What to look for in Childcare

[Bec]

I'd like some advice ask to what to look for when checking out child care facilities for my daughter. As this is my first child, I don't know what I should be looking for at the facilities and what sort of questions I should be asking.
I'd love some advice.

Thanks

[nemosmum]

The facitlites should be clean and the environment safe, toys should be in good working order as with play equipment etc

You should check out the qualifications of the staff ie how many EC teachers, ***.Diplomas and untrained teachers; check the centres Accreditation rating.

Ask about staff: child ratios. The regs in NSW are as follows:

Child 0-2- 1 teacher to every 5 babies (which I personally think is **** at my centre we have one teacher to 3 babies:thumbsup: )

Child 2-3- 1 teacher to every 8 toddlers (again I think thats ****, we have 15 toddlers and 4 staff:yes: )

Child3-5- 1 teacher to every ten children(we have 26 children and 4 staff:) )


Most importantly get a feel for the place and go with your gut instincts, good luck

[steph_alyssa]

make sure the kids look happy!! one i went into look at all the kids were crying and no one was doing anything about it so i turned around and left!
do surprise visits as well, don't ring and say you are coming.

[B-belle]

Im a childcare worker, not a parent..but ive seen my share of good and bad centres!
I think you should do a couple of suprise visits. sometimes even the best centres will have really bad moments (which strangly seem to happen just as a parent arrives!)
Ask the staff how long they've worked there, good centres will have a low staff turnover... this is way less stressfull for the children and parents!
Have a look at the charts in the room, especially nappy charts to see how frequently children are changed.
Ask if they provide lunch, nappies, morning and afternoon tea, breakfast and so on.
If its a good centre the staff will show you around and explain everything to you anyway, if they dont id be concerned.
Go by your gut feeling!
Anyways there is a few things i could think of if i think of anymore ill post em!
Good luck!

[SamanthaJane]

Im a childcare worker, not a parent..but ive seen my share of good and bad centres!
I think you should do a couple of suprise visits. sometimes even the best centres will have really bad moments (which strangly seem to happen just as a parent arrives!)
Ask the staff how long they've worked there, good centres will have a low staff turnover... this is way less stressfull for the children and parents!
Have a look at the charts in the room, especially nappy charts to see how frequently children are changed.
Ask if they provide lunch, nappies, morning and afternoon tea, breakfast and so on.
If its a good centre the staff will show you around and explain everything to you anyway, if they dont id be concerned.
Go by your gut feeling!
Anyways there is a few things i could think of if i think of anymore ill post em!
Good luck!

Im a childcare worker/studier too.... well said b-belle:yelclap: