Choosing a good childcare centre

I have a 2 and a half year old girl and I'm currently trying to find a good day care centre that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Is there anyone in adelaide, gawler area that knows of one? Or anyone that knows of a good site to

The other thing i want to ask is, what sorts of things should i be looking for and asking about in a good child care centre?

Thanks everyone.

 i used to work in child care and i won't name the one i worked at as it wasn't run very well. however it is now been taken over by new owners and on the way to sucess, just thought i would let you know what sort of things to look out for when choosing a chidcare centre.

• firslty look around don't choose the first one you come across
• secondly ask about prices, some may be dearer then others ask them why they cost more as some centres provide nappies, and wipes, some even provide food.
• compare the prices even to those of which cost more because of nappies etc, figure out how much it would cost you to provide the things they provide and see if it works out better.
• make sure you check out all the staff, how they are with the children, what games they play, how they respond to childrens questions and behaviour.
• how clean is the centre, have they got safe and suitable play equipment.
• most centres should have a program which is put up for the parents to see, it lets the parents know what the kids will be doing for the week, eg activities, outside playtime.
• they will also have charts up telling the parents when the kids nappies have been changed check to see if it has been ticked off or how long the nappies were left before they were changed.
• most importantly see if the children are happy and how they act around the staff
• make sure you are comfortable with the staff which will be looking after your daughter.

once you have choosen a centre you are happy with, here is a few tips to make sure everything is running smoothly

• ask your daughter questions, how was your day? what did you do? is your teacher lovely? do you enjoy going to daycare? kids will always tell the truth.
• if in nappies still check her nappy at the end of the day has it been changed, she dry, how many times have they changed it today?
• look for art work that your daughter has done, do you think it stimulates her mind, what sort of activities do they have inside for the kids.
• check the program each week to make sure it is not repetitive.

these are a few things to look for when you are choosing and have choosen a childcare centre. i hope i have helped you out. good luck!!!

Britt xx