Here are three very good reasons to go along to an Open Day at your local childcare centre.        

BY HEJIRA CONVERY, KINDICARE

NOVEMBER 1, 2024

Throughout the year, many early learning services host Open Days, and if you’re in the market for a childcare place, it’s a really good idea to accept an invitation near you.  

Open Days are fun for your family to attend, because centres put on food and entertainment, and these on-site events also provide opportunities for you to learn about seriously important things like curriculum and childcare costs.  

If you’ve never been to an Open Day, there’s no need to feel nervous and, actually, a lot to look forward to! 

Here are three reasons to watch for Open Days happening near you, reserve your place, then rock up on the day.  

1. You get to experience the centre environment 

Pictures tell a thousand words, but the best way to explore a centre is to actually walk through its indoor and outdoor areas.  

During an Open Day, you’ll be able to see all the different facilities and resources on offer, and in between checking that everything is clean, well-organised and child-focused, you can also look for features that especially appeal to your family, such as a vegetable garden, breastfeeding area or maybe even a café!   

Along the way, you’ll also get to see how your child engages with the childcare environment. 

This is important, because environment is actually the 'Third Teacher’ of our children (after parents and educators), and an Open Day provides a no-pressure opportunity for your child to experience various centre spaces, like that exciting-looking playground! 

2. You get to connect with different people 

You don’t necessarily have to ‘work the room’ when you attend an Open Day, but the event is a perfect opportunity to meet the people who may be educating and caring for your child in the future.  

You’ll find that the Centre Director/Manager, Early Childhood Teachers, Educators and other staff are really excited to welcome you and your child to their centre, and they’re on hand to explain the early learning program, share info about the Child Care Subsidy and any available Kinder/Preschool funding, talk you through the enrolment process, and answer all your questions.  

At an Open Day, you’ll also get a chance to mingle with other families who are looking for childcare, and this could mean that you bring your bestie along for a fun morning, or get to meet some parents you’ll become friendly with in time.  

Your child will also get a chance to connect with different team members and children during the Open Day, and remembering some faces and fun from the Open Day can help to make their first childcare day a lot easier.  

3. You get to enjoy lots of family-friendly activities 

A centre tour is highly recommended when you’re comparing and choosing childcare, but an Open Day definitely has more of the fun factor!  

Open Days are special events that are carefully planned to be entertaining, as well as informative, and although every centre does things their own way, you can expect fam-friendly food, awesome activities and a big turn-out.  

Some centres put on barbecues, face painting, art and craft, market stalls, giveaways or even live shows, and if your child is feeling underwhelmed or worried about going to childcare, then attending a fun-filled Open Day can be really positive.  

When you throw in the fact that Open Days are free to attend and organised outside normal working hours, there’s every reason to RSVP for an Open Day near you.  

You’ll find Open Days posted on your socials or featured here at KindiCare, and whether you attend an event super soon, or next year, it will definitely be worth your while!