How to choose the right early learning centre for your child

As a parent, you want nothing but the best for your child. That’s why choosing the right early learning centre is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Before enrolling your child in a childcare centre, it’s vital to be sure that your little one will feel safe, nurtured, happy, and able to flourish.

What to look for in a childcare centre

Here are some key factors to look for in your search:

1.A clean, well-organised environment

Look for a clean, well-organised environment to ensure that your child is safe and healthy while in their childcare centre. Do this by taking note of the centre’s cleanliness during your initial tour and asking staff questions about the centre’s cleaning schedule and practices.

2. A focus on safety and security​

Make sure the centre prioritises child safety and security. This will include having comprehensive safety measures in place, a clearly outlined health and safety policy and staff who are fully trained in child safety practices.

3. Friendly staff

The centre management and admin team should be friendly and welcoming in every interaction with you, creating a positive experience and warm environment within the centre. They should also be able to answer all your questions about the centre and its educational program.

4. Qualified and caring educators

All educators should be suitably qualified, professional and dedicated to creating a positive learning environment where your child feels safe, happy, loved and supported
to play, learn, make friends and develop to their full potential.

5. A developmentally appropriate curriculum

The curriculum should reflect your child’s age and stage of development. It should also be engaging and stimulating so that your child is motivated to learn and align with your family’s values and beliefs.

6. Personalised attention for your child

You should feel confident your child will receive individualised attention from educators. This will help ensure that your child feels safe, valued and cared for and that their unique needs are being met.

7. Stimulating learning environments and resources

Look for a centre with inspiring, bright and flexible indoor and outdoor learning environments. These should be filled with engaging and high-quality resources. Toys, books and equipment should encourage exploration while supporting your child’s physical, social, emotional and cognitive development.

Ten questions to ask during a centre tour​

When touring a potential childcare centre, be sure to ask plenty of questions so you can make a well-informed decision. Here are 10 important questions to get you started:

1.What is your early childhood education philosophy?

2.What makes your centre stand out from others?

3.What qualifications do your educators have and what ongoing training do they receive?

4.How will you support my child’s social, emotional and physical development?

5.How will you ensure my child receives personalised attention?

6.What is a typical day in this centre?

7.How will you ensure my child is safe?

8.What opportunities will I have to be involved in the centre and my child’s educational program?

9.How will you share my child’s progress and development?

10.What food do you serve for meals and snacks?

It’s also worth asking to speak with current or former families about their experience with the centre.

Book a tour of Learning Ladder

Booking a tour of your local Learning Ladder centre is a fantastic way to see the service and learning environments firsthand, get a sense of the educational program and daily routines, and ask questions.