Your little one’s growth and development gives them an amazing start in life, which is why choosing a childcare centre that is the right fit for your child is essential. But when it comes to choosing childcare, how can you be sure you’re making the best choice? Choosing childcare should be a serious and thoughtful process that definitely involves considering your child’s unique needs and personality. It’s also about finding a safe, high quality, nurturing, and stimulating environment where your child can learn, thrive, and grow before they start their formal schooling. With these crucial elements in mind, before we explore the topic of how to choose a childcare provider in your local area, let’s discuss what you should look for in relation to early childhood care and education.
Choosing a childcare centre: look for these important features
When it comes to the question of how to choose a childcare centre, it’s a common one that many parents have. Choosing childcare is not always easy, especially when your family is looking at childcare services for the very first time. At Aurrum Kids, we suggest visiting your local childcare centre so that you can take a good look around, observe how your child responds to the surroundings, and ask any questions of the carers or teachers, so that you can make a confident and informed decision, and the overall transition for your child will be less overwhelming. There are also key features, which are a great starting point for ensuring the centre will meet all your expectations, and most importantly the needs of your child.
Experienced educators
Above all, it’s the quality of the people that will determine the quality of care for your child. You should consider the training and credentials of the teachers and educators when choosing a childcare centre, and ask about the educational approach in place. For example, at Aurrum Kids our educators are partners in each child’s learning experiences, encouraging them to ask their own questions and develop important self-learning skills. Experienced early childhood teachers bring valuable skills and understanding to your child’s development. Additionally, knowing the centre’s educational approach ensures that it aligns with your values and supports your child’s learning style, providing a solid foundation for their future education.
A modern curriculum
Every quality childcare environment will have a tailored curriculum appropriate to each age group, helping little ones to learn all the important foundations in life. Aurrum Kids has our own curriculum, and one unique element we’re proud of is our Grandfriends Program, which gives children the regular opportunity for playdates and virtual visits with older generations. This innovative program reflects the adage that ‘it takes a village to raise a child’, with many benefits for participants both young and old. Modern curriculums generally reflect the latest research and best practices in early childhood education, ensuring your child is engaging with relevant and innovative learning experiences. Knowing the centre’s curriculum will also give you the confidence that your child is receiving the highest quality education, in a dynamic and supportive childcare centre.
A well designed environment
The learning environment is where your child will interact and build understanding about the world around them, so it’s important it’s well-designed. Does the environment feel stimulating, with toys, books, and art? Does it feel safe and clean? Aurrum Kids takes this to another level at our Mornington and Ballarat locations, with custom-designed environments including a kitchen garden and greenhouse to learn about sustainability and food sources. These thoughtfully arranged spaces with stimulating and safe areas, encourages exploration, creativity, and supports their developmental needs.
Quality nutrition
Growing minds and bodies need healthy food for fuel, and the quality of provided meals and snacks should also be a priority when choosing a childcare centre. Our own age-appropriate menus are a great example of thoughtful, balanced nutrition. Morning tea might be vegetable pikelets with tzatziki dip, for example, while lunch might consist of tasty wholemeal mac and cheese with veggie sticks. Our nutritious and balanced meals and snacks will play a positive role in your child’s growth, energy levels, and overall health and wellbeing.
Health and safety measures
The health and wellbeing of your child is absolutely paramount. That’s why it’s important to ask about health, cleaning and safety measures in place, including COVID-19 safety measures within the care centre. Your child’s educators should each have been trained in First Aid, anaphylaxis and asthma response. These detailed health and safety measures will help to ensure that your child, along with all the children in the centre, will be better protected from potential hazards as they play and get the hang of learning.
Your peace of mind
Taking a tour of a childcare centre before making your final decision, offers numerous benefits. A centre tour allows you to see firsthand the environment and community where your child will spend their time. It will also be an ideal opportunity to get to meet the early learning educators, observe the daily routines in the centre, and to assess the level of care and learning. Your instincts and ‘gut feeling’ during and after this tour can be a very valuable indicator of whether the centre will be the right fit for your child, and you’ll feel more confident that you’re choosing a place where they’ll always be happy, safe, and well cared for.
Make the best choice for your child
So, there they are – the essential factors that will help you when you are trying to figure out how to choose a childcare centre. Remember, it’s going to be more beneficial to look for a provider that offers a well-rounded, evidence-based and caring approach, to give your child the best possible early learning experience. At Aurrum Kids, our team of early childhood educators and teachers are dedicated to guiding each child’s learning journey with passion and care.
If you have any further choosing childcare questions, or you’re thinking about choosing childcare in Ballarat or Mornington, we’d warmly welcome you to register your interest with Aurrum Kids and arrange a centre tour today.