Deciding which childcare centre is the right fit for your little one can send your mind buzzing and your heart racing. After all, you're entrusting your most precious asset into the care of others. Which can feel scary. Questions will no doubt be racing through your mind and it's hard to stay focussed and do an accurate comparison when doing multiple tours.
There is no better way to get a feel for a centre than stopping by when it's full of children and the educators are busily doing their day-to-day jobs. While the facilities (and often snazzy playgrounds) will play a role in your decision-making, it's the more subtle things that are important to consider.
We've pulled together a printable list of questions and things to look out for (from the cleanliness of the environment to how the educators interact with the children) when you're doing tours of potential early learning centres. These are questions and things you need to consider when going on a childcare tour. Have a look and print your copy so you're armed and ready to go into your tours.
Good luck!
Questions to ask
Hours
What are the centre's operating hours? What happens if you are running late to pick up? Some centres will charge you in 5-minute increments after their official closing time. Will yours?
Daily rate
The cost of childcare can vary hugely depending upon the area (inner City often tends to be higher) so make sure you confirm the day rate. Don't forget to factor in the Child Care Subsidy (CCS).
Pick-up and drop-off process
Clarify how the drop-off and pick-up process will work. Is there parking available on-site? Do you need to log attendance electronically? Can you nominate others to do pick-up?
Orientation
What is their orientation process like and how will the centre help you settle your little one into a new environment? Will the first few weeks be shorter days to allow your child to adjust?
Parent portal
Does the centre offer a parent portal (i.e. Storypark) that provides updates about your child's activities, learning, naps, and food consumption during the day?
Programs & Certification
Does the centre offer a certified preschool or Kindergarten program? Are the teachers certified and accredited? Ensure the centre aligns with the National Quality Framework (NQF), which sets high standards for education and care services in Australia.
Availability of days
Is there a minimum requirement of days (i.e. some centres prefer children to attend a minimum of two days per week)? If you know your preferred days for care, ask if they have availability.
Ratio of Educators
Each age group will need to meet legal requirements regarding the educator-to-child ratio but this can vary. It's also worth asking about educator turnover and how long many of the room leaders have been there. Longevity in staff is a great reflection on a centre.
Casual Care
Does the centre accommodate additional days of casual care as/if required?
Nappies / Toilet training
Does the centre provide nappies and wipes? If your child needs assistance with toilet training, will the child care services at the centre help you with this process and continue the progress being made at home?
Formula / Breast Milk
Ask any questions you may have re: sending your formula or breastmilk and bottles. Centres vary about how this process works but it's safe to say all will accommodate your needs when it comes to milk.
Day naps
Are naps tailored to your child's routine, or do they need to fit into a set schedule for their allocated room? Will an educator help your child fall asleep when/if needed? Can they bring their dummy and comforter? Are children supervised when sleeping? Do you need to send sheets and/or a sleeping bag?
Meals
Are all meals included in the daily care cost? Does the centre accommodate all dietary requirements? Most centres share their weekly menu so you can ask if this is something the centre does and whether parents have any input on the snacks and main meals provided.
Allergies
If your child has food allergies and/or other allergies, then check how allergies are managed in the centre and whether staff are adequately trained in First Aid and CPR should an allergic reaction occur.
Parental Learning Updates
How often will you be given a report/summary on how your child's development is progressing at the centre? Can you meet with the staff when needed to chat about any additional concerns?
Interaction between age groups
Depending on space, particular learning spaces may be shared between children of different ages but segregated according to the time of the day. Ask if the younger children will be playing at the same time as the older children and how this is managed.
Missed days due to illness or holiday
Ask whether you will be charged for missed days due to a sick child or holidays. Some centres provide a discounted rate for up to 10 days annually for holidays.
Learning philosophy
Does the centre follow a specific early learning philosophy or program? i.e. Reggio Emilia
Things to observe
More often than not, your gut will be the deciding factor at the end of your tours. In saying that, there are plenty of things that help to make up the feeling before you get to your final stop.
First impressions
Are you greeted warmly when you walk in? Do you and your child feel welcome and comfortable in the centre? First impressions really do count and you'll get a gut feeling almost immediately when entering a new childcare environment.
Staff
Do the staff seem happy and engaged with the children? Are the staff attentive to the needs of the children and actively interacting with them? Is there diversity in the staff (a mix of male/female and educators of different ethnicities)? What measures does the centre have in place to safeguard children, and how are staff trained to identify and respond to potential signs of child abuse?
Cleanliness
It's important to observe whether the centre seems clean and looks to be well maintained. Are toys orderly and accessible or is everything in disarray?
Smell
Does the centre have good ventilation/air conditioning or is there an unpleasant smell? Is the toilet and nappy change area regularly sanitised to deal with the constant flow of children coming and going?
Toys, books & play equipment
Observe what is offered in terms of toys, books and play equipment and feel free to ask questions about how often these are updated.
Outdoor area
Is the outdoor area spacious? It's worth looking at how it's separated between different age groups and how the educators maintain variation in their outdoor activities (especially if your little one is there multiple times a week).
Sleep areas
Do children have a cot each or are they on mats on the floor? Observe whether this area is tranquil or chaotic and think about how this will work for your child's sleep needs. Additionally, check whether the centre follows safe sleep practices to ensure children rest in a secure and monitored environment.
Security gates
How do visitors get in and out of the centre? Note whether it's secure and whether all visitors to the premises need to register or sign in.
Overall feel
When you find the right centre for your little one you'll know in your gut. Follow your intuition above all else.
We'd love to hear about your experience when it comes to finding care for your family. To submit some feedback or a story, get in touch with our editor at editor@careforkids.com.au.
