Your little one’s growth and development gives them an amazing start in life. But how can you be sure you’re choosing the right fit for your family when it comes to choosing between childcare centres? It’s vital to look for a provider that offers a well-rounded, evidence-based and caring approach to give your child the best possible early learning environment.
Choosing a childcare centre: Look for these essential features
We know it’s not always easy to use childcare services for the first time, but finding a safe, nurturing and high quality provider can make this transition much easier. Let’s explore what to look for when choosing a childcare centre in your area.
Experienced educators
Above all, it’s the quality of the people that will determine the quality of care for your child. Consider the training and credentials of the teachers and educators at 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.
A modern curriculum
Every quality childcare environment will have a tailored curriculum appropriate to each age group to help little ones learn all the important foundations in life. Our own curriculum is based on the Reggio Emilia approach, which values experiential and self-directed learning supported by trusting relationships.
One unique curriculum element we’re proud of is our Grandfriends Program, which gives children the regular opportunity for playdates and virtual visits with older generations at Aurrum Aged Care locations. This innovative program reflects the adage that ‘it takes a village to raise a child’, with many benefits for participants both young and old.
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.
Quality nutrition
Growing minds and bodies need quality food for fuel, and the quality of provided meals and snacks should also be front of mind 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 & cheese with vege sticks.
Health and safety measures
The health and wellbeing of your child is absolutely paramount. 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 provided training in First Aid, anaphylaxis and asthma response.
Your peace of mind
A centre tour will be an ideal opportunity to get to know early learning educators and to assess a particular care and learning environment. 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 family’s needs.
So there they are – the essential factors in how to choose a long day care. If you are looking for quality childcare in Ballarat or Mornington, we’d warmly welcome you to register your interest with Aurrum Kids and arrange a centre tour today.