Child care centre
How to choose a safe child care centre: a parent's checklist
Safety is the first thing parents ask about. Here is what to look for.
Leaving your child in someone else's care is a big decision. A safe centre goes beyond a friendly feel: it follows clear regulations, has well-trained staff and maintains strong daily routines. Use this checklist when comparing centres and on your tour.
1. Licensing
Check the service is licensed and operating under the national law.
In Australia, child care services are regulated under the National Quality Framework. You can look up services and their quality ratings on the national Starting Blocks website before you visit.
Ask the centre about its approval and quality rating, and how it works to keep improving.
2. Staff checks and training
Ask about qualifications, Working with Children Checks and ongoing training.
Every educator should hold a current Working with Children Check, and centres must meet qualification requirements. Ongoing training in first aid, child protection and anaphylaxis management is a good sign.
Low staff turnover also matters, because familiar educators help children feel secure.
3. Supervision
Ask how children are supervised and how the centre meets the educator-to-child ratios required by law.
Watch how educators position themselves in rooms and outdoors. Good supervision means educators can see children at all times, especially in higher-risk areas like climbing equipment, bathrooms and water play.
Required ratios vary by age, and a centre should be able to explain clearly how it meets them throughout the day, including at breaks.
4. A safe environment
Look for safe play areas, clearly marked exits and well-maintained equipment.
Check that fences are secure, furniture is age-appropriate and sleep areas follow safe sleep guidelines. Outdoor areas should offer shade and soft surfaces under play equipment.
A safe environment still lets children take healthy, supervised risks, which is important for their development.
5. Hygiene
Look for daily cleaning and good handwashing routines.
Look for clean nappy-change areas, handwashing before meals and after toileting, and safe food preparation. Ask about the illness policy and when children should stay home.
Good hygiene reduces the spread of illness and teaches children lifelong habits.
6. Secure access
Ask how the centre controls who can come in and out.
Many centres use sign-in systems, keypads or staffed entry. Ask how authorised pick-up people are recorded and what happens if someone unfamiliar arrives.
You should feel confident that only approved adults can collect your child.
7. Emergency and allergy plans
Ask how emergencies and allergies are managed.
Centres should have written emergency and evacuation procedures, and practise drills regularly. Ask how individual medical plans, allergies and medication are recorded and communicated to every educator.
If your child has an allergy, ask how meals are prepared to avoid cross-contamination.
More questions to ask
How do you communicate incidents or injuries to families?
What are your safe sleep practices?
How do you support children's wellbeing as well as physical safety?
Key takeaways
A safe child care centre is licensed, staffed by checked and trained educators, well supervised, clean, secure and prepared for emergencies. Trust your instincts on a tour, ask plenty of questions and choose the centre where you and your child feel at ease.
Questions to ask on a tour
How do you keep children safe?
What happens in an emergency?
How do you manage allergies?