Learning how to choose a childcare centre is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make as a parent. It can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to look for makes this task much easier.

Why Quality Childcare Matters

The early years are amazing. Your child’s brain grows fast, forming millions of connections that shape their future learning. Quality childcare gives rich experiences that support this growth. Research shows children in high-quality programs have better language skills, stronger social abilities, and are more ready for school.

Understanding the Early Years Learning Framework helps parents see how quality centres support this crucial time.

How to Choose a Childcare Centre: The Selection Process

Learning how to choose a childcare centre takes time and planning. Here’s how to do it right: a Childcare Centre: Essential Steps

When learning how to choose a childcare centre, start with these key factors:

Licensing and Quality Standards

Every childcare service in Victoria must have approval from the Victorian Department of Education. When you’re figuring out how to choose a childcare centre, checking their rating on StartingBlocks.gov.au should be your first step. Services get ratings from “Needs Improvement” up to “Exceeding Standards,” with the best centres earning “Excellent” ratings from ACECQA.

Staff and Ratios

All Victorian educators must have at least Certificate III in Early Childhood Education. Look for centres with diploma and degree-qualified staff. Victoria has strict educator-to-child ratios:

  • Birth to 24 months: 1 educator for every 4 children
  • 24 to 36 months: 1 educator for every 4 children
  • 36 months to school age: 1 educator for every 11 children

Centres with over 25 children must have a qualified early childhood teacher. Ask about staff turnover—stable teams are better for children.

Learning Programs

Quality centres use the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). This focuses on five learning outcomes from building confidence to developing communication skills. Look for children’s work on display, learning portfolios, and play-based programs that follow each child’s interests.

For insights into different age groups, explore our learning journey guides for 6 weeks to 1 year, 1 year to 3 years, 3 years to 5 years, and Kindergarten programs.

Victorian Rules and Benefits

Safety Standards

Victoria’s 11 Child Safe Standards protect children in many ways. Recent changes include mobile phone bans for staff and stronger background checks. Centres must also provide enough space—at least 3.25 square metres inside per child and 7 square metres outside per child.

Learn about our safety commitment at our Village Early Education Centres that are near you.

Money Help

The Child Care Subsidy gives big savings. Families earning up to $85,279 get 90% subsidy. Families with multiple children under five get extra help. Victoria’s Free Kinder program offers more savings:

  • Three-year-olds: $700-$2,101 per year
  • Four-year-olds: $2,101 per year
  • Pre-Prep programs: Up to $4,202 per year

Many centres combine Kindergarten programs with long day care. This maximises government benefits for working families. For more information regarding Child Care Subsidy and how to apply, review our other blog post here.

How to Choose A Childcare Centre

Start Early

Join waiting lists 6-12 months before you need care. Quality centres often have waiting lists. Apply to several centres that meet your needs.

Visit Centres

Book visits during the day when you can see the centre in action. Look for:

First Impressions:

  • Welcoming, child-friendly spaces
  • Happy, engaged educators
  • Children busy with meaningful activities

Key Questions:

  • What does a typical day look like?
  • How do you support different learning styles?
  • How do you guide behavior?
  • How do you talk with families?

Warning Signs vs Good Signs

Warning Signs:

  • Poor supervision or unsafe equipment
  • High staff turnover or unhappy educators
  • Poor hygiene or crowded conditions
  • Inflexible approaches or poor communication

Good Signs:

  • Warm relationships between educators and children
  • Evidence of ongoing learning projects
  • Qualified, stable staff teams
  • Clear policies and open practices

Help Your Child Adjust

Getting Ready

Start with short visits and build up time. Keep routines consistent. Bring comfort items and keep goodbyes short. Some tears are normal during adjustment.

Work Together

Share information about your child’s interests and routines. Talk openly about any concerns while trusting the educators’ experience. Join centre events when you can.

Key Points for Victorian Families

When deciding how to choose a childcare centre in Victoria, look for centres that go beyond minimum requirements in staff qualifications, space, and programs. Find natural outdoor spaces, stable educator teams, and strong family communication.

Think about location carefully. Closeness to home or work reduces stress. Good transport links and safe areas matter for daily routines. Factor in government help when working out costs—quality care may cost less than you think.

For families in regional Victoria, explore our centres in Maiden Gully and Eureka. Melbourne families can visit our Burwood East and Springvale South locations.

Research shows the most important quality signs are educational programs, staffing, and educator-child relationships. Centres that excel in these areas give the best outcomes for children. Keep these factors in mind when learning how to choose a childcare centre.

For more information on quality frameworks, visit Early Childhood Australia and the Better Health Channel for child development insights.

Your Next Steps

Learning how to choose a childcare centre is about finding the best fit for your family’s needs and values. While rules provide important guidelines, trust your feelings about where your child will feel safe, valued, and excited to learn.

 

Think about what matters most—outdoor learning focus, family communication, or cultural needs. Use this as your guide along with practical factors like location, cost, and availability. Remember, knowing how to choose a childcare centre gets easier when you know what to look for.

Finding Your Village

At Village Education, we understand that learning how to choose a childcare centre means finding a community where your child can flourish. Our family-owned approach creates caring environments across Victoria, from regional centres in Bendigo and Wodonga to Melbourne locations.

 

Our qualified educators, purpose-built facilities, and commitment to exceeding quality standards show our belief that every child deserves exceptional early learning experiences. With integrated kindergarten programs and our village approach to early childhood education, we support families through this important transition.

 

Discover what makes us different by learning about our educational philosophy, meeting the team and our statement of commitment to your child’s safety.

 

Ready to take the next step in how to choose a childcare centre? Find a Village Early Education Centre near you or contact us to arrange a centre visit. You can also stay updated with our latest news and tips on our blog. Your child’s early learning journey deserves a partner who shares your commitment to their bright future.