Essential Questions to Ask When Choosing a Childcare Centre
Learning Approach: Does the centre follow the Te Whāriki framework, include te reo Māori, and balance play-based and structured activities?
Teachers & Class Sizes: Are teachers qualified, and what are the teacher-to-child ratios?
Safety & Hygiene: What safety protocols and cleaning practices are in place?
Parent Involvement: How are progress updates shared, and is there a school readiness programme?
Costs & Operations: What are the fees, operating hours, and attendance rules?
Learning Approach and Teaching Methods
When addressing "How does the centre's approach align with Te Whāriki and your values?" focus on two key aspects: the curriculum and daily routines.
Understand how the centre implements the Te Whāriki curriculum and how it shapes their day-to-day activities.
Te Whāriki Framework and Values
Te Whāriki is a bicultural, play-based curriculum designed to nurture children's social, emotional, and cultural growth. To understand how a centre applies this framework, consider asking:
How do teachers include te reo Māori words, phrases, and waiata in daily activities?
What strategies are used to support Te Whāriki's four principles: Family & Community, Relationships, Empowerment, and Holistic Development?
How does the centre create a local curriculum that reflects the unique culture and identity of your community?
It's also important to explore how these principles influence what children experience daily.
Daily Learning Activities
Look into the daily schedule to see how it combines structured activities with play-based learning. Questions to ask might include:
What types of creative activities are offered to cater to different learning styles?
How do teachers adjust activities and track each child's progress?
What is the teacher-to-child ratio to ensure individual attention?
For example, at Little Dinosaurs Childcare in Epsom, Auckland, experienced teachers encourage a love for learning through hands-on activities, art projects, and music.
Finally, take time to review teacher qualifications and class sizes to get a complete picture of the learning environment.
Teachers and Class Sizes
Teacher Qualifications
In licensed services, at least 50% of staff must hold a recognised Early Childhood Education (ECE) qualification. When evaluating a centre, consider asking:
What percentage of teachers are qualified with a recognised ECE certification?
Who is the 'person responsible' for your child's group, and what are their qualifications?
What professional development opportunities are available for the teaching staff?
These questions can give you insight into the expertise and ongoing training of the team.
Key questions to ask include:
How many children are in each age group?
What measures are in place to maintain ratios and handle peak times effectively?
Answers to these questions can help you understand how the centre manages its resources and ensures appropriate care.
Teaching Team Background
Take the time to learn more about the teaching team's experience and approach to education. You might ask:
What experience do the teachers have working with different age groups?
How do they incorporate Te Whāriki principles into their daily routines?
This can give you a clearer picture of how the team supports your child's learning and development.
Safety and Child Care Standards
When choosing a childcare centre, it’s crucial to look beyond staff qualifications and child-to-staff ratios. Take a close look at their safety measures and hygiene practices.
Safety Rules and Emergency Plans
Find out what systems are in place to keep children safe during emergencies. For example, ask: What are your safety protocols during accidents or natural disasters?
Cleaning and Hygiene Practices
Cleanliness matters. Ask questions like: How often do you clean and sanitise toys, surfaces, and shared spaces? This can give you a clear picture of their commitment to maintaining a healthy environment.
Supporting Children’s Emotional Wellbeing
Understanding how the centre supports children emotionally is key. Ask: What methods do you use to promote emotional wellbeing and handle challenging behaviours?
Many centres offer thoughtful approaches to help children feel secure, such as:
Allowing gradual starts with shorter attendance times.
Encouraging children to bring comfort items from home.
Organising pre-visit sessions to meet the staff.
Establishing simple goodbye routines during drop-offs.
These small touches can make a big difference in creating a nurturing environment.
Parent Updates and Involvement
School Preparation and Updates
Take a closer look at how the centre keeps parents informed and prepares children for school.
What specific activities or lessons are part of the centre's programme to get children ready for school?
How does the centre share updates about your child's progress along the way?
Costs and Daily Operations
Once you've looked into teaching approaches and parent communication, it's time to get clear on costs and how the centre operates day-to-day.
Fees and Payment
Here are some key questions to ask:
What are the daily or weekly fees, and are subsidies available?
How does the payment schedule work?
What’s included in the fees? (e.g., nappies, meals, activities)
Are there extra charges for special programmes or events?
For example, Little Dinosaurs Childcare offers three months of free childcare if you enrol your child for at least 20 hours a week across four or more days (up to six hours daily). However, this deal requires a one-year enrolment commitment.
Daily Schedule Options
When it comes to scheduling, consider asking:
What are the centre's operating hours?
Is there flexibility for drop-off and pick-up times?
Can attendance days be adjusted if needed?
How are late pick-ups handled?
What’s the process for requesting changes to the schedule?
Attendance Rules
Understanding attendance policies is crucial. Be sure to ask:
What’s the policy for sick days?
How much notice is required for planned absences?
Are fees charged on public holidays?
What happens if the centre closes unexpectedly?
How many annual leave days are allowed?
Use these questions to complete your comparison checklist and make an informed decision.
Tips for Comparison:
Focus on features that directly affect your daily routine.
Assign a rating from 1 to 5 for each feature to objectively compare centres.
Consider long-term benefits, such as included meals, nappies, and learning materials.
Verify if fees are charged year-round, including during holidays or absences.
Next Steps
Now that your checklist is done, it’s time to visit the centres to see which one feels right.
Plan for two visits:
A solo visit to ask questions and get a feel for the environment.
A visit with your child to see how comfortable they are in the space.
Here’s what to pay attention to:
How teachers and children interact - look for respectful and positive communication.
Secure entry points and a safe, engaging outdoor play area.
Evidence of Te Whāriki principles in daily routines and displays.
Children's artwork that highlights creativity and individuality.
Go with your gut - choose the centre that aligns with what matters most to you.
Visit littledinosaurs.co.nz to schedule your tour and learn more about our Te Whāriki-inspired, arts-focused approach.
