Parent Information
What to Look for in a Great Childcare Centre: A Parent’s Guide
18 Jul 2025
Choosing a childcare centre is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent. Whether you’re heading back to work or seeking a nurturing, play-based environment for your child to grow, finding a centre that feels right for your family is key.
At Kool Beanz, we know this decision is deeply personal, because we’re parents too. With centres across Queensland, Northern NSW, and soon-to-be Victoria, we’ve supported thousands of families through this process and continue to prioritise transparency, quality, and heart in everything we do.
Here’s what we encourage parents to consider when choosing a childcare centre – with helpful tips, real-life examples from our centres, and a childcare tour checklist to make the process easier.
1. Find a Centre That Aligns With Your Values
Every childcare centre has a different philosophy. Some focus on academics, others on routines or nature-based learning. The most important thing? Find a centre that reflects your values and parenting approach.
At Kool Beanz, our learning is guided by curiosity, creativity and connection. We embrace play-based learning, tailored to each child’s unique stage of development, and backed by a strong educational framework. Our purpose-built rooms are designed to enhance your child’s learning experience, making our tailor-made early learning program even more enriching. These specialised spaces offer a wide array of resources and learning opportunities, ensuring that every child receives a comprehensive and stimulating education.
“We ensure children feel safe, inspired, and free to be themselves – whether that’s getting messy in the mud kitchen, building rocket ships out of blocks, or quietly reading with an educator who really knows them.”
– Bruce Coulson, CEO
2. Book a Tour – and Come Prepared
A centre tour is your best chance to get a feel for the environment, the team and the vibe.
Bring this quick childcare tour checklist with you:
- Are the spaces clean, bright and engaging?
- How do educators speak with and support the children?
- What does the daily routine look like?
- Are meals and sleep times flexible and child-led?
- How is communication with families handled?
And most importantly, do you feel welcome?
Explore our Kool Beanz centres and book a tour.
3. Check the Centre’s Educational Approach
Every Kool Beanz centre follows the Early Years Learning Framework, but each has its own personality. Our educators provide environments and experiences that build confidence, problem-solving, independence and empathy – all through joyful, play-based discovery.
At Kool Beanz SUNS Carrara, for example, this commitment to excellence was recently recognised when the centre achieved Exceeding ratings across multiple areas of the National Quality Standard.
Read more about Kool Beanz SUNS Carrara’s results.
4. Think About Location, Hours & Flexibility
Let’s be honest – life is busy. Your childcare centre needs to work for you as much as it works for your child.
Some questions to ask:
- Is the centre close to home or work?
- Are the hours flexible around your schedule?
- Do they offer casual bookings or extended hours if needed?
With multiple Kool Beanz locations currently in New South Wales’ Northern Rivers region, the Gold Coast, Mackay in Central Queensland, and more locations opening soon, we aim to meet the evolving needs of our communities.
5. Look for Strong Educator Relationships
This one’s big. When choosing a childcare centre, tune into how the educators engage with children – and with you.
At Kool Beanz, our educators are the heart of every centre. Many have been with us for years, and we invest in their development to ensure your child is supported by confident, compassionate, and consistent carers.
Parents often tell us that their child’s key educator becomes like extended family, and that’s exactly how it should be.
6. Community Connection Matters
A great childcare centre doesn’t just educate your child – it includes your family.
Whether it’s through open-door policies, parent events, community connections, or regular communication via our family app, we believe in strong, two-way partnerships with parents.
Each Kool Beanz centre has its own local flavour too – from our Byron Bay beachy vibes, to Ocean Shores’ calm, connected community feel, and Mullumbimby’s warm, community-first spirit, you’ll find a sense of connection that goes beyond the gates.
Final Thoughts: Choose Quality and Ask Questions
When it comes to choosing a childcare centre, trust and transparency matter more than ever.
At Kool Beanz, we believe families deserve more than just a safe place – they deserve an environment where children are nurtured, celebrated, and encouraged to grow. That’s why we focus on being the best, not the biggest.
We encourage families to visit our exceptional centres, ask the important questions, and trust how our spaces make you feel. When you walk through the doors at Kool Beanz, you’ll experience the difference – and we can’t wait to welcome you.
Ready to Start the Journey?
Explore our centres, book a tour, or chat with our friendly team today. Get in touch!
