Child Care Tips For Parents In Australia

Picking the perfect childcare where your child grows and thrives is a top priority for every parent. These childcare tips will help you find THAT childcare centre which will be a second home to your little one and will let you relax knowing that your little babies have best care and love to be the version of themselves.

I recommend a tour at your preferred childcare centre before enrolling. It is vital because it gives you so much information plus instincts when you spend some time in the precinct.

Child Care Tips For Parents : Childcare Tour

Keep your Ears AND eyes open

On the day of your tour, pay close attention to the children in the centre. If they are happy, relaxed and engaged most of the time, it's a good sign.

If they look disoriented, confused and all by themselves, I would be concerned.

Cleanliness

Children get dirty playing outside but if they come inside with wet and dirty cloths and no one cares, it's negligence.
Educators are supposed to help to dress kids who get dirty and wet.
In addition, you can have a look at washrooms and nappy changing areas to get an idea how organised they are.

Curriculum Plan

All Australian childcare centres follow EYLF (Early Years Learning Framework) You can talk about it with the room leader.

Early Years Learning Framework Australia

Quality Rating

In Australia, there are five quality ratings that a service can be awarded.

1. Excellent - Service prompts exceptional education and care, demonstrates sector leadership and is committed to continually improving.

2. Exceeding National Quality Standards - Service goes beyond the requirements of the national quality standard in at least four of the seven quality areas

3.Meeting National Quality Standard - Service meets the national quality standard. Service provides quality education and care in all quality areas.

4. Working Towards National Quality Standards - Service provides a safe education and care program, but there are one or more areas identified for improvement

5. Significant Improvement Required - There is an identified significant risk to the safety, health and wellbeing of children. Immediate action will be taken to address issues.

National Quality Standards Australia for early childhood education

Distance

If it's a significant distance, you may have to ask yourself so many questions and justify if it's really worth it. Always listen to your gut feeling.

Staff Turnover

Your children need to make positive relationships with educators to be able to feel that they "belong" there.
The love and trust they develop is important for their physical and mental wellbeing. But if the educators keep changing, the kids may not be able to build up strong relationships and feel secure there.

Cater to individual needs

There can be cultural needs, dietary needs, medical needs, developmental needs in children.
Inclusive approach to all the children will make it a beautiful experience for everyone. Talk to them. Get to know about the culture better.

Outdoor Space (Including Shady Area)

I love that my daughter's kinder has plenty of outdoor space and shady area.
It's great that our little ones have a lot of opportunities to play, learn and play more. Plus plenty of shade so that they can still play on scorching sunny days.

Educator child ratio

Make sure educator child ratio is correct.

MEAL PLAN

According to National Quality Framework, make sure the meal plan consists of variety of health meals and healthy snacks.

Sleep Routine

Talk about safe sleep practices at the centre.

39 daily habits to show your love to your child.

Child Care Tips For Parents After Enrolling

Don't forget to label all their belongings
This includes child's bag, shoes, bottles, lunch bag, lunch boxes and clothes. Children may lose their belongings often but if they are labelled, it'll be easy to find them.
Let the educators know the child's routine, likes and dislikes, general behaviour
Your child's favourite games, food, his dislikes need to be informed to the educators.
Communicate Communicate any concerns you have with the room leader
Your input
Remember your ideas and suggestions can also benefit the centre. It also helps with building up a good relationship with your child's educators.
Clothes selection
For kids who are on nappies, try to put on pants, tops that are easy to take off. Overalls can be a bit tricky especially, for educator who have to change 15-20 kids in one day.
Jumpers may not be the best idea if your child is still in nappies.

Conclusion

These tips will definitely help you find a great childcare centre for your child. Always listen to your gut feeling. Then you can drop off the little ones with peace of mind.

Share your childcare tips with our community.