What to Look for in a Childcare Centre

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What to Look for in a Childcare Centre
https//www.giggletree.com.au/
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As we head towards the new year many parents will
be preparing to send their children off to care,
often for the first time. Choosing a childcare
centre can be a daunting task apart from being
an appropriate distance from your home or work,
having places available and being affordable for
your budget, what are some of the other things
you should look for in a centre?
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• Secure, well maintained building - People other
  than staff and parents should not be able to
  enter the centre without staff knowledge and
  approval. Children should not be able to leave
  the facility without adult supervision.
• High quality facility  The building and
  equipment should be of high quality with regular
  maintenance inspections and immediate repair or
  removal of any damaged or faulty items.

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• Parking facilities - to allow for the safe drop
  off and pick up of children.
• Climate Control  appropriate heating and cooling
  so children and staff feel comfortable all year
  around with plenty of airflow.
• Food  if food is provided at the centre, they
  should offer healthy nutritious meals and snacks
  appropriate to the weather and the children's age
  groups. The centre should follow strict
  guidelines relating to food safety and allergy
  management.

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• Policy Procedures  The centre should have
  policies and procedures they use to run the
  centre easily accessible to parents and staff.
  Parents and staff should be able to provide
  feedback on centre policies.
• CCB CCTR approved - The centre should be
  registered as a CCB approved centre to ensure the
  centre meets the government regulations and
  standards and to offer parents access to
  government fee assistance through CCB and the
  Childcare Rebate. (Note There are some types of
  childcare facilities that do not require
  accreditation or CCB approval,  for example,
  Formal kindergarten's etc)

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• Nurturing, inclusive staff  with a combination
  of experience and appropriate qualifications.
  Staff should be warm and welcoming to all
  children and parents.
• Resources  staff and children should have access
  to plenty of resources to provide a varied
  program of activities and imaginative play.
• Programs  a daily or weekly program that uses a
  variety of learning techniques to enhance
  children's learning experiences. An ideal
  programming approach includes both routine and
  spontaneous activities.

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Outdoor Play Areas  Age appropriate, safe play
areas that offer plenty of imaginative play
opportunities. The area should provide extensive
shaded areas and allow for both individual and
group play and as well as quiet play and physical
play. The equipment and surfaces should be well
maintained and cleaned daily. Author Samantha
Ahearn Mother of two and Managing Director of
Giggletree, a childcare management and consulting
company.
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Contact us

• Email - Samantha_at_giggletree.com.au
• Call us - 07 3204 1102

http//giggletree.com.au/