What Are the Key Questions for Parents When Visiting Childcare Facilities?
- Pei Wen
- Jan 4, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Choosing the right childcare center is one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent. Your choice will shape your child’s early learning experiences, social growth, and emotional well-being. With so many options available, the process can feel overwhelming — but visiting each potential childcare center can make the decision clearer. Touring facilities allows you to see firsthand how your child will be cared for, what the environment feels like, and whether the center’s philosophy aligns with your family’s values.
At Genesis Childcare 1989, one of the most trusted Tampines child care centers, we encourage parents to ask meaningful questions during their visits. These questions help ensure that the childcare provider you choose supports your child’s holistic development and offers a nurturing, safe, and educational environment. Below are some essential questions to guide your decision-making process — along with insights into how Genesis Childcare 1989 exemplifies the qualities every parent should look for.
1. What Is the Centre’s Philosophy on Childcare?
Every childcare center operates with its own philosophy or approach to early childhood education. Understanding this philosophy helps parents determine if it aligns with their beliefs, goals, and parenting style.
For instance, some parents prefer a structured, routine-based approach, where naps, meals, and learning sessions occur on a fixed schedule. Others might prioritize flexibility and play-based learning, allowing children to explore and learn at their own pace.
At Genesis Childcare 1989, our philosophy emphasizes the importance of balanced growth. We believe that young learners thrive in an environment that combines structure with creativity. Our curriculum in Tampines preschool programs focuses on nurturing children’s curiosity through interactive play, guided discovery, and hands-on learning experiences.
We also focus on emotional and social development, teaching empathy, respect, and cooperation — values that children carry for life. Our caregivers at the Tampines nursery ensure that each child feels secure and supported, encouraging positive interactions and building confidence in every activity.
When touring any childcare facility, don’t hesitate to ask:
How is the curriculum designed to support learning through play?
What is your approach to discipline and conflict resolution?
How do teachers encourage creativity, independence, and teamwork?
By understanding these aspects, you can find a center that aligns with your parenting philosophy and ensures your child’s needs are met in a caring, structured environment.
2. What Is the Staff-to-Child Ratio?
Another critical factor to consider is the staff-to-child ratio. This ratio determines how much attention and care your child receives on a daily basis. A lower ratio means more individualized attention, which contributes to stronger relationships, better supervision, and enhanced developmental outcomes.
For infants, the ideal ratio is one caregiver for every three babies. This ensures that every infant receives the attention, feeding, and emotional bonding they need. As children grow older and become more independent, the ratio may increase slightly — typically one caregiver for every four to five toddlers or preschoolers.
At Genesis Childcare 1989, we maintain optimal staff-to-child ratios across all levels — from our Tampines infant care programs to our Tampines preschool classes. This ensures that every child gets personalized support and care. Our experienced and qualified educators understand that each child learns differently and deserves the time and attention needed to flourish.
When visiting a center, take note of how staff interact with children. Do they engage warmly? Do they respond quickly to children’s needs? A caring and attentive team is just as important as the number of caregivers per class.
3. What Safety and Security Measures Are in Place?
Safety is every parent’s top priority. When choosing a Tampines child care center, it’s vital to ensure that the facility has robust safety and security protocols in place. Ask about entrance procedures, staff training, and emergency preparedness.
At Genesis Childcare 1989, your child’s safety is non-negotiable. Our facilities are equipped with secured entry systems, and only authorized personnel and parents have access to the premises. We conduct regular emergency drills and have clear evacuation procedures for fire, natural disasters, or other emergencies.
All staff members are trained in first aid and child safety, and we uphold strict hygiene and cleanliness standards in every classroom and play area. Additionally, every staff member undergoes background checks and continuous professional training to ensure they meet our high standards of care.
Parents touring other childcare centers should consider asking:
Are there CCTV cameras installed in common areas?
How does the center handle pickup and drop-off security?
What are the cleaning and sanitation policies?
Knowing that your chosen Tampines nursery prioritizes your child’s safety allows you to go about your day with confidence and peace of mind.
4. How Do Staff Communicate with Parents?
Effective communication between parents and caregivers is crucial in ensuring that children receive consistent care and support, both at home and at the center. A quality Tampines preschool or Tampines child care center will prioritize transparency and regular updates about your child’s activities, milestones, and progress.
At Genesis Childcare 1989, we value partnership with parents. We provide daily updates on each child’s routines — including meals, naps, and learning activities — through direct communication and digital platforms. Our teachers also hold regular parent-teacher meetings to discuss developmental milestones, learning goals, and any areas where a child may need additional support.
This open line of communication ensures that parents remain actively involved in their child’s early education journey. It also helps build trust and a shared sense of responsibility for the child’s growth and happiness.
When visiting other centers, consider asking:
How often will I receive updates about my child?
What communication channels are used — apps, email, or written reports?
How are concerns or behavioral issues discussed with parents?
5. What Does the Learning Environment Feel Like?
Beyond curriculum and policies, the atmosphere of a childcare center speaks volumes about the kind of experience your child will have. A warm, inviting environment filled with laughter, curiosity, and creativity helps children feel at home and eager to learn.
At Genesis Childcare 1989, our Tampines child care classrooms are designed to inspire learning through exploration. Bright, spacious, and well-equipped with age-appropriate materials, every classroom encourages discovery and play. Our outdoor play areas promote physical development, teamwork, and a love for nature — all essential parts of early growth.
Parents should observe how children interact during their visit. Do they seem happy and engaged? Are caregivers patient and responsive? A positive environment is a strong indicator of a center’s overall quality.
6. Why Genesis Childcare 1989 Stands Out
For more than three decades, Genesis Childcare 1989 has been a trusted name in early childhood education in Tampines. Families choose us because of our commitment to holistic development, our qualified educators, and our safe, nurturing environment.
Our programs — from Tampines infant care to Tampines preschool and Tampines nursery — are designed to meet the developmental needs of every age group. We focus not only on academic readiness but also on emotional intelligence, creativity, and confidence-building.
We recognize that every child is unique, and our educators tailor their teaching methods to suit each learner’s pace and personality. Our goal is simple: to help every child develop a lifelong love for learning in a supportive and enriching environment.
Final Thoughts: Keys When Visiting a Childcare Facilities
Choosing the right childcare facility takes careful thought and observation. When visiting potential centers, take time to look beyond the surface and focus on what truly supports your child’s safety, learning, and happiness.
Keys when visiting a childcare facilities :
Safety and cleanliness: Is the environment secure, organized, and child-friendly?
Staff interaction: Do teachers and caregivers engage warmly and patiently with children?
Learning atmosphere: Are activities age-appropriate, stimulating, and balanced between play and education?
Facilities and resources: Are classrooms, toys, and outdoor areas well-maintained and inviting?
Routines and structure: Does the daily schedule promote both learning and rest?
Communication: How does the center keep parents informed and involved?
Child comfort: Do children seem happy, relaxed, and engaged?
Taking note of these details during your visit will help you make a confident, informed decision that ensures your child’s well-being and growth.
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Genesis Tampines Childcare 1989 is one of the best preschool and childcare in Tampines. Our Preschool Tampines have over 30 years of experience in nurturing thousands of infants, toddlers and preschoolers. At our Tampines Childcare, we advocate that every child is unique and precious who needs to be loved and cherished.
As a leading early childhood center in Singapore since 1989, we are committed to nurturing our early learners holistically through various learning areas and positive learning dispositions. We place a strong emphasis on the way our teachers facilitate and interact with the children.
Our Childcare Tampines believe that every child is unique and precious who needs to be loved and cherished. Hence, our holistic curriculum aims to create meaningful learning experiences for each and every one of them!
Our Playgroup Tampines provides parents with the confidence that their children are in the good hands of our trained and caring teachers.
Our professional team of preschool teachers has a good understanding of child development and learning principles. We apply them efficiently and set the stage to create a meaningful learning experience that supports your child's discovery.
We consistently create a positive and cozy environment that will give your child a sense of security which builds their self-confidence to explore the world around them.
If you are looking for a good Tampines infant care or Tampines preschool or Tampines childcare near Tampines Central, do consider Nurture Infant House or Genesis Childcare 1989.
Located alongside our childcare in Tampines is our Nurture Infant House. If you are looking for Tampines infant care or infant care in Tampines, do visit Nurture Infant House. It is for infants aged 2 months to 18 months old. You can learn more about our infant care Tampines here.
Lastly, would you like to visit our Genesis Childcare 1989 to find out more about our environment and setup as well as understand our operations by talking to our teachers and supervisor?
Genesis Childcare 1989 (Playgroup to Kindergarten 2)
Blk 433 Tampines Street 43 #01-63/65 S(520433)
Nurture Infant House (2 to 18 months Infants)
Blk 433 Tampines Street 43 #01-61 S(520433)
Opening hours: Monday to Friday (7am to 7pm) & Saturday (7am to 2pm)
Public Bus services: 8 / 21 / 28 / 29 / 293
Tel: 96664141
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