Essential Questions When Choosing The Right Nursery

Selecting a childcare centre for your child is a choice. You are placing the well being of your little one’s growing mind and body in their hands while you are not around. 

It is vital to find a nurturing environment that aligns with your values to support their early years of growth best. Asking the right questions will help you assess if a centre feels right. 

Considering the quality of care, curriculum, facilities, and more will help you pick the top option for your family.

How is Safety Ensured?

The nursery should have controlled access points where all visitors must check in and out through a locked entrance monitored by staff. Ask about security cameras, key code access doors and fencing around outdoor spaces. Ask if there are policies for child pickup authorizations, injury reports and incident handling. 

What is the Staff-to-Child Ratio?

A lower ratio allows for more personalised care and attention. National guidelines recommend no more than three to four infants per staff member.

What Qualifications and Training Do Staff Members Have?

All staff should have early childhood development qualifications, ongoing training in safeguarding first aid, and special needs support.

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What is the Daily Routine Like?

The schedule should include creative/sensory play, literacy activities, outdoor time, snacks, meals and naps to accommodate different developmental needs. Consistency provides routine with flexibility for fun/exploration.

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How is Communication Handled Between Staff and Parents?

Open communication is key. Ask about daily reports, parent-teacher meetings, emails, newsletters and an open-door policy to address any issues or share milestones.

What Learning and Play Activities Are Offered?

Hands-on activities promote development. Ask about structured and free play incorporating literacy, STEAM, creative arts, dramatic play, music, and physical activities led by qualified early childhood teachers. Fun and educational activities engage children.

How is Discipline Managed?

Positive guidance techniques like redirection, prevention, natural consequences, reflection and conflict resolution are developmentally appropriate. Ask how behavioral issues are normally addressed to feel confident negative strategies like threats are not used.

Is the Nursery Accredited or Licensed?

National accreditation (NAEYC, NAFCC) and state licensure demonstrate legal compliance and a commitment to continuous quality improvement. Inquire about specific credentials held to ensure safety and educational standards are independently verified.

What is the Nutritional Policy?

Meals and snacks should follow CACFP or similar guidelines. Ask about menu plans, food sourcing/prep, nutrition education, and special diet accommodations to support healthy habits from an early age.

What is the Parental Involvement Policy?

Parent participation honoured through volunteer roles, open invitations to events, family feedback and an inclusive community strengthens the home-to-school partnership in a child's development.

The nursery environment lays the groundwork for a child's first educational experience outside the home. 

By asking critical questions about qualifications, activities, routines, discipline, nutrition, and parent involvement policies, families can select the setting that provides the highest quality care and best supports each child's unique developmental needs. 

With the right guidance, every infant and toddler can thrive in a nurturing, engaging, safe nursery program, setting the stage for future success.