What to look for when touring an Early Learning Centre
So you want a Long Day Care centre or sessional Kindergarten (or both) for your precious little one?
For many parents, finding the right fit for your family stirs up a range of emotions. After all, you are leaving the most precious person in your life in the hands of a stranger. But it doesn’t have to be daunting with the right homework.
Once you are clear that you need either Long Day Care, Kindergarten or both, finding the right fit can ensure the experience enhances the development of your child. Through learning, development and growth through play and socialisation with others in the right environment, your child will thrive.
Before you begin your search, ask yourself what is the most important things when leaving your precious child with someone else. This will help guide you to the right type of service. Once you know, then it’s time to find the perfect Early Learning Centre or Kindergarten.
Here are some tips for what to consider when choosing the right centre for your child.
What to look for initially:
You should look for a child care service that:
- is close to home or work.
- has availability that suits or you understand the waiting list process.
- opening hours work with your daily routine.
- welcomes a tour/visit in the centre.
- warm and welcoming atmosphere when you arrive.
- offers valuable play and learning experiences for your child.
- makes sure there is a caring and consistent relationship between staff and your child.
- allows children time to explore and learn new activities.
- supports all aspects of your child’s development, including their social, emotional, physical and cognitive needs.
- sets clear and reasonable expectations of behaviour.
- works in partnership with your family.
- Is registered/licensed.
- quality early learning programs and education.
- centres’ philosophy aligns with your parenting beliefs.
- clear fee information.
- flexibility in areas important to you.
Tour Checklist
Download and print out our checklist to assist you when touring an early learning centre.
Questions you can ask
To decide if the child care service is suitable for you and your child, the following questions will be helpful:
- What is the quality rating?
- Are places available for the day(s) and hour(s) I need?
- Does the service operate throughout the year or only for school terms?
- Does the service offer extended hours of care?
- What is the ratio of qualified staff?
- What are the staff’s values and philosophies around caring and educating children?
- What are the fees?
- Is there a fee to be placed on the waiting list?
- Are there any other costs I’ll be asked to pay over and above the fees?
- How does the program meet the different needs, interests and experiences of the children?
- How does the service support children with additional needs?
- Will the same staff consistently care for my child?
- What is the process if my child is unwell, upset or unsettled?
- Can parents be involved and how?
- Can I visit at any time of the day?
- How are food and drink provided for the children?
- What are the sleeping arrangements for the children?
- What is the process for administering medication?
Meet the team and take a tour.
We encourage you to take a tour of the centre/s you are considering. It is the best way to meet the directors and educators and see if your precious little one would enjoy and grow in the environment.
We would love to show you around our services and welcome you visiting.
Some other helpful References:
Childcare centres: What you should actually look for | Kidspot
How to choose the best child care | Victorian Government (www.vic.gov.au)
Child Care Subsidy – Services Australia
Give your child the best start | Victorian Government (www.vic.gov.au)