Choosing the Right Childcare: 10 Must-Have Qualities Every Parent Should Know

For many families, choosing childcare can feel like a practical decision based on location and convenience. But in reality, the early years are far more influential — they shape a child’s confidence, creativity, and resilience for life. At Reggio Emilia–inspired childcare centres, we see this time as a powerful opportunity to nurture the whole child through environments that invite exploration and relationships that value curiosity. By blending flexible spaces, responsive educators, and child-led learning, we ensure children are encouraged to think independently, build meaningful connections, and develop the qualities that matter most in their early years. In this guide, we’ll explore ten essential qualities to look for in childcare, how the Reggio Emilia philosophy naturally delivers them, and why experiencing this approach firsthand can transform the way you see your child’s learning journey.

Why the Right Childcare Choice Matters

Choosing childcare isn’t just about schedules or proximity. It’s about choosing the environment where your child will spend their most formative years—where their worldview, creativity, and love of learning will take root.

The challenge for many parents is this: all centres promise safety, care, and fun. But what sets the best apart is how they see the child—not as empty vessels to be filled, but as capable, curious, and full of potential.

That’s why the Reggio Emilia approach is recognised worldwide as one of the most innovative and meaningful early learning philosophies. At our centre, it’s not an add-on—it’s the heartbeat of everything we do.

Here are 10 must-have qualities every parent should look for—and how Reggio Emilia makes them come alive.

1. A Welcoming, Child-Centred Environment

In Reggio Emilia, the environment is called the “third teacher.” Our classrooms are not sterile spaces but living, breathing studios that invite exploration. Natural light, open-ended materials, and calm tones welcome children in, signalling: This is your space—you belong here.

A centre rooted in this philosophy feels like a second home, not a holding place.

2. Passionate Educators Who Are Co-Learners

Rather than positioning themselves as the sole authority, Reggio educators act as co-researchers and collaborators. They learn alongside children, asking open-ended questions and celebrating discoveries together.

This creates genuine relationships, where children feel understood, respected, and encouraged to share their ideas. Passion meets partnership—and children flourish.

3. A Philosophy That Values Creativity and Original Thinking

Traditional childcare can sometimes reduce the creativity to craft time. Reggio Emilia recognises creativity as a language of childhood, as essential as speaking or writing.

Children express themselves through the “hundred languages”: art, music, movement, building, storytelling, and more. By treating creativity as central, not optional, children grow into confident, innovative thinkers.

4. Inspiring Environments Designed for Discovery

Every detail of a Reggio classroom is intentional. Mirrors, light tables, plants, natural objects, and flexible spaces act as invitations to explore.

The environment evolves with the children’s interests—if they’re fascinated by shadows, materials for light exploration appear. This dynamism teaches children that their curiosity shapes the world around them.

5. Safety and Emotional Well-being at the Core

Reggio Emilia values not only physical safety but also emotional security. Educators honour each child’s feelings, providing comfort when needed and scaffolding resilience when challenges arise.

Children learn that their emotions are valid, and that they are supported as whole, complex beings—not just students to be managed.

6. Strong Family Partnerships

Parents aren’t outsiders in the Reggio approach—they are essential partners. Documentation, regular conversations, and invitations to share knowledge ensure families feel deeply connected to their child’s learning.

When family and centre work hand-in-hand, children experience consistency, security, and a sense of belonging that strengthens their growth.

7. Materials That Spark Creativity and Critical Thinking

Forget toys with one fixed purpose. Reggio classrooms are rich with loose parts: shells, pebbles, fabrics, wire, clay, cardboard, and buttons. These simple, open-ended materials encourage children to think, “What can this become? What story does it tell?”

In using these materials, children invent, problem-solve, and build original ideas—skills that will serve them for life.

8. Play That Leads to Deep Learning

In Reggio, play is purposeful, powerful, and led by children’s curiosity. Whether following snail trails in the garden, experimenting with water, or creating shadow puppets, children engage in long-term projects that weave together science, art, language, and imagination.

This integrated, inquiry-based play fosters both joyful learning and deep intellectual growth.

9. Respect, Inclusion, and Collaboration

Reggio centres see every child as capable, regardless of background, ability, or personality. Collaboration is essential: children learn to listen to each other, build on one another’s ideas, and see differences as strengths.

This culture of respect not only nurtures empathy but also prepares children to thrive in diverse, collaborative communities beyond the classroom.

10. Joy That Fills Every Day

Perhaps the most unmistakable quality of a Reggio-inspired centre is joy. The laughter of children exploring, the pride in their artwork, the sparkle in their eyes when they discover something new—it’s woven into the daily fabric of learning.

Joy is not just a by-product of play; it is a signal of genuine engagement, security, and growth.

What This Means for Your Child’s Future

When you choose childcare rooted in the Reggio Emilia philosophy, you’re choosing more than supervision. You’re giving your child:

• A deep love of learning that lasts a lifetime
• The confidence to share their unique voice
• Creativity and resilience to solve problems in original ways
• A strong sense of belonging and emotional well-being

In short, you’re setting them up not just for school, but for life.

Come See the Difference for Yourself

At Reggio Emilia Early Learning Centre, these 10 must-have qualities are not promises on a brochure—they are lived every single day.

Here, your child’s creativity is celebrated. Their ideas are taken seriously. Their learning is visible, joyful, and uniquely their own.

Book a tour today and experience a centre where your child won’t just be cared for—they’ll be inspired.

Give your child the gift of a Reggio Emilia education, where curiosity leads, creativity thrives, and childhood shines brightly.