Choosing a childcare centre is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your family. Here are the questions that matter most.
Why the Tour Matters
A childcare tour is your opportunity to look beyond the brochure and get a real sense of whether a centre is the right fit for your family. Come prepared with questions, and trust your instincts — how a centre feels is just as important as what it offers on paper.
10 Questions to Ask
1. What is the educator-to-child ratio, and how is it maintained?
The National Quality Framework sets minimum ratios, but the best centres often exceed these. Ask how ratios are managed during peak times, meal times, and when staff are on breaks.
2. What is the staff turnover rate?
Stability matters enormously for young children. High turnover is a red flag — it suggests either poor management or poor working conditions. Ask how long the current educators have been at the centre.
3. How do you communicate with families?
Look for centres that use a combination of daily verbal updates, a digital app (like Xplor Playground), and regular parent-educator meetings. Ask to see an example of a learning story or observation.
4. What does a typical day look like?
A good answer will describe a balance of child-led play, educator-facilitated experiences, outdoor time, meals, rest, and routines. Be wary of centres that describe overly structured, academic-style programs for young children.
5. How do you handle challenging behaviour?
Look for approaches grounded in positive guidance — redirection, co-regulation, and teaching children to name and manage their emotions. Avoid centres that use punitive or shame-based approaches.
6. What is your approach to nutrition?
Ask to see a sample menu. Look for fresh, varied, culturally inclusive meals. Ask how dietary requirements and allergies are managed.
7. How do you support children with additional needs?
Even if your child doesn't currently have identified additional needs, this question reveals a lot about a centre's values and their commitment to inclusion.
8. What is your child safety policy?
Ask specifically about Working With Children Checks, mandatory reporting training, and how the centre manages visitors and unauthorised pick-ups.
9. What is your philosophy around screen time?
The Australian guidelines recommend no screen time for children under 2, and limited, high-quality screen time for 2–5 year olds. Ask how the centre approaches this.
10. Can I speak with current families?
The best centres welcome this. If a centre is reluctant to connect you with current families, that's worth noting.
What to Look For (Beyond the Questions)
Pay attention to the atmosphere. Are the children engaged and happy? Do the educators get down to the children's level? Is the environment clean, stimulating, and well-resourced? Do the educators greet you warmly and seem genuinely proud of their work?
Trust your gut. You know your child best.