Don't leave your centre tour without asking these 12 questions. They cover everything from educator quality to meals, safety, and fees — and they'll help you make a confident decision.
Why Preparation Matters
A long day care centre tour is one of the most important steps in choosing care for your child. But it is easy to get caught up in the physical environment — the beautiful outdoor space, the well-stocked art corner, the friendly director — and forget to ask the questions that really matter. This listicle gives you 12 specific questions to ask on every tour, and explains what good answers look like.
1. How long have the educators in my child's room been with the centre?
Educator stability is one of the strongest predictors of quality. A team that has been together for several years has built the relationships, shared knowledge, and consistent practices that support children's development. If the answer is "we've had some changes recently," ask why.
2. Does my child have a primary educator?
A primary caregiving model — where each child has a designated primary educator who is their main point of contact — supports secure attachment and consistent care. Ask whether the centre uses this model and who your child's primary educator would be.
3. How do you support children through the settling-in process?
A good settling-in process is gradual, flexible, and family-centred. Ask how many orientation visits are included, whether the process can be extended if your child needs more time, and how the centre communicates with families during the settling period.
4. Can I see examples of learning documentation?
Learning documentation — the records educators keep of children's interests, questions, and progress — is a window into the quality of the educational program. Ask to see examples. Quality documentation reflects genuine observation and planning; poor documentation is generic and formulaic.
5. How much time do children spend outdoors each day?
Outdoor play is essential for physical development, risk-taking, and connection to the natural world. Ask how much time children spend outdoors and what the outdoor program looks like across different weather conditions.
6. Are meals prepared onsite?
Onsite meal preparation allows for fresher food, more flexibility in managing dietary requirements, and richer food experiences for children. Ask whether meals are prepared onsite, whether you can see the kitchen, and whether you can see a sample weekly menu.
7. How do you manage food allergies and dietary requirements?
Ask specifically how the centre documents and communicates dietary needs, how staff are trained in allergy management, and how cross-contamination risks are managed. For children with complex needs, ask to speak with the cook.
8. What is your NQS rating, and what are you most proud of?
Every approved centre has an NQS rating, publicly available on the ACECQA register. Ask the director about their rating and what they are most proud of. Also ask what they are working to improve — a director who can answer that question honestly is one who takes quality seriously.
9. How do you communicate with families about their child's day?
Ask whether the centre uses an app, how detailed the daily updates are, and how often educators have formal conversations with families about their child's development. Look for a genuine two-way communication culture, not just one-directional reporting.
10. What is your approach to separation anxiety?
Ask how educators support children who find drop-off difficult, whether they communicate with parents during the day to let them know their child has settled, and what strategies they use to help children manage the transition.
11. How does the Child Care Subsidy work, and can you help me understand my entitlement?
The CCS can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs, but navigating it can be confusing. Ask whether the centre has someone who can help you understand your entitlement and walk you through the claim process.
12. What makes your centre different from others in the area?
This open-ended question often produces the most revealing answers. A director who is proud of their centre and confident in their practice will answer with specifics — the length of their team's tenure, a particular approach to the program, a community connection, or a philosophy that genuinely distinguishes them. Listen carefully to what they choose to highlight.