What questions should I ask when visiting a childcare centre?

Choosing a childcare centre is one of the most significant decisions a family can make. Visiting in person gives you a real feel for the environment, the people, and the culture of a centre — but it can also feel overwhelming if you are not sure what to look for or what to ask.

Whether you are visiting for the first time or comparing a few different centres, having the right questions ready will help you feel confident and informed. Here is a guide to the most important things to ask when you walk through the door.

Questions about the educators

The people caring for your child every day are the single most important factor in your decision. Do not be afraid to ask directly about qualifications and experience.

What qualifications do your educators hold? Look for a centre where educators hold at minimum a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, with a Diploma-qualified or Bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teacher leading the program. In Queensland, a qualified ECT is required to lead the approved kindy program.

How long have your educators been with the centre? Staff retention matters more than most parents realise. Low turnover means children build consistent, trusting relationships with familiar faces — which is especially important for babies and toddlers.

What is the educator-to-child ratio in each room? Lower ratios mean more individual attention for your child. Ask specifically about the room your child would be placed in, as ratios differ across age groups.

How do educators communicate with families throughout the day? A good centre will have a clear, consistent system for keeping you updated — whether that is a secure app, daily conversations at pick-up, or learning journals shared regularly.

Questions about safety and wellbeing

Every parent's first priority is knowing their child is safe. Ask these questions confidently — a good centre will welcome them.

What safety measures are in place, particularly for babies? For nursery-aged children, ask about sleep monitoring, supervision practices, and how the centre manages sleep routines. At Scotts Road Child Care, every cot is fitted with heart and breathing monitors that continuously track movement and activate an audible alarm if needed.

Do all staff hold current Blue Cards, first aid certificates, and anaphylaxis training? These are non-negotiable in Queensland. Every team member should hold a current Blue Card and be up to date with first aid, CPR, asthma, and anaphylaxis training.

How does the centre manage illness and medication? Ask about their policies for when children become unwell during the day and how medications are administered and documented.

What are the drop-off and pick-up procedures? Understanding who is authorised to collect your child and how the centre manages arrivals and departures gives you confidence in day-to-day security.

Questions about the program and learning

Early learning is about far more than keeping children occupied. The program a centre runs will shape your child's development, confidence, and love of learning in the years ahead.

What learning framework does the centre follow? In Australia, approved providers follow the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). Ask how this is reflected in the daily program and whether educators plan intentional learning experiences or follow a more child-led approach. You can read more about the EYLF at ACECQA.

How is the program tailored to individual children? The best centres do not run a one-size-fits-all program. Educators should be observing each child's interests and developmental stage and planning experiences accordingly.

Do you offer a government-approved kindy program? If your child is approaching preschool age, this is an important question. In Queensland, approved kindy providers deliver 15 hours of free kindy per week for 40 weeks per year — which represents significant savings for families. Learn more at the Queensland Government Free Kindy page.

What does a typical day look like for my child's age group? Ask for a walkthrough of the daily rhythm — mealtimes, outdoor play, rest periods, and learning experiences. This helps you picture your child's experience and assess whether it suits their needs and personality.

How do you support children who are settling in? Starting childcare is a big transition for children and families alike. Ask about the orientation process and how educators support children through the early weeks.

Questions about facilities and environment

Take your time to look around during your visit. The physical environment tells you a great deal about a centre's values and priorities.

Are the indoor and outdoor spaces age-appropriate and well-resourced? Look for spaces that are clean, organised, and genuinely engaging. Outdoor areas should offer opportunities for physical play, exploration, and risk-taking appropriate to each age group.

Are meals prepared on-site? On-site cooking means fresher, more nutritious meals tailored to the children in care. Ask to see the menu and whether the centre accommodates dietary requirements and allergies.

What is included in the daily fee? Some centres charge separately for nappies, sunscreen, meals, and excursions. Understanding what is all-inclusive from the start helps you compare the true cost across different centres.

Questions about fees and enrolments

Understanding the financial side of childcare can feel complex, but a good centre will be happy to walk you through it clearly.

What are your current fees and what do they include? Ask for a clear breakdown of daily fees across each age group and what is included. At Scotts Road Child Care, fees start from $12.19 per day after the Child Care Subsidy, with nappies, sunscreen, and all meals included.

Can you help me understand the Child Care Subsidy? Most families are eligible for CCS, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs. A centre that actively helps families navigate this process is a good sign. You can find out more at Services Australia.

Is there a waitlist or enrolment fee? Ask upfront so there are no surprises. At Scotts Road, there is no waitlist fee and no enrolment fee.

What are your minimum day requirements? Some centres require a minimum number of days per week. At Scotts Road, there is no minimum day requirement, giving families the flexibility to choose what works for them.

Questions to ask yourself after the visit

Beyond the specific questions above, pay attention to how the visit felt. Did the educators make eye contact with the children and get down to their level? Did the children seem settled and engaged? Did the Director or team answer your questions openly and without hesitation?

The right childcare centre will not just tick boxes — it will feel like a place where your child belongs.

Visiting Scotts Road Child Care in Darra

At Scotts Road Child Care Centre, we welcome tour visits and encourage families to come and experience our centre while the full program is in action. Our team is always happy to answer every question on your list — and a few you might not have thought of yet.

We offer early learning programs for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years, including a Queensland Government approved Free Kindy program, Nursery and Toddler programs, and Before and After School Care. Our centre is open from 6:30am to 6:30pm, Monday to Friday, 52 weeks of the year.

To book a tour or make an enquiry, call us on (07) 5512 0910 or visit our enquiries page.