Recommendations needed for good Brisbane (westside) child care centre

I am considering enrolling my 11 month old into child care later on this year (he will be about 18 months old) for a day or two per week (next baby due in September).

I am really confused and can't decide between any childcare centres. They all seem very similar from an outsiders perspective.

I would really appreciate any comments or recommendations of any great childcare centres close to the westside of Brisbane.

I live in Jindalee but am willing to travel (within reason) if there is a good centre.

Hi Nes, do you have any C&Ks near you? We have just moved DS to a C&K (northside) and are so impressed! We needed a really natural feel for DS as he's quite sensitive. Also, their ratio is 1:3 in the 0 to 2 room!

My DS almost 3 goes to Playmates at Oxley.

A fantastic centre and he loves it. He only goes two days a week but he started when he was about 20months and he has heaps of little friends and really enjoys it.
It is separated into lots of classes so the kids are all in their own age groups. Eg DS is in pre kindy room which is 2 1/2 to 3 1/2yrs so he is mingling with kids at his level.

I really like it and I certainly checked out a few before I settled on this one.

Ok, this is a terrible thing to remember them for, but the one that was closed for swine flu outbreak! Name escapes me, but it was quite good.

My other advice is to get your name down NOW as space is really tight, right through the western suburbs. Once upon a time I was a director in the area, we had a 300+ waiting list, and it barely moved. If it's for an under-2 and you're not working, you're probably looking at a 12+ month wait.

Thank you for all your responses.

I have put him on a couple of waiting lists and am pretty sure he will get into one in particular in Kenmore but just wanted to check whether I should look at some other centres before I settle for the one at Kenmore or another one. As I said in the original post, it is very hard to choose a centre based on a quick visit and couple of questions (to which the replies are usually very similar).

As for the C&K centre, there is one nearby. What are those centres exactly?

Audax - is the centre you are talking about the one near Mt Ommaney shopping centre? Since you were in the industry, do you have any comments on any centres in Kenmore?? (not sure if I can mention names).

Thanks again for all your responses! I need all the help I can get! Keep them coming :-)

Hi there, it is always so hard trying to find a good centre isn't it. Goodluck finding the right one for your little boy.

I have friends who send their children to the centre that is right next to Mt Ommaney Police station and they are extremely happy with the centre so maybe you could look into that one too.

Sorry for the delay- C&K are community based. I would think you would be guaranteed of a certain quality of care at a C&K.. You're right about the answers to the questions, it makes it hard! I would go instead by your feel about the people you meet at the centre - whether you think your child will be happy/feel safe being left in their care. Good luck.

PM me with names - happy to help.