If you are looking for a child care centre in Perth, you should do your due diligence. There are a lot of child care centres in the Perth area, including suburbs such as Cannington, Wellard and Vic Park, and all have different ways of doing things. It is crucial that you find a childcare centre that is perfect for your child. We are going to present the highlights of a checklist we ran across recently.
However, we are going to present what we feel is important in the form of questions you can ask your child care provider.
Is the centre open during the hours that you require child care?
Can you change your care days when you need to? If so, how much notice will you be required to give?
Is the centre conveniently located? Usually, this means near public transport, a freeway, work or a friend or relative’s home.
What happens when you are late to pick up your child? Do they charge a fee when you are late?
Is the centre friendly to any cultural or religious requirements you may have?
Visiting the Centre
- If you get the answers you want, the next step is to visit the centre. Here are questions to ponder.
- Is the environment happy and relaxed?
- Are the children playing, laughing and generally having a great time?
- Did the staff make you and your child feel welcome?
- How does the reception area look? Is it clean and organised?
- Do the rooms appear to be organised, tidy and clean?
- Is anything “out of place”?
- Were you introduced to all staff members and given a tour?
- Does the centre have a National Quality Framework assessment? If so, how was it rated?
- Does the centre have a plan for quality improvement? If so, what does the plan consist of?
- Does the centre appear to have adequate security to keep your child safe?
- Were you signed in and greeted by an employee prior to entry?
- Were there restricted access areas?
- Does every staff member wear a badge and are they all recognisable as staff members?
Health and Safety
- Are all accidents and incidents documented?
- Is there a fire escape plan, complete with fire drills and adequate marking?
- What is the procedure for notifying you if your child has an accident or becomes sick?
- Is there always a staff member available who can perform first aid and CPR?
- Is anyone on the staff qualified to administer medication?
- Is there a policy to protect your child from the sun? Does the centre require children to wear sunblock and hats when they go outside?
- Where do the children go to sleep? What do the mattresses and coverings look like? Are you required to purchase or supply any sheets or covers?
- Where do they change nappies? How clean and sanitary is the area?
- What is the hand washing policy at the centre?
Communication
- Did they give you a booklet containing the policies and procedures of the centre?
- Is the centre’s philosophy in line with yours?
- Do you understand what the centre is responsible for and what you are responsible for?
- Do you have to authorise medications or field trips separately? If so, what is the procedure?
- Will you be provided with daily feedback on your child? For example, what your child ate, what activities they participated in and who they played with?
- Do you have to make an appointment to talk to the centre about your child or can you just drop in?
Staff, Supervision and Management
- Can you meet the manager of the centre?
- Does the manager function as the supervisor for the entire staff?
- What is the ratio of children to carers?
- What background checks are required for staff members?
- What are the qualifications of staff members?
Food
- Are meal times the same every day?
- What happens if your child doesn’t eat on schedule?
- Can the centre handle any special needs your child may have?
Contact Us Today
Ask us all of the tough questions. We know that you will like what you hear.