Childcare Checklist: Questions To Consider When Choosing A Childcare Centre

Choosing a local childcare centre is tricky; there are long waiting lists and a number of other factors that should be taken into consideration. Use our Childcare Checklist to ask yourself and the childcare the key questions to determine which one would be best for you.

If it all seems a bit overwhelming, you might consider using a childcare finding website (click here).

Table of Contents

Determining Childcare Centre

Think about your families working hours and who will be picking up your child and when. A childcare closer to your home may suit you so that either parent can drop off or pick up or perhaps if you both work in the city, then a childcare closer to work will give you more flexibility along with the option of being nearby.
Determine hours of operation and days closed. Find out when the centre opens and closes along with which days throughout the year they are closed.
Running late. Ask what happens if you are running late; what the fees and procedures are etc.
Ask the policies of the centre in relation to getting the children ready for childcare.
Ask the policies of the centre in relation to play, growth of the children and the issues that are important to you.
Do you need to bring food or nappies for your child?
Do you pay for Public Holidays?
What play equipment and indoor/outdoor areas do they have?
Do they have the required availability?

Visiting the Centre

Before starting with any centre, you need to visit it to actually see what it is like and to get a feeling of the place.

Do the staff members seem friendly and interested in you and your child?
Is the reception area clean, tidy and organised?
Are the children having fun?
Does the centre seem safe?
Ask the policy in relation to signing the children in and out of the centre.
Do children of different ages have separate areas to play or do they interact?
Are the toilets and sinks clean and easy for the children to use?
Is there a wide range of toys and books provided for the children? Are the toys accessible?
Does the centre offer a range of programs for the children to participate in?

Food

What happens if your child doesn’t eat at the designated time?
Is water offered and available all day?
Allergies/Special Diet: If your child has any allergies or requires a special diet, ask the centre how they will manage this.

Health and Safety

What is the procedure for going outside? Sunscreen, hats etc.
Do they have a hand washing policy?
What is the procedure should an incident occur?
How often do they change nappies?
What is the toilet training procedure?
Where do the children sleep? Do you need to bring sheets/bedding?

Starting Childcare

Ask if they have an induction program. See if the centre will offer a number of days where you and your child can come for a short period of time to get them used to the centre.
What is the policy on swapping day?
What is the procedure for putting children down at sleep time?
Can they bring in their favourite toy to keep them calm/feeling safe?