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Daycare - The Definitive Guide and Checklist

We outline what to look for in a daycare provider, what questions to ask and how much it costs to help you make the right choice

Updated 22 December 2020
Starting daycare is a big transition for kids, but finding the right provider takes serious consideration. Making sure you’re happy will go a long way to ensuring your child is happy. Questions about fees and hours are as important as finding out what activities the daycare provider offers and what feedback they give to parents. Most importantly, gut feelings and recommendations play a big part in the decision-making process. We have published this guide to help you make the right choice for your child.

In this guide, we outline what to look for in a daycare provider and what questions to ask when visiting. 

Deciding on a Daycare Provider - 8 Essential Checklist Considerations

Location is Key

Where you live and/or work and where local childcare providers are based will be a major consideration. How far you decide is convenient to walk or drive to from your home and/or workplace will narrow down your choices. Generally, living near the childcare provider helps children make local friends and form a healthy social environment for the years to follow.

Make a Shortlist (and Visit During Lunch Time if Possible)

​Three to five childcare centres is a good number to shortlist. This lets you give each provider a proper assessment without feeling rushed. The best time to visit is in-hours as you’ll get a better idea of the atmosphere and how kids are treated. Lunch time is best as you can see how the children are controlled when things are at their most frantic.

Top Tip: You should also take your child (if possible) to see how they respond to the surroundings, and/or a friend to get a second opinion – they may see things you miss.

Visiting, Observing and Asking the Right Questions

Don’t be afraid to ask everything you want to know – you need to be completely happy before deciding to enrol with any provider.

What to look for:
  1. Busy and stimulated children who appear happy and relaxed
  2. Experienced, approachable and friendly staff who respond to the needs of children
  3. Colourful surroundings, with play areas that look fun and friendly
  4. Safe and clean environment, with inside and outside facilities
  5. Well behaved children who play with each other
  6. A roster of activities, including exercise, playtime and nap time, planned for each day
  7. A friendly welcome to both you and your child

Questions to ask:
  1. What is the ratio of staff to children, and how many children are enrolled? A good ratio is 1 adult to 3 children (0 to under 2 years), 1 adult to 5 children (2 to under 3 years) and 1 adult to 8 children (3 to under 6 years). Ideally, if the childcare provider has thirty children, there will be at least four or five staff.
  2. What qualifications and/or experience do you have? This is a direct question, but it’s essential to know who is looking after your child. Ideally, the provider will have a team with a range of experience and won’t be made up of newly qualified providers.
  3. What are the daily activities offered? You’ll want basics like storytime, playtime and nap time to come as standard, but anything more innovative is welcomed.
  4. How do you manage the behaviour of the children, and what is the discipline policy? Every parent has their own approach, so their answer must align with yours to ensure consistency when your child is away from home
  5. Do you provide meals, snacks, nappies, etc. or will I need to provide them? Many providers offer meals, but some don’t, so understanding what you’re paying for is essential.

Consider Asking Further Questions

Beyond the essentials above, ask about the below if the answers and procedures are important to you:
  1. What is the policy for sick children? Ask about how illnesses are handled, your obligations if your child is sick and how the provider notifies you if there has been an outbreak of measles, chickenpox, headlice etc.
  2. How much of the day’s activities are self-directed and how much is scheduled? The answer will give you an idea as to the style of learning.
  3. As part of every activity, ask if children are encouraged to finish projects even when they take longer than planned? This affects how children develop and their approach to learning
  4. Ask how disputes between children are handled, and ensure children, especially toddlers, are taught to share. The answer and procedures will re-enforce your own habits.
  5. Ask how children are prepared for nap time, and what happens with crying children? Are they cuddled and comforted, and are children taught to wait?​

​Understand What Matters to Your Child, and Make Sure the Provider Offers the Right Environment

MoneyHub conducted research as to what matters most to children in childcare. To ensure a smooth transition from home to childcare, ask about the following:
  1. Friends – ask if a stable group of kids routinely attend the childcare. This will help your child make friends and see the same kids every day to reduce any anxiety.
  2. Food – ask if children can help themselves to drinks and snacks, and check to see if mealtimes are relaxed and orderly
  3. Having fun outside – children value being outside, so check the outside area to make sure it’s spacious and welcoming, and that children are enjoying it
  4. Find out about playtime - make sure there is plenty of opportunities for children to learn new things with varied, carefully planned things to do
  5. Feeling safe and loved - check that the staff are able to respond to individual needs, to comfort and encourage the children and to keep them safe

Beyond this list, we strongly suggest listening to your gut feeling about the staff, not just the surroundings or facilities. You have to feel you can trust the team looking after your child and not second guess their approach to childcare. They must be approachable and ready to address any concerns.

Download and Understand ERO reports

Most Early Childhood Education (ECE) providers, including nurseries, children’s centres and kindergartens, are routinely assessed by the Education Review Office (ERO). This is done with the purpose of making sure standards are being met and that children are safe and stimulated. You can check ERO’s report for the childcare providers you are considering at (LINK) by searching for the provider’s name. ERO thoroughly reviews ECE providers on a regular basis to maintain standards and inform the public on their performance.

What does an ERO report include?
  • ERO reports are detailed and comprehensively explain the learning environment and other conditions; reading them is well worthwhile when looking for a childcare provider. 
  • Reviews are periodically published, although some can be more than 5 years old. If there have been changes in staff and/or management since the report was published, the report may be less relevant. 
  • Beyond ERO, asking your friends about the provider is always a good idea – New Zealand is small, and friends of friends often know the latest happenings.

Next Steps to Secure a Place

Once you’ve found a provider you’re happy with, it’s time to book a place (and in some cases arrange a start date and pay a deposit/fee to secure the spot). Ask about who is allowed to pick up your child, so there’s no confusion, and verify the costs and payment terms.  
Important – starting childcare can, and often will, be upsetting for kids
For most children, starting daycare will include crying, anxiety and a change in routine. The good news is that it doesn’t last long, and your child will be happier after a couple of weeks (if not days). Still, make sure the provider offers a ‘settling in period’ or similar so you can change provider if your child doesn’t adjust, so you don't lose out financially.​

Check If You're Eligible For Free or Subsidised Childcare

Low and middle-income families may qualify for a childhood education subsidy for young children. The program is open to anyone with children under the age of 5 that are attending an early childhood programme for at least 3 hours per week.
 
Do I qualify?
You may qualify if:
  • You are the main caregiver of a child and live in New Zealand permanently
  • Your child is 5 or under; over 5 but going to a cohort entry school, or under 6 but you have a Child Disability Allowance
  • Your child must be enrolled in a kindergarten, preschool, childcare centre, play centre, or approved home care services
 
What can I get? 
The amount you receive depends on your lifestyle.
  1. If you don’t work, you may be eligible for up to 9 hours of childcare services per week.
  2. If you have a job, are attending school, or studying in a program, you may get up to 50 hours a week in childcare. This includes: 
  • Using an approved training course
  • Working full-time
  • Don’t have a spouse that can watch your child while you work
  • Working an hourly job
  • Are ill or disabled

The amount you receive is dependent on your family dynamics, including your family size and income as well as how many hours your child will need childcare. The subsidy is paid directly to your childcare provider.
 
 To find out how much you qualify for, refer to this benefit table published by Work and Income.
 
 How do I apply?
  1. Click "apply" on the Work and Income guide.
  2. Please note, Work and Income suggests applying at least 3 to 4 weeks before you need your subsidy to start. ​
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