Choosing Childcare as a Multicultural Family: What to Look For (and Ask) 

How do you choose the right daycare centre? For multicultural families, there’s often a bit more to think about on top of the usual questions. You might be wondering:

• Will my child feel understood?
• Will their culture be respected?
• Will they still feel connected to their language and traditions?

Childcare centres are where children spend a lot of their time outside home, and they play an important role in how children see themselves and the world.

So, when you’re choosing a centre, what should you be looking for?

Look for a centre where diversity is at the heart of everyday life

“Inclusive” is often used as a buzzword. But it’s not just about what people say, it’s about what things look like every day.

A supportive childcare centre creates an environment where differences are normal, not something extra. You may notice:

• Different cultures reflected in books and learning materials
• Educators talking naturally about different traditions and families
• Children learning about different foods, music and celebrations
• Respect for cultural and religious needs in everyday routines
• Families are being asked about what matters to them

If you want to read more about how early learning supports belonging and identity, the Australian Education Research Organisation has helpful information on building a sense of belonging in early childhood.

Ask about languages and how they are supported

For multicultural families, language is often a big part of culture and identity. Even if your child learns English, you may still want them to stay connected to the language that’s spoken in your home.

A simple question to ask is: “How do you support children who speak other languages at home?”

At Edge Early Learning, some centres include language experiences as part of their programs. This varies from centre to centre.

Here’s what that currently looks like at our Edge centres:

• Annerley, QLD: Japanese language lessons through the Early Learning Languages Australia (ELLA) digital language program
• Seacombe Heights, SA: Kaurna language
• West End – Jane St, QLD: Korean (Mondays), Mandarin (Tuesdays), Japanese (Wednesdays), and Auslan sign language (Thursdays)
• West End – Montague Rd, QLD: Spanish (in the Kindy room) and Auslan sign language
• Gawler East, SA: Auslan sign language
• Laidley, QLD: Auslan sign language
• Marsden, QLD: Auslan sign language
• Maryborough, QLD: Auslan sign language
• Mount Barker – Adelaide Rd, SA: Auslan sign language

Ask how families can stay involved

We believe a good centre recognises your culture and wants to learn from you.

You can ask your childcare:

• How do you get to know each family’s background?
• Can we share our traditions or cultural celebrations?
• How is this reflected in daily learning?

It should feel like a partnership where multicultural backgrounds are respected and included. As a family, you know your children best, and that input should be part of everyday practice.

Why belonging and inclusion matter for children

Seeing their culture reflected in their environment allows children to feel more like they belong. It can support:

• Confidence
• A strong sense of identity
• Connection to family and culture
• Respect for others

And it helps every child in the centre. Children learn early that people come from different backgrounds, and that this is normal and positive. Supporting different cultures and building inclusive environments is also highlighted in this guide on supporting cultural diversity in childcare, along with the importance of belonging and identity in early childhood development.

Every family’s priorities are different

Of course, we also recognise that every family is different. What matters to one family may not matter as much to you and your family. While some families really prioritise language, others prefer to focus on cultural traditions, food or religious needs.

The most important thing? The centre feels open, respectful, and willing to meet your needs and collaborate on the best ways to support your child.

Talk to us or book a visit

If you’re looking for childcare and want to know how we support multicultural families, you can contact us here. We’re always happy to answer questions and show you how things work in practice.

You can find your local centre or book a tour today.