Choosing a childcare centre is one of the most important decisions you will make for your family. Whether you are enrolling your first child or moving to a new early education centre, knowing the right questions to ask childcare providers can make the process far less overwhelming.
During a childcare tour or daycare tour, it is easy to focus on first impressions, colourful rooms and smiling faces. However, the most important questions go deeper. You want to understand how children are supervised, how educators support your child’s development, how health and safety are managed and whether the centre truly feels like the right childcare centre for your family.
At Cuddles Early Learning, Perth families have trusted our child care services since 1995. Here are the ten questions to guide your visit. Use this practical daycare tour checklist when choosing a childcare centre in Perth so you do not forget anything important.
1. What Is the Educator-to-Child Ratio in My Child’s Age Group?
Start by asking about the child ratio in your child’s age group. How many children are in the room? How many educators are present at all times? What is the ideal ratio the centre aims to maintain?
Ratios directly affect adequate supervision, learning quality and your child’s safety. When children are supervised closely, educators can respond quickly, support emotional regulation and provide individual attention.
During your childcare tour, observe how educators interact with children. Are they engaged? Are children supervised during transitions and outdoor play? Asking how many children are in each room gives you a clear picture of daily operations.
Centres that align with the national quality framework will prioritise safe ratios and high standards of care services.
2. What Qualifications Do Your Educators Hold?
Your child’s education begins long before school. Ask what qualifications educators hold and whether staff trained in first aid and CPR are present every day.
A quality childcare centre should employ qualified educators with Degrees, Diplomas or Certificate III credentials. Ongoing professional development is also essential so educators stay current with early learning best practice.
Stable, experienced teams create consistency and support strong emotional development in young children.
3. Is There High Staff Turnover?
Consistency is especially important for babies and young children. Ask how long educators have been at the centre and whether turnover is common.
A stable team supports attachment, reduces separation anxiety and creates a secure environment where your child feels known and valued. If educators frequently change, it can disrupt your child’s day and sense of security.
Choosing a childcare centre with long-term educators helps ensure your child attends a centre where relationships are nurtured over time.
4. What Does a Typical Day Look Like?
Understanding the daily routine is crucial. Ask what a typical day involves for different ages and how the program supports individual learning.
A balanced program should include:
- Structured and play-based early learning
- Outdoor time in a safe outdoor area
- Group activities
- Quiet rest periods
- Flexible sleep routines and nap time
Ask how sleep and nap time are managed for babies and toddlers. Are sleep routines tailored to your child’s needs? Is the routine flexible for different ages?
Centres aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework strive to design experiences that help children learn social, cognitive and physical skills in meaningful ways.
5. How Do You Support Children During Drop Off?
Drop off can be emotional for both children and parents. Ask how the centre supports children who are unsettled and how separation anxiety is managed.
Do they offer gradual orientation sessions? How do educators comfort a child who is distressed? What happens if a parent is running late?
The settling-in period shapes your child’s first experience of early education. A nurturing approach ensures your little one adjusts confidently.
If you would like to learn more, you can book a tour and speak with the team directly.
6. What Are Your Health and Illness Policies?
Health and safety policies are essential. Ask what the centre’s policy is when managing a sick child. When must a sick child stay home? How are parents informed?
Important health questions include:
- How are food allergies managed?
- How are dietary requirements accommodated?
- How are meals and food prepared?
- How are children supervised during sleep?
- What are the emergency procedures?
Clear health processes protect every child and support a safe environment.
If you are planning financially, resources such as our guide about how much childcare costs in Perth and our child care subsidy guide may also help your family prepare.
7. How Is My Child’s Safety Ensured Each Day?
A child’s safety should never feel uncertain. Ask how children are supervised throughout the centre and how adequate supervision is maintained across indoor and outdoor spaces.
Clarify:
- Entry and exit security systems
- Emergency procedures
- How educators transport children during excursions
- How the centre manages screen time
Safety also includes supervision in the outdoor area and ensuring children are supervised consistently during play and transitions.
When exploring our local centres such as Beckenham, Beechboro, Byford or Canning Vale, ask these important questions directly.
8. How Will You Communicate With Parents?
Strong communication builds trust between family and centre. Ask how communication is handled both formally and through informal ways.
Will you receive updates about your child’s day via an app? Are there verbal updates at pick-up? Are meetings offered to discuss progress?
Open communication ensures parents feel connected to their child’s development and early learning journey.
You can explore helpful articles on the our blog, including topics like benefits of reading to children in early childhood education and the benefits of sensory play for children.
9. What Is Included in the Program and Fees?
Ask what is included in the program and daily fees.
Are meals provided each week? Is food prepared onsite? Are nappies included? Are casual care bookings available? What are the operating hours?
Understanding inclusions helps you compare child care services across Perth. You may also wish to review our guide on the best age to start childcare if you are unsure when your child should begin.
10. How Do You Prepare Children for School?
Preparing children for school is a core part of early education. Ask how the program supports literacy, numeracy, social confidence and emotional development.
How does the centre help children build independence? How are group skills developed? How does the program adapt for different ages?
You can explore guidance in our comprehensive article about what parents need to know about school readiness.
A quality program gradually prepares children for school while ensuring learning remains age-appropriate and engaging.
Finding the Right Place for Your Child
Choosing a childcare centre is about finding the right place where your child feels secure, supported and inspired to grow.
Refer back to this guide before every childcare tour you attend so you do not forget the most important questions. Trust your instincts. If something does not feel like the right fit, keep exploring.
You can browse local options across Perth using our centre finder or contact our team directly for guidance.