Choosing a childcare centre for your little one is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make as a parent. If it’s your first time stepping into the world of early learning, you might be feeling a mix of excitement, nerves, and maybe even a little overwhelm.
A centre tour is the perfect opportunity to get a real feel for the environment, meet the educators, and see if it feels like the right fit for your family. To help you feel confident and prepared, we’ve put together a guide on what to look for, questions to ask, and how to make the most of your visit.
Before Your Childcare Centre Tour: Get Ready
A little preparation goes a long way. Before you visit, think about:
- Your child’s needs – Do they thrive in smaller, quieter spaces, or love being part of a busy group?
- Your family’s routines – Consider things like drop-off and pick-up times, meal preferences, and sleep routines.
- Your priorities – Is it important that the centre offers an educational program, lots of outdoor play, or a strong focus on cultural inclusion?
Jotting down your “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves” can help you ask the right questions on the day.
During Your Childcare Centre Tour: What to Look For
Walking through a centre will give you so much more insight than reading a brochure or website. Trust your instincts—often the “feel” of a place tells you a lot. Here are some things to notice:
1. The Atmosphere
Does the centre feel warm and welcoming? Do the children seem engaged and happy? A positive atmosphere can give you a strong indication of whether your child will feel at home.
2. The Learning Environment
Look at how the rooms are set up. Are there age-appropriate activities for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers? Is the environment stimulating and designed to encourage learning through play?
3. Educators and Staff
Pay attention to how educators interact with the children. Are they nurturing, attentive, and respectful? Don’t be afraid to ask about staff qualifications, experience, and ongoing professional development.
4. Safety and Wellbeing
Ask about the centre’s safety processes: How do they supervise children, manage allergies, or handle emergencies? It’s also worth finding out what security measures are in place, such as secure entry systems, and how the centre ensures safe recruitment of staff. Feeling confident about your child’s wellbeing is non-negotiable.
5. Family Partnerships
A strong childcare centre will value your role as the child’s first teacher. Ask how they work with families to understand routines, cultural practices, and individual needs.
6. Extras and Enrichment
Does the centre offer incursions or special programs? These experiences can add so much to your child’s learning and enjoyment.
Questions You Might Ask
Here are a few helpful questions to keep in your back pocket:
- How do you support children as they settle in and adjust to care?
- What does a typical day look like for children in my child’s age group?
- How do you communicate with families about daily routines, learning, and development?
- What meals are provided, and how do you cater for dietary needs?
- How do you help children transition to kindergarten/school when the time comes?
After Your Childcare Centre Tour: Reflect
Take a moment after the tour to reflect on how you felt. Did you feel welcomed? Did the centre align with your family’s values and needs? Could you picture your child thriving there?
Visiting more than one centre? Our Childcare Centre Tour Checklist makes it easy to compare the small details that can make a big difference. Use this handy checklist on your tour to stay organised and feel confident in finding the right fit for your family.
Looking for childcare near you? Visit one of our centres across Perth, experience our vibrant learning spaces and outdoor playgrounds, meet our dedicated teams, and discover how Buttercups Childcare builds brighter futures.
