Early childhood education helps children in getting ready for formal school by developing the social, language, and math skills that they need. It also prevents them from being required special education classes as they progress in their studies.
However, choosing the best early childhood education centre is no easy feat. With too many institutions out there claiming to be the best, how do you know which one is perfect for you and your child?
Easy—when doing your “long day care centres near me” search on Google, you should understand what makes a daycare facility high quality and use such information in coming up with your final decision.
Top Qualities That Make a Quality Long Day Care Centre
Choosing the right long day care services requires special attention. To narrow down your list to the best centres, keep the following aspects in mind.
Certification and Accreditation
These could be the most important things you have to look for in a daycare centre. If you are considering a Norman Park community kindergarten, for example, know if it is certified to offer early childhood education. It should also be licenced to meet the minimum requirements set by the government for these institutions.
Aside from the licence and certificate, you can also check for accreditations to prove that the centre has been providing high-quality education and care to children.
Trained and Qualified Staff
Caregivers who are formally trained to offer early childhood education mean that they know how to tailor their curriculum for each child’s needs. It is also a plus if the staff members are given some form of a continuous training programme, as this makes them flexible enough to evolve with Australia’s ever-changing educational system.
If you find out that a centre does not perform a thorough background check of their caregivers, then you should move on to the next one on your list.
Low Caregiver-to-Children Ratio
Generally speaking, a centre with the lowest caregiver-to-children ratio is the best option to take. However, this ratio still depends on the age group your child belongs to. During your “long day care centres near me” search, here are the numbers to keep in mind:
- 1:3-4 (for infants under 12 months old)
- 1:3-6 (for toddlers 1 to 2 years old)
- 1:4-6 (for toddlers 2 to 3 years old)
- 1:6-10 (for preschoolers 3 to 5 years old)
- 1:10-12 (for children above 5 years old)
A low caregiver-to-children ratio means that your child will receive the best care and education possible.
Structured Programmes and Activities Done in a Positive Environment
The activities a daycare centre offers might not be your primary concern when enrolling your child, but it is still important to know that your little one will be engaged in activities that make each day meaningful and fruitful.
So, try to ask about the centre’s daily schedule of activities. Quality daycare should include creative and imaginative play, reading sessions, discussions, and other activities that are offered in a structured way.
Clean and Secure Environment
Of course, the safety of children is a top priority for daycare centres. So, when assessing a Red Hill kindergarten, for example, know what hygiene and safety measures they have in place. You can also take a quick tour of the facility yourself to see the security system they are using.
Stellar Reviews
Other parents would gladly share their experiences with a centre, and one good way to gather their opinions is by reading online reviews. You can visit review sites dedicated to daycare services or check out social media to find honest testimonials about these institutions.
You can also ask relatives and friends who have used the same daycare service you are considering.
Parting Thoughts
There you have it! Your “long day care centres near me” search should now be much easier with the tips mentioned above. Remember that the quality of education your little one receives is very important in their development. Not only that it makes them excel at school, but it also serves as their foundation for becoming successful adults in the future.
By choosing a centre that has all the good qualities, you have the peace of mind that your child will be in good hands, learning in an environment that is fun, safe, and nurturing for all.
For more interesting tips and information that make life easier, read our other articles!
