Finding a quality service that suits your family and your child’s needs can provide a boost to your child’s early development.
Parents’ checklist, when looking for a quality service:
Ask educators about how the service meets or is working to meet the
National Quality Framework.
Ask to see their
National Quality Rating. The rating system assesses the quality of kindergarten, long day care, outside school hours care and family day care services, which are regulated under the National Law.
Ask to see the service’s policies and procedures for complaints management. Services should work with parents to resolve any issues that may arise.
Request access to the service’s compliance history with National Law (this may reflect the service’s performance in areas such as health and safety). Any concerns you have about compliance can be discussed with the service directly.
Arrange a visit to inspect the service. All services should welcome you so that you can have a look around and ask questions.
Request access to the service’s Quality Improvement Plan. This plan helps services self-assess their performance in delivering quality education and care, and to plan future improvements. Parents have a right to view this plan.
Learn more about quality in early childhood services, and decide the best option for your child:
Is the service right for you?
- Do you feel welcome?
- Do the educators take time to speak with you and your child?
- Are educators engaging with children in a warm way?
- Is the service clean?
- Is the outdoor environment inviting?
- Ask educators about how the service meets or is working to meet the
National Quality Framework.
- Is the service culturally respectful and welcoming?
- What are the operating hours?
- Can I visit my child during the day?
- What should I provide? (sheet, lunch, water bottle, nappies etc.)
- What activities will they be engaging in?
When visiting a service, you should see on display:
-
quality ratings
- documentation (safety and evacuation routes etc.)
- the service’s educational program.
Find out more about what
early childhood education and care services are available in Queensland.