Start with the educator-to-child ratios. This is one of the clearest indicators of the quality of care your child will receive. Ask directly: how many educators are in each room, and how many children are they responsible for? For toddlers, a ratio like 1:4 means far more individual attention than a crowded room can offer, while slightly higher ratios (around 1:11) are typical and appropriate for kindergarten-aged children who are more independent. If a centre can't tell you their ratios on the spot, that's worth noting.

Look closely at the physical environment, not just the toys. Are the spaces designed for genuine exploration, or do they feel like holding pens? Centres inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach often include dedicated spaces like an atelier (art studio), a library corner, or open-plan "piazza" areas that encourage children to move, create, and interact across age groups. These aren't just nice-to-haves — they reflect a philosophy that treats children as capable, curious learners rather than kids to be minded until pickup.

Ask about the curriculum framework. In Australia, quality centres align their programs with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), which focuses on holistic development — cognitive, social, emotional, and physical — through play-based learning. If a centre also runs a structured STEM program or connects children with nature-based and sustainability activities, that's a sign they're thinking beyond basic supervision toward genuine early education.

Don't skip the food. Ask whether meals are cooked onsite by a qualified chef and whether menus are guided by recognised nutrition standards. Shared mealtimes where children of different ages eat together also build social skills, so it's worth asking how mealtimes are structured, not just what's on the menu.

Check the operating hours and flexibility. Bundaberg families often need care outside standard 9-to-5 hours. Centres open from as early as 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, operating close to year-round (around 51 weeks annually), give working parents genuine flexibility rather than forcing awkward compromises around shift work or appointments.

Ask about communication and the Child Care Subsidy (CCS). A good centre will walk you through how daily updates, progress reports, and parent-teacher conversations work, and should be able to explain clearly how CCS reduces your out-of-pocket fees. If fees are "all-inclusive" — covering nappies, meals, and extracurricular activities — that's worth confirming upfront so there are no surprise add-ons later.

Finally, trust what you observe, not just what you're told. Watch how educators speak to children during your tour. Are they getting down to eye level? Are children engaged and calm, or is the room chaotic? Genuine warmth and respectful communication between staff and kids is hard to fake.

If you're touring daycare centres in Bundaberg and want to see what a Reggio Emilia-inspired, EYLF-guided program looks like in person — complete with dedicated play spaces, low educator ratios, and onsite chef-prepared meals — Above and Beyond Early Learning in Avoca welcomes families to book a tour and ask every question on this list.