What to ask on a childcare centre tour in Melbourne
On a childcare centre tour in Melbourne, ask how educators care for your child each day, what the fee includes and how the centre works with your family. Meraki Early Learning Centre Bayswater and Meraki Early Learning Centre Mooroolbark welcome these questions on a tour.
🎒 Starting childcare · 5 min read
Key facts
- Ask for the daily rate and a written explanation of inclusions before comparing fees.
- Both Meraki centres offer funded Three and Four Year Old Kindergarten inside long day care.
- Meraki centres are open Monday to Friday, 6:30am to 6:30pm.
Your 12-question tour checklist
- What educator-to-child ratios apply in my child’s room, and how are they maintained through breaks and busy times?
- What qualifications do the educators and Early Childhood Teachers hold?
- How long have educators and the room leader worked here, and how do you manage staff changes?
- Which meals and snacks are included, where are they cooked, and how are dietary needs managed?
- How do orientation, settling visits and difficult drop-offs work for my child?
- How will you share daily updates, photos and my child’s learning with our family?
- What is the current daily fee, what does it include, and what extra charges or notice periods should I know about?
- Do you offer funded Three and Four Year Old Kindergarten, and how do Free Kinder funding and long day care fees work together?
- How do child-safe practices, supervision and illness policies work, and where can I read them?
- How do you follow my child’s sleep and rest routine and supervise sleeping children?
- How do children access outdoor play, and how do you support their interests indoors and outdoors?
- How can families give feedback, raise a concern or discuss a change to their child’s care?
Ask to see everyday practice
Watch how educators respond to children, look at the learning spaces and ask to see the current menu, family communication and relevant policies. Ask follow-up questions about your child’s routines, rather than relying on a general promise.
Compare the full day and fee
Daily fee includes meals, nappies and all program costs — call for the current daily rate. At Meraki, funded kindergarten is delivered inside long day care; ask the team for a personalised explanation of Free Kinder funding and Child Care Subsidy before comparing your out-of-pocket costs.
Frequently asked questions
What should I ask first on a childcare tour?+
Start with your child’s age, the days and opening hours you need, educator qualifications and how settling is supported. Then ask for the fee and inclusions in writing.
Can I ask about educator turnover and ratios?+
Yes. Ask who will care for your child, how long the team has worked together and how ratios and supervision are maintained throughout the day.
Does Free Kinder make a full long day care day free?+
No. At Meraki, Victorian Free Kinder funding reduces eligible kindergarten costs within long day care. Ask for a fee estimate that also explains any Child Care Subsidy.
How do I book a Meraki childcare tour?+
Use the centre-specific booking pages for Meraki Early Learning Centre Bayswater or Meraki Early Learning Centre Mooroolbark to choose a tour time and discuss your family’s questions.
Keep reading
How to choose a childcare centre in Melbourne's outer east
Ratings, ratios, fees and the 12 questions worth asking on every tour before you accept a place.
Settling your child into childcare: a week-by-week guide
Orientation, drop-off tears and the four-week rhythm most children settle into — plus what to do when it takes longer.
Child Care Subsidy explained in plain English
Family income, the 3 Day Guarantee, hourly rate caps and how the subsidy reaches your invoice — without the Centrelink jargon.
Want to talk it through in person?
Book a tour of our Bayswater or Mooroolbark centre and ask us anything.