Choosing an early learning centre for your child is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent. There are so many different services around, often with dozens to choose from within your local area. Since we know that Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) research has proven how high-quality early learning environments have positive effects on children’s cognitive, social, and emotional development, it can feel daunting to try to find a quality centre. So what separates an exceptional early learning centre from an average one? Here are seven things every parent should consider when making this crucial choice.
1. Passionate Educators
A great childcare is only as good as its educators. Look for centres that employ qualified early childhood teachers with relevant degrees or diplomas in early childhood education. Research suggests that children in centres with higher-qualified staff demonstrate better language and pre-literacy skills, so it’s definitely worth looking into!
But qualifications alone aren’t enough. On a tour, check out how educators interact with children during your visit. Do they get down to the children’s eye level? Are they engaged, warm, and interested in what the children are saying? Educators shouldn’t just be babysitters, their role is about helping children to develop! At centres like Ignite Early Learning Centre, you’ll notice how our educators are qualified and deeply passionate about early childhood development.
2. A Stimulating Environment
Safety is obviously a non-negotiable for your child’s welfare. But if you want quality, it’s going to have to go beyond basic standards. The physical environment should inspire exploration and learning whilst maintaining strict safety protocols.
Walk through the centre and assess:
- Are indoor and outdoor spaces clean, well-maintained, and age-appropriate?
- Is there a balance between structured play areas and open spaces for free movement?
- Are hazards properly managed without creating an overly restrictive environment?
- Does the outdoor area offer natural elements like sandpits, gardens, or water play?
The environment children grow up in is often referred to as the ‘third teacher’. So make it count when you’re looking! You are sure to find a great simulating environment across the Ignite childcare settings.
3. Child-Focused Play-Based Learning
Children learn through play; we all know this. But did you know that quality a childcare needs to embrace this wholeheartedly to support the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)? Look out for centres where:
- Learning emerges from children’s interests and questions.
- Play is valued as the primary means for learning.
- Activities balance child-initiated and educator-guided experiences.
- There’s a focus on developing the whole child, with cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.
Be cautious of centres that focus heavily on academic “preparation” through worksheets and structured lessons for very young children. School readiness is important, but research consistently shows that play-based approaches lead to better long-term outcomes than premature formal instruction. Ignite’s curriculum carefully balances these different approaches to best support growth and development.
4. Strong Communication
Great early learning centres know that parents are children’s first and most important teachers. They actively seek to build genuine relationships with families. Look out for:
- Regular updates about your child’s day, meals, rest, and learning experiences.
- Structured developmental assessments and learning portfolios that let you know how your little one is doing.
- Educators and directors who are approachable and available for informal chats.
- Opportunities for families to participate in centre activities, from events to joining in storytime.
- Recognition and celebration of diverse family backgrounds and values, because acceptance starts at a young age.
When you contact potential centres, pay attention to how responsive and communicative they are during the enrolment process, as this is often indicative of their ongoing communication style. Ignite ELC is proud to be open to making great relationships with families, and we communicate throughout the day on our various apps.
5. Low Staff Turnover
Continuity of care is so important for young children’s sense of security and wellbeing. High staff turnover can disrupt the attachments children form with their educators, affecting their emotional development and learning. During your centre visit, ask about the tenure of current educators, the staff retention rates, and how the centre supports educator wellbeing. This stability translates directly into better outcomes for children, and is why we invest in our educators’ welfare at Ignite ELC.
6. Appropriate Educator-to-Child Ratios
Whilst Australia has national standards for educator-to-child ratios, some centres maintain even better ratios than required. Smaller group sizes and lower ratios mean:
- More individualised attention for each child.
- Better supervision and safety.
- Deeper relationships between educators and children.
- More opportunities for meaningful learning interactions.
Centres that exceed the minimum requirements demonstrate a genuine commitment to quality care, and we strive to do that every day at Ignite ELC.
7. Evidence of Continuous Improvement and Quality Ratings
The National Quality Standard (NQS) provides a framework for assessing and improving early learning centre quality. Check the centre’s rating on the ACECQA website. Ratings range from “Working Towards NQS” to “Excellent.” But don’t just stop at the rating. Ask centres:
- What are they currently working to improve?
- How do they gather feedback from families and act on it?
- What professional development have educators undertaken recently?
- How do they stay current with best practices in early childhood education?
Quality centres view assessment not as a compliance exercise but as an opportunity for genuine reflection and growth. Centres like those in the Ignite Early Learning Centre network demonstrate this commitment through regular review and enhancement of their programmes and practices.
Trust Your Instincts
Beyond these seven things, trust your instincts. When you visit a centre, notice how you feel. Do the children seem happy, engaged, and comfortable? Is there a warm atmosphere? Do you feel heard during your visit?
Your little one is going to spend many of their days in this environment, so it’s worth taking the time to check it out properly. Unsure where you stand? Speak to us today for help.
Here’s what parents and
carers are saying
carers are saying
My children have been attending Ignite since the centre was opened. The educators and management have been very caring and involved in their job. The owner and the director are amazing and attend very promptly my all requests. The educators are very lovely and caring. I strongly recommend this childcare.
I would highly recommend families to enrol their children in this beautiful service. Ignite Early Learning Centre has a very warm and inviting environment for all families and children; the learning rooms are all filled with great resources and programs designed for the children’s developmental needs. I have been in the centre because I have friends who work there and I am very impressed with the pleasing and friendly educators working with the children and the management who are kind, down to earth and willing to help families at all times. It is also amazing to see the children’s daily activities and experiences which will help them grow as confident, responsible and caring children.
We have been going for almost a year now. Much much better than other centres such as the ones next door at bardia. Attitude to customer service, parents requests and concerns are the standouts. Staff are well trained and professional. Thry don’t whinge and have an attitude like many centres. Recommended by a parents who goes there as well. We recommend as well. Centre itself looks great, safe and tidy. The owner is the key. She is active in managing the centre.
Ignite ELC acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the first Australians and custodians of the land. We pay our respect to Elders past, present and emerging.