Choose the best child care center

How To Choose a Day Care

Choosing the right day care, depending on your location, may require some advanced planning, ideally commencing your search well before your return to work, and possibly even before your baby's arrival;

here are the key steps:

Research Thoroughly

Seek recommendations from fellow parents, friends, your paediatrician, or parents you meet in various settings, and explore online resources or state regulatory agencies for childcare referrals.

Conduct Phone Interviews

Screen both child care centres and in-home providers over the phone, asking relevant questions to gauge their suitability.

Visit in Person

Once you've narrowed down your choices, visit these options in person to ensure they meet essential criteria and trust your instincts.

Check References

Take the time to contact past and present clients to assess their satisfaction with the service, avoiding excessive reliance on letters of recommendation.

Surprise Visits

Consider making unannounced visits to gain a more authentic understanding of a group day care center, especially when staff members are not prepared for your visit.

Inquire About Accreditation

In Australia, you can check if group day care centers are accredited by organizations like the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA), which ensures higher standards in aspects like staff-to-child ratios, caregiver stability, and a child-centered approach. Likewise, for in-home day care, look for accreditation by relevant Australian childcare associations, signifying adherence to elevated standards.