Early Childhood 0-8

Choosing the Best Child Care or Kindergarten for You

image of a young boy

All families are different. In choosing child care, you need to think of your own family circumstances and needs. For example:

  • how old is your child?
  • how much care will your child need each day?
  • how many days a week will you need care?
  • are you looking for a kindergarten program?
  • how far do you want to travel?

In the year before your child starts school, you are encouraged to choose a service where your child will have access to a kindergarten program delivered by a qualified early childhood teacher. For more information, see: About Kindergarten

If you only require a few hours of care each week, occasional care may suit you. If you work full time you may need a long day care service.

You should also look for a service that provides a quality experience for your child. Quality children’s services are those that, for example:

  • provide valuable play and learning experiences for children
  • ensure caring and consistent relationships between staff and children
  • allow children time to explore, learn and discover new activities
  • support all aspects of your child’s development: social, emotional, physical and cognitive needs
  • set clear and reasonable expectations of behaviour, that respect each child’s age and development
  • work in partnership with families.
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Questions you can ask

To determine if the service is suitable for you and your child’s needs, ask the following questions:

  • are places available for the day/s and hour/s I need?
  • does the service operate throughout the year or only for school terms?
  • does the service offer extended hours of care?
  • does the service offer a funded kindergarten program?
  • what ratio of qualified staff do they have?
  • what are the staff’s values and philosophies around caring and educating children?
  • what are the fees?
  • is there a fee to be placed on the waiting list?
  • are there any other costs I’ll be asked to pay over and above the fees?
  • how does the program meet the different needs, interests and experiences of the children?
  • how does the service support children with additional needs?
  • will the same staff consistently care for my child?
  • what is the process if my child is unwell, upset, or unsettled?
  • can parents be involved and how?
  • can I visit at any time of the day?
  • how are food and drink provided for the children?
  • what are the sleeping arrangements for the children?
  • what is the process for administering medication?