How to Choose a Childcare Centre: 10 Questions Every Hoppers Crossing Parent Should Ask

Choosing the right childcare centre is one of the most important decisions you will make for your child. With dozens of options across Hoppers Crossing, Tarneit, Truganina and the wider Wyndham area, it can feel overwhelming knowing where to start.

The good news is that when you know what questions to ask, the right fit becomes much clearer. Here are 10 essential questions to help you evaluate any childcare centre — and what to look for in the answers.

Question 1: What is the centre’s National Quality Standard (NQS) rating?

The NQS is Australia’s benchmark for early childhood services. Centres are assessed across seven quality areas and rated as Working Towards National Quality Standard, Meeting, Exceeding, or Excellent. Look for a centre rated Meeting or above. You can check any centre’s rating on the ACECQA national register before you visit.

Question 2: Are the educators qualified, and what are the staff-to-child ratios?

In Victoria, long day care centres must meet minimum educator-to-child ratios: one educator to four children under two years of age, and one to five for children two to three years. Look for a centre that goes beyond the minimum. Ask what percentage of staff hold a Certificate III or Diploma in Early Childhood Education and whether a degree-qualified teacher leads each room.

Question 3: What educational philosophy does the centre follow?

Every quality early learning centre should be guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), Australia’s national curriculum for children from birth to five years. Beyond this, ask how they approach learning. Do they use play-based learning? Do children have agency in choosing their activities? Is the program designed around each child’s individual interests and developmental stage?

Question 4: How does the centre communicate with parents?

You should feel connected to your child’s day even when you are not there. Ask whether the centre uses a family communication app, how often educators share updates and photos, and whether you can speak directly to your child’s primary educator at pick-up. Strong communication builds trust and gives you insight into your child’s development.

Question 5: Does the centre offer Victorian Government Approved Kindergarten?

If your child is three or four years old, this question could save your family thousands of dollars. Victoria’s Free Kinder program provides up to 15 hours per week of subsidised kindergarten for eligible four-year-olds, and up to five hours for three-year-olds. To access this funding, the centre must be approved by the Victorian Government to deliver the program. Always confirm this before enrolling.

Question 6: What does a typical day look like?

Ask the centre to walk you through the daily rhythm: morning group time, outdoor play, mealtimes, rest periods, creative activities, and afternoon routines. A predictable but flexible structure helps children feel secure. Ask how the program adapts to individual children and what happens if your child is having a difficult day.

Question 7: How does the centre handle mealtimes and dietary needs?

If your child has allergies, intolerances, or religious dietary requirements, this is one of the most important questions you can ask. A quality centre will have clear allergy management protocols, trained staff, and a menu that genuinely accommodates every child without singling them out or making substitutions that feel second-best.

Question 8: What is the settling-in process for new children?

Starting childcare is a big transition for children and parents alike. Ask how many orientation visits are included, whether your child will be assigned a primary educator, and how educators support children who take time to settle. A centre that invests in a thorough, gentle settling-in process is one that genuinely prioritises children’s wellbeing.

Question 9: What is the centre’s approach to inclusion and diversity?

Melbourne’s west is one of Australia’s most culturally diverse regions, and a quality early learning centre should reflect that. Ask how educators celebrate different cultures, languages, and backgrounds in the program. If your child has additional needs, ask about the centre’s experience with inclusion support, the NDIS, and how they work with families to tailor the program.

Question 10: Can you book a tour and meet the educators?

No amount of online research replaces a visit. Walk through the rooms, observe how educators interact with the children already in their care, and trust your instincts. Pay attention to how welcomed you feel, whether children seem happy and engaged, and how honestly your questions are answered. A centre that encourages tours and takes your questions seriously is a centre that is proud of its environment.

At Lili’s Early Learning Centre in Hoppers Crossing, we welcome every question. Our centre is rated Meeting National Quality Standard, offers Victorian Government Approved Kindergarten for three and four-year-olds, and serves families from Hoppers Crossing, Tarneit, Truganina, Werribee and Wyndham Vale. Book a tour today to see our rooms, meet our educators, and find out if Lili’s is the right fit for your family.