My memory is permanently etched with the image of the very first childcare centre I ever visited for my daughter. I walked in hopeful, but almost immediately felt a sinking sensation in my chest. The harsh glare of fluorescent lighting made the small, narrow corridors feel even more confining. The atmosphere was cold and clinical, far from the warm, nurturing space I had envisioned. The staff barely acknowledged us with a smile, let alone any warmth or welcome. Their tone was brisk, and their demeanour indifferent, a sharp contrast to what any anxious, first-time parent would hope for when trusting strangers with their precious child.
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As soon as I stepped out, I called my husband in tears. I could hardly speak through the sobs. I told him with conviction that I would rather give up my career than send our daughter to a place that felt so lifeless, so wrong. The thought of her spending her days there made my heart ache. It was in that moment that I realised just how emotionally fraught and significant the process of finding the right childcare is.
Daycare Becomes Part of Your Family
Fast forward four years, and the story has a much happier ending. Today, I still love my son’s childcare centre. Every morning, as we walk through the gates, I feel a deep sense of gratitude and comfort. I wave to the babies bouncing in their bouncers, smile at toddlers playing with colourful blocks, and enjoy little chats with the educators and other children as I bring my son to his room.
It’s not just a drop-off point anymore. It’s a part of our daily rhythm. It’s where my children laugh, play, learn, and grow. It’s become a second home and, in many ways, a second family.
That sense of belonging didn’t happen overnight. It took trust, patience, and many tears. Like most parents, my husband and I faced the gut-wrenching moment of leaving our children crying in the arms of someone else. I can still see the image of my daughter reaching out for me, her face streaked with tears, as I turned to walk away, heart shattering with each step.
Some mornings, after drop-off, my husband would drive around the block and cry. It’s hard. It never gets easy to leave your child when they’re upset. But we also knew that we were making a decision that would help them grow and thrive, even if it was tough at first.
Over time, those hard goodbyes turned into cheerful drop-offs. My children began to form meaningful bonds with their educators. They developed friendships with other kids, engaged in enriching activities, and came home with new words, songs, and stories. They thrived in a way I couldn’t have imagined.
That’s when I realised: finding the right daycare isn’t just about convenience or ticking boxes. It’s about finding people who care for your children almost as much as you do.
The Challenge of Choosing
So, how do you choose where to send your children when there are so many options, each claiming to be the best?
In Sydney, at least, the options can be overwhelming. There are numerous early learning centres, but getting a place can feel like trying to win the lottery. Waiting lists stretch on for months, sometimes even a year in advance. When you do get an offer, it might not match your preferred days or location. You often have to take what’s available and make it work.
Some centres are wildly popular, with reputations that draw in long queues of eager parents. When I first started looking into placements back in 2014, I noticed that many centres were outdated and uninspiring. But thankfully, things have changed. Whether due to the National Quality Framework or a broader awareness of the importance of early childhood education, the landscape has improved significantly.
Today, I work with passionate, dedicated early childhood educators. I’ve seen firsthand how much difference a great centre can make in a child’s development and a parent’s peace of mind. Friends who are now beginning their childcare search seem overwhelmed, unsure of how to sort through the choices. That’s why I always share my four most valuable tips when it comes to choosing a childcare centre.
1. Start With a Trusted Referral
In some ways, I’ve been “cheating” at parenting from the start by following in my sister’s footsteps. She had her first child before I did, and I’ve long admired her parenting style. When she chose a birthing centre, I chose the same one. When she enrolled her children in a family-oriented daycare, I followed her lead. I even bought the same baby carrier she used. As kids, she used to hate that I copied her, but now that we’re adults, she doesn’t seem to mind. I think she appreciates that I value her judgment.
We happen to share similar views on parenting, from discipline to learning styles, so her advice always feels relevant to me. That’s the key with referrals: make sure the person giving advice aligns with your values and parenting approach. If you don’t see eye-to-eye on things like screen time, play-based learning, or nutrition, their recommendation might not suit your needs.
So ask someone you trust, a friend, a sibling, a co-worker, but also ask yourself if you’ll likely view your child’s care in the same way they do.
2. Trust Your Gut
Even if someone gives you a glowing recommendation, never enrol your child without visiting the centre yourself. Bring your child with you. Walk through the rooms. Watch how the educators interact with children. Listen to the noise, is it chaotic or cheerful? Feel the atmosphere.
Your intuition is powerful. It’s your internal compass telling you whether a place feels safe and nurturing. If something feels off, even if you can’t quite put your finger on it, listen. I wouldn’t leave my child anywhere that didn’t feel right the moment I stepped inside.
At the same time, gut instinct doesn’t always provide the full picture. Sometimes, it takes more than a single visit to truly get a feel for the place. Don’t be afraid to book multiple tours or ask to observe for a short period. Your child’s well-being is worth the extra effort.
3. Look Beyond the Brochure Education Matters
The educators are the heart of any childcare centre. They are the ones who will comfort your child when they fall, encourage them to try new things, and guide them through conflicts. So it’s essential to speak directly with them.
Are they warm and engaging? Do they seem happy in their roles? How do they talk to the children around them? Are they on the floor playing or standing to the side, disengaged?
My friend Amanda, a mother of two, shared an insightful tip: always ask how long the educators have worked at the centre. High staff turnover can be a red flag. A stable team often indicates a well-managed centre where staff feel supported and children can form lasting relationships.
It’s also worth asking about the educators’ qualifications, professional development opportunities, and the centre’s curriculum. Is it play-based? Do they incorporate early literacy and numeracy? Are children encouraged to explore nature and express themselves creatively?
Don’t be shy about asking tough questions. You’re interviewing the people who will be helping to raise your child.
4. Ask All the Questions — Big or Small
What matters most to you as a parent? Is it outdoor play? Sleep routines? Diversity and inclusion? Conflict resolution strategies? Nutrition?
Make a list of your non-negotiables and bring it with you. Each centre will run slightly differently, and you want one that aligns with your priorities.
My friend Ilona, who moved here from Singapore, had an entire spreadsheet of questions. She wanted to know everything from how many hours of outdoor time the children got each day to how staff managed infectious disease outbreaks. She asked about toilet training, sibling discounts, and how the centre celebrated cultural holidays.
It might feel like overkill, but it’s your right to know. The more you ask, the clearer your picture of the centre will be. And a centre that welcomes your questions is likely one that values open communication.
Remember: It Will Work Out
If you’re in the middle of this decision-making process, feeling stressed and unsure, I want to reassure you: it will work out. You may not find the perfect place on the first try. You may cry at the first drop-off. You may second-guess yourself. But eventually, you’ll find a centre and people who feel like home.
I feel so fortunate that my children have had such wonderful educators in their lives. The attention, respect, and love they’ve received have made all the difference in their early years. And for us as a family, that sense of support and trust has been invaluable.
Choosing childcare isn’t just a logistical decision. It’s emotional. It’s personal. And it’s one of the most important choices you’ll make as a parent.
But when you get it right, it truly is like finding a second family, one that will help raise your child with kindness, patience, and joy.
