Choosing a childcare centre isn’t easy. With so many options, how do you know which is the best for your child?
You want to find a childcare centre where your child is excited to learn, is engaged and connected to his educators. Where you look forward to pick up time so you can hear about all their amazing adventures for the day. No one will begrudge a parent asking questions when they are evaluating their options.
As a parent, it’s important to ask all the questions before making a decision. Of course, there are practical questions about fees and operating hours, but there are also deeper questions that go to the heart of whether your child will flourish and thrive in this environment.
Here are 12 important questions you should consider asking a childcare centre to help you in your decision-making process..
What are the core values of your centre?
As a parent, you already know how important values are in shaping the environment where your child spends so much of their time. The childcare centre should not only list its values, such as respect and empowerment, but also clearly explain how these values are practiced daily.
At Gowrie NSW, we see children as capable, competent learners who are active participants in society, empowering them through strong, respectful relationships..
How do you communicate with parents?
Good communication builds strong partnerships between parents and educators. It’s important to understand how the centre keeps you informed about your child’s development. Does the centre use apps like Storypark for regular updates? How will you receive feedback, and how quickly can you expect a response to your concerns?
At Gowrie NSW, we believe in open, transparent communication with families through various channels to keep them connected to their child's learning journey.
Will my child have one 'primary' educator?
It's important to understand who your child will be spending their time with. Will that person be consistent? Will they form a bond with my child? Will I be dropping my child off to the same person each day? This is a big consideration when choosing care.
At Gowrie NSW, every child has a dedicated Primary Educator, creating a strong, secure relationship between your child, their educator, and your family. This continuity allows your child to develop trust and helps educators support your child’s individual learning and emotional needs. Ask the centre about how they implement this model and ensure a nurturing, secure environment for each child.
What is your pedagogical methodology?
Pedagogical methodology is just another way of saying "educational philosophy" or "approach to learning".
Why is this important? Childcare isn’t just about the safety of four walls and someone to care for your child… It’s a place where your child will experience amazing new things and start to discover the world and the people around them. The pedagogical methodology of the childcare centre will guide this learning.
Does the centre use play-based learning, direct teaching, project-based learning or a blended approach? Research consistently shows that children, particularly in the early years, learn best through play-based experiences, so keep that in mind while making decisions.
Your child’s learning journey should be guided by a well-defined pedagogical approach. At Gowrie NSW, we follow a play-based learning philosophy, which research shows is the most effective way for young children to develop essential skills. We also integrate the Early Years Learning Framework and our Program Foundations—Empowerment, Respectful Relationships, Play-Based Learning, and Practitioner Inquiry—to ensure every child’s unique needs are met.
How do you ensure the safety of children at your centre?
Safety is always top of mind for parents. How does the centre ensure the physical safety of your child? Do they have secure access points, such as swipe cards or keypads? What measures are in place to maintain educator-to-child ratios and supervise children effectively?
At Gowrie NSW, we have rigorous safety protocols to safeguard your child, and we foster an environment where children feel secure and cared for at all times.
How do you encourage individual learning and discovery?
Every child is unique, and their interests and curiosities will differ. How does the centre support each child’s individual learning journey?
At Gowrie NSW, we create an environment where children are encouraged to explore, ask questions, and learn at their own pace, empowering them to be active participants in their learning process.
Can you describe a typical day in your centre?
Likely up until now, they’ve spent every day with you, so it’s natural to want to know what your child will be doing every day!
While there are probably no two days that are the same, it’s helpful to understand the routine and structure of the day. A typical day should include time for both individual exploration and group activities, with a balanced approach to rest, meals, and learning activities.
What time do they eat lunch? What time do they sleep? Do they have any screen time? Are there regular group time activities? It’s ok to ask for details!
At Gowrie NSW, we ensure that every day provides rich opportunities for growth and discovery while allowing children time to relax and enjoy themselves.
How will you help my child settle into your centre?
Separation anxiety is a real concern for many parents. It may not happen on your child’s first day at a new childcare centre, it might take a few days or weeks, but there will most probably be a time when your child doesn’t want you to leave. Ask how the centre helps children adjust to their new environment.
At Gowrie NSW, we take a gentle, responsive approach to settling children into care. Our primary educators work closely with families to create a transition plan that makes your child feel safe, secure, and supported.
What qualifications do your educators and teaching staff have?
Qualifications are important, but so is experience. Ask about the qualifications of the educators and staff, and whether they have a good mix of experience and fresh perspectives.
In centre-based childcare, at least 50% of the educators required to meet the educator-to-child ratios for children preschool age and under must hold or be actively working towards a diploma-level education and care qualification or higher. All other educators must hold or be actively working towards a Certificate III level education and care qualification.
At Gowrie NSW, we’re proud to have highly qualified educators who are also passionate about ongoing professional development, ensuring they’re always learning and growing alongside the children in their care.
How do you ensure the health, safety and well-being of all the children?
Beyond security measures, ask about the centre’s practices in maintaining the overall health and well-being of your child. What steps do they take to prevent illness, and how do they support children's emotional and social wellbeing?
Gowrie NSW fosters an inclusive and supportive environment where health and wellbeing are at the forefront of everything we do, including our ‘See Something, Say Something’ child safety initiative.
How will you help prepare my child for school?
Early childhood education is foundational to your child’s future. Ask about how the centre prepares children for school and what they do to support school readiness.
At Gowrie NSW, we focus on the whole child—academic, social, and emotional development—to ensure a smooth transition to primary school with confidence and independence. Our transition to school program starts as early as our babies rooms, with our teachers and educators empowering all children to be leaders in their own learning journey.
What steps do you take to ensure diversity and inclusion at your centre?
A good childcare centre will embrace diversity and ensure that children feel valued, no matter their background. Ask about their approach to inclusion and cultural awareness.
At Gowrie NSW, we are committed to celebrating and embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, fostering an environment where every child’s cultural identity is respected and integrated into our daily practices.
A new discovery every day with Gowrie NSW.
At Gowrie NSW, we invite you to experience the difference our approach to early childhood education can make for your child. We prioritise safety, individual learning, and nurturing relationships while empowering children to thrive as active participants in their own learning journey.
Get In Touch today to arrange a tour and learn more about how we can partner with you to support your child's growth and development.
