What to Look for in a Childcare Centre
                     What to Look for in a Childcare 
Centre
https://www.giggletree.com.au/
As we head towards the new year many parents will be 
preparing to send their children off to care, often for the 
first time. Choosing a childcare centre can be a daunting 
task – apart from being an appropriate distance from your 
home or work, having places available and being affordable 
for your budget, what are some of the other things you 
should look for in a centre?
Secure, well maintained building - People other than staff and 
parents should not be able to enter the centre without staff 
knowledge and approval. Children should not be able to leave 
the facility without adult supervision.
 High quality facility – The building and equipment should 
be of high quality with regular maintenance inspections and 
immediate repair or removal of any damaged or faulty 
items.
 Parking facilities - to allow for the safe drop off and pick up 
of children.
 Climate Control – appropriate heating and cooling so children 
and staff feel comfortable all year around with plenty of airflow.
 Food – if food is provided at the centre, they should offer 
healthy nutritious meals and snacks appropriate to the weather 
and the children's age groups. The centre should follow strict 
guidelines relating to food safety and allergy management.
 Policy & Procedures – The centre should have policies and 
procedures they use to run the centre easily accessible to 
parents and staff. Parents and staff should be able to provide 
feedback on centre policies.
 CCB & CCTR approved - The centre should be registered as a 
CCB approved centre to ensure the centre meets the 
government regulations and standards and to offer parents 
access to government fee assistance through CCB and the 
Childcare Rebate. (Note: There are some types of childcare 
facilities that do not require accreditation or CCB approval,  for 
example, Formal kindergarten's etc)
 Nurturing, inclusive staff – with a combination of experience 
and appropriate qualifications. Staff should be warm and 
welcoming to all children and parents.
 Resources – staff and children should have access to plenty of 
resources to provide a varied program of activities and 
imaginative play.
 Programs – a daily or weekly program that uses a variety of 
learning techniques to enhance children's learning experiences. 
An ideal programming approach includes both routine and 
spontaneous activities.
Outdoor Play Areas – Age appropriate, safe play areas that offer 
plenty of imaginative play opportunities. The area should provide 
extensive shaded areas and allow for both individual and group 
play and as well as quiet play and physical play. The equipment 
and surfaces should be well maintained and cleaned daily.
Author: Samantha Ahearn – Mother of two and Managing Director 
of Giggletree, a childcare management and consulting company.
Contact 
us
Email - [email protected]
Call us - 07 3204 1102
http://giggletree.com.au/