What are the Regulations?

In Australia, there's a group called the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA). They make sure that childcare places are good. You can find out more about them here.

They check different parts of the day care, like the staff, if kids are safe and healthy, and what they learn. They give the day care a rating like "exceeding," "meeting," or "working towards" the standards. You can see what this means here and here. To see Ignite Minds Family Day Care’s rating, click here.

Ignite Minds has lots of educators from different backgrounds. They all want to keep getting better at following the rules we are aiming for ‘exceeding’ the standard at our next rating.

It's important that the educators are nice and friendly and get to know each child and their family. If you don't feel like they are, you can talk to us and we can help.

What to Look for at the Family Day Care home?

• Is there a place to play outside with grass, dirt, and trees? Kids need to be active for at least three hours a day. Fake grass can get very hot and might have harmful chemicals.
• Are there lots of different things to play with? Or does it look messy and not organized?
• Are the toys and equipment in good condition? Are pencils sharpened and ready? Are there pieces missing from puzzles?
• Natural ground like dirt and sand is better for kids to play on than flat, hard ground. It helps them with balance and moving around.

Studies show that outdoor areas with trees and plants are better for kids' happiness and learning through play than just having play equipment. So look for places with trees, bushes, rocks, and mud.

What About the Activities and Learning?

In Australia, daycares should have a plan for learning through play. This helps kids learn and grow while they have fun.

It’s not about teaching kids to read and do math before school. It's about making learning fun so they want to learn more.

Kids should get to try lots of different things in ways that are right for their age. For example, little kids might have a sandpit with toys. Older kids might build things or go on trips in their area.

Educators should play with the kids sometimes, to help them imagine and create. Sometimes they can watch and be ready to help when needed.

They shouldn't always tell the kids what to do. Kids need time to try things out and learn on their own.

Things to check when thinking about quality.

• Are the kids all making the same picture or craft? Or are they allowed to be creative in their own way?
• Can toys be used in different ways in different places? Or do they have to stay in one spot?
• Can the educators explain what they do to help the kids play and learn?

Families should also get updates on how their child is doing through Storypark. If there are problems, the Educator and Ignite Minds should help in a good way that respects the rights and dignity of each child.

Lastly, does your child seem happy at the daycare? If they like going and seeing their friends and educators, that's a good sign!