Finding child care that suits you

If you’re interested in family day care or centre-based child care like long day care, you can search for child care services in your area or near your workplace at Starting Blocks.

It’s a good idea to register with any services that you’re interested in.

It’s OK to register with more than one service or put your child on more than one waiting list. You might not get all the days you need from one service alone or the service might not have a vacancy when you need it. Also, many services have long waiting lists.

Child care is also known as early childhood education and care or early learning and care. Likewise, child care centres are sometimes called early childhood services or early learning centres. We usually talk about child care and child care centres or services in our articles.

Choosing child care: comparing centre-based and family day care services

When you’re looking at centre-based and family day care services, the checklist below can help you compare how different services will help your child develop and learn. This will help you choose the right child care service for your family.

Daily routines

• Is there a chance for quiet time or rest during the day?
• Do toileting, nappy changing and rest times meet your child’s needs?

Early childhood educators: relationships with children

• Is there an appropriate ratio of educators per number of children?
• How often do you see educators engaging with children?
• Do educators encourage, respect and care for children?
• Do the educators seem relaxed when they interact with children?
• How do educators guide children’s behaviour?
• Is each child treated as an individual?

Facilities and setting

• Does the centre or home have a relaxed and happy atmosphere?
• Is the environment stimulating enough?
• Is the setting safe? For example, are children actively supervised at all times? Is there appropriate fencing and regular equipment cleaning?
• Does the centre or home seem interesting, with plenty of light, toys and activities?
• Is there plenty of room and outdoor equipment for your child to enjoy?
• Are noise levels low enough for your child to hear clearly?

Fees and payment requirements

• What are the service fees?
• What fees are payable for days you don’t attend? For example, what do you pay when you’re on holidays or it’s a public holiday?
• Can you get government assistance for child care? If you can, you’ll pay less than the quoted price.

Meals and snacks

Does the service supply meals and snacks, or do you need to send food with your child?

If the service supplies meals and snacks, you can consider these questions:

• Does the service offer a healthy selection of meals, snacks and drinks?
• Do snacks and meal arrangements meet your child’s needs?
• Does the service follow Australian dietary guidelines for children? Can the service show you its menu and nutrition policy?
• How does the service manage food allergies, food intolerances and other conditions like type-1 diabetes?

Parent and family involvement

• In what ways can parents get involved? For example, do you have a say in the curriculum, or can you help with working bees?
• Do you feel welcome to discuss issues with educators?
• Can you and your child do an orientation program?
• Can you drop in at any time to visit and observe your child in the environment?
• Are family members encouraged to get involved in activities?

Play and learning

• What does the service do to help your child learn and develop? Does the service display its learning and development program?
• Are there plenty of opportunities for your child to play outdoors?
• Will your child have the chance to explore and create?
• Will child care educators report on your child’s week?

Policies

• What is the service’s policy on enrolling children who aren’t up to date with immunisations?
• Is there easy-to-access information about the service’s policies, level of staff training, hygiene and discipline procedures?

Practical information

• What happens if your child is sick?
• How does the service handle medical emergencies?
• What happens if you’re late for a pick-up?
• Who else can pick up your child?
• What should you pack for your child?
• Does the service offer occasional day care for children who are enrolled part time?

If you’re choosing child care services for children with disability, autistic children or children with other additional needs, there might be extra things to consider, like staff training and the service’s approach to inclusion.

Education and care services across Australia are assessed by their state and territory regulatory authority and rated according to the National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education and Care. You can find more information and service ratings at Starting Blocks.