Choosing the Right Childcare in Merrylands

Choosing the right childcare in Merrylands is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your child’s early years. You want a place where your little one feels safe, supported, and genuinely known — a preschool that nurtures their curiosity, celebrates their individuality, and partners with you every step of the way.

At Elementary Academy Early Learning in Merrylands, we understand how significant this choice is. With so many childcare options available, this guide will help you confidently compare services, ask the right questions, and understand what truly matters when selecting a safe, high-quality early learning environment for your family.

1. Start With Quality and Safety

A childcare service’s quality rating, educational approach, and commitment to child safety should be at the top of your checklist.

High-quality services operate in line with the National Quality Framework (NQF) and deliver programs informed by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). At Elementary Academy, quality and safety are central to everything we do — from employing qualified educators to maintaining strict safety protocols, hygiene procedures, and professional conduct standards.

Look for:

• A service with clear, transparent safety policies

• Educators who understand and uphold children’s rights

• A culture that treats every child with dignity, respect and care

• Strong supervision, safe physical spaces, and secure arrival/departure procedures

  
  

A centre’s approach to child protection, staff training, and compliance should give you confidence from the very beginning.

2. Consider Your Child’s Age and Needs

Every family has unique needs — and the right service should support your child’s age, strengths, health requirements, and personality.

Ask yourself:

• Does the service cater for your child’s age group and developmental stage?

• Do they offer tailored support for children with disabilities or additional needs?

• Do they provide inclusive learning environments where every child is supported to participate fully?

  
  

High-quality early learning services collaborate closely with families and allied health professionals when needed, ensuring continuity of learning and individualised planning.

3. Look at Location, Schedule and Practical Details

Practicality matters for busy families. When comparing childcare options, consider:

• Location: Do you prefer a centre close to home, work, or a family member’s house?

• Operating hours: Do the times fit your daily routine?

• Session availability: Are there permanent or casual booking options?

• Fees: What is included? Are meals and snacks provided?

• Government subsidies: Are you eligible for Child Care Subsidy (CCS)?

  
  

A service should be transparent about fees, rebates and what happens on public holidays, absences or late pick-ups.

4. Observe the Environment: Is It Warm, Safe and Engaging?

On your tour, look for an atmosphere that feels happy, calm and child-centred.

Things to notice:

• Are educators warm, attentive and genuinely engaged with children?

• Is the environment stimulating, well-maintained and safe?

• Are children actively supervised at all times?

• Are there well-equipped indoor and outdoor learning areas?

• Is there plenty of room to move, play, explore and create?

A high-quality service will offer a balanced mix of indoor/outdoor play, quiet spaces, opportunities for rest, and purposeful learning experiences.

5. Check Policies on Safe Sleep, Health and Wellbeing

Sleep and rest practices must align with Red Nose safe sleep guidelines and be based on your child’s individual needs.

Ask the centre:

• How is safe sleep monitored?

• Are sleep environments supervised at the bedside?

• Do educators receive safe sleep training?

• Are unsafe sleep devices (bouncers, rockers, prams) avoided?

• How are health needs (allergies, asthma, diabetes) managed?

  
  

A trustworthy service will have clear, proactive health practices — including hygiene routines, illness exclusion periods and incident procedures.

6. Look for Strong Relationships and Educator Qualifications

Relationships are at the heart of quality early education.

What to ask:

• How qualified and experienced are the educators?

• What is the educator-to-child ratio?

• Do staff appear calm, respectful and genuinely connected to children?

• How do educators respond to children’s behaviour, emotions and individual needs?

In NSW, at least half of all educators must hold or be working towards a diploma, while others must have (or be completing) a Certificate III qualification. High-quality services exceed these minimums, offering consistent, educated teams who understand children’s development deeply.

7. Explore the Educational Program

A good preschool offers more than childcare — it delivers quality early childhood education that nurtures the whole child.

Look for a program that:

• Is play-based and aligned to the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)

• Encourages creativity, curiosity, problem-solving and independence

• Supports school readiness through literacy, numeracy, social skills and physical development

• Celebrates cultural diversity and community connections

• Displays learning documentation and keeps families involved

Educators should be able to explain how the program supports your child’s learning and share examples of intentional teaching and ongoing assessment.

8. Ask About Routines, Communication and Family Involvement

You should feel welcomed, informed and included.

Here are key considerations:

• Do you receive daily updates?

• Are families invited to participate in the program?

• Can you drop in for visits at any time?

• Is there an orientation process to help your child settle?

• Does the centre encourage cultural sharing, family involvement and open communication?

Strong family partnerships create a sense of belonging and help children thrive.

9. Think About Meals, Nutrition and Allergies

A childcare service should:

• Provide healthy, balanced meals aligned with Australian Dietary Guidelines

• Cater for allergies, intolerances or cultural preferences

• Maintain clear food safety and allergy management procedures

• Offer menus you can easily access and review

Good nutrition is a core element of wellbeing and school readiness.

Choosing the right childcare service is about far more than location or convenience — it’s about finding a nurturing, trustworthy environment where your child will feel safe, valued and supported to grow into a confident, capable learner.

At Elementary Academy Early Learning, located at 14 Hilltop Road, Merrylands, we proudly offer a holistic preschool program led by qualified professionals with over 14 years of early childhood experience. Our warm, inclusive approach, commitment to safety, and high-quality educational program are designed to give your child the very best start in life.