Questions to ask Childcare Providers

Health & Wellbeing

What happens if a child is unwell?
Illness is part of growing up, but knowing how a centre will respond makes dealing with it easier. Ask how staff manage children who feel unwell during the day and what their policy is for returning after sickness.

How do you manage allergies and medication?
Every family has unique needs. Ask how the centre works with you to create a medical management plan for allergies or medication, and how staff ensure only authorised educators administer it.

What policies guide illness, medication, allergies, and immunisation requirements?
Beyond day-to-day care, policies matter. Ask about the centre’s immunisation requirements, exclusion rules for illness, and how they handle ongoing conditions. Oz Education follows national health guidelines and works closely with families to keep children safe and well.

How often do you clean and sanitise toys, surfaces, and shared spaces?
Children explore with their hands, so hygiene is critical. Ask how often toys, surfaces, and shared spaces are cleaned. Centres like Oz Education run daily cleaning routines and regular deep cleans to ensure healthy environments.

What is your most recent rating under the National Quality Standards, and how do you exceed the minimum?
The National Quality Standards (NQS) are a benchmark for childcare in Australia. Ask to see the centre’s latest rating and how they go beyond compliance. At Oz Education, quality is central to every practice, from curriculum design to daily safety measures.

Safety & Security

What are your emergency procedures?
It’s important to ask about fire, evacuation, and lockdown procedures. Centres should have clear plans and regularly practice them so educators and children know exactly what to do in an emergency.

What security measures are in place for entry, fencing and authorised pick ups?
Safety begins at the door. Ask about secure entry systems, fencing, and how authorised pick-ups are managed. For example, Oz Education centres use CCTV and strict sign-in/out procedures to make sure only approved carers collect children.

How do you actively supervise children throughout the day, including outdoor play and rest times?
Supervision isn’t just about being present, it’s about staying engaged. Ask how educators monitor children in classrooms, during outdoor play, and even at rest time. The best centres have clear ratios and rotation systems so every child is always in sight.

How frequently do you run emergency drills such as fire, evacuation or lockdowns?
Don’t be shy to ask how often drills are run. A strong centre will conduct them several times a year to make sure staff and children can respond quickly and calmly in real situations.

What policies do you have around photography, CCTV and protecting children’s privacy?
Privacy matters as much as safety. Ask what rules guide photography at the centre, how CCTV is used, and how children’s identities are protected in reports or online. Centres like Oz Education have clear policies that keep families reassured.

Centre and Logistics

What are your operating hours?
One of the first questions to ask in a childcare tour should be about the operating time. Get more information on the centre’s daily hours to make sure they match with your family’s routine. Some centres offer extended or flexible hours and getting the right one can make a big difference for busy parents.

Is the centre licensed and accredited?
Always make sure that the centre meets the National Quality Standards. Accreditation means your child is in an environment that prioritises safety, learning, and wellbeing, supporting them in the ways to get the most from their early education.

Can parents drop in anytime?
We understand how important it is to feel connected to your child’s day, especially in their early years. While unplanned visits can disrupt routines and learning time, we believe in building strong, trusting partnerships with families in other meaningful ways.

At Oz Education, we keep you closely involved through daily updates, open communication with educators, and feedback on your child’s individual care plan. This ranges from their routines and dietary needs to their progress and achievements.

Families are also warmly invited to join our special celebrations, events, and parent experiences throughout the year, creating opportunities to share in your child’s learning journey in ways that feel both personal and rewarding.

Staff and Educators

What qualifications do your educators have?
Your child will spend most of their day with educators, so it’s vital to ask about what training they have, as well as what languages they speak. Look out for nationally recognised qualifications and any special expertise in areas like STEM or wellbeing.

How do you make sure staff are trained and up to date in child protection and safety practices?
Look for a centre where educators undergo regular training in child protection, safety, and wellbeing. At Oz Education, every staff member is trained in the latest practices and must meet mandatory checks before working with children. All of our staff also take the Working with Children Check (WWCC) to ensure the maximum levels of safety for children.

What is the staff-to-child ratio?
This question helps you get a better understanding of the level of personal attention your child will receive. Lower ratios usually mean more one-on-one support and stronger, more enriching relationships with educators. For example, there are age-related Victorian regulatory requirements to follow for this, so make sure the childcare you choose is in line with them.

Do educators receive regular professional development?
Early education changes all the time, so ongoing training is key. Ask how often educators attend workshops or training sessions to stay up to date with making your child’s education the best it can be.

Are staff trained in first aid and CPR?
Safety is non-negotiable. Asking about first aid and CPR certification ensures that staff are prepared to respond in an emergency.

Programs and Learning

What is your learning philosophy?
Every centre is different. Some focus purely on play-based learning, while others integrate STEM or Montessori approaches into the learning experience. Make sure the philosophy matches your child’s needs and your family values.

What does a typical day look like?
Daily routines give you a sense of balance between structured learning, play, rest, and outdoor activities. This helps you picture what your little one’s experience will be like, and whether it matches what you’re both looking for.

How much outdoor play is included?
Outdoor time is essential for physical and social development. Ask how much time children spend outside and what facilities are available to make this time as beneficial as possible.

Do you run extra programs such as music or languages?
Many centres offer enrichment programs like dance, cooking, or cultural activities. Asking this shows you what additional opportunities your child will have to explore, grow, and develop into the people they are.

Nutrition and Meals

Are meals cooked onsite?
Many centres prepare meals fresh each day in their own kitchens. Asking about this gives you a sense of the quality and care that goes into every plate, because a healthy body supports a healthy, curious mind. Oz Education offers a commercial-grade kitchen that provides healthy, nutritious meals for young learners. This gives them the fuel they need to stay energised and engaged all the way through to the end of their learning day.

Can I view a weekly menu?
Menus give you a clear picture of the variety and balance your child will enjoy. Asking to see one is a great way to understand the centre’s approach to nutrition and the kinds of meals your little one will be excited to try. At Oz Education, our centres follow NSW Munch & Move to implement healthy eating habits for life.

Do you cater for allergies and dietary needs?
If your child has allergies, intolerances, or cultural requirements, this question is essential. A good centre will adapt meals thoughtfully and safely to give you reassurance that your child’s wellbeing is always protected.

How do you ensure nutrition and variety?
The best centres design meals that meet children’s daily nutritional needs while introducing them to new flavours and food experiences. Asking this helps you know your child will enjoy meals that are not only healthy, but also full of variety and discovery.

Fees & Policies

What are your daily or weekly fees?
Childcare fees vary greatly. It’s important to know upfront by asking what’s included in the cost to get a clear picture of the value and quality of the centre and early learning programs. You should also ask what you’re getting for your money. For example, Oz Education includes a wide range of daily essentials and extra-curricular activities that are loved by our young learners.

Do you accept childcare subsidies?
Most families are eligible for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS). Confirm how the centre helps families access this support.

What’s your late pick-up policy?
Life doesn’t always go to plan. Asking about late pick-up fees helps you avoid surprises so you can be sure you feel fully supported if you’re ever running behind.

How much notice is needed to cancel enrolments?
Circumstances change, so ask how much notice you need to give if you withdraw your child. This protects you from unexpected fees and again gives you an extra layer of support that can make all the difference.

Our fee-friendly policy makes enrolment simple and flexible. We waive waitlist fees for priority placement, offer complimentary orientations for a smooth start, and require only a fully refundable deposit upon enrolment. Eligible families can also access the Child Care Subsidy to reduce costs, alongside no withdrawal fees should our plans change.

Facilities & Environment

What indoor and outdoor facilities are available?
Touring the spaces will help you see if they are inviting, safe, and engaging for children.

Do you have age-appropriate play areas?
Each age group should have its own space. Asking this ensures your child will be in a developmentally suitable environment that inspires and enriches.

What learning resources are provided?
Books, puzzles, art supplies, and STEM tools all contribute to a rich learning experience. Ask what’s available to children each day to make their early learning as well rounded as possible.

Do you use sustainable practices?
Centres that incorporate gardening, recycling, and sustainability help children care for the environment from a young age.

Family Engagement

How is my child’s progress shared with me?
Ask how educators keep you updated, whether it’s through daily reports, apps such as our own Parent App, or face-to-face chats. Regular communication builds trust and enables you to see how your child is developing in their learning journey.

Can parents contribute to activities?
Some centres welcome parents to share stories, traditions, or special skills. Asking this shows how much family involvement is encouraged. As an example, Oz Education holds many family celebrations throughout the year, giving you an opportunity to share a moment in your child’s educational journey.

How do you handle concerns or feedback?
Open dialogue is so important. Ask how the centre responds to parent feedback so you can be sure your voice is always heard.

Do you support transitions to school?
Strong preschool or kindergarten programs are key to preparing your child for the next stage in their life. Quality curriculum and preschool programs ensure your child is set up for success, whatever comes next.