How to Choose a Childcare Centre in Canberra

There’s no handbook for choosing childcare. Every family comes into the process with different needs, priorities, and worries. You might be thinking about location, learning, routines, or simply whether your child will feel “ready” and comfortable under someone else's care. Taking the time to understand what matters most to you can make the decision feel clearer and far more manageable.

From there, knowing what to look for during tours and conversations helps turn uncertainty into confidence.

Start with what matters most to your family

Before you book any tours, take a moment to think about what matters most to your family. This might be the location, the learning approach, the routines, or how the centre communicates with parents.

Some families prioritise convenience and proximity to home or work. Others focus on educator relationships, curriculum, or the size of the centre. There is no right or wrong answer. Being clear on your priorities will help you recognise the right fit when you walk through the door.

What to look for during a childcare tour

A childcare tour gives you insight you cannot get from a website alone. As you walk through the centre, notice how the space feels. Pay attention to how educators interact with children, how calm the rooms are, and how children move through their day.

This is also the time to ask questions about routines, learning, and daily care. If you want help preparing, our guide on what to ask on a childcare tour walks through the most important questions parents often forget to ask.

Why supervision and safety should be visible

Strong supervision should be easy to see. Educators should be positioned where they can see and hear children, move with them as play changes, and respond early when support is needed.

Active supervision helps keep children safe, but it also supports confidence and learning. 

How learning approaches support your child

Every childcare centre will talk about learning, but how it happens day to day can look very different. Ask how learning is planned, how educators follow children’s interests, and how progress is shared with families.

At Stepping Stones, inquiry-based learning is a vital part of our curriculum. This approach supports learning through listening, conversation, and shared exploration.

The role of educators and leadership

Educators and leadership shape the culture of a centre. During your tour, notice how long educators have been part of the service and how they communicate with families.

Strong leadership often leads to stable teams, consistent routines, and clear communication. These factors help children feel secure and supported as they settle into early childhood education.

Location, community, and daily routines

Location plays a bigger role than many parents expect. Being close to home or work can make mornings easier and reduce stress for both parents and children.

It is also worth thinking about how the centre fits into your local community. Children often build friendships with peers who live nearby, which helps create a sense of familiarity and belonging.

Questions parents often forget to ask

Many parents focus on learning and safety, but smaller details matter too. Ask how the centre supports settling in, how communication works day-to-day, and who to speak to if something changes.

You may also want to ask about wellbeing, rest routines, and how children are supported as they move between age groups.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How many childcare centres should I tour before deciding?

  Most parents tour two to four centres. Touring more than one helps you compare environments, educator interactions, and routines. Often, the right centre becomes clear once you have a reference point.

• What is more important, location or learning approach?

  Both matter, but in different ways. Location affects daily routines and stress levels. Learning approach shapes how your child experiences their day. Many families look for a balance that supports both practicality and quality of care.

• How long does it usually take to get a childcare place in Canberra?

  Wait times vary by area and age group. Some families secure a place quickly, while others may wait several months. Joining waitlists early and touring centres ahead of time can improve your chances.

• Is it better to choose a larger childcare centre or a smaller one?

  There is no single right answer. Larger centres may offer more rooms and resources. Smaller centres often appeal to families who value familiarity and close relationships. What matters most is how educators connect with children and families.

• How do I know if my child will settle well into a centre?

  Settling is influenced by routines, educator support, and communication with families. Centres that offer orientation visits and flexible settling processes tend to support children more effectively during the transition.

• Should I trust my first impression of a childcare centre?

  First impressions matter, but they should be supported by what you observe. Look for consistency between how the centre feels, how educators interact with children, and how clearly your questions are answered.

Making your final decision

After visiting a few centres, trust your own feelings about each one. The right childcare centre should leave you feeling informed, comfortable, and confident rather than rushed or overwhelmed.

Choosing childcare is not about finding perfection. It is about finding a place where your child feels safe, and you feel at ease.

If you would like to see how Stepping Stones supports children and families day to day, you are welcome to book a tour and experience the centre for yourself.