Many parents struggle to decide the best age to start childcare. After all, starting childcare is a toughYou want what’s best for your child and to support their development, but how do you know when the time is right? And how can you tell if your child is ready? For many families, starting childcare is a big milestone that comes with a mix of excitement and nerves.
What is The Best Age to Start Childcare?
The best age to start childcare depends entirely on your child, education preferences and practical needs, such as returning to work. Children can start at some providers as early as six weeks old. Some families, however, may prefer to start a little later. The most important thing is choosing what works best for your family.
In this guide, we explore some things to consider to help you decide when to start childcare, as well as what the experts say, so you can feel confident in your choice.
We know it’s a big step, so we’re here to reassure and support you. Montessori education programs are child-led, which means your child can be curious, make choices, and learn how they wish to in a home-like environment.
Whichever type of childcare program you choose, the most important thing is that your child feels safe, supported, and ready to explore. Let’s break it down step-by-step:
Understanding What’s Happening at Each Age: Childcare Age Groups
A good place to begin when deciding the best age to start childcare is to understand what your child is learning in childcare in each age group. Children’s development in childcare varies greatly from infancy through to the preschool years, with each stage building on the last:
Infants (6 weeks- 2 years)
At this early stage, infants in childcare are learning about the world around them. They need nurturing one-on-one care to feel secure, form attachments, and begin making sense of their environment. In a Montessori childcare setting, this involves gentle routines, responsive interactions and sensory-rich experiences designed to support their emotional and cognitive development.
Toddlers (2-3 years)
Toddler development in childcare is all about their sense of independence. Toddlers are often keen to do things themselves, including choosing their own activities. At this age group, language skills grow along with collaborative play. Montessori toddler environments are thoughtfully prepared to encourage this independence through hands-on exploration and learning discovery, which builds confidence, problem-solving skills, and a sense of belonging.
Preschoolers (3-6 years)
Preschoolers in childcare are ready for more structured learning. They are curious and keen to know more about the world and how things work. Montessori preschool classrooms give children the freedom to explore with a learning purpose, using materials that support creativity and school readiness.
Here’s a quick snapshot of typical child development, so you can learn more about your child’s growth. It is only a general guide. Every child develops at their own pace, so don’t worry if your child isn’t quite doing these things yet:
| Age | Typical Development |
| 0-3 months | Starts responding to voices and faces, smiles, begins to lift head when on tummy |
| 3-6 months | Learning emotions, grabbing things, working out who other people are |
| 6-12 months | Playing, crawling, and learning to stand, babbling and sometimes first words and steps |
| 12-18 months | Walking, holding crayons and scribbling, learning new words – may start to follow instructions and show empathy |
| 18-24 months | New emotions, learns new independent skills, pretend play, and can follow instructions |
| 2-3 years | Strong feelings (tantrums), short sentences, taking turns and growing more independent |
| 3-4 years (preschool) | Imaginative play, making friends and sharing with others, asking questions, building literacy and numeracy skills – opposites, names of letters and numbers, counting to 10 |
Is There a Minimum Age for Childcare in Australia?
While there is no legal requirement to attend childcare in Australia, children that enrol in an educational childcare can benefit from a headstart in school readiness foundations and can attend from as early as six weeks. So, you can choose when it works best for you and your child. At Montessori Academy, we welcome children from six weeks up to six years old, with programs designed to care for and support little ones as they begin to discover the world.
Factors to Consider for the Best Age to Start Childcare: How to Tell if Your Child is Ready
Is there any way to know if now is the right time to start childcare? Here are a few factors to consider:
- Comfort with new people – does your child warm up quickly to new faces, enjoy meeting others and show interest in social play?
- Ease in new environments – are they curious and confident in new places?
- Enjoying activity – do they enjoy active, engaging environments with lots of things to do?
- Activity style – do they love to be involved and try everything, or prefer to watch and observe first?
Watching how your child responds to new people and places is just one factor that can help guide your decision about the best age to start childcare, along with other considerations such as your child’s development needs and your family’s routine and childcare requirements. Remember, it’s not about your child’s age but their personality, temperament, confidence, and comfort.
Are There Any Risks to Starting Childcare Early?
Many families start childcare early because they need to – and it’s perfectly fine to do so! It’s why many childcare centres, including Montessori Academy, welcome very young babies with open arms.
We know it can feel hard at first, especially leaving your baby with new people, but with kind, caring educators and a consistent routine, we find that most babies quickly settle in – and often surprise you with how quickly they adjust to and love being in their new environment.
One thing to bear in mind when deciding the best age to start childcare is that children who start earlier in any high-quality early education program, including Montessori Academy, have more time to develop advanced skills across different areas, which can help them progress more confidently in preschool, school, and life later on.
Even if you’re unsure when to begin childcare, it’s a good idea to ask if your preferred provider has a waiting list. If you wish to attend a Montessori Academy near you, we recommend putting your child’s name on our waiting list as soon as possible. It’s a good idea to waitlist before age two, as while the Infant 0-2 program has regular annual intake, toddler and preschool classrooms typically prioritise existing families as they progress into the older age groups.
A great part of joining a childcare waiting list, is that is commitment-free and can be easily updated should your preferences or circumstances change.
What if We Start Childcare Too Late?
If your preferred age for your child to start childcare is later than others, that’s perfectly normal, too. Many children are not ready for childcare until they’re closer to preschool age. If that happens, there’s no need to feel anxious or worried that they are behind – they still have plenty of time to learn new things and make friends.
However, the earlier your child starts, the sooner they can develop independence, confidence and social skills, and gain the full benefits of early education. So, if now feels right, it’s a great time to start.
At Montessori Academy, your child can be enrolled up to the age of six. The key benefits to starting your child in a Montessori school is a welcoming environment, loving educators, and plenty of exciting opportunities to explore, learn and discover. With the proper positive support, your child will quickly adapt, feel confident, and soon find a love of learning.
Benefits of Starting Early Childcare
According to an Australian Government evidence report, early childhood education helps children develop vocabulary, communication, math, problem-solving, and social skills – all essential for later success.
Early learning also gives your child a head start in other ways, too, such as:
- Making friends, learning to play together, and getting along – supporting empathy and cooperation
- Building confidence, independence, and learning to self-regulate, such as waiting their turn
- Learning new routines outside the home – helping your child’s cognitive and emotional development
- Creativity and problem-solving – achieved through exploration and learning
- Getting ready for school – helping them feel motivated to learn and feel a sense of belonging.
Starting Childcare & Choosing a Provider
Knowing how your child will learn, in what environment, and who with, can help you decide when the best time is to start childcare.
Here’s a quick look at some of the many ways Montessori Academy supports children and their families:
- Every child tries and learns new skills at their own pace, based on their interests
- Montessori Programs cover every stage, from babies and toddlers to preschool and school readiness, matching your child’s development
- Children build real-life skills, including language, maths, and culture, in ways they understand
- Classrooms and materials encourage independence and self-directed learning, letting children take the lead.
Of course, one of the best ways to know if it’s a good time for childcare is to see it for yourself. Arrange a tour of your local provider – whether it’s Montessori Academy or another high-quality centre – to get an idea of how your child might respond to the environment or settle in.
Visit the classrooms, meet the educators, and see how children are learning first-hand. And don’t be afraid to ask questions, such as:
- How do you support children with different personalities?
- What does a typical day look like for my child’s age group?
- What is the educator-to-child ratio, and how many children are in each group?
- How do educators track and support my child’s learning and development?
Find a Montessori Academy centre near you and book a no-obligation tour. Our teams are always happy to show you around and provide any help and guidance about the best age to start childcare for your child. We recommend bringing your child with you on the tour – there’s no better way to see if they’d be happy than to let them explore.
Enrolled students at Montessori Academy also have an Orientation Day, an introductory session to get to know you and your child. They can also meet their educators and new friends.
How to Prepare for the First Day of Childcare
The first day of childcare can be an anxious time – but being positive about this new adventure makes a big difference. It’s the start of an exciting chapter, and if you have researched your centre, its programs, and been to Orientation, you already know your child and their learning is in the best hands.
A few starting childcare tips that we find help make the first day easier include:
- Excitedly talk about the things they will experience, play with, and learn
- Let your child choose, organise, and label the belongings they will take with them to childcare – it’s exciting for them to be involved
- Talk about their new routine and what to expect
- Let them know you understand how they might feel – and that it’s ok! Their new educators are here to help them settle in
- Read stories about starting school – so they know it’s something everyone does.
At Montessori Academy, we work closely with families to make that first day easier. Research shows that when parents and educators collaborate, it helps children settle in and feel secure.
By sharing what you know about your child – how they like to learn, eat, and explore – our educators can best support them. You’re also welcome to call your child’s centre anytime to check in, and we can arrange additional settling-in support if needed. We are always here to help.
FAQs About Starting Childcare
Is it better for a 2-year-old to go to daycare or stay at home?
Deciding if a 2-year-old should go to daycare or stay at home depends on your child and family needs. If your child needs to go to daycare at age two, they will learn valuable social skills, independence, and enjoy intentional learning activities. While staying at home may suit families and children who prefer a slower transition. The right choice balances your child’s readiness, your aspirations for their school readiness journey, along with your personal circumstances.
What age is best for baby childcare?
The best age for baby childcare often depends on practical needs such as returning to work and whether support is available at home. Baby childcare can start from around six weeks in many high-quality centres. Babies benefit from warm, responsive care, structured routines, and safe opportunities to explore.
Is it ok to put a toddler in childcare?
Putting a toddler in childcare may be a good choice if they are happy in a group setting and being with other children and adults. In high-quality childcare centres, toddlers learn important social skills, improve their language, and enjoy thoughtfully planned learning and making new friends. Educators are also on hand to help with routines and guide activities.
Is it better to start daycare at 2 or 3?
Starting childcare at age 2 or 3 both has benefits. Two-year-olds are given the chance to socialise and develop routines, while three-year-olds may adapt more quickly to structured activities and interacting with their friends and educators. The decision depends on your child’s temperament, readiness, and family needs.
How do I know if my child is ready for childcare?
To know if your child is ready for childcare, watch how curious they are, how comfortable they are being away from you, and how they interact with others. Signs include wanting to explore new places, playing with other children and new adults, and settling into a new environment easily.
How does Montessori support children starting childcare?
Montessori programs help children starting childcare at any age by letting them learn through hands-on exploration and independent play, following a structured yet adaptable curriculum at their own pace. This self-directed approach supports practical skills, social development, and confidence, helping children feel secure in preschool and beyond.
Next Steps for Starting Childcare
Browse our Montessori Academy Resources for helpful information about starting childcare, including transition tips and FAQs. If you have any questions about Montessori or are thinking about enrolling your child, chat with our Family Care Team on 1300 000 162 or message us online.