Tips on selecting a childcare centre

Parents should ensure that staff at the childcare centre of their choice are not only appropriately-qualified, but also warm and caring towards children. — Positive Parenting

A childcare centre is often a child’s first experience outside the home, marking the beginning of their journey into the wider world.

This environment shapes early growth, development and health, making the selection of a high-quality centre crucial.

It is a place for young children to learn, explore and build foundational social skills.

Here, children develop cognitive abilities, physical skills, problem-solving and emotional resilience that will serve them in school and beyond.

Additionally, childcare centres support parents by ensuring their child’s needs are met in a safe, structured environment while they work or attend to other responsibilities.

Many centres today provide daily reports to keep parents updated on their child’s activities and well-being, so that parents can stay connected to their child’s progress and feel assured of their comfort and development.

Three important criteria

In Malaysia, registered childcare centres are categorised into home-based (four to nine children) and institutional/workplace/community-based (10 or more children).

But it can be challenging for parents to know what to look for.

There are three key pillars that you can consider to ensure a safe, nurturing and developmentally-enriching childcare experience for your little one:

> Attentive and qualified staff

Look for staff members who are not only appropriately qualified, but also warm and nurturing.

Caregivers should have completed the Kursus Asas Asuhan Kanak-kanak, a foundational training for working with young children, which is mandatory for registered centres.

To guarantee safety in the event of an emergency and to ensure safe food-handling, staff members must also receive CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and first aid training, food handling certification, and typhoid vaccination.

When assessing staff quality, consider the centre’s child-to-minder ratio.

The Social Welfare Department (JKM) recommends a ratio of 3:1 for infants, 5:1 for children aged one to three years, and 10:1 for three- to four-year-old children.

Adequate staffing ensures that each child receives personalised attention and care.

Observe how the staff interact with children – they should communicate with warmth, patience and encouragement, creating an environment where children feel valued and secure.

> A safe and engaging environment

A childcare centre should be a safe space that encourages exploration and growth.

Facilities must be clean, childproofed and equipped with age-appropriate furniture, toys and equipment.

Electrical outlets should be covered, hazardous materials locked away, and floors clear of tripping hazards.

An outdoor play area, if available, should be secure and well-maintained, providing ample space for children to develop physical coordination and strength through safe play.

Cleanliness is a key aspect of safety and health.

Check that staff and children practise good hygiene, such as regular handwashing, especially before and after meals, after using the bathroom, and before and after activities or play.

Policies for handling illness are equally important – ask about the centre’s procedures for managing sick children to prevent the spread of infections.

In terms of security, it is essential to choose a licensed or registered centre with JKM, and to verify that it adheres to safety protocols.

These should include visitor screening, emergency contact plans and policies for picking up children.

The centre should ideally have its own Child Protection Policy.

> Developmentally-appropriate activities

While we want top-notch childcare centres to offer balanced, structured activities that foster social, cognitive and physical growth, it is always in the child’s best benefit and interest to enjoy unstructured, unrestricted play.

Both individual and group play, as well as indoor and outdoor sessions, should be incorporated into the centre’s activities.

Children’s cognitive, motor and problem-solving skills, as well as emotional resilience, will all be developed through play.

Look for centres that encourage creativity and independence, allowing children to engage with age-appropriate tasks and challenges.

For example, art projects, storytelling, simple puzzles and music are excellent ways to support holistic development.

Discipline and guidance should focus on positive reinforcement, teaching children self-control and empathy.

Policies should be in place to address common issues such as biting, hitting or bullying in a constructive manner.

Also, inquire about nap routines and alternative activities if a child is not inclined to sleep, ensuring that the centre respects individual needs.

If screentime is included, confirm that it is limited, purposeful and balanced with other hands-on activities.

Stay engaged

Selecting the best childcare centre requires careful evaluation of staff qualifications, safety standards and developmental offerings.

While childcare can be invaluable, remember that it is not a substitute for your own role in your child’s life.

By choosing wisely, you’re ensuring that your little one receives the care, support and stimulation they need to thrive, but staying engaged and informed is equally vital.

Be sure to review any updates from the centre or JKM, and always be proactive in monitoring your child’s experience.

Anisa Ahmad is an early childhood advisor and life member of the Malaysia Association of Registered Early Child Care and Development. This article is courtesy of the Malaysian Paediatric Association’s Positive Parenting programme in collaboration with expert partners. For further information, please email [e-mail]. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Information published in this article is not intended to replace, supplant or augment a consultation with a health professional regarding the reader’s own medical care. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.