Studies have shown that spending time in daycare can impact child development in a positive way. Because of this, many parents use daycare services not only to have qualified people watch over their kids while they’re working but also to help their children grow into smart, kind, and well-adjusted adults.

However, your kids will only enjoy the benefits of daycare if they’re enrolled in the right place. So don’t just choose the first daycare centre that you come across with; instead, look for the best possible provider by asking the following:

Is the centre approved to operate?

Daycare centres in most areas must have certain permits and licenses before they can operate legally. In New South Wales, for example, early childhood education and care (ECEC) facilities are required to apply for provider approval through the NSW Department of Education. They also have to obtain approval for each service they offer through the National Quality Agenda IT System (NQA ITS). Know the requirements for ECEC providers in your area and look for daycare centres that meet these requirements.

Are the staff qualified and experienced?

You naturally want to leave your children in the hands of capable and reliable people. So, when looking for a daycare centre, find out if their staff are eligible to work as a childcare provider. Each employee should have at least a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care along with a First Aid certification (which should include training in CPR, anaphylaxis management, and asthma awareness) and an up-to-date Working with Children Check.

How does the centre handle illnesses?

Different daycare centres have different procedures in place when it comes to illnesses, so you have to ask each one what their protocols are. If children are sick but aren’t running a fever, are they still allowed to go to daycare? Are the daycare employees willing and qualified to administer emergency medication? What steps will the centre take if a child becomes very ill while at daycare and requires medical services? By asking these questions, you’ll have an overview of how well-prepared the centre is, and this can help you decide if you should entrust your child to their team or not.

What activities are provided?

Daycare isn’t just about keeping children safe—it’s also about stimulating their brains, honing their talents, and helping them develop good socialisation skills. So, when choosing a daycare centre, ask about the activities that they provide to children. Ideally, your kids should have access to varied age-appropriate activities that will help them enjoy new experiences and develop an appetite for learning.

Will food be provided?

Many daycare centres provide meals for the children in their care. If you’re choosing a centre that does this, make sure they offer healthy meals that include vegetables, fruits, grains, and lean meat, and they give as few junk foods as possible. If your children have food allergies or sensitivities, ask if the centre can cater to their diet or if you’ll need to send them to daycare with home-prepped meals.

Choosing the right daycare centre is a key step in providing your kids with the best possible childhood experiences. Find the ideal daycare in Penrith or other areas by asking the questions listed above!