Wondering what to look for in an early learning campus? Finding the right one can be tricky and may even stir up anxiety in some parents. While this may come as no surprise to some, it does not have to be this way.

A childcare centre is a special place that should nurture and enhance your child’s development through play and socialisation. You will need to find one suitable for your child within your budget, and that can accommodate your working hours.

Little Scholars is a privately-owned and operated early learning provider with 14 campuses across South East Queensland. We offer you and your child the very best facilities, resources, and early educational play-based programs. Our curriculum is underpinned by a thorough and well tested early years learning framework. As a result, we believe that we can encourage, assist, and support the entire family through quality education and childcare.

Read on to find out some of the facets you should consider before enrolling your child in a childcare centre.

10 Tips to Help Choose a Childcare Centre

#1. Stimulating Environment

Every child needs a stimulating environment to interact and develop alongside other children. Try to assess whether there is extensive verbal and physical interaction between the kids and also the caregivers.

You should also check for age-appropriate toys that are in good condition. Finally, feel free to ask for a rundown of the daily activities, which might include talking, reading, dancing, singing, and more.

#2. Clean and Healthy Environment

Most well-run childcare centres will spell out their health and safety rules for everyone to follow. Some to look out for are:

  • Caregivers must wash their hands regularly
  • Feeding bottles must be prepared and cleaned under sanitary conditions
  • Teething rings and washcloths are personal and must not be shared
  • Feeding utensils should be washed in a dishwasher or disposed of
  • Children and adults should wash their hands as they enter their studios.

#3. Happy Children and Staff

The childcare provider should seem genuinely interested in caring for children – pay close attention to how they interact with the other children when you visit. For example, you can ask whether they partake in sensory play.

#4. Safety Measures

The childcare centre needs to be a safe environment for your child. Here are some of the safety precautions they should be taking:

  • Clean floors
  • Fully stocked first aid kit
  • No choking hazards, including small toys that can easily break into tiny pieces
  • Smoke detectors at each exit, as well as fire extinguishers
  • The staff should closely monitor all visitors
  • Ensure doors are safe and lockable.

Many other safety measures can be taken to guarantee that your child is well looked after, so ask what specific steps each centre takes. If you’re looking for a childcare in Brisbane or the Gold Coast, at Little Scholars, your child’s safety and well-being are our utmost priority.

#5. Flexibility

If you need to pick up your child but can not make it on time, try and call as soon as possible to inform the childcare providers that you will be running late or sending someone else. If you give them enough notice, they should try and accommodate you. However, it is essential to note that your childcare subsidy may be affected if your child stays past their allowable hours.

#6. Communication

Having a good feeling about your childcare provider will add a layer of reassurance and peace to your day that you may not even have noticed missing prior. Being open and communicative with your chosen provider will allow you to guarantee the best possible experience for you and your child, and at Little Scholars, communication and relationship building is at the core of what we do.

#7. Pay Attention

It’s essential to pay attention whenever you visit a childcare centre, especially in regards to how the staff interact with the children. In an ideal situation, a childcare provider should be playing with the children on their level.

Young children are very receptive; they need affection, closeness, love, and interactive relationships with adults to thrive in later life. Therefore, you must pay close attention to ensure that your child’s caregivers are warm and responsive and can have healthy one-on-one interactions with children and others, allowing your child to become the best they can be.

#8. Do a Policy Check

A good childcare provider should have similar parenting philosophies as you on feeding, discipline, sleeping, and television watching. On top of this, they should have policies in place in case of an emergency, child safeguarding and more. The more info you can ascertain concerning these enquiries, the less likely you will be surprised later, and the more secure the childcare environment for your child.

#9. Regular Reports

Until your child comes to the age where they can talk, you will have to depend on what the childcare provider tells you about your child and their day. This is another reason why open and honest communication is critical.

Of course, you will want to know every detail of your child’s day, including the number of times their nappies were changed and if they took a proper nap (if only to know whether you are taking a happy or grumpy child back with you!). It’s best to communicate with the caregiver in person; however, you can always ask for a convenient time to call if this is not possible.

#10. Trust Your Instincts

As a parent, it’s good to trust your instincts when something does seem quite right, and, sometimes, you may not be so pleased with a particular campus. In such cases, don’t lose hope; just look for other options. Your child deserves to grow under good and nurturing care, and there are plenty of great early learning centres out there!

Why you should choose us for your early learning needs

As a busy parent with your child’s best interest at heart, finding a caregiver on the Gold Coast or Brisbane for your child’s overall growth is essential. Little Scholars provides parents with peace of mind by letting them know they’re leaving their children in safe hands. Our campuses are a home away from home where your child will grow and flourish. Contact us today.