How to choose the right childcare centre
Expert advice on the six factors to consider
Choosing the right childcare for your child is one of the first major out-of-home care – or educational – decisions you will make for you baby, and it can come with a lot of pressure to make the best choice.
Many factors influence the need for daycare – work, childhood development including socialistion, and school readiness are a few of the more obvious ones.
Whatever your need or motivation, National Director of SmartPlay Early Learners, Helena Williams-Johnson advises on the six most important things to consider when looking at a childcare centre for your littlest family member.
6 factors to help you choose the best childcare
1. What values are important to your family?
Parents should look at what they value most for their child and family, and keep this top of mind when visiting a centre. Go on a tour, view the service. Consider how educators are engaging with the children in their care, and with the parents on tour. Is the centre well-resourced? What is there for your child to do?
While the Director sets the tone, they aren’t typically the carer for your child so keep this in mind. Also remember that what is important/valuable to one family may not be the same for another.
Take a good look around to see what there is to do that you know your child will enjoy.
2. Does the environment feel happy and nuturing?
Observe the children and determine if they seem engaged and happy.
While the Director of the centre won’t be directly caring for your child, are they professional and do they engage well with the educators and adults? Are they confident? Can they speak to what they do in a day, the routine of the centre and each classroom?
Look around and determine what is in reach to and easily accessible to children; are these similar items to what can be accessed at home? At the same time, keep developmentally appropriate expectations. Some older pre-schoolers who have never been in care outside the home may be more nervous than others.
When visiting daycares, ask for examples of their excursions and incursions and if there are additional costs.
4. How does the childcare centre rate?
After your tour while you’re trying to narrow down your top picks, jump online and check the centre’s standards and ratings (Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority is a great resource).
Is the centre working towards, meeting or exceeding expectations? Consider whether the centre’s rating matches your family’s values.
5. What distinguishes this centre from another?
Look at the centre’s upcoming calendar to note what incursions and excursions they participate in. How do excursions, in particular, work logistically; and are you comfortable with your child participating? Are there additional costs for these things, and do they fit into your budget.
Find out how the centre helps transition your child, and if you can stay for a short period or do a trial time first.
5. Do the opening hours and location work for you?
Consider the centre’s operating hours and schedule in comparison to your own schedule. Also evaluate the commute to the centre in relation to home and work. Some parents choose a centre near work; others near home; and others still somewhere between. There are pros and cons to each of these.
6. How does the childcare centre transition new children?
Settling your child into a new environment can feel stressful for parents and children. What opportunities does the centre offer parents to stay with their child during the transition stage? How do they support and manage this process? Parents should be encouraged to help their child ease in, when possible.
Helena Williams-Johnson is the National Director of SmartPlay Early Learners.
