Choosing a Kindergarten

Every family is different, so it’s important to think about your own family circumstances and needs when choosing a kindergarten program for your child.

What to look for when you visit

A course of children age 12-18 months old in Kidzone Kindergarten

Most kindergartens welcome enquiries and will organise a visit that gives you an opportunity to see the centre, its staff and the children attending it.

If your child already attends child care, you should also go along to any information session your child care centre holds to find out about their kindergarten program. You can tell if a centre offers a kindergarten program because they will have a current Kindergarten Certificate on display.

When you first enter you will be able to tell if the kindergarten’s atmosphere is inviting or cold, relaxed or frantic. It should be a safe and comfortable place and the children should have a choice of fun and challenging activities.

There should also be information about the service’s operations, policies and procedures displayed and made available to you on request. These policies should be child and family focussed, and sensitive to each family’s cultural and social background, lifestyle and child rearing practices.

The available information should include:

• the service’s education and activities program
• the contact details of the responsible regional department office
• the fees charged
• the name and telephone number of the person you can contact if you have any complaints or concerns
• their behaviour management policy
• staff qualifications
• their children’s service licence.

Questions you can ask

To help decide if a kindergarten program is suitable, ask the following questions:

• Are places available for the day/s and hour/s I need?
• Does the kindergarten operate throughout the year or only during specific times like school terms?
• Does the service offer a funded kindergarten program?
• What are the fees?
• Are there any other costs over and above the fees?
• Is there a fee to be placed on the waiting list?
• Does the service offer extended care?
• How does the service support children with additional needs?
• What is the process if my child is unwell, upset, or unsettled?
• How are food and drink provided for the children?
• What is the process for administering medication?