Tips on choosing the best childcare centre for your child

Guardian Childcare and Education is providing tips on choosing a childcare/early learning centre as it welcomes families for “Tour Month”.

Guardian Head of Curriculum Priscilla Carmichael said choosing a childcare centre could be a daunting decision because every family wanted their child to feel happy, safe and supported.

“With so many centres to compare, different philosophies to consider and a long list of ‘must-haves’ running through your head, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the selection,” she said.

“However, once you know what to look for, choosing a childcare centre becomes far less stressful.”

So how do you pick the right childcare centre for your child, and your family?

The following guide is Guardian Childcare’s advice on what to look for.

Key tips

Tour during operating hours: Get a feel for the everyday environment and see how Educators/Teachers interact with children.
Check team qualifications and support for professional development: Stable, qualified Educators create secure environments for children.
Review how things are managed: Talk to the team about how they manage illness, emergencies, food preferences and flexibility in days of attendance.
Join waitlists early: Demand for childcare is often high, so register even if you’re not starting immediately.

Start With the People

At the heart of every great childcare centre are the people who care for your child each day. When you visit a centre, take time to observe how Educators/Teachers interact with children.

Are they engaged, calm and attentive? Do they speak kindly and get down to children’s eye level? Do children seem comfortable approaching them?

Strong relationships between children and Educators/Teachers are critical. Look for centres that prioritise stable teams, professional development, family involvement and genuine connection with families.

It is also important to ask about educator qualifications, experience and how the team is supported. Consistent caregivers help children feel secure, especially during those early weeks of settling in.

The environment tells a story

A centre’s physical environment says a lot about how children learn and play there. As you walk through, notice how the space makes you feel. Is it welcoming and calm? Is there a sense of busy purpose, without feeling chaotic?

High-quality centres create environments that encourage children to explore, experiment and make choices. Look for a balance of indoor and outdoor spaces, with natural light, high quality resources and creative areas and places for quiet retreat.

Outdoor environments are just as important as indoor ones. Sandpits, gardens, water play, climbing spaces and natural elements support physical development and curiosity.

What does a typical day look like?

Every childcare centre runs a little differently, so it’s worth asking what a typical day looks like for children in your child’s age group. Is the day flexible and responsive, or highly structured? Is there time for outdoor play, creative experiences and rest?

Quality early learning programs are guided by children’s interests and curiosity, rather than rigid schedules. While routines are important for providing security, the best programs support children to follow their interests and learn through real-world experiences.

Ask about planned experiences for children and how learning is supported and documented. A strong program supports all areas of your child’s development including social skills, friendships, physical skills and brain development.

Healthy food & daily well-being

Nutrition plays a big role in children’s growth, energy levels and overall well-being. Some centres ask families to provide food, while others offer meals prepared on site.

Either way, it’s important to ask about menu planning, food quality and how dietary requirements are managed. Look for a balanced approach that includes a variety of food groups, recipes from diverse cultures and allergy safety.

Shared mealtimes also support social skills, independence and healthy habits.

Take a tour and trust your Instincts

One of the best ways to decide if a centre is right for your child is to take a tour. Seeing the centre in action gives you insight you cannot get from a website or brochure.

As you walk through, notice:

Do children look happy and engaged?
Do Educators know the children by name?
Does the space feel safe and welcoming?
Does the centre align with your family’s values?

It can help to prepare a list of questions before your visit, so you don’t forget anything important.

Proximity and practical considerations

While quality should always be the priority, location does matter. A centre close to home or work can make daily routines smoother and reduce stress during drop-off and pick-up.

Think about travel time, parking, public transport access and how the location fits into your daily life. Less rushing often means calmer goodbyes — and calmer goodbyes benefit children too.

A Parent’s Checklist

The following is a guide to some of the questions you might want to ask during a tour.

About the Centre

What are your operating hours?
How does drop-off and pick-up work each day?
Do you offer casual care or additional days if our needs change?
How do you keep families informed about what’s happening at the centre?
How do you welcome new children and families so they feel excited to start, settle quickly and look forward to coming each day?
Are there opportunities for families to get to know each other?
Who can pick up and drop off my child?

About the people caring for your child

What qualifications do your Educators/Teachers hold?
What safety training do team members complete?
How will I know who is with my child each day?
How do Educators/Teachers build relationships with children and families?
Do Educators/Teachers receive ongoing training and professional development?

About your child

How do you support children as they settle into care?
How will you learn about my child’s day, learning and well-being?
How do you support children with additional needs or individual requirements?
How do you work in partnership with families around routines, sleep and care preferences?

About Early Childhood Education