Child care centre checklist
- February 13, 2021
- Early child development
We have compiled a useful checklist on the things parents should note when considering a centre for their child.
Before You Visit/Over the Phone
- Think about the days and times you require care and call the centre to make sure it can meet your requirements.
- Ask whether you can change your days of care if your work situation changes and ask how much notice you will be required to give
- Think about how you will travel to the centre and whether it is in a good location. Would you prefer it closer to home, work or a family member's home and is it close to public transport or car parking?
- Ask what the hours of operation are and which days of the year the centre is closed.
- Does the centre offer sessional or occasional care?
- Can you claim the Child Care Subsidy?
- Ask what the procedure is if you are running late to pick up your child and what fees will be charged.
- Find out whether the centre can meet your religious and/or cultural requirements.
- Find out whether the centre offers an induction program which you and your child can participate in.
During your Visit - Initial impressions
- Is the atmosphere relaxed and happy?
- Can you hear laughter and the sounds of children playing?
- Do you and your child feel welcome?
- Do staff members seem interested in your child and did they make an effort to talk to him or her?
- Is the reception area clean, tidy and organised?
- Do the rooms seem well organised, clean and tidy?
- Were you offered introductions of all staff and a tour of the centre?
Accreditation
- Has the service been assessed under the National Quality Framework?
- If so what was the rating?
- Does the service have a Quality Improvement Plan? Can you view the plan?
Security
- Does the centre seem safe and secure?
- Did a centre employee greet you at the door and sign you in?
- Did you notice restricted areas and security access areas?
- Are centre staff easy to identify and do they wear name badges?
Health and safety
- Are there procedures in place to document any accidents?
- Is there an established fire drill and are exits clearly marked?
- How will you be advised if your child is sick or has an accident?
- What action are you required to take if you child is sick or has an accident?
- Are staff members who can administer CPR and first aid available at all times?
- Are centre staff able to administer medication?
- Does the centre have a sun protection policy?
- Are children required to wear hats and sun block whenever they are outside?
- Where do children sleep? What sort of mattresses and coverings are used? Are you required to purchase a set of sheets?
- Where are nappies changed? Does the area look clean and hygienic?
- What is the centre hand washing policy?
- How does the centre ensure No Jab No Play is enforced?
- What is the procedure in case of a breakout of a communicable illness?
Lines of communication
- Were you given a copy of the centre's operating policies and procedures?
- Do you agree with the centre's philosophy?
- Do you understand what your responsibilities and obligations will be?
- Do you understand what the centre will take responsibility for?
- Do you understand what you will need to authorise or provide permission for separately i.e medications, extra curricular activities?
- How will you receive feedback about your child's day? Information may include preferred activities, food eaten, children played with and so on.
- Are there regular newsletters to keep parents informed about what's going on in the centre?
- How should you contact the centre if you need to talk to staff about something? Should you call, make an appointment, email or drop in?
Food and mealtimes
- Are standards for food preparation and cleanliness high?
- Is all food cleaned up after snack and meal times?
- What time is food offered? Is food available outside of these times if children are hungry?
- Are children allowed to eat at their own pace?
- What happens if your child doesn't eat at the designated time?
- Is water offered and available all day?
- What food/beverages are you expected to provide?
- How does the centre cope with food allergies and intolerances?
- Can the centre accommodate individual dietary requirements?
- Is there a weekly menu on display, does it look interesting and varied?
- Does the centre have a nutrition policy and do you agree with the policy?
- What is your centre's approach to cakes/birthday treats?
Management, staff and supervision
- Who manages the child care centre? Can you meet him/her?
- Does the manager also supervise the staff?
- What are the child to carer ratios at the centre?
- What background checks are completed on staff?
- What qualifications do staff members hold?
- What is the staff turnover rate?
- Is there a balance between older and younger carers and men and women?
- Does the centre have staff members from a range of ethnic backgrounds?
- What is the centre's procedure for dealing with complaints against staff?
- Does the centre hold adequate insurance?
- Do staff members interact with children or have a minding role?
- Are children supervised at all times?
- How do staff members deal with behavioural issues?
- Are the staff warm and engaged in what they are doing?
- Do you feel comfortable approaching staff to chat and ask questions?
Daily timetable
- Does the centre have a daily timetable which you can see?
- Can your child's individual needs be accommodated if necessary?
- What is the procedure for putting children down at sleep time?
- What is the procedure for children who don't want to sleep?
Environment
- Is the building light and pleasant to be in with good ventilation and/or air conditioning?
- Does the building seem well maintained?
- Is there plenty of space for the children to play?
- Does the outside play equipment accommodate children of all different ages?
- Is there an outside area with plenty of shade?
- Are there places where children can go for quiet play?
- Are the toilets and sinks clean and easy for the children to use?
- Are the sleeping areas separate to the play areas?
- Do children of different ages have separate areas to play or do they interact?
Planned activities and programs
- Does the centre follow the Early Years Learning Framework?
- Does the service offer documented diaries or learning stories where parents can view the activities of the day?
- Are there online/social networking forums where parents can keep track of their children during the day?
- Is there a set daily routine?
- Does the centre offer a range of programs for the children to participate in?
- Do these programs cater for all ages?
- How are these programs developed? Are they designed to be educational? Do they take into account the cultural and religious diversity in the group?
- What percentage of your child's day will be spent on planned programs and what percentage will be spent on free play?
- Does the centre enable children to participate in activities they might not be able to do at home such as painting, water play, collage making and playing in a sand pit?
- Does the centre do excursions? If so, what is the cost and how are they managed?
Toys and equipment
- Is there a wide range of toys and books provided for the children?
- Are the toys at the right height for children to reach?
- Can you see a range of toys suitable for children for children of all age groups?
- Do the toys look clean and intact?
- Can parents and children get involved in decisions about the purchase of new toys and equipment?
- Do staff members help children play with the toys?
Get PDF version of this checklist here
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