Choosing The Right Preschool/Kindergarten For Your Child

Preschool/kindergarten is a stepping stone to the next big stage in a child’s life and by attending an early learning preschool/kindergarten children are able to experience a learning setting that is designed to be a transition from early childhood to primary school.

There are many factors parents need to consider when choosing a preschool/kindergarten for their child. The best place to start is by compiling a list of preschools/kindergartens near you and organising a tour of each of them. To help with this process, and your final decision, we have created a Tour Checklist which you can follow below or click here to view and print.

Preschool/ Kindergarten Tour Check List

Centre Information

• Do the opening hours suit my family?
• Are the outdoor play environments engaging?
• Do I receive daily updates and photos?
• Are there family and community events?

School Readiness

• Do you have a school-readiness program?
• Do you offer an age-based curriculum?
• Do you focus on the wellbeing & social development of the child too?
• Do you provide written updates on children’s milestones and learning?
• Do you provide parents with school readiness tools and resources?
• Do you have relationships with local schools?

Centre Director & Team

• Is the Preschool/Kindergarten run by a degree-qualified Early Childhood Teacher?
• Are the Educators accredited?
• Do they meet national childcare ratios?
• Do Educators receive ongoing learning & development?
• Are they meeting National Quality Standards (NQS) or higher?

Health & Nutrition

• Are all meals included in the daily fee?
• Is the menu dietitian designed?
• Are meals prepared on site?
• Do you have a sample menu?
• Do you provide allied health support (eg. speech and occupational therapy, nutritionist and vision screening)?

Days & Availability

• Is there a minimum number of days required to enrol?
• Do you need to enrol on certain days?
• Is there availability?
• Do you offer casual days?
• Do you open in school holidays?

Fees & Administration

• Is everything included in the daily fee?
• Can I use Childcare Subsidy (CCS)?
• Can I claim the NSW Govt Start Strong Funding/VIC Free Kinder/ QLD Free Kindy Funding?

Observations

• Do the children appear happy and well cared for?
• Does the campus environment appear to be clean and safe?
• Is there an abundance of play and learning resources?

We welcome you to book a tour at your local Only About Children campus, talk directly to our incredible educators and find out if our preschool/kindergarten program suits you and your family’s needs.

Learn more about our holistic approach to learning with preschool/kindergarten children at Only About Children.