We live in a diverse, multicultural society. Every family will have it’s own ideals and values for it’s children just as every child care service will have it’s own unique qualities. A service that meets the needs of one family may not suit another.

There are six categories of early childhood services that are licensed by the Department of Community Services in New South Wales. These are Occasional Care, Family Day Care, Home Based Care, Long Day Care, Preschool and Mobile Child Care Services.

In addition there are services to meet the needs of school aged children up to twelve years of age that provide care before and after school and during school vacation periods. The type of care you choose will depend on the age and the needs of your child and your family’s needs.

Here is a guide to help you choose a children's service.

1. WHEN DO YOU NEED CARE FOR YOUR CHILD?
The hours of care that you require may help determine which service that will best suit your needs. For example, if you only require a few hours of care each week occasional care may suit you but if you work full time you will require the longer hours provided by long day care centres, family day care or home based care. Check the operating hours of the services in your area.

2. HOW OLD IS YOUR CHILD?
Your choice of care will also be determined by the age of your child. Some services are not licensed for babies (children under two years of age) and some services have a licence only for children who are over three years old. Check your local services for the age group for which they provide care.

3. QUALITY ISSUES
Now you have discovered which services in your area could provide a program for your child during the hours you require it’s time to consider the individual qualities of the services available. This will vary depending on your family values and the needs of your child. Most services will allow you to visit them so you can see what is being provided.
Here are some ideas about what to look for at a children's service.

Physical environment:
Is the service easily accessible? Will you be able to park your car near the service? Can you and your child manage the entry in both wet and dry weather? Is there a separate play area for the babies? Are there plenty of activities supplied for the children? Where will your child sleep? What do the children sleep on and is it similar to how your child sleeps at home? If your child is under two what is the cot room and the nappy change area like? Are the rooms warm and inviting with activities set out for the children? Is the outside play area safe, attractive and stimulating for the children. Are meals provided? If they are then the menus must be displayed so you can see what is offered. Is the service clean? Look at the kitchen and the children’s bathroom.

Staffing:
Notice how many staff are supervising the children. All licensed services must meet minimum staffing requirements for qualified staff and must meet supervision ratios but notice how the staff are interacting with the children. Are they interacting with the children or are they doing other duties? Listen and watch how the staff talk to the children. Do they get down to the child’s height level and respond to the child’s needs? Do they value the children’s efforts and build their self esteem? Check the notice board at the service - you may find staff qualifications and sometimes photographs of each staff member displayed there.

Numbers:
How many children attend the centre? All licensed services must display their licence that states the maximum number of child care places available. Services range in size from 5 to 90 children and from a home environment to large child care centres with many rooms. Will your child be comfortable in a group that size? Think about the needs of your child and the size of the group that will best suit his/her needs.

Health:
When children first attend a child care service they are exposed to more infections than at home. Good hygiene is most important in minimising the spread of infections. How does the service manage sick children? Check the hygiene at the service. Look at the nappy change area, the bathroom, the kitchen and where the children sleep. Are you happy with the level of hygiene at the service?

Policies:
Early childhood services must have policies and procedures to properly manage the care, education and safety of the children attending the service. All policies must include input from parents, staff and management. These policies will include procedures for excursions, administration of medications, management of accidents, food and nutrition to name a few. When you visit the service these policies should be available for you to look at during your visit? Is there a parent handbook for you to take with you to explain what is available at the service? Ask the staff for assistance here.

Management:
Each children’s service will have it’s own style of management. There are a range of private and community based child care services available. Some community based services are managed by a parent committee. Ask the staff about the how you may be involved.

Cost:
How much will you have to pay? Most services have a minimum daily fee. This is necessary to maintain quality interactions for the children, including staffing levels and equipment. Some services, such as occasional care are able to offer hourly rates. Ask your local service for a fee schedule and information about Commonwealth Child Care Benefit.