Initial Impressions

Is your initial reaction upon entering the site a positive one?
Is the atmosphere relaxed and happy?
Is this a place my child would enjoy?
Would my child be safe here?
Do you and your child feel welcome?
Can you hear laughter and the sounds of children playing?
Do staff members seem interested in your child and did they make an effort to talk to him or her?
Do the rooms seem well organised, clean and tidy?
Is the reception area clean, tidy and organised?
Is there anything that appears to be out of place?
Were you offered introductions of all staff and a tour of the centre?
Would I/we feel comfortable using this program?
Would my child learn new things every day at this program?

Facility

Is the provider certified by the Department of Public Welfare and is the certification notice posted?
Is the building light and pleasant to be in with good ventilation and/or air conditioning?
Does the building seem modern and well maintained?
Is there plenty of space for the children to play?
Are there plenty of corners where children can go for quiet play?
Are the sleeping areas separate to the play areas?
Are separate spaces available for the different age groups?
Is the quantity of toys and materials sufficient for the number of children in the classroom?
Are there appropriate toys and materials for children of all age groups?
Is the classroom arranged in a way that toys and materials are accessible to children?
Are the furnishings in the classrooms child sized?
Are there obvious hazards such as dangerous substances, electrical cords, uncovered electrical outlets, cleaning materials, or medications accessible to the children?
Are fire extinguishers on site?
Are fire escape plans/emergency evacuation plans posted?
Are the toilets and sinks clean and easy for the children to use?
Are the sinks and bathroom stocked with appropriate supplies?
Does the provider encourage you to drop in and visit at any time?

The Outside

Do the children have an opportunity to play outside each day?
Does the outside play equipment accommodate children of all different ages?
Is the outside area free of litter and obvious hazards such as broken glass?
Is the outdoor play equipment sturdy and in good repair?
Are children being supervised by the child care provider?
Is there an outside area with plenty of shade?
Do children two years and younger play separately from the older children?
Are the child care providers interacting with the children?
Does the center encourage use of the outside area for learning activities as well as free play?

Management, Staff and Supervision

Who manages the child care centre? Can you meet him/her?
Does the manager also supervise the staff?
What are the child to carer ratios at the centre?
What background checks are completed on staff?
What qualifications do staff members hold?
What is the staff turnover rate?
What is the centre's procedure for dealing with complaints against staff?
Does the centre hold adequate insurance?
Are children supervised at all times?
How do staff members deal with behavioural issues?
Are children supervised when they go to the toilet?
Does staff communicate daily with parents about their child?s progress?
Does staffing allow for each child to receive individual attention?
Does staff sit and read to the children?
Does staff seem patient and receptive to children?s needs?
Is staff respectful of children?
Is staff respectful of parents?
Does staff encourage children?s sharing, manners, and other good behaviors?
Does staff appear lively, smiling, and interacting in a positive manner with the children?
Does staff involve children in daily learning activities?

Planned Activities and Programs

Do the children have a consistent routine that they can understand and follow?
Does the centre offer a range of programs for the children to participate in?
How are these programs developed? Are they designed to be educational? Do they take into account the cultural and religious diversity in the group?
Do the children seem occupied and engaged?
Are the children involved in activities that promote learning?
Is there a policy on discipline?
What percentage of your child's day will be spent on planned programs and what percentage will be spent on free play?