Free parent resource
Childcare Tour Checklist
40+ questions to ask on a childcare centre visit. Print this page or save it to your phone before your tour.
Get this checklist and future parent guides emailed to you:
Fees and inclusions
- What is the daily fee, and does it change by age group?
- Are meals, formula and nappies included in the fee?
- Are there enrolment fees, annual fees or holding fees?
- What is your gap fee after the Child Care Subsidy?
- What happens to fees during public holidays or closures?
Educators and staffing
- What are the educator-to-child ratios for each age group?
- What qualifications do your educators hold?
- What is the average staff tenure? How do you manage staff turnover?
- How are educators supervised and supported?
Daily routine
- Can you walk me through a typical day for my child's age group?
- How is the curriculum structured? What framework do you follow?
- How much time do children spend outdoors each day?
- How do you handle screen time?
Sleep and settling
- How do you handle settling for new children?
- What is your sleep policy? Do children have their own cot?
- How do you manage children who sleep at different times?
- Can I visit or call to check on my child during the settling period?
Food and allergies
- What meals and snacks are provided? Can I see a sample menu?
- How do you manage food allergies and dietary requirements?
- Are meals prepared on-site or delivered?
- Do you accommodate cultural or religious dietary needs?
Safety and incidents
- What is your policy for reporting accidents and incidents?
- How do you handle medical emergencies?
- What is your sick-child policy?
- How is the building secured? Who is authorised to collect my child?
Communication with parents
- How do you communicate daily updates — app, diary, verbal handover?
- How quickly do you respond to parent concerns or questions?
- How are families involved in the program and assessments?
- What does the transition-to-school process look like?
NQS rating and compliance
- What is your current NQS quality rating?
- When was your last assessment? Are there any improvement notices?
- Are you approved under the National Quality Framework?
- How do you access ACECQA records about this service?
Enrolment and waitlist
- Is there a current vacancy for my child's age and required days?
- How long is the waitlist, and how is it managed?
- What does the enrolment process involve?
- Can we do a trial or orientation day before full enrolment?
Reminder
Always verify fees, vacancies, NQS ratings and hours directly with the provider. Information changes frequently. Newcastle Daycare is an independent directory — we are not affiliated with any childcare service.