Childcare tour checklist for Canberra parents

Write down your required days, earliest drop-off, latest pickup, commute route, age group, budget questions and any non-negotiables such as allergies or sleep support.

Check the centre profile, official information, review signals and nearby alternatives so you know what to ask.

Ask about educator allocation, daily routine, meals, sleep, outdoor play, incidents, illness, communication, parent concerns, fees, availability and waitlist timing.

Notice whether educators seem rushed, whether children appear engaged, and whether answers are specific enough to compare with other centres.

Bring a list covering educator allocation, room routine, sleep, food, outdoor play, incidents, medication, allergy management, communication, fees, availability, waitlists, parking and how concerns are handled.

After each tour, write down what was specific, what was vague and what you still need in writing. Comparing notes on the same day helps families avoid relying on first impressions alone.

Test the route at your real drop-off time. A centre that looks close may be hard to reach around Gungahlin Drive, Parkes Way, Hindmarsh Drive, the Tuggeranong Parkway or busy town-centre parking.

Ask whether pickup buffers work for your commute, whether part-time days are realistic and whether the centre can explain expected waitlist movement for your age group.