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What are some of the best questions to ask a new childcare provider?
Creative Childcare • September 2, 2021
If you’re changing childcare providers or sending your little one to day care for the first time, it’s natural to have lots of questions.
We’ve pulled together the best questions to ask your new childcare provider. Knowing the answers will help you make the right decision for your child and put your mind at ease.
What kind of childcare do you provide?
There are lots of different types of childcare available in Australia, depending on your child’s age and your requirements.
They include:
- Long day care (LDC): early childhood education and care (ECEC) provided in a centre for children aged 0-6 years
- Family day care (FDC): flexible care provided in the private home of the care provider
- In-home care (IHC): flexible care provided in the child’s family home
- Outside school hours care (OSHC): care for children who attend primary school (6-12 years) provided in a centre
- Occasional care: just as it says, flexible care provided in a centre either regularly or on an ad hoc basis
Do you have approval? Ask for proof of your childcare provider’s approval status. Any childcare provider must have provider and service approval so that it can legally operate. This means they have evidence that they can guarantee the wellbeing and safety of the children in their care and meet their needs. Sending your child to an approved organisation that is happy to show its approval evidence means peace of mind for you.
What’s your educator-to-child ratio? Know that there are minimum required educator-to-child ratios for day care in Australia. For example, for long day care for children aged 0-24 months, there must be one educator to four children. For children aged 24-36 months and up the ratio is 1:10. Ratios are calculated to ensure that children get the attention they deserve, and for safety reasons, too.
What are your safety policy and procedures? Ask to see the childcare provider’s safety policy and procedures. They should detail points such as:
- Food preparation hygiene
- First aid training for staff
- Evacuation procedures
- Caring for children with medical conditions
- Medication administration
- Identification of parent or carer on pick-up
- Staff training schedule
- COVID-19 policy
What’s your daily schedule? A good childcare facility will be happy to show you their daily schedule, detailing activities and rest time for children. Look for a good mix of free play, creative play, outdoor activities, snack time and quiet time so you know your child is getting a variety of things to do during their day. You can also enquire whether the children’s daily schedule aims to prepare them for schooling by making them ready to learn in a classroom setting and encouraging independence. This will help them transition to school when the time comes. Let us answer your questions about innovative day care If you are looking for long day care for your child in a fun and creative environment, Creative Childcare will be happy to answer any questions you have. You can contact our Newcastle centres or book a tour of our facilities to see innovative, creative childcare in action for yourself.
Give your child the best start at Creative Childcare Hunter Street with play-based learning, caring educators, and a nurturing environment.
At Creative Childcare Hunter Street, we believe that curiosity and creativity are the building blocks of a child’s growth and development. By fostering an environment where young minds can explore, imagine, and create, we empower children to think outside the box and approach the world with wonder. Here are the ways we inspire curiosity and creativity every day: Inspiring Exploration Through Play Play is at the heart of our approach to learning. Whether indoors or outdoors, we provide opportunities for children to discover new ideas, experiment with materials, and engage their senses. From exploring nature in our garden to building imaginative worlds with blocks, we encourage children to follow their curiosity and lead their own learning adventures. Encouraging Questions and Discovery We nurture a culture of inquiry, where children feel confident asking questions and seeking answers. Our educators actively engage with children’s ideas, guiding them through hands-on activities and discussions that spark discovery. By turning questions into opportunities for exploration, we cultivate a love of learning that stays with them for life. Creative Arts and Expression Art is a powerful way for children to express themselves. At our centre, we provide a wide variety of creative materials—from paints and crayons to clay and recycled items—to inspire artistic exploration. Whether through painting, crafting, or storytelling, children develop their unique voices while honing their fine motor skills and creativity. Imaginative Role-Play and Storytelling Role-play and storytelling ignite children’s imaginations and help them make sense of the world around them. We create spaces for children to transform into chefs, explorers, or even astronauts. Through these imaginative scenarios, they practice problem-solving, communication, and collaboration while having endless fun. Hands-On STEM Activities Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) come alive at Creative Childcare through engaging, hands-on activities. From experimenting with simple science projects to building towers and exploring patterns, we integrate STEM concepts into play to develop critical thinking and creativity. These experiences help children see the exciting possibilities in the world around them. Nature-Based Learning The natural world is an endless source of curiosity. We encourage children to explore and connect with nature through gardening, nature walks, and outdoor play. By observing plants, insects, and seasonal changes, children develop a sense of wonder for the environment and learn valuable lessons about the interconnectedness of life. Celebrating Individuality Every child is unique, and we celebrate their individuality by tailoring activities to their interests and strengths. Whether a child loves music, construction, or storytelling, we provide opportunities for them to shine and share their passions. This personalised approach helps children feel valued and confident in their creative abilities. Collaborative Projects Working together on projects helps children learn the value of teamwork while sparking new ideas. From building large-scale art installations to solving puzzles as a group, collaborative activities teach children to share, listen, and innovate together. Supporting Risk-Taking and Resilience Creativity flourishes when children feel safe to take risks and try new things. We provide an environment where it’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them. This encourages children to experiment, persevere through challenges, and discover solutions on their own, building both creativity and resilience. Reflecting on Experiences Reflection is an important part of the creative process. We encourage children to talk about their projects, share their thoughts, and celebrate their achievements. This practice helps them build confidence in their ideas and appreciate the journey of learning and creating. At Creative Childcare Hunter Street, we are committed to nurturing the curiosity and creativity that make childhood so magical. By providing a supportive and inspiring environment, we help children discover their potential and equip them with the tools to approach the world with confidence, imagination, and joy. If you'd like to learn more about Creative Childcares services you can contact us by calling 1300 002 929 , by email at contact@creativechildcare.com.au or by filling out our online form .
Creative Childcare Hunter Street Reconciliation. At Creative Childcare Hunter Street, reconciliation is more than a process; it’s a meaningful journey that we embrace together. By fostering respectful relationships and celebrating diversity, we aim to create a vibrant and inclusive environment for every child in our care. Here’s how our reconciliation initiatives are making a difference every day: Embracing Cultural Awareness Our journey begins with cultivating cultural awareness. Through storytelling, music, and art, we introduce children to diverse cultural heritages. These engaging sessions spark curiosity and encourage children to celebrate the richness of different traditions. By exploring these stories together, we nurture understanding and appreciation from an early age. Interactive Learning Experiences We believe hands-on experiences are key to understanding. Children at our centre participate in interactive activities, from traditional games and dances to creating art inspired by cultural motifs. These activities help children connect with cultural expressions in a meaningful way, fostering respect and joy in diversity. Building Relationships with Local Communities Strong connections with local communities are at the heart of our approach. We collaborate with community leaders, artists, and educators to enrich our programs. Guest speakers and community events provide opportunities for children to learn directly from cultural knowledge holders, fostering authentic relationships and shared experiences. Incorporating Diverse Perspectives Our curriculum is designed to reflect a variety of perspectives across all learning areas. By integrating cultural stories, traditions, and environmental knowledge into everyday activities, we help children develop a holistic understanding of the world. This approach creates a sense of belonging and deep respect for all cultures. Celebrating Cultural Days and Events Throughout the year, we honour significant cultural days and events. From themed weeks to community festivals, these celebrations immerse children in meaningful activities that highlight the importance of cultural milestones. Through discussions, creative projects, and participation in these events, children develop a deep appreciation for different heritages. Promoting Respectful Relationships Reconciliation is about building bridges of understanding. We create an environment where children learn to value diverse perspectives and practice empathy. Through role-playing, collaborative activities, and guided discussions, we teach the importance of kindness, understanding, and respect for all individuals. Encouraging Critical Thinking At our centre, we encourage children to think critically about cultural differences and historical contexts. Open discussions and age-appropriate activities invite them to ask questions and share their thoughts. This approach not only builds cognitive skills but also fosters compassion and empathy. Nurturing Environmental Awareness A connection to the environment is a vital part of cultural understanding. Through nature-based activities, gardening, and exploring local environments, children learn about sustainable practices and the importance of caring for the land. These activities instill respect for the planet and its cultural significance. Creating Safe Spaces for Sharing We understand the value of open dialogue. Our centre provides safe spaces where children feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and experiences. These conversations empower children to express themselves and learn from one another, fostering confidence and mutual respect. Continuous Reflection and Growth Reconciliation is an ongoing commitment. At Creative Childcare, we regularly reflect on our practices, seek feedback from families and communities, and adapt our initiatives to remain impactful. This dedication ensures we continue to create an inclusive and respectful environment for everyone. If you'd like to learn more about Creative Childcares services you can contact us by calling 1300 002 929 , by email at contact@creativechildcare.com.au or by filling out our online form .
