How to Find the Best Childcare in Canberra
Choosing childcare is one of the biggest decisions for your family. You want your child to feel safe, cared for, and happy every day.
At Poplars Early Learning, approved provider, Fiona O’Donnell has spent more than 30 years in early childhood education. Her vision is to create a place where families feel at home and children feel supported in their growth. That belief shapes everything we do.
Start with What Feels Right for Your Family
Every family has their own routine, priorities, and values. Some parents need flexible hours. Others prefer smaller groups or outdoor spaces.
Before you start visiting centres, take a moment to think about what really matters to you and your child.
What kind of environment helps my child feel calm and happy?
Would my child thrive better in a small, personal setting or a bigger centre?
Will I feel comfortable leaving my child there each morning?
Do the spaces and people feel warm, calm, and genuine?
The right centre will feel warm and inviting the moment you walk in. You’ll feel a sense of comfort, and that feeling is what makes the difference.
Every family brings something unique, and we value the relationships that grow from that connection.
Spend Time Observing the Space
When you visit a centre, take a moment to notice how it feels. Are the children busy and engaged? Do educators speak with care and patience? Does the space feel calm and open?
We believe the best childcare in Canberra should feel like an extension of your family. At Poplars, we’ve created spaces that feel calm, safe, and filled with light, allowing children to play, connect, and grow with confidence.
If you’re nearby, visit our Holt or Jerrabomberra centres. You’ll see children exploring, laughing, and learning in an environment built on comfort and trust.
Ask Questions That Build Confidence
When comparing centres, focus on what matters to you as a parent. Ask questions that help you picture your child’s day and how they’ll be cared for.
How will I hear about my child’s day?
What does a normal day look like?
How do you help new children settle in?
How are children supported when they feel shy or upset?
A good centre will answer openly and with care. When you leave a visit feeling informed and relaxed, it’s a good sign you’ve found the right fit. Trust your gut, it’s usually right.
All approved childcare centres in Australia follow the National Quality Framework (NQF).
It sets clear standards for safety, education, and care, so you can feel confident your chosen centre meets the highest expectations.
Look for a Consistent and Caring Team
Children feel safe when they see familiar faces each day. Those relationships help them settle in, build confidence, and enjoy their time at care.
At Poplars, our educators take the time to build lasting relationships with children and their families. These connections help children and their parents feel safe, supported, and at home.
We see ourselves as partners in your child’s journey, working closely with families to create a learning experience that feels personal, supportive, and enriching.
Notice How Children Are Supported to Learn
Children learn best when they feel curious, safe, and free to explore. At Poplars, play is at the heart of everything we do. It’s how children make sense of the world around them.
Our early learning in Canberra focuses on curiosity, creativity, and confidence. We guide learning through simple moments, such as asking questions, telling stories, and spending time outdoors. Every day, we see children try new things, grow in confidence, and find joy in learning.
We believe that quality education begins with genuine care and early education that evolves to meet each child’s unique needs.
Trust Your Instincts
Choosing childcare isn’t just about programs or checklists. It’s about how it feels.
If you walk into a centre and sense warmth, care, and calm, trust that instinct. Parents often say they just knew when they found the right place, and they’re usually right.
Your child’s early years should be filled with love, learning, and laughter. It starts with finding a centre that feels right for you.
Why Families Choose Poplars Early Learning
We’re proud to be part of the Canberra community, with centres in Holt and Jerrabomberra. Families choose us because they feel seen, heard, and supported from the very first visit.
At Poplars, we believe in open communication and genuine relationships. Gratitude, inclusion, and well-being guide everything we do.
We care deeply about the children in our rooms and the families who trust us each day. Poplars Early Learning is more than childcare. It’s a place where families feel welcome, children feel at home, and quality early education happens every day.
Ready to Find the Best Childcare in Canberra
Finding the right childcare should feel easy and reassuring. The best centres feel calm, genuine, and full of care.
Book a tour with us today and see why Canberra families choose Poplars Early Learning for their little ones.
