Visiting a childcare centre? Here are the questions worth asking.

10 hours ago
5 min read

A practical guide for families in Dundas, Parramatta, Rydalmere and surrounding areas who are starting to explore their early learning options.

Choosing a childcare centre is one of the biggest decisions you will make for your child in their early years. And yet most parents walk into a tour not quite knowing what to look for — or what to ask.

It is easy to get caught up in whether the centre looks nice, whether the staff seem friendly, whether your gut says yes. And those things matter. But there are also some specific questions worth asking that will tell you a lot more than a first impression can.

At Little Jungle Early Learning in Dundas, we welcome families for tours all the time. We love the curious parents — the ones who come with a list of questions and want real answers. So we thought we would share exactly what those questions should be.

A great childcare centre will not just tolerate your questions. It will welcome them.

What should I look for when visiting a childcare centre?

Before you even ask a single question, pay attention to what you notice when you walk in.

Are the children engaged and settled, or does the environment feel chaotic? Are educators down on the floor with children, or standing back observing from a distance? Does the space feel calm and inviting, or cluttered and rushed? Do staff acknowledge you warmly when you arrive?

These first impressions are worth trusting. But they are just the starting point. Here is what to ask next.

Questions to ask about educators and ratios

What are your educator to child ratios? In NSW, the legal minimum ratios are 1:4 for children under two, and 1:5 for children aged two to three. Ask what the centre's ratios are — and whether they ever go above the minimum. Ratios directly affect how much individual attention your child receives every day.

How do you support educator wellbeing and retention? A centre that invests in its educators — through training, support, and a positive workplace culture — tends to hold onto its team. And that consistency matters enormously for your child. Ask what the centre does to support and develop its staff. A confident, specific answer tells you a lot about how the centre operates from the inside out.

What qualifications do your educators hold? In NSW, at least 50 percent of educators must hold or be working toward an approved early childhood qualification. Ask whether the centre exceeds this requirement, and whether educators engage in ongoing professional development.

Who will be my child's primary educator? Many quality centres assign a key educator to each child — someone who knows your child deeply, tracks their development, and is your main point of contact. Ask whether this is how the centre operates, and who that person would be for your child.

Questions to ask about the curriculum and philosophy

What is your educational philosophy? Every centre approaches early learning differently. Some are play-based, some are Reggio Emilia inspired, some follow a Montessori approach. There is no single right answer — but the philosophy should be clear, consistent, and genuinely lived by the team rather than just printed on a brochure.

How do you plan for each child's individual learning? Quality early learning is not one-size-fits-all. Ask how educators observe and document each child's interests and development, and how that information shapes what happens in the room day to day.

How much time do children spend outdoors? Research consistently shows that outdoor play is essential for physical development, creativity, risk-taking and wellbeing. Ask how outdoor time is structured, what the outdoor environment looks like, and whether children have genuine freedom to explore it.

How do you handle screen time? Quality early learning centres minimise or eliminate passive screen time for young children. It is worth asking directly.

Questions to ask about communication and family involvement

How will you keep me informed about my child's day? Ask whether the centre uses a parent communication app, and what kind of updates you can expect. Daily photos, meal updates, sleep records, and developmental observations all give you a real picture of your child's experience — and peace of mind throughout the day.

How do you communicate if something is wrong? Whether it is a bump on the head, a difficult morning, or a concern about your child's development — ask how the centre handles these conversations. Do they call you immediately? Do they document incidents? Do educators initiate conversations with families proactively, or wait to be asked?

How are families involved in the life of the centre? The best early learning centres see families as genuine partners, not just customers. Ask whether there are opportunities to be involved — events, consultations, input into the curriculum. A centre that values family voice will have a real answer to this question.

Questions to ask about the practical details

What does a typical day look like? Ask to be walked through the daily rhythm — arrival, mealtimes, rest, learning experiences, outdoor time, pickup. This gives you a concrete picture of what your child's day will actually feel like, not just what it says on paper.

Are meals provided, and what does the menu look like? If meals are included, ask to see the menu. Look for variety, whole foods, and fresh preparation. Ask how the centre handles allergies, intolerances, and cultural dietary requirements.

What is your approach to rest and sleep? Sleep routines vary enormously between centres. Ask whether children are required to sleep at set times or whether rest is responsive to each child's individual needs. For younger children especially, this matters a great deal.

What is your sick child policy? Every centre has exclusion rules for unwell children. Ask what they are, and how the centre handles it when a child becomes unwell during the day. Knowing this in advance avoids stressful surprises later.

What does the settling-in process look like? A quality centre will have a structured approach to helping new children transition in — not just showing up on day one and hoping for the best. Ask what settling-in visits look like, how long the process typically takes, and how they support both children and parents through it.

What does a good answer look like?

The best answers to these questions are specific, confident and honest. Educators who know their centre well will not need to pause and think. They will tell you exactly how things work, give you real examples, and acknowledge openly if something is a work in progress.

Be wary of vague answers, deflection, or a tour that rushes you through without making space for your questions. A centre that is genuinely proud of what it does will want you to see all of it.