To young children in their first few years of life, a child care centre quickly becomes their world. It is often where they first learn to socialise with other children, amongst other developmental skills. As a parent, you want what is best for your child but how do you figure out what that is when there are so many options! There are child care “guru”, books with conflicting advice, different curriculum types and everyone seems to have an opinion to offer but whose is the best to take on board?
Take a deep breath, remember this decision is about the needs of your child and review these five crucial points when exploring each child care centre option:
Location and Learning Environment
Start by considering where you live, how many child care centres are in your zone and how far you are willing to travel. If you are in Melbourne’s southeast, choosing a high-quality child care centre in Bentleigh or Glenhuntly would make a lot more sense than journeying to the other side of the city. Childhood is a special time. It is critical that in their foundational years, children are provided with learning opportunities in a supportive environment. So, you may want to avoid starting off your kid’s days by exhausting them with long morning commutes.
Staff Ratio and Approach
It can feel daunting to leave your children in the care of people you don’t know, even if they are experienced. Put your mind at ease and take the initiative to personally meet the members of staff who will be teaching your child. This way you can get to know who they are, what their approach to childcare is and what the staff ratio to a class will be. You’ll feel comfortable knowing your child will receive adequate support and attention.
Play-Based Learning Curriculum
Preschool-aged children have very different needs to infants and school-aged children. They need to be stimulated and invariably learn best through play and active engagement with their surroundings. These techniques encourage them to gain self-awareness, language recognition and social skills. As they grow older, children benefit from complex activities and more in-depth learning techniques. Enquire about the curriculum of any prospective child care centre, to make sure it is an appropriate and productive learning environment for your child.
What The Parents Say
After exploring a child care centre’s facilities, staff and resources, seek an opportunity to have a chat with a parent who has children that go there at present. If you don’t personally know somebody, check within your inner circle and see if anyone can refer you to a fellow parent.
If you’ve only recently moved to the area or don’t have any close sources, ask the centre for advice. Or, see if the opportunity arises during an open day tour at the centre with potential parent volunteers who may be around.
Nutritional Meals
As mentioned previously, your little one will be spending a lot of time at their child care centre, including many meals and snack times. Make sure to inquire about the kitchen and meal options when you visit your prospective choice so that you know they are suitable for your child’s needs and are healthy to support their growth and well being.
Be confident in your choice of childcare centre by making sure your prospective preschool covers all of the above bases and is backed by positive parent reviews. You’ll rest easier knowing your little ones are in a healthy and supportive learning environment.
