Choosing childcare is one of the biggest decisions many families make in the early years. For new parents, questions about when to start, what quality looks like, and how to prepare can feel daunting.
This guide brings together expert insights from Guardian Childcare & Education’s early learning professionals to help families make informed decisions, enabling them to start their childcare journey with clarity and confidence.
Key Takeaways
- There’s no single “right age” to start childcare: High-quality early learning supports children at every stage, from babies through to preschoolers.
- Relationships matter most: Look for engaged, responsive Educators who form strong bonds with children and create a genuine sense of belonging.
- Play is a powerful way to learn: Through play-based programs, children develop social skills, emotional regulation, problem-solving, and confidence.
- Preparation eases the transition: Talking positively about childcare and keeping goodbyes short helps children settle into a new daily routine.
- Regular attendance supports development: Consistent days help children develop socially, emotionally, and academically while preparing them for school.
Ages and stages: When is the right time to start childcare?
One of the most common questions parents ask is: What’s the best age to start childcare?
While there is no universal “best age” to start early childhood education, it is known that babies are learning as soon as they are born.
From birth, children learn through secure, nurturing relationships.
In high-quality childcare environments, even the youngest babies form strong attachments with familiar Educators, helping them feel safe enough to explore their world.
As children grow, these environments continue to adapt—supporting mobility, social interaction, imagination, and independence.
What matters most is the quality of care, the relationships children build, and how well their individual needs are supported.
“Every stage is important. Our role is to meet children where they are and support them to take the next step.” – The team at Guardian Aspley.
Whether children are starting as babies, toddlers or preschoolers, research shows that emotionally secure, play-based environments can support confidence, resilience and a lifelong love of learning.
You can find more practical advice on choosing the right time to start childcare in our full Ages & Stages Guide.
Choosing the Right Childcare Centre: What Really Matters
While location and convenience are important, the most meaningful indicators of quality childcare are people, environment and program.
When visiting a childcare centre, observing how Educators interact with children is key. Are they engaged, calm and responsive? Do children seek them out for comfort and connection?
Strong relationships create a sense of belonging and security, especially during the settling-in period.
Centres that prioritise consistent staffing and professional development help children form trusting bonds over time.
“You can see when Educators truly know the children – their personalities, routines and interests. That’s what creates a sense of belonging and helps your child.” – the team at Guardian Camberwell.
It’s also important to look at the physical environment. Thoughtfully designed spaces invite exploration, creativity and calm, with a balance of indoor and outdoor play, quiet retreats and open-ended materials.
Parents should also ask about daily routines, wellbeing policies, nutrition, and communication—because peace of mind matters just as much as practicality.
Learn more in our full Choosing the Right Childcare Centre Guide and access a handy checklist of must-ask questions for parents.
What Children Learn at Daycare: The Power of Play-Based Learning
Play may look simple on the surface, but it is the foundation of powerful learning.
In high-quality early learning centres, play-based learning is intentional, guided by qualified Educators and aligned with children’s interests.
Through play, children develop social skills, emotional regulation, language, early literacy and numeracy, problem-solving and creativity, often all at once.
Educators carefully observe children and extend learning by asking questions, introducing new ideas and creating rich learning environments.
“When children are deeply engaged in play, that’s when the richest learning happens,” – the team at Guardian Cherrybrook.
Quality early learning programs, like Guardian’s sector-leading and exclusive To BE Me program, support children to develop a strong sense of identity, confidence in group settings, curiosity, and independence, helping prepare them not just for school, but for life.
When children enjoy learning early on, they begin to see themselves as capable, confident learners.
You can find out more by reading our What Children Learn in Daycare Guide.
Preparing for the First Day of Childcare
Starting childcare is a big milestone for children and parents.
Some nerves are completely normal in a new environment. With preparation and support, the transition into a new routine can be a positive experience for the whole family.
Before starting, sharing information with Educators about your child’s routines, interests, sleep patterns and comfort items helps create familiarity and comfort from day one.
Orientation sessions, talking positively about childcare, and gently introducing similar routines at home can also make a big difference.
Simple strategies, like keeping goodbyes short at drop off, predictable routines and reassurance, can ease separation anxiety.
“Children pick up on our emotions very quickly. When families talk positively about childcare, children often feel more confident walking through the door,” the team at Guardian Parramatta.
Strong communication between families and Educators helps parents feel connected, informed and confident as their child settles in during the first few weeks.
Discover a range of helpful tips in our full Preparing for the First Day of Childcare Guide.
Ensuring Your Child is Safe
Your child’s safety should be the number one priority of any childcare centre you choose.
Guardian Childcare & Education places child safety at the heart of every decision, creating environments where children feel secure, supported, and free to explore.
The organisation works to meet and exceed Australia’s National Quality Standard and National Quality Framework through thoughtful practices, skilled educators, and daily safety routines.
This includes rigorous supervision, detailed morning environment checks, and regular headcounts to ensure every child is always accounted for.
“Safety starts before the first child arrives. Our team completes detailed checks every morning of the equipment, gates, and learning areas. Nothing is left to chance,” the team at Guardian South Morang.
Health and well-being are supported through fresh onsite meals, strong hygiene practices, and careful allergy management. Nursery teams follow strict safe-sleep guidelines, including 10-minute checks and clear cot indicators, ensuring babies sleep safely and comfortably.
Guardian recruits only trusted, qualified educators through one of the sector’s strictest screening processes, including WWCC verification, rigorous reference checks, and central compliance monitoring.
Safety is strengthened through a speak-up culture, child-friendly tools like the Look, Do, Tell framework, and open communication with families. Guardian also applies elevated safety measures during excursions to ensure secure learning experiences beyond the centre.
You can discover more by reading our Guide to Guardian’s Approach to Safety.
Regular v Casual Childcare
Families make important daily decisions, and choices about work and childcare can sometimes feel emotionally challenging.
Yet increasing your child’s days in childcare provides clear developmental benefits.
High-quality early learning environments offer children rich opportunities to grow socially, emotionally and academically, helping them build resilience, confidence and independence.
Research suggests that consistent attendance—around 10 to 15 hours a week for four-year-olds—optimises developmental outcomes.
Regular days support predictable routines, helping children feel safe, secure and better prepared for the transition to primary school.
This paves the way for greater developmental and learning outcomes than if they were to attend casually.
Skilled Teachers and Educators nurture children’s emotional well-being and create environments where curiosity and a love of learning can flourish.
The Federal Government’s new 3 Day Childcare Guarantee <hyperlink to existing story> makes accessing more days easier and more affordable.
Families are now guaranteed at least three days (72 hours per fortnight) of subsidised care, regardless of activity levels, meaning those currently using one or two days can increase to three while still only paying the standard gap fee.
You can discover by reading our Guide to the Benefits of Regular Childcare.
Understanding the Child Care Subsidy
The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) continues to play a crucial role in helping Australian families access affordable, high-quality early childhood education.
The subsidy reduces childcare costs based on family income, recognised activity hours and each centre’s hourly rate, ensuring support is tailored to individual circumstances.
Recent government updates mean some families can now receive up to 90% of fees covered, with higher subsidies available for second and subsequent children under six.
The introduction of the “three-day guarantee” ensures all CCS-eligible families receive at least 72 hours of subsidised care per fortnight.
Additional supports, including ACCS options and dedicated hours for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, ensure vulnerable families remain connected to early learning.
Together, these measures aim to reduce financial pressure, increase access, and empower families to make informed decisions about their child’s early education.
You can use Guardian’s Child Care Subsidy Calculator to determine your entitlement.
You can also read our in-depth CCS Guide to learn more about the subsidy and how it might ease the financial burden for your family.
Do You Still Have Questions? We’re Here to Help
Starting childcare is a significant step, and it’s completely normal to have questions, even after reading everything you can find.
At Guardian Childcare & Education, we’ve supported thousands of families through this journey. Our experienced teams understand that every child and every family is different, and we’re here to answer even your most difficult childcare questions.
Whether you’d like to see one of our centres in person, need specific advice about your child’s needs, or simply want to talk through your options, we’re ready to help.
- Book a Tour to experience our environments firsthand and meet our Educators.
- Submit an Enquiry, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
- Call us directly on 13 82 30 to speak with a friendly team member who can answer your questions right away.
At Guardian, your peace comes first. Together, we’ll find the right childcare solution for you and your family.
