4 key features of a state-of-the-art child care facility

Every parent wants their child to attend a state-of-the-art child care facility It guarantees that they will get good value for money and ensures that the child has a valuable and positive experience at the centre. A state-of-the-art child care facility signifies that the centre invests in its resources and by extension, the children. What more could a parent want from a child care facility?

State-of-the-art child care facilities are not labelled and therefore, difficult to find but only if you don’t know what to look for. Top-notch child care centres share commonalities in their facilities and only install and implement the best materials, resources and programs. It’s important that you know what these are so that you can select the best facility for your child.

In this article, we’ll identify four features present at state-of-the-art child care facilities across the country. Use this as a guide for picking a top-tier centre for your child.

4 common features of a state-of-the-art child care facility in Australia

Outdoor learning environment

An outdoor learning environment is a welcomed change for many children who often spend too much time stuck indoors looking at screens. A high-quality child care centre will create an outdoor environment that encourages children to explore and learn.

An outdoor environment with natural space and resources such as a sandpit, puzzles and sports equipment will support a child’s sense of self, encourage social interaction with their peers, increase their independence and allow them to connect with the ecological world. This is all part of a play-based learning approach, however, an outdoor learning environment is special because it pushes children to appreciate nature from a young age.

Sensory play resources

Sensory play is critical for a child’s development because it builds nerve connections in the brain which leads to the child’s ability to understand more complex concepts and tasks. Additionally, it refines their fine motor skills, supports language development and improves their problem-solving skills.

With so many benefits, what constitutes sensory play? Sensory play is any activity that incorporates a child’s senses. This will include activities such as Finger painting, Sand play, Playing with textured materials like flour and water dough or shaving cream and Walking on grass barefooted

Play-based learning materials

State-of-the-art childcare centres understand the importance of facilitating a play-based learning approach. A play-based learning approach allows children to learn through play. Play is facilitated by activities like painting, dramatic play, singing and playing with blocks.

Children engage in the play on their own but under the guidance of an educator. With this approach, play is a context for learning and avoids the traditional structured approach that usually causes children to lose interest or associate learning and education as an ‘unfun’ experience. Instead, learning through play helps children to be more engaged in the actual concept (though they may not know it) and fosters a lifelong love of learning.

Nutrition programs

Food is an important part of life that, unfortunately, many people struggle with. Children are also seldom taught about food, where it comes from and what different cultures eat.

A state-of-the-art facility will understand the importance of fostering a healthy relationship with food. Look for a program that teaches children about the origins of food, why it is important and how to eat a balanced meal. Many facilities also prepare freshly made meals for children from different countries, furthering their appreciation for food.

Child care facilities play an important role in the happiness of your child. It’s important for your child's social and emotional development that you ensure that they are happy and well-adjusted at their centre. Selecting a state-of-the-art facility guarantees that your child will develop properly in every area of their life. We hope that the identifiers mentioned above help you to point out which child care facilities are worth your child’s time.