Parents face many challenges for many years. The challenges start from the very beginning of your children’s lives. One of the struggles early in parenthood is finding the best early learning centre for your children.
There are so many centres and options available that the choices become overwhelming. However, doing your research ahead of time is invaluable and can help reduce your stress when looking for the right place for your children. Let’s look at some considerations below to help you determine the best early learning centre Sydney for your family.
1. Location of the Centre
The location might be a good starting point to check out. Consider locations close to home or work. You may want the centre to be close to work in case of emergency so you can get there quicker when needed. It is also a consideration when it comes to pickup time. If you are late, most centres charge an extra fee. If the centre is farther away from work, you may risk being late to pick up your children.
2. Registration and Licensing
Once you determine the right location and find centres in that area, check that the centres are licensed and registered. This is important when choosing the right centre.
3. Ideology and Education
A childcare centre is not only a place to leave your child while you work or do errands. Today, centres also focus on education and early learning for children. Each centre has a specific type of programme, and it should align with your outlook and goals.
4. Centre Rating
Each centre receives a rating based on the National Quality Standards. The areas rated set the standard for quality services for children’s early childhood education and care for those not in school.
5. Staff to Child Ratio and Size
The size of the centre may or may not be important to you, but consider what you prefer. Centres can range in size from just a few children to hundreds. Visit different sized centres to get an idea of what you prefer. Ensure the larger centres can handle the number of children in their care.
Another factor along with this is the staff-to-child ratio. There are specific guidelines that centres must follow, which vary with each age group. Investigate and make sure they are following those guidelines.
6. Healthiness and Happiness
The next thing to check out when you visit different locations is the health and happiness of the children and staff present. Be observant of the cleanliness of the rooms and the children. The staff and children should appear clean and well-groomed. Children and staff should look happy. The children should be comfortable with the staff present, and the environment should have educational and nurturing aspects.
7. Schedule Requirements
Determining if the centre is flexible with your schedule is another important consideration. Most centres will require you to provide the days and times your children will attend. However, you may have something unexpected come up and need to change that schedule.
8. Reviews and Reputation
Investigate the reviews and reputation of the centres you are considering. Be careful, though, because people can document both inaccurate positive and negative information. Although reviews should be considered, they should not be the main consideration. They should only add to your overall investigation of the centre.
9. Warmth, Character, and Standards
The centre should exhibit warmth yet demonstrate a business-like character and standard. You can pick up on the warmth and sense of professionalism throughout your communication from the start with the staff you encounter.
10. Fees and Openings
Once you have chosen a few favourites, make sure you know the fees charged for your schedule. However, ask about late pickup fees, late payment fees, or any other fees that they might charge. You need to be aware of all that can come up. Also, inquire about openings and waiting lists to ensure there is availability for your needs.
You may have other ideas and concerns that need addressing before making a choice. Write down all your questions and make sure you are satisfied with the answers. This is a big decision, and you should take your time to make the right choice for your family.
