Taking care of ‘kidness’

Published Date
11/07/2017
News Topic
Council, Children
Choosing the right childcare centre

Moverly Children's Centre is managed and operated by Randwick City Council and provides centre-based care for up to 36 children per day. We have vacancies available this year in the preschool room (3-5 year olds). We believe in keeping families together. Part of our philosophy is that we are your child’s “home away from home”.  Enrol your preschooler and your nursery child will get priority entry. Book now for a tour on 9093 6150 or email moverlychildrenscentre@randwick.nsw.gov.au.

The business of finding a childcare centre that suits a family’s needs can be nerve-racking. Take our expert’s advice, however, and it becomes child’s play.

When it comes to choosing the right childcare centre, trust your senses, says the Co-ordinator of Randwick Council’s Moverly Children’s Centre, Ada Chin.

Sight

You need to like the look of the space, Ada says. It should be clean with open, warm and welcoming areas that allow different activities to take place.

Also, watch the interaction between staff and children. Do you see sustained conversations, eye contact and nurturing touch? Do you get a sense the staff have genuine relationships with the children?

Sound

Listen to how the children interact, because they model the behaviour they see around them. Take note about how they speak to each other – are they bossy or kind? Do you hear children engaging one another without needing to be supervised? This is a good sign, says Ada, because it shows they are applying what they have learned about dealing with others respectfully.

Moverly Children's Centre, South CoogeeTouch

Texture is an important way for children to learn about the world through sensory experience. Are there play items like play-doh and paint? Or toys made of wood, fabric or another texture aside from plastic? Are there soft areas for the bubs to roll around on and explore the world on their tummies?

Taste

A good centre keeps an eye on the eating habits of their little ones and will switch out the options that are being left on the plate. This also shows that a centre offers variety in their menu, which prevents kids from getting bored with their food options.

Are there fruit trees, herbs or vegetables grown in the outside area? Children gain a greater appreciation of food when they can see it grow and ripen.

Smell

While most childcare centres use offsite catering for their meals, some, like Moverly Children’s Centre, have their own chef and kitchen. Ada says this offers another learning experience. Children are drawn to the kitchen to ask what is on the menu and will want to write what it is on a whiteboard. While watching the action in the kitchen they also come to understand that cooking is a vital part of meal preparation. So find out if there is the potential for your child to learn more about food at their centre.

Find Moverly Children's Centre at 1 Argyle Crescent, South Coogee or call 9093 6150 or email moverlychildrenscentre@randwick.nsw.gov.au

Last Updated: 24 April 2023
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