any details.

This outline ensures families are well-prepared and confident as they start their journey at your program. Download the full checklist for more ideas.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What should be included in a new family orientation packet?
A: A comprehensive packet should include the family handbook, emergency contact forms, a daily schedule, a calendar of events, and information on communication apps (like brightwheel).

Q: How long should a preschool orientation last?
A: Most effective orientations last between 45 minutes to one hour, allowing enough time for a presentation, Q&A, and a brief tour of the classroom without overwhelming families.

Q: When should I host my new family orientation?
A: It is best to host orientation one to two weeks before the start of the school year or the child’s start date, giving families time to review materials and prepare.

Additional resources for welcoming families

After downloading the orientation checklist, explore other early education resources to welcome new families to your program:

• Family Handbook Templates
• First Day of School Checklist for New Families
• Welcome Letter for New Families
• New Family Intake Form
• Communications Calendar for Welcoming New Families