bluephinHow to Choose a Child Care Centre
September 14th 2006 09:30
One of the biggest decisions a parent can make is choosing the right child care centre for their child. I faced that dilemma when I decided to return to work and without any previous exposure to child care, found myself a bit daunted and unsure what to look for.
It’s a massive decision and one that can be quite overwhelming. As it is, you are probably experiencing mixed feelings about placing your child into care. You’ve probably spent years on a waiting list and jump at any offer that comes your way. But how do you know which centre is right for you?
The first thing you should do when offered a position is to make a time to have a look around the centre. Whilst there take note of the following:
1) Are the premises clean and tidy?
2) Do the children look happy and content?
3) Is there artwork displayed throughout the building?
4) Are the toileting areas child-friendly and hygienic?
5) Is there equipment out for the children to play with?
Asking the following questions may also help you to form a decision you’re comfortable with:
1) What is the staff turnover like? There should be a display of all staff members and how long they’ve served at the centre.
2) Can you visit the centre and your child at any time?
3) Will the centre do up portfolios of your child’s work throughout the year? This is like a display book of photo’s of your child and artwork they’ve done that you get at the end of the year. It’s a wonderful momento that you can look back on over the years.
4) Ask to have a look at the programming for the room your child will be in. This is an outline of what the children will do on a specific week.
5) Ask to see the routine for the room. The children should have lunch at a certain time, outside play etc.
6) Does the centre have open days like ‘Grandparents Day’ where members of the extended family can visit.
7) You should be able to view the centre’s policies at any time so ask where they are located.
Other factors to consider include:
• is the centre a registered centre or approved centre
• the cost
• whether you have to pay for public holidays and sick days
• whether you have to pay for any shut down periods (eg. over Christmas)
• does the centre supply food or will you supply it
• hours of operation
Ultimately, you should feel comfortable with the centre you are enrolling your child at. If you walk in and feel at ease, find that the staff are friendly and the children seem happy then that’s a great start.
For more information on what to look for when choosing a child care centre check out National Childcare Accreditation Council website.
Photograph pictured was taken by Pamela Adam and is used here under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 License.
It’s a massive decision and one that can be quite overwhelming. As it is, you are probably experiencing mixed feelings about placing your child into care. You’ve probably spent years on a waiting list and jump at any offer that comes your way. But how do you know which centre is right for you?
The first thing you should do when offered a position is to make a time to have a look around the centre. Whilst there take note of the following:
1) Are the premises clean and tidy?
2) Do the children look happy and content?
3) Is there artwork displayed throughout the building?
4) Are the toileting areas child-friendly and hygienic?
5) Is there equipment out for the children to play with?
There should be lots of equipment around to stimulate your childs imagination. This helps to enhance their learning experience.
Asking the following questions may also help you to form a decision you’re comfortable with:
1) What is the staff turnover like? There should be a display of all staff members and how long they’ve served at the centre.
2) Can you visit the centre and your child at any time?
4) Ask to have a look at the programming for the room your child will be in. This is an outline of what the children will do on a specific week.
5) Ask to see the routine for the room. The children should have lunch at a certain time, outside play etc.
6) Does the centre have open days like ‘Grandparents Day’ where members of the extended family can visit.
7) You should be able to view the centre’s policies at any time so ask where they are located.
Other factors to consider include:
• is the centre a registered centre or approved centre
• the cost
• whether you have to pay for public holidays and sick days
• whether you have to pay for any shut down periods (eg. over Christmas)
• does the centre supply food or will you supply it
• hours of operation
Ultimately, you should feel comfortable with the centre you are enrolling your child at. If you walk in and feel at ease, find that the staff are friendly and the children seem happy then that’s a great start.
For more information on what to look for when choosing a child care centre check out National Childcare Accreditation Council website.
Photograph pictured was taken by Pamela Adam and is used here under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 License.
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Comment by Cinico
Small Business Scope
Comment by MelissaA
Fun Facts
Comment by Cinico
Small Business Scope
Do they provide sunscreen?
Do they have a no hat/no play policy? (Most centres should, I believe it's an accreditation requirement).
Is there water drinking facilities readily available for the children?
Comment by Anonymous
www.indigoeducation.com.au
Comment by Ruth Powell
I am a Perth Mum. When I was in 'paid' work I was a Director of a Centre and also worked for the National Child Care Accreditation Council. I have written a book on Choosing Child Care - it addresses all the important facts you need to know and draws on lots of real life experiences. Feel free to also email with any questions. choosingchildcare.com.au