What Questions Should I Ask on a Childcare Tour?
Quick summary
On a childcare tour, ask about staff qualifications, educator-to-child ratios, and team stability. Inquire about daily routines, meal plans, sleep arrangements, and the centre's educational approach. Also, check their communication methods, safety policies, and how fees and the Child Care Subsidy work.
Key takeaways
- Ask about educator qualifications, ratios, and team stability.
- Understand the daily routine, including meals, naps, and play.
- Inquire about the centre's learning philosophy and curriculum.
- Check safety policies, illness procedures, and communication methods.
- Clarify fees, inclusions, and how the Child Care Subsidy works.
The People Who Care for Your Child
The heart of any centre is its team. You are trusting them with your child, so it is important to feel comfortable with their experience and approach. A calm, happy, and engaged team is a wonderful sign.
When you are walking through the centre, notice how the educators speak to the children. Are they warm and respectful? Do they get down on the children's level? Look for positive interactions that show genuine connection and care.
Key questions to ask about the team:
- What qualifications and experience do your educators have?
- Are all staff trained in first aid and paediatric CPR?
- What are your educator-to-child ratios in each room?
- What is your staff turnover like? Have many educators been here for a long time?
- How do you support new children to build relationships with your educators?
A Day in the Life: Routines and Environment
Understanding the daily rhythm helps you picture your child's day. Look for a balance between structured activities and free play, and between quiet time and active time. The physical environment should be clean, safe, and filled with interesting things for children to explore.
At Meraki, our centres in Mooroolbark and Bayswater have dedicated on-site chefs who prepare fresh, nutritious meals and snacks. This is a huge time-saver for families and ensures children enjoy a varied menu. When you tour, ask to see the kitchen and a sample menu.
Key questions about daily life:
- Can you walk me through a typical daily routine for my child's age group?
- How do you manage nap times? What if my child has different sleep needs?
- Can I see your weekly menu? How do you cater for allergies or special dietary needs?
- How much time do children spend outdoors each day?
- What do you provide (e.g., nappies, sunscreen, meals), and what do I need to pack?
Learning, Play, and Development
Early learning is about much more than just childcare. It is about building a foundation for a lifelong love of learning. Most modern centres in Australia follow a play-based learning philosophy. This means children learn social, emotional, and cognitive skills through guided play and exploration.
Ask how the centre's programme supports your child's individual interests and development. At Meraki, we offer government-approved programmes, including our funded Three-Year-Old Kinder program and a comprehensive Four-Year-Old Kinder program, to prepare children for the transition to school.
Key questions about learning:
- What is your centre's philosophy on early childhood education?
- How do you plan activities based on the children's interests?
- How will I know what my child is learning and how they are progressing?
- How do your kindergarten programmes prepare children for primary school?
- Can you show me some examples of learning activities or projects?
Health, Safety, and Wellbeing
Your child's safety and wellbeing are the top priority. A good centre will have clear, well-established policies for everything from visitor sign-ins to managing illness. The physical space should feel secure, with safe outdoor play areas and controlled access.
Don't be afraid to ask direct questions about health and safety procedures. Transparency is key. You want to feel confident that the team is prepared to handle any situation, from a scraped knee to a child feeling unwell. At both our Mooroolbark childcare centre and our Bayswater location, we follow stringent health and safety protocols to ensure every child is safe and well cared for.
Key questions about safety:
- What are your security procedures for drop-off, pick-up, and visitors?
- What is your policy for when a child is sick? How do you manage the spread of illness?
- How do you handle accidents or medical emergencies?
- Are you a SunSmart-approved centre?
- How do you support children's emotional wellbeing and help them settle in?
Communication and Partnership with Families
A strong partnership between the centre and your family is essential for your child's success. Look for a centre that values open communication and makes it easy to stay connected throughout the day. Many centres now use a private app to share photos, updates, and daily information about meals, naps, and activities.
Family involvement can also be a wonderful part of the childcare experience. Ask if there are opportunities for families to participate in events or share their skills. At Meraki, we see ourselves as a partner in your parenting journey and welcome your feedback and involvement.
Key questions about communication:
- How do you communicate with families throughout the day? Do you use an app?
- How often can I expect to receive updates and photos of my child?
- How can I share information about my child's needs or what's happening at home?
- Do you organise parent-teacher meetings or progress updates?
- Are there opportunities for families to get involved in the centre's community?
The Practical Details: Fees, Hours, and Enrolment
Finally, you need to cover the practical side of things. Understanding the fee structure, what is included, and how government subsidies work will help you budget and plan. Be clear on opening hours and policies for public holidays or absences.
Most Australian families are eligible for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket fees. While the centre can explain their fees, they cannot give you personal financial advice. They should direct you to the official sources for subsidy information.
Key questions about the practicals:
- What is the daily fee and what does it include?
- Are there any other costs, like enrolment fees or levies?
- Do I need to pay for days my child is sick or on holiday?
- Can you explain how the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) works with your billing?
- What is the process for enrolling my child if I decide this is the right centre for us? For more information, please feel free to contact us directly.
Choosing a childcare centre is a big decision based on both facts and feelings. Use these questions as your guide, but also trust your intuition. The right centre will not only have good answers but will also feel warm, welcoming, and right for your family.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most important thing to look for on a childcare tour?
Beyond any single answer, the most important thing to observe is the interaction between educators and children. Look for a team that is warm, engaged, and respectful. A positive, happy atmosphere where children seem comfortable and content is the best indicator of a high-quality centre. Trust your gut feeling about the environment and the people.
Should I bring my child on the tour?
This depends on you and your child's temperament. Bringing your child can be a great way to see how they react to the environment and the educators. However, it can also be distracting for you. Some parents prefer to tour alone first to focus on asking questions, then arrange a shorter, second visit with their child before enrolling.
How long does a typical childcare tour take?
A good, thorough tour usually takes between 30 to 45 minutes. This gives you enough time to see all the rooms, the outdoor spaces, and to sit down with the Centre Director to ask questions without feeling rushed. If a tour feels too quick, don't hesitate to ask for more time or to book a follow-up call.
Is it better to book a tour in the morning or afternoon?
Touring mid-morning (between 9:30 am and 11:00 am) is often ideal. This is usually when the core learning activities are happening, and you can see the centre in full swing. Nap times (early afternoon) can be very quiet, while drop-off and pick-up times can be too busy to get a real feel for the daily routine.
What red flags should I watch out for on a tour?
Red flags include a generally chaotic or unclean environment, educators who seem stressed or disengaged, and evasive or unclear answers to your questions. Also be wary if the centre seems unwilling to show you certain areas or if children appear unhappy or unengaged. A high staff turnover can also be a sign of underlying issues.
What is the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) and how do I apply?
The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is a payment from the Australian Government to help families with the cost of child care. Your eligibility and the amount you receive depend on your family's income, the type of care you use, and the hours you work or study. To find out if you're eligible and to apply, you must go through Services Australia, usually via your MyGov account.
Book a tour of Meraki ELC
Want to see how we'd answer this for your family? Book a tour at our Mooroolbark or Bayswater centre — or use the contact form and we'll come back to you within one business day.