What Questions to Ask on a Childcare Centre Tour (And What to Look For)

Staff: The Most Important Thing in the Room

The educators your child spends time with matter more than the facilities. A beautiful centre with high staff turnover is a red flag. A modest centre with long-serving, engaged educators is a green one.

What is the staff-to-child ratio in my child's room? Ratios are regulated under the National Law, but some centres exceed the minimum. Ask what they actually run, not just what they're required to meet.

How long have the room leaders been with the centre? High turnover disrupts children's attachment and development. Stability is a sign of a well-managed centre.

What qualifications do the educators in my child's room hold? Look for Diploma-qualified educators or those holding an Early Childhood Teacher (ECT) qualification, rather than Certificate III only.

How do you handle staff absences? Casual relief educators are common — ask how the centre manages consistency when regular staff are away.

Will my child have a primary educator or key worker? This person becomes the main point of contact and helps your child settle in.

What to observe: Are the educators on the floor interacting with children, or are they standing back watching?

Daily Routine and Learning Program

A quality centre runs a structured but flexible program — not a free-for-all, and not a rigid schedule that ignores what children actually need in the moment.

What curriculum or educational framework do you follow? All approved centres must follow the Early Years Learning Framework V2.0, but how they implement it varies significantly.

How do you document and track my child's development? Look for regular learning stories, observations, and progress updates — not just a quick chat at pick-up.

What does a typical day look like for my child's age group? Ask for specifics: outdoor time, structured activities, rest periods, meals.

How do you handle transitions between activities? Children who struggle with change need thoughtful, consistent routines.

Is there an outdoor program, and how often do children go outside? Daily outdoor play is a quality indicator. Ask about wet weather plans too.

What to ask by age group: For under 2s — sleep routines, settling approach, feeding schedules. For 2 to 3-year-olds — toilet training support, group vs. independent play balance. For 3 to 5-year-olds — school readiness preparation, structured learning activities.

Health, Safety, and Wellbeing

These questions aren't about being paranoid — they're about making sure the centre takes safety as seriously as you do.

What is your sick child policy? Know the exclusion rules and how they handle a child becoming unwell during the day.

How do you manage allergies and dietary requirements? Ask whether meals are prepared on-site and how allergy information is communicated to all staff.

What is your procedure for accidents or incidents? Every centre is required to document and notify parents of incidents — ask how quickly they communicate and what that looks like.

How is the centre secured? Entry access, supervision in outdoor areas, and visitor sign-in procedures all matter.

How do you support children's emotional wellbeing and manage challenging behaviour? Look for answers that focus on connection and guidance, not punishment.

What to observe: Check whether the space feels clean and organised without being sterile. Look at the outdoor area — is equipment well-maintained? Is there shade?

Fees, Availability, and Practical Logistics

Don't leave a tour without understanding the full cost picture and what the enrolment process actually looks like.

What are the current daily fees, and what do they include? Some centres include meals and nappies; others charge separately. Get the total cost, not just the headline rate.

Are you registered with the Child Care Subsidy (CCS)? Almost all approved centres are, but confirm it. CCS can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Is there a waitlist, and how long is it? Popular centres in Melbourne suburbs often have waitlists of 6 to 12 months. Ask how the list is managed and whether sibling priority applies.

What days are available, and can I change days later? Flexibility matters as your family's needs change. What is the notice period if we need to leave? Usually 2 to 4 weeks, but it varies.

Are there any additional fees? Enrolment bonds, late pick-up fees, and public holiday charges can add up.

Ask for a written fee schedule to take home. Comparing costs across multiple centres is much easier when you have everything in writing.

Communication and Parent Involvement

The relationship between a centre and its families doesn't end at drop-off. How a centre communicates with parents is a strong signal of its overall culture.

How will I receive updates about my child's day? Many centres use apps like Storypark or Lillio for real-time updates, photos, and learning documentation.

How do educators communicate concerns about development? You want a centre that raises issues early and constructively, not one that surprises you at the end of the year.

Are parents welcome to visit during the day? Open-door policies indicate confidence in what's happening inside.

Is there a parent committee or opportunities to get involved? Not every family wants this, but knowing the option exists says something about the centre's culture.

The One Question That Tells You the Most

After covering the practical ground, ask this: "What do you think makes this centre different from others in the area?"

The answer reveals a lot. A director who speaks with genuine conviction about their educators, their philosophy, or a specific approach they've developed over time is a good sign. A vague answer about "our family-like environment" or "we really care about the children" — every centre says that — tells you very little.

Trust your instincts too. How did the staff interact with children while you were walking through? Did the director answer your questions directly, or deflect? Did children seem settled and engaged, or unsettled?

A tour is as much about what you observe as what you're told.

Finding the right centres to tour is the first step. Top 3 ELC ranks the top childcare centres across 50+ Melbourne suburbs based on NQS ratings, verified parent reviews, and confirmed fees — with no paid placements. Use the rankings to build your shortlist at top3elc.com.au/victoria before you book.

Frequently Asked Questions