Finding the Best Daycare: Questions for Parents

The start of a little one's education is a thrill for the whole family. But before you start looking for the right fit, you need to know what to ask. Here at Watch Us Grow, we provide the stepping stones to help parents make confident decisions that suit their child's needs.

Before you decide to enrol, we invite you to come on down and have a chat with our team. This way, you can get a feel for our centre, air any concerns you might have, and gauge whether we're the right place for your child to thrive. It also gives the children a chance to get used to the routine and the staff, which makes the transition loads easier for everyone.

Be Proactive in Your Daycare Decisions

We understand the stress of choosing the daycare that fits your child perfectly. It is more than just location; finding a space where your child is engaged, supported, and safe is just as important.

A proactive approach helps parents ensure their plan is foolproof, so they know they've done everything they can to give their child the best possible start. Here at Watch Us Grow, we're committed to keeping you in the loop with regular check-ins and full transparency to address any concerns or sources of anxiety.

Getting to Know the People Who'll Be Caring for Your Child

Knowing who will be looking after your child is a big deal. You need to trust that the centre’s educators are qualified, trained, and experienced, and that the centre has a good system in place to look after your child when staff are on leave.

●     What's the staff-to-child ratio like?

●     Are the educators qualified in early childhood education?

●     How do they handle it when staff are off sick or on leave?

Educators are a huge part of their early development. It's a no-brainer that you'd want to know a bit about them and how they work. That’s why we have an open-door policy at Watch Us Grow. Our team are always happy to chat with parents and families to make sure your little one is receiving the very best care. Being in a place where you know your child is in good hands is a massive weight off your mind.

Thinking About What Happens Each Day

Daily routines are super important for little children as they help establish a sense of structure. Parents should ask about what a typical day looks like and how their routine will be scheduled. Here are some things you might want to ask:

●     What's the general flow of a day, including when meals, play, and rest time happen?

●     Are activities tailored to the different age groups?

●     How does the centre make sure the children are learning and being creative all day long?

By asking these kinds of questions, you can get a better sense of what a day would be like for your child and make sure the centre's values and rules line up with yours.

Getting Comfortable With Safety and Health

Keeping your child safe and healthy is one of the most important things about choosing a daycare. You should ask about what they do to keep this safeguarded. Here are some things to ask about:

●     What kind of safety precautions are in place when the children are playing indoors and outdoors?

●     What happens if a child gets sick or hurt? Are they prepared for emergencies?

●     Do they check that all the children have had their vaccinations before they start?

If the daycare takes safety and health seriously, it shows that they're committed to doing their best to look after your child.

Mealtimes and What's on the Menu

What your child eats has a huge impact on how well they grow and develop, so you want to ask about how the daycare handles meals and snacks. Here are some questions to ask:

●     Do the children get meals and snacks at the centre, or do you need to bring your own?

●     How do they handle children with allergies or who can't eat certain foods?

●     Are the meals healthy, and will the centre help promote good eating habits?

Asking how the centre handles food shows you can trust they're doing the right thing for your child and their nutrition.

Communication and Parent Involvement

Effective communication between parents and educators really is the key to everything. Ask the kind of questions that'll help you stay in the loop on how your child's day is going:

●     Do they send out daily reports, or would you have to check a digital update?

●     How can you get involved in centre activities or events?

●     Is it really an open-door policy for parents? Can you just drop by to ask a question or check in on your child?

Getting the lowdown on what's going on at the daycare is a big part of building a partnership with the centre, which makes everything a lot easier for your child in the long run. Want to learn more about our daycare programs and see how you can be a part of them? Come and have a look around. We’re always happy to have parents involved in any activities going on at the centre!

Questions to Ask About Learning and Curriculum

When it comes to finding a good daycare, the learning environment is right at the top of the list. Parents should be asking about the approach they use, and what kind of opportunities they've got for enrichment:

●     Are you following the principles of the EYLF?

●     Are children allowed to explore and learn through play, or is it more structured?

●     How do they track progress, and how do they share it with parents?

Getting a handle on the learning environment is a huge part of ensuring your child gets the most out of their time at daycare. At Watch Us Grow, you have less to worry about. We balance both structured and free play, following the EYLF guidelines to make sure your child has a robust learning experience. We frequently hold parent teacher nights to keep parents in the know.

Questions to Ask About Fees and Policies

Transparency is crucial on the financial side. You want to know what you're getting into upfront so that you can budget and plan accordingly. Important questions surrounding this are:

●     What are the enrollment fees, and what's the going rate on a weekly basis?

●     Are there any extra costs for excursions or other activities?

●     What's the policy on things like absences, holidays and late pick-ups?

Getting important info on fees and policies from the get-go is a big part of making informed decisions and avoiding nasty surprises down the track. If you’re ever unsure, call our friendly team at your preferred centre and we can clear up any queries you have.

Tips for Visiting a Daycare - Before You Commit

Before making that final decision, you have to see the place with your own eyes. Visit, meet the staff, and check out how the children interact.

●     Book a guided tour and take a stroll through the classrooms and outdoor areas.

●     See how the teachers interact with the children and what sort of activities they do.

●     Ask your questions straight to the staff and get a clear idea of what to expect.

Choose Watch Us Grow!

Finding the right daycare is one of the biggest decisions you can make for your child. It's going to shape their social skills, their learning, and their overall happiness. To make the right choice, you need to know the ins and outs of the centre. This involves understanding the staff's qualifications, what a typical day looks like, how safe the place is, what the food is like, and what kinds of opportunities they offer for the children.

If you think you've found the right place here at Watch Us Grow, you can book a tour! Come on in, meet the team, and see your child thrive in a place that feels like a second home.