When looking for a childcare service for your kids, there are mainly two types: Centre-Based Care and Family Day Care. Centre-Based Care means a group of children education and care in a centre, while Family Day Care is more like a very small numbe of children being taken care of in the home of the carer.

When parents search for services for their children, the first thing they often consider is the NQS rating. However, this is just one of many factors to consider when finding a childcare service that suits your children. We will discuss the major factors to look for when selecting a childcare service.

NQS – National Quality Standard

Parents typically consider the NQS rating when choosing child care, with the highest ratings often being the top priority. However, this rating is not always a reliable indicator. Sometimes, services might temporarily improve their performance or complete outstanding paperwork just before a regulatory authority visit. Therefore, while the NQS rating serves as a useful guide, it should not be the sole factor in your decision.Another drawback is that reassessment and re-rating must be carried out by an approved provider. Consequently, some services retain ratings that were granted a long time ago, raising the question of whether they still deserve their current ratings. While regulatory authorities may decide to reassess a service, there is no clear process for triggering a reassessment or any specified timeframe for when it might occur.

Educator to Child Ratio

For children from birth to 24 months, the ratio is one educator for every four children. For those between 24 and 36 months, the ratio is one educator for every four children in Victoria, while other states may require one educator for every five children. For children aged 36 months to preschool age, the ratio is one educator for every ten children in NSW, WA, and TAS, and one educator for every eleven children in other states. For children over preschool age, the ratio in WA is one educator for every ten to thirteen children, in ACT it is one educator for every eleven children, and in other states, it is one educator for every fifteen children.However, these ratios are often the minimum requirement and having additional educators can greatly benefit your child. Sometimes, educators may need to leave the room for various reasons, leaving only one educator to manage the entire room, which is not uncommon. Additionally, some staff members included in the ratio might not have completed their qualifications. When touring a service, it’s important to observe and count the number of educators present to ensure they meet the necessary ratios.

Healthy Meals

Meal is another crucial factor to consider when comparing services. Some services provide breakfast and lunch, while others require parents to pack lunch boxes. Additional offerings may include morning tea, afternoon tea, snacks, on-demand milk, or fruits. You can inquire about a recent or upcoming menu to understand their offerings. It’s also beneficial to ask where they source their ingredients and how meals are prepared—whether they offer ready-to-cook meals or reheated food. Some services prioritize freshly made meals with reduced oil and sugar for healthier options. Additionally, consider how frequently meals are changed and whether each meal includes essential nutrition. Some services tailor meals to different age groups, although some may offer generic and potentially uninspired recipes, such as a drumstick with white rice for all ages.If a service invests more time and effort into designing and preparing meals tailored for different age groups, it should receive bonus points.

Comprehensive Activities

Whether in long day care or kindergarten, educators are no longer just \”nannies.\” As children’s first and most influential teachers, educators play a crucial role in their development. Children in these services learn and develop skills and knowledge across various aspects—physical, social, emotional, spiritual, and cognitive.Common activities include reading books, crafts, and participating in sports. Some services also offer regular excursions and incursions. Excursions might include visits to community centers, aged care facilities, nature reserves, or aquariums. Incursions can involve inviting police officers or firefighters to educate the children or having Indigenous peoples share their stories and cultural knowledge.

Always ask the childcare service about what activities are offered, how frequently they occur, and any recent or upcoming events.