Artwork by children from Lyons Early Learning Centre. Photo: Liv Cameron.
Whether you’re looking for long day care, occasional care or after school care, choosing the right education and care services for your family can be difficult. From navigating waiting lists and fee structures to finding a provider that aligns with your parenting philosophies, it’s no wonder many parents feel overwhelmed.
The best option for you will depend on your needs, and the environment that you and your child are most comfortable in.
It’s important to remember that childcare centres do more than just care for your child. They also provide early learning development to support your kid’s health and wellbeing and social and emotional skill development.
Here’s what to keep in mind while searching for the perfect provider.
What makes a great childcare centre?
The most important thing is to ensure your child is safe and comfortable in the setting that you choose. Other things to look for include:
- Prioritising healthy relationships. When you speak to education and care service providers, they should give you their time and attention. They should be open, honest, welcoming and friendly when they meet you. Similarly, they should prioritise strong relationships with both educators and other children. Are the other children engaged at the service, and do they have friendly interactions with others?
- Consistent service approach. This means that all educators work together as a team, providing the same standard and level of education and care. Consistency can also be seen in the communications you receive from them.
- Low staff turnover. Look out for organisations where there has been a large and continuous rotation of new educators. This could indicate organisational issues not apparent on a surface level.
- Positive relationships with schools (for out of school hours care). If you are searching for Out of School Hours Care, look to see if service providers have a positive relationship with the school. A healthy relationship between both will ensure consistency for children and can provide extra support for families.
- Location. The closer to your home or work a childcare centre is, the better.
Remember, small providers can be just as good as larger ones. Being small allows educators more opportunities to create strong relationships with the children and families, create a community environment and maintain high levels of communication.
The best childcare centres in Canberra
Riotact’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Riotact and maintain a minimum average of 4/5 stars on both Google and Facebook reviews.
Lyons Early Childhood Centre
Lyons Early Childhood Centre believes in joyful learning. The focus is on building strong foundations in every child by carefully balancing formal and personalised learning that sparks excitement and inspires creativity. Highly qualified, attentive staff believe that the best learning happens with joy.
Childcare, Vacation Care, Before and After School Care at Lyons Early Childhood Centre are all provided by Woden Community Service. High-quality education and care for birth to children age 8 takes place in a nurturing environment. Children actively engage in play-based learning that supports their academic, social and emotional development.
Lyons Early Childhood Centre staff strive for excellence in all that they do, empowering little learners through evidence-based approaches. Values include kindness, respect, collaboration and resilience. The approach to learning is innovative and exciting.
Services cover childcare, preschool, before school care, and after school care for both preschool and Kindergarten to Year 2. Vacation care is for Kindergarten to Year 2. The school has close connections to the community.
Lyons Early Childhood Centre focuses on safety and cleanliness. The school is administered by a respected, professional School Board. Members comprise the Principal, elected staff, parent representatives, and a nominee of the Education Directorate.
On Google, Linda Wu wrote, “The school has high quality features and is in a convenient location. The administration area has spacious seating. The interior decor is quite appropriate to children, and their family as well as staff. The items at the school are of adequate educational standards. People who work there are polite. Outdoor spaces seem to be in good condition.”
Capital Region Community Services
Formerly known as Belconnen Community Service, Capital Region Community Services (CRCS) has provided education and care services in Canberra for over 40 years. With three early childhood centres and three school age care services, it offers high quality education and care for children up to Year 6.
CRCS's early childhood centres are limited to 45 places. This small size allows CRCS to foster close relationships between families and educators and to take a person-centred approach in their service provision.
Artemis Early Learning
Since opening their bespoke facility in 2014, Artemis has carved out an impressive reputation for its high-quality service.
Artemis caters for children between 6 weeks and 5 years of age and prides itself of a culture of continual innovation and improvement.
Its location in Fyshwick close to the Newcastle St exit from Monaro Highway makes it remarkably easy to access for a large chunk of Canberra and Queanbeyan residents.
From the large commercial kitchen and associated dining room, to the pirate-ship-themed playground, Artemis have reshaped Canberra’s child care standards.
Hours of operation Monday to Friday 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
Communities at Work
Communities at Work is a leader in the education and care sector, committed to providing quality care for children. It operates 12 childcare centres, 15 out of school hours care services, 11 school holiday programs, and family day care and in-home care services.
As the largest provider of children’s services in the ACT region, Communities at Work provides high quality childcare from birth to preschool for over 1,300 children. Its centres are supportive and caring family and community environments, underpinned by a strong educational foundation that fosters well-being and a love of learning.
Sage Education & Childcare
Located in central Canberra, Sage Education & Childcare is a state-of-the-art early education facility open to toddlers and pre-school aged children. The dedicated team at Sage believe that a child’s curiosity and zest for learning should always lead the way.
In addition to childcare services, Sage Education and Childcare offers a meal preparation service run by qualified chefs.
Whilst you’re searching for childcare centres, you should also check out our articles on the best school holiday programs and activities in Canberra.
Your experience with childcare centres in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback on the best and worst Canberra childcare centres.
If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Please comment below detailing your experience with Canberra childcare centres. Who would you recommend? Who would you use again? Who would you steer clear of?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best age to start daycare for my child?
Generally speaking, a good age to start looking into daycare is after your child's first birthday. However, the best time to start daycare can depend on things like your work situation, or your child's ability to adjust to new environments and people.
How many hours a day should my toddler spend at daycare?
Daycare is usually about as long as a normal school day, beginning at 9am and finishing at 3pm and, there are some centres that offer after-school care hours. It is generally recommended that you don't leave your child at daycare any longer than 8 hours.
Why should I send my child to daycare?
Sending your child to daycare can be a great way to aid in their development, as well as allow you some time to yourself, whether that's for work, caring for younger children, or simply some time to relax.
What will my child do at daycare?
At daycare, your child will be fed, play with other children, and be guided through learning and enrichment activities by qualified child carers. If they are young enough, you can also expect your child to be changed and cleaned regularly.
What are the benefits of childcare on early development?
Childcare gives your child an opportunity to develop social skills, which helps them form healthy relationships with other people. Early start child care will help them learn how to get along with other children, share and take turns, listen to others, communicate their ideas and become independent.
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