It is very easy to get a list of names of childcare centres when you begin your search. But, today we are going to talk from an insider’s perspective i.e. what is to look for while selecting from among the many childcare centres in Melbourne. So, what type of centre will suit your family?
Remember, no two childcare centres are the same. Not only this, you need to even choose from long day care, preschool or family daycare. Once you identify the type of service that your family needs, the next thing that you’d like to dive into is identifying a good daycare.
What things to consider?
There are many factors to consider when you set out to choose the childcare centre. Some of them include:
• The practicalities like convenience and location, operating hours of the week, cost, centre provisions, facilities and size.
• The type of childcare and its facilities – whether you will belong to a community and get involved in their programs or will it just be a place for your child and your involvement will be limited to drop-off and pick-up time.
• Your own expectations, values and beliefs – consider how all the shortlisted childcare centres in Melbourne aligns with your image of childhood, parenting, teaching, learning, loving and living.
• How do you want your children to be influenced? Explore factors like exposure to diversity, equity and social justice issues, your child getting outdoors and amongst the wider community, exposure to the arts, learning about environmental sustainability and so on.
• Do you want your child to have access to screens at daycare? Is the use of technology complementing the program or dominating it?
• Ask your networks about the childcare centres. The personal recommendations and word of mouth are probably the most accurate and influential ways to learn about the centres.
When you visit these centres, ensure to ask plenty of questions until you are satisfied with their answers. Ask about their assessment and rating pattern, staff qualifications, the culture of the centre staff, policies and guidelines, organised system and overall working of the daycare centre.
The most important consideration of all is how your child responds. You know your child better than anyone. So, watch them closely while visiting them and observe their responses. Do the space and the people over there invite your child to play, to be confident, to ask questions and to explore things? Give your best by seeing the childcare centre through the eyes of your child.
Well, if you are exploring childcare centres in Melbourne, we have made things simpler for you. Matrix Early Learning is a privately owned childcare provider that is purpose-built to offer your child a calm, home-like environment. The days here are filled with fun, excitement and not to forget, education. The environment here is designed with the finest of indoor and outdoor facilities. If you are eager to know more about our services, drop in at our centre or simply call us. Our friendly team will be there to assist you with your concerns. You can also visit our website to explore our services.