So, the time has finally arrived that your precious little one has to start daycare. Your child will be setting foot in an important stage in life, so you want to make sure that their experience is as positive and nourishing as possible, where they can grow, learn, and develop in a safe and nurturing environment. But, where do you even begin?

Finding the best day care center for your child is not something that should be taken lightly. It is an important decision that could have a far-reaching impact on your little one’s development. To ensure you are choosing wisely, there are some key factors you will need to assess before making any decisions.

10 Things to Look Into When Assessing a Day Care Center

Preschool sets the foundation for learning and development. To ensure you are making the right choice, here is a checklist of 10 things to consider when assessing potential centres.

• Location
• Accreditation
• Educator-to-Student Ratio
• Staff Qualifications
• Curriculum
• Facilities
• Meals Provided
• Premise Security
• Extra Services
• Tuition

1. Location

Convenience is a key factor in selecting the best childcare center for your little one and should be considered before anything else. It is important to consider how close it is to your home or workplace, as this could affect drop-off and pick-up times. Having a centre nearby can help reduce stress for you and your child when transitioning into preschool, and the shorter trips will make a huge difference in how you adapt to your new routines.

Another thing to look into in terms of location is the centre’s proximity to other amenities that you might need, such as parks, libraries and medical centres. Having your child in close vicinity to these services can prove to be quite handy.

2. Accreditation

One of the most telling signs of a good daycare centre is its accreditation status. Being accredited means that the centre has been assessed by an independent body against set standards across all areas of operation, from health and safety to staffing qualifications. It also ensures that your little one is receiving care in an environment with educators who are qualified and well-trained for the job.

Typically, the centre you choose should be compliant with the standards of the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA), which is the national regulator for childcare and early learning services in the country.

Taking a look at the centres’ accreditations can give you peace of mind knowing that your child is being looked after by professionals and is receiving the best education available.

3. Educator-to-Student Ratio

The ideal day care center has a low educator-to-student ratio. This is because it ensures that each child receives individual attention from the educators and carers. On the other hand, a high ratio may lead to overcrowding, which could be counterintuitive for your child’s learning experience as it leaves fewer opportunities for individualised care.

So, what are the recommended educator-to-student ratios for preschool? Here are the child ratio requirements based on age as per the ACECQA.

• Birth to 2 years old – 1:4
• 2 to 3 years old – 1:5
• 3 years old up to preschool age – 1:10

Now, it is important to note that these are just the minimum requirements. Some centres may have even lower ratios, which can be more advantageous for children. So, take note of these numbers when picking a centre for your little one.

4. Staff Qualifications

All educators and other staff members in an early learning center should hold relevant degrees and experience in early childhood education. Basically, they should, at least, have completed a nationally recognised diploma in early childhood education and care.

At the same time, it is essential to ensure that all staff members have undergone relevant training, such as first aid, anaphylaxis management, and infection control. This will help guarantee that the centre has taken the necessary steps to minimise risks associated with health and safety in preschool.

You can also look for centres with staff members having additional qualifications and certifications. For example, they could have a Working With Children Check (WWCC) assessment or a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. These qualifications are not only important for the safety of your child but also crucial in ensuring that they are getting the best education available.

5. Curriculum

While some people are not fussy about the curriculum of preschool, especially when it comes to a toddler care center (it is all about play, is it not?), it is still important to have a look at the offerings of a centre.

The curriculum should be well-structured and rigorous enough to prepare your child for more formal schooling down the road. It should also include different types of activities, such as music, art, language, physical education, and environmental exploration to help develop various aspects of your child’s growth and development.

Look out for centres that have an inquiry-based learning approach because this ensures that your little one learns through exploration and discovery—something that is proven to be highly beneficial when it comes to developing key skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, decision-making, communication, and collaboration.

6. Facilities

Your chosen daycare centre should be clean and safe, with plenty of space for the children to explore. It should also have sufficient natural light, so they can get enough vitamin D even when they are indoors.

In addition, there should be age-appropriate resources that encourage curiosity and learning. These could include soft toys, books, blocks, puzzles, art supplies, musical instruments, balls, and other pieces of play equipment.

Moreover, it is always better if there is a large outdoor playground where children can engage in activities, such as climbing frames, during their free time.

7. Meals Provided

Daycares, especially an infant care center, should observe a healthy and balanced diet for meals and snacks. It is important to ask about the food that your child will be eating—whether it is prepared in-house or catered, who prepares them, and what type of ingredients they use.

You should also make sure to check if any special diet requirements can be accommodated, such as vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, etc. And, if your little one has allergies, you must ensure that the staff members are well-equipped to handle such cases properly.

8. Premise Security

The security of a centre cannot be stressed enough. It is important to make sure that the premises are safe and secure for your child.

During your visit, check the centre for adequate CCTV cameras, fire alarms, and locks on doors if applicable. You should also ensure that there is proper access control implemented, such as biometric scanning or keycard access. This will help guarantee that your little one is safe even when they are outside of your presence.

9. Extra Services

It will be more convenient for you if the centre offers extra services, such as pick-up and drop-off services, after-school care, extra-curricular activities, holiday programmes, or even family support services. These types of additional services can be beneficial to both you and your child.

It is always great to have more possibilities in terms of childcare and education because it gives you a bit more flexibility when it comes to making sure that your child is not only safe but also given the best opportunities available.

10. Tuition

Of course, you also need to consider the tuition fee of a nursery school. The amount that you have to pay for your child’s care will depend on various factors, such as the quality of the facility, the staff qualifications and experience, and the extra services offered. And, it might be worth it to spend a bit more if you think that it is necessary in order to ensure the safety and well-being of your little one.

Do not forget that this is an investment in your child’s future, so do not stint when it comes to their education and development!

Final Thoughts

Finding the right day care center does not have to be an overwhelming task. Do your research, take your time, and assess the different factors that make a good centre so you can make an informed decision.

The most important thing is to trust your gut and go with what feels right for both you and your child. With love and patience, you will eventually find the perfect fit. Good luck with your quest!