Choosing a Childcare Provider? 33 Questions to Ask Before Enrolling Your Child

With 2023 fast approaching, for many families, the time to send your little one to childcare or preschool is just around the corner. It’s a big decision, and finding the ideal fit is critical, both for your child’s happiness and development…and your peace of mind. 

And while there are government guidelines and regulations around what early learning providers need to offer, some, including Young Academics, have a wide range of value-added programs and services which are well worth investigating to help your child reach his or her full potential. 

But let’s start with the basics. The best way to get a feel for any early learning provider is by visiting in person so you can get a ‘feel’ for the centre, meet the staff, ask questions, check out the resources on offer, and see how staff interact with the children. 

Tour booked? Below is a list of questions to pose when visiting potential providers (we all know how easy it is to forget what you wanted to ask in the moment). Why not print it off and take it with you? 

General Centre Information

• What are your operating hours? Do you close during school holidays?
• What is the process for pick-up and drop-off? 
• Do you offer casual care bookings for additional days (subject to availability)?
• When was the last time your centre went through the assessment and rating process – and what was the result?
• Do you provide nappies?
• What is your policy around sleep for different age groups? 
• What is your policy around sun protection?

Resources and Curriculum

• What resources and facilities do you have for children of different ages?
• What outdoor environment resources do you offer (ie vegetable gardens, bike paths etc)?
• Can you outline your age-specific curriculum programs?
• Do you have a dedicated preschool or transition-to-school program?
• Do you offer dedicated S.T.E.A.M. workshops or activities?

Educator Information

• What qualifications do your professional educators have? 
• Do you have qualified teachers in your rooms? 
• What training, development, and mentoring do you provide for your teams?
• What do you do to attract and retain staff? (ie do you pay above award wages, offer loyalty bonuses, wellness days, partner with universities for staff placements etc?) 

Health and Nutrition

• Do you prepare meals on-site? 
• Who prepares the meals for the children?
• Who creates/oversees the menu? And do you work with an Accredited Practicing Dietitian? 
• Can I see a copy of your menu? How often does it change?
• Do you offer parent workshops on children’s nutrition – or cooking?
• Do you offer dedicated physical activity programs or workshops, such as Music and Movement? If so, who delivers them, and do you charge an additional fee to participate?

Parent/Carer Communication

• How can I be involved in my child’s learning?
• How will you keep me up-to-date with my child’s learning?
• Do you regularly share information/photos of my child’s daily activities?
• If my child is experiencing any difficulties, how will I be notified?
• Do you have any blogs or articles I can access to help support my child’s learning and development?

Community and Partnerships

• Do you partner with any community organisations, such as local sports clubs, to deliver additional programs or opportunities for the children and/or their families?
• Do you partner with any charities to give back to the community, or create volunteering opportunities for staff or families? 

Cost of Care

• What are your daily fees?
• Can I claim the Child Care Subsidy?
• Can you tell me what my fees will be after I claim the Child Care Subsidy? 
• What is your illness policy in relation to fees?
• Will I be charged fees for public holidays or when my child is not there?

Contact us to start your journey with Young Academics Early Learning Centre.