With so many childcare options available, choosing the right centre can feel overwhelming. The most important thing to remember is that you are not just looking for a safe place for your child to spend the day — you are looking for a community that will shape their earliest years. The right centre will feel warm, purposeful, and genuinely child-centred.
Before you visit
Start by checking the centre's most recent Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) rating on the ACECQA website. This national rating system assesses centres across seven quality areas, from educational program to governance. Look for centres rated 'Meeting' or 'Exceeding' the National Quality Standard.
10 questions to ask on your tour
- What is your educator-to-child ratio, and how does it compare to the regulatory minimum?
- Do you use a primary educator model? How do you support continuity of care?
- How do you communicate with families about their child's day?
- What does your educational program look like? Can I see a sample learning documentation?
- How do you handle separation anxiety and the settling-in period?
- What is your approach to nutrition? Can I see a sample menu?
- How do you support children with additional needs or developmental delays?
- What is your staff turnover rate? How long have your educators been here?
- How do you handle illness, accidents, and emergencies?
- What does a typical day look like for a child my child's age?
Trust your instincts. When you walk into the right centre, you'll feel it. Watch how the educators interact with the children already there — are they warm, engaged, and genuinely present? That's the most important thing.
Red flags to watch for
- Educators who are on their phones or not engaged with children
- A director who seems rushed or dismissive of your questions
- High staff turnover or many unfamiliar faces
- Rooms that feel sterile, overstimulating, or poorly resourced
- Vague or evasive answers about their educational approach