Choosing a childcare centre?
Here’s a list of questions you should ask
Choosing the right childcare centre is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your child. To assist you in this process, we’ve compiled a list of essential questions to ask daycare providers, including key child care questions to consider and specific questions to ask when touring daycare facilities.
About the Centre
Your first questions to ask potential daycare providers cover the basics, particularly if it’s your family’s first time accessing child care services.
- What are your operating hours?
- How does the pick up and drop off process work at your Centre?
- Do you have a Preschool or Kindergarten program?
- Do you offer casual care bookings for when I need them?
- Has the Centre been through assessment and rating?
- Do you have an open door policy for communication?
About the Staff
A good team that loves children and are passionate, qualified and want to build relationships with your family, is what you want. Ask questions about the childcare Centre’s team to assess if they are a good fit for your child.
- What qualifications do your Educators have?
- Do you have qualified teachers in your rooms?
- What training, development and mentoring do you provide for your teams?
- What curriculum do you follow for children of different ages?
- How many staff members are in each room?
- Are the staff trained in first aid and CPR?
About your Child
- What kind of learning opportunities will my child have?
- How can I be involved in my child’s learning?
- How will you help prepare my child for school?
- Will you keep me up to date during the day with what my child is doing?
- How will you let me know if my child is experiencing any difficulties or issues in care? And how will this be managed?
- What will my child be eating on a daily basis?
- Can I see your current menu?
About the Program
The daily program at a daycare centre plays a crucial role in your child’s development. These questions will help you understand how the Centre approaches education and activities.
- What is the daily routine like for children?
- How much time do children spend outdoors?
- Are there any enrichment programs or extra-curricular activities offered?
- How does the Centre handle discipline and behavioural issues with younger children?
- What is your approach to learning and education for young children?
About Safety and Health
Ensuring that your child is safe and healthy while in daycare is a top priority. Don’t be afraid to ask these important questions about safety and health policies.
- What are your emergency procedures in case of fire, natural disasters, or medical emergencies?
- How do you handle sick children at the Centre and your general sick policy?
- Do you have protocols for administering medication if needed?
- What measures do you take to prevent the spread of illnesses such as colds or flu among
About your Child
- What kind of learning opportunities will my child have?
- How can I be involved in my child’s learning?
- How will you help prepare my child for school?
- Will you keep me up to date during the day with what my child is doing?
- How will you let me know if my child is experiencing any difficulties or issues in care? And how will this be managed?
- What will my child be eating on a daily basis?
- Do you cater for food allergies or dietary restrictions?
- Can I see your current menu?
- What do I do if I have a sick child?
General Questions
It’s good to have as much information as possible, so here are some suggested questions you can add to you daycare tour checklist.
- Do you have any online blogs or programs to support children’s learning?
- What communication do you have for families?
- Can I claim the Child Care Subsidy?
- Can you tell me what my fees will be after I claim the Child Care Subsidy?
- What is your policy in relation to children’s illness?
- Do you have sustainable practices in place throughout the Centre?
- What resources and facilities do you have for children of different ages?
Take the checklist with you
Print this checklist and bring it along to your tour so you don’t forget any of the important questions. We’ve even left some space for you to add your own questions and to write notes.