Quality Childcare In Perth: 5 Signs Every Parent Should Look For
Choosing the right childcare centre is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your child’s early years. These environments shape early learning and social development in powerful ways. Research shows that high-quality early education supports cognitive development, social and emotional resilience, and school readiness.
So, how do you spot quality childcare in Perth? The first sign is whether the centre meets National Quality Framework (NQF) standards and follows the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). These set expectations for safety, educator qualifications, and learning outcomes.
But beyond compliance, the real difference is how a centre brings these frameworks to life each and every day.
5 Signs of a High-Quality Childcare in Perth
-
Qualified and Nurturing Educators
The best early learning centre Perth families can choose always begins with people. Look for educators who are diploma- or degree-qualified in early childhood education, and who speak warmly with children at their eye level.
Relationships matter. You should feel a sense of trust when you see how educators comfort a child with separation anxiety, extend play with gentle questions, or celebrate milestones.
-
Safe, Clean, and Stimulating Environments
Learning spaces should feel both homelike and purposeful. Check that the environment is safe, well-maintained, and thoughtfully designed. You might notice:
- Age-appropriate resources and separate zones for different age groups.
- Sensory play such as different textures, colours or materials.
- Outdoor areas where children can explore nature.
- Quiet spaces to rest, nap or decompress.
These spaces should invite children to explore freely and develop their interests. They also offer diversity to keep young learners engaged.
Beyond the learning spaces, functional areas like the kitchen, bathrooms, and storage should be clean and organised. This shows that the centre is professionally managed by people who care about the details.
It’s especially important if your child has daily needs such as dietary restrictions or learning support. The best early learning centres in Perth are the ones you can trust to follow your instructions every day.
-
Evidence-Based Curriculum (Including Play-Based Learning)
Ask how the curriculum aligns with the EYLF. A quality childcare centre will blend learning and play to keep children engaged as they develop crucial foundational skills like pre-literacy and pre-numeracy. For example:
- Counting while building towers.
- Early science through mixing colours.
- Social learning during group games.
STEM is part of everyday discovery. From a baby tipping a cup of water to a preschooler testing which objects sink or float, building foundations in critical thinking. Look for evidence that children are supported as curious learners, not rushed into formal schooling.
-
Relationships with Parents
Trust grows when families feel included. Quality centres provide daily updates, photos, and reflections through secure platforms. They also host parent–educator meetings, send out regular newsletters, and involve the community in events, excursions or incursions.
Strong communication and a tight-knit community help you and your child feel valued.
-
Supportive Staff
The people make the difference. Educators, administrators, and centre support staff all play a role in your childcare experience.
This includes a welcoming admin team who can guide you through enrolment, help you access the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), and answer questions about fees and schedules.
When staff are genuinely interested in both care and education, you’ll feel the difference. They’ll greet you warmly, respond to queries quickly, and celebrate your child’s achievements. They’ll also be available when you need them, because they understand the importance of trust and communication.
Book a tour of our Perth childcare centre today to see what quality early learning looks like.
What Questions to Ask on a Tour (and Why They Matter)
Visiting a centre is the best way to understand if it’s the right fit. Here are some questions to ask during or after the tour:
- How do you manage separation anxiety?
- What qualifications do your educators hold?
- How do you handle rest times for different age groups?
- How will I receive updates about my child’s day?
- What is your approach to school readiness?
The answers will reveal a lot about the centre’s process. Maybe more importantly, they will highlight the values of the organisation and its staff. You’ll quickly sense whether the philosophy matches what you want for your child.
Addressing Your Common Concerns
Child Safety
Safety should always be the highest priority. Quality childcare centres in Perth require all educators and staff to hold current Working With Children Checks and up-to-date Australian Federal Police clearances.
Ask how safety is built into daily routines. That includes everything from staff-to-child ratios, sign-in processes, and emergency procedures to secure entrances and allergy-aware kitchens. These measures provide peace of mind that your child is cared for in a safe environment.
Separation Anxiety
It’s natural for young children to feel upset at drop-off. Ask how educators support this moment. Look for approaches that emphasise comfort, reassurance, and gradual transitions.
Many of the best childcare centres in Perth, including Teddington Bears, use the Circle of Security approach. This is a framework that helps children feel safe enough to explore while knowing they can return to a trusted adult for comfort.
Over time, these bonds build confidence and make transitioning from home to childcare a smoother, calmer experience for both children and parents.
Staff Turnover
Consistency of educators matters for secure attachments. A centre with low turnover can provide stable, trusted relationships over time.
When educators stay, children benefit from familiar faces who understand their routines, preferences, and learning styles. Consistency also supports families. You as a busy parent have a trusted centre, and your child has dependable schedules and social bonds.
Schedule Flexibility
Many Perth families juggle work and other commitments. Ask your shortlisted centres about operating hours, part-time options, and how they manage changes to bookings. A flexible approach makes things easier when life happens.
Choosing the Best Early Learning Centre in Perth for Your Family
The best early learning centre Perth parents can choose is one that feels right for both you and your child. You should see engaged children and educators who genuinely enjoy their work. You should feel calm in the centre. You should notice how clean and organised the space is, especially in areas where hygiene matters.
However, we know that every family’s priorities are different when choosing a childcare centre in Perth. For some, proximity to home or work is non-negotiable. For others, it’s the philosophy, the education approach, or the quality of communication. Take time to list what matters most to you before visiting centres.
Above all, trust your instincts. If you feel welcomed, safe, and respected, your child will too.
Making the Right Choice with Confidence
Finding quality childcare in Perth can feel overwhelming. But it’s easier when you have clear signs to look for. Start with the basics: qualified educators, safe spaces, and a curriculum grounded in the EYLF. Add in diverse learning experiences, strong communication, and opportunities to contribute to your child’s education, and you’ll have a solid framework for comparing childcare centres.
Most importantly, visit a few centres in person. Notice how your child responds. Listen to how educators speak with families. Ask the questions that matter to you, even if they seem basic.
Quality childcare is about more than ticking boxes. It’s about feeling confident that your child will be cared for, challenged, and cherished.
Book a tour of our Perth childcare centre today to see what quality early learning looks like.
