I had to admit, even as a pre-school teacher myself I have been in the same pickle when it came to choosing a childcare centre for my child (for confidentiality and because he loves all things super hero, lets call him Boy Wonder). I had left it until mid year to put Boy Wonder, who was then 6 months old, on a wait list for the local council centre that I had been hearing rave reviews about (often the sign of a great centre) and was told nothing would be available until January. So I was forced, due to work commitments, to find my way through the hit or miss world of private childcare centres. Believe me, there are some misses out there! When I was working on a casual basis and would get called into some of these centres that, at the risk of sounding like a snob, made me question my professional ethics. If I wouldn't even send my dog there, how is it OK for these kids?

 ..Even as a pre-school teacher myself I have been in the same pickle when it came to choosing a childcare centre.

How to choose what is right for you and your family:



Choosing a childcare service that is right for your child can be in one word - tough. It can be a lengthy process for many parents, with the most sought after pre-schools and childcare centres often having lengthy wait lists, sometimes you do have to settle for a second or third choice. So here is a quick checklist that may help you in making the right choice.



1. Chat with friends and random people who you come across who also have kids!

Word of mouth is a great way to find out about great services and centres in your area. Parents with their children in good services are often happy to rave with praise about their centre. I find they do this almost in a smug way, because they have also been forced to make this choice at one stage and can now be smug in the knowledge that they have locked down a position that is there for their child as long as they desire.

Truth be told I heard about the much sought after local council centre that my children attend by eaves dropping whilst in my local supermarket register queue. One woman was asking the other if they would be doing the pre-school graduation this year, as when her children had attended the service she had loved it and “treasured the memory". It was how the other woman answered her that sold the centre for me. As she talked enthustically about how they had put together photo disks of the children's year at kindy set to music of an Aboriginal singer that had recently made a visit to entertain the children. I could see that she clearly loved her job and the children she taught.



2. Read the Centres “Philosophy”



By reading this you will get an overview on where the centre stands on important issues such as curriculum, religion, education and activities. Make sure you agree or have no problems with the centres philosophy. A favourite example of mine for this is when the parent who has not realised the centres philosophy about "A child's freedom to explore through play" will attack the pre-school staff for letting their son dress like a "Girl" - Oh dear!. Make sure you have any questions addressed before forking over any deposit money for a centre/service placement.

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3. Visit the Centre and try before buy

Taking your child for an orientation before taking a place can help settle your child into their new environment (and so you can "try before you buy!"). First impressions are often right when it comes to finding a service that fits. A girlfriend of mine who did the "try before you buy" last year with her 3 year old, told me at the time that although the pre-school she was looking at for her child was brand new with everything that opened and shut, beautiful gardens, located just across the road from her and a great philosophy/curriculum - the carers were 'cold' to her and her child when she was there. Telling herself, these hardworking and underpaid carers were just having a tough day, she enrolled him that week. Now one year later and countless phone calls to me about her child's carer the "Ice Queen" and what the "Ice Queen" has said about her child this week - she is shopping around for a new centre.

4. Drop in



Best advice I can offer you is that most services have an "Open Door Policy" meaning that you as a parent on day and hours that your child is attending are welcome at the centre at any time to visit with in its operating hours. Please take advantage of this - go in and offer to read a story, cut up craft material to help or drop off items that the child "accidentally" forgot. By dropping in for an unscheduled visit you will get the most accurate view of just what happens through your child's kindy day. While there check that nappy change areas, toilets and tables are being cleaned on a regular basis and keep a close eye on how carers are interacting with the children.