What’s the one thing parents should know before choosing childcare? 17 women weigh in.

As a first time mum, when it comes to my child I’m constantly worrying about… well, everything and anything. Has my daughter eaten enough today? Why is she so quiet in her room? When was the last time she pooped? What does green poop even mean?

My big worry recently has been childcare. Yes, it’s that time where I’m going back to work because a) money doesn’t grow on trees, and b) I can recite entire Peppa Pig episodes and that’s when I know I need to interact with adults again.

Childcare has always felt like an endless pit of confusion. Knowing the best option for our little family - figuring out what our local options are. (Also are years-long waitlists actually a thing??)

Luckily for me, my mother’s group has been the source of all knowledge, and when I nervously asked the group chat how to start researching suitable childcare for my daughter, I received a golden nugget of advice: a website link to Care For Kids, an online platform for comparing local childcare and early childhood education options.

I was able to click a magic little button that compared each centre's fees, subsidies, real parent review scores, average prices, AND vacancies. Such a comprehensive source to make all the care decisions for your little one. Best of all, after comparing and narrowing down options, I was able to contact centres directly through the website (the most underrated time-saver!!), so I could avoid hunting for 17 different phone numbers and email addresses (and avoid another 17 fragmented conversations). It was literally all housed for me in the one spot.

After careful consideration we settled on a centre that felt perfect for us, and my daughter starts next week.

Me with my daughter, Florence. Image: Supplied.

She’s beyond excited and has her Peppa backpack and lunchbox raring and ready to go. Whilst I definitely do not feel quite ready to walk her through those doors for the first time, I feel comforted by the knowledge that we considered all our options and found a place that will allow her to spread her wings and get out there in the big, wide world.

In the spirit of sharing, I collated all the helpful tips I received from my mother’s group and the Mamamia parenting community during my childcare search. Here’s what 17 parents shared as the one golden thing to know before choosing childcare.

1. “Childcare options shouldn’t just be about what’s most convenient or what is closer to home. Understand what each option offers and what will work best for your little person.” - Natalie

2. “Not all options are made equal. Compare, compare, compare! Weigh up the pros and cons of each option. Even write them out to get a clear visual picture. Making an informed decision is the best gift you can give your child.” - Lily

3. “Definitely ask how the childcare will meet the needs of your child, whether that’s dietary, emotional, disciplinary, or even learning goals such as school readiness. Ask about the skills they intend your child to learn and how they will get them there.” - Amy

4. “Tour the centre in person to get an authentic insight into how the centre operates. Are the children happy? Are the educators personable? You can get an instant feeling about the place and know whether it's a fit.” - Pascale

5. “Check to see if the displayed artworks are all the same (as in, have the staff done the art, so it’s done ‘properly’ or have the children done their own interpretation), this small thing can help show what the centre values.” - Steph

6. “Turnover rates for staff tell you so much. If staff stay at the centre, they are most likely happy, well managed, and supported, all of which translates to a better environment for your little one.” - Aesha

7. “Their level of parent interaction and communication is important. As an educator and parent myself, communication and valuing parent input is definitely one thing to look out for. When there’s an illness within the centre how do they notify parents? How do they tell you what your child ate throughout the day or how they participated in activities?” - Rakesh

8. “Check the staff ratios and teacher qualifications. You want to make sure there are enough staff to look after the children so they can facilitate meaningful learning.” - Karen

9. “If you’re thinking of daycare, get on waitlists as soon as possible, otherwise you may have limited choices.” - Pat

10. “How many of the staff are permanent/ongoing casuals versus how many are contractor staff sent in by agencies. Agency staff means they can change day to day and if they have a high number of agency staff, it can be hard for your child to find educators they feel comfortable with.” - Emily

Listen to The Quicky where they speak to three working mums, a lawyer, and the Head of Services Australia to find out what you can do if you receive a childcare rebate debt bill. Post continues after podcast.

11. “Don’t assume that daycare is the only option for your family. My son is in family daycare now but prior to that we had a nanny and she was brilliant. Our son learnt valuable skills in the comfort of our home and he was able to form a beautiful connection.” - Danielle

12. “Ask about their teaching and learning program and how they scaffold and build on children's interests and capacity. Learning approaches differ between providers so having effective teaching strategies means your child will get the most out of their time in childcare.” - Jaala

13. “Have a close eye on how clean the centre is, what resources they have available, and if they supply food menus - important for fussy eaters!” - Monique

14. “I pay attention to whether the kids are dressed appropriately for outside play. If it's winter do they have jumpers and shoes on the kids? It’s those little things that matter.” - Kait

15. “Make a note of the room set-up. During our tour I immediately liked the feel of the rooms. They were friendly and warm without being cluttered. I love that the nap area was separated with dim lights and white noise. Also, I was excited I could leave frozen breast milk!” - Magda

16. “Yes, it's expensive, but remind yourself that it should be. You are paying someone to give a high level of care for your child. It is a significant financial sacrifice to make, but the reward is the peace of mind that your child is well taken care of.” - Tumi

17. “Your child will be okay. You will be okay. In fact, both parties may be happier in the long run. Parents will have more time and kids will have a variety of different activities throughout the day with other kids - more than you can probably offer at home.” - Max

What’s the one thing parents should know before choosing childcare? Tell us in the comments below.

Care For Kids is Australia’s most visited, reliable, unbiased and comprehensive source to help parents make the best early childhood education and care decisions for their children. 

Enquire for any childcare of your choosing through Care For Kids for your chance to win 12 months of free childcare, valued at up to $10,000.

Terms and conditions apply. Competition opens 22 September and closes 23 October, 2022.

Feature Image: Supplied.