Choosing a childcare centre is a big decision. You want your child to feel safe, comfortable and happy while you are away. At the same time, you want them to have plenty of opportunities to play, learn and develop new skills. When comparing childcare in Pemulwuy, it helps to look beyond the centre’s location or available places. The educators, learning approach, daily environment and relationship with families all deserve your attention.
Start With the Environment
Take a good look around when you visit a childcare centre. Does the space feel welcoming? Do the children seem settled and comfortable? Are there suitable areas for indoor and outdoor play?
The environment should give children room to explore, move around and take part in different activities. It should also support their health, safety and wellbeing. These are considered as part of the National Quality Standard (NQS) for early childhood education and care.
You can also ask about everyday routines. Find out how the centre manages rest, meals, toileting and supervision. These small details can have a big effect on how comfortable your child feels during the day.
Get to Know the Educators
The people caring for your child will shape much of their experience at the centre. So, pay attention to how educators interact with children during your visit.
Do they listen when children speak? Do they respond patiently? Are children comfortable approaching them? These observations can tell you more than a list of facilities ever could.
Also, it’s worth inquiring about the qualifications and experience of educators. The NQS acknowledges the significance of the relationships children have with educators and the practices that support children’s learning and development.
At Toys & Tots Preschool, the programs are developed and led by qualified and experienced childhood educators. The centre’s philosophy also emphasises respectful relationships and educators responding to children’s interests, strengths and abilities.
Ask How Children Learn
Do not hesitate to ask what a typical day looks like. The answer can help you understand whether the centre’s approach matches what you want for your child.
Play is an important part of early learning. But play-based learning is not simply giving children toys and leaving them to themselves. Educators have an active role. They can ask questions, introduce ideas, join a child’s play or help them think about a problem in a new way.
For example, building with blocks can involve planning and problem-solving. Reading a story can encourage language and communication. A group game can help children learn to share, cooperate and take turns.
Toys & Tots follows a curriculum that is predominantly based on learning through play. Its programs cover areas such as literacy and numeracy, speech and language, social and emotional development, physical development and soft skills.
Consider Whether the Program Follows Your Child
Children do not all learn in the same way. One child may be eager to join a group activity, while another may need some time before getting involved. Their interests can also change as they grow.
For this reason, ask how educators learn about each child and use that knowledge when planning experiences. The NQS recognises child-centred programs, children’s agency and educators’ role in responding to children’s ideas and extending their learning.
This is also where you can ask about confidence and independence. Does your child get opportunities to make choices? Can they try tasks for themselves? Are they encouraged to ask questions and work things out?
At Toys & Tots, children are viewed as capable and competent learners. Its philosophy places importance on children’s input, interests and abilities, while also supporting confidence, relationships and holistic development.
Look at How Families Are Involved
Starting childcare is a change for the whole family. Good communication can make that transition easier.
Ask how the centre keeps parents informed about their child’s day. You can also find out how educators learn about a child’s routines, interests and experiences at home.
There is no need to limit this conversation to formal progress updates. Simple information about what your child enjoys, how they settle and what they are currently learning can help educators understand them better.
Toys & Tots’ philosophy includes genuine partnerships between families and educators. It also aims to provide continuity between learning at home and at the centre.
Check the Learning Framework and Quality Standards
You may come across the terms EYLF and NQS while comparing early learning services.
The Early Years Learning Framework provides an approved framework for early learning. It supports play-based learning and encourages educators to consider children’s interests, abilities, relationships and development.
The National Quality Standard provides a national benchmark for early childhood education and care. It covers seven areas, including educational programs, children’s health and safety, the physical environment, relationships, staffing, family partnerships and governance. Services are assessed and rated against these areas.
Toys & Tots states that its program and daily practices are guided by the EYLF and NQS.
Questions to Ask During Your Visit
A centre visit is the best time to ask practical questions. You could ask:
- What does a typical day look like?
- How do you help children settle in?
- How are children’s interests included?
- How will you keep me updated?
- How do you support individual routines?
StartingBlocks also recommends asking about topics such as separation, sleep, meals, toileting, behaviour guidance and how parents can share information about their child.
Finding the Right Childcare for Your Family
There is no single feature that makes a childcare centre right for every family. A convenient location is useful, but it is only one part of the decision.
Take time to look at the environment. Meet the educators. Ask about the daily program and understand how children learn through play. Find out how the centre communicates with families and how it responds to each child’s needs.
If you would like to learn more about the learning environment at Toys & Tots Preschool, contact our centre and arrange a visit. A conversation with our educators can help you understand how our centre will be the best choice for your child.