You’ve probably come across more than one ad for a childcare recruitment agency Sydney while trying to fill a position at your centre. While you know that a strong résumé doesn’t always translate to confidence in the room or connection with the kids, but when under pressure to cover a shift, it’s easy to overlook the signs that a placement won’t hold up long term. Professional agencies are experienced in sourcing the safest and most skilled educators, but before you commit to a recruitment partner, here’s what to check.
Look for industry-specific experience
Early childhood educator isn’t just any job. You’re looking for professionals who need to understand regulations, learning frameworks, ratios, and emotional development – all while handling everything from toileting to parent handovers.
A specialised childcare recruitment agency Sydney will save you hours of clarification and avoid candidates who aren’t genuinely qualified for the role. Agencies focusing on early learning also tend to have pre-vetted educators familiar with the day-to-day demands, not just the job title.
Do they understand your program?
Some centres follow play-based learning. Others might incorporate Montessori, Reggio Emilia or culturally specific frameworks. These differences shape everything from your setup to how educators guide behaviour.
When you talk to an agency, ask how they assess fit beyond qualifications. Do they consider teaching style? Do they ask about your philosophy or classroom structure? For example, if your centre uses loose parts and open-ended materials, a candidate used to a more structured format might struggle – even if their résumé looks ideal.
Check how they handle casuals
Casual staff aren’t just gap fillers. They cover sick leave, maintain ratio, and step into the routine mid-morning without disrupting it.
Ask how the agency trains or briefs its casual educators. Do they know how to step into group time? Can they manage mealtimes or follow individual routines for infants? A reputable childcare recruitment agency Sydney will give you casuals who can support the flow, not just stand in.
How do they respond to feedback?
Things don’t always click, and that’s normal. But what happens next matters.
If you let the agency know someone didn’t follow sleep room protocol or seemed disengaged, do they listen? Do they adjust who they send you next time? Some centres quietly stop using agencies after a few mismatches, but it’s often a communication issue, not a supply one.
A good agency will check in, ask what went wrong, and actually remember it. That responsiveness is a solid sign they care about placements, not just bookings.
What’s the process for permanent roles?
Recruiting permanent staff can feel like its own full-time job. And if you’re already short-staffed, you may not have the luxury of weeks-long searches.
Some agencies handle the entire process, from advertising and screening to interviews and onboarding. Others hand you a shortlist and step back. Decide what level of support you want and ask how they tailor their process to your centre.
If a childcare recruitment agency Sydney says they’ve placed for similar services in your area or with a comparable size, it’s worth asking how those hires have settled. Real-world outcomes tell you more than a generic pitch.
Do they support your values?
This isn’t always on the checklist, but it makes a difference.
If you prioritise cultural safety, language learning, or inclusive practices, your recruitment agency should understand why that matters. For instance, if you serve a diverse community or have Aboriginal children in your care, the educator placed may need more than basic awareness. They need sensitivity and alignment.
A genuine conversation about this upfront helps avoid awkward placements later.
Getting support that fits your centre
When you’re short on staff, going with whoever can fill the spot fastest is tempting. However, the wrong fit often creates more work.
Instead, look for a childcare recruitment agency Sydney that actually understands your facility, checks in about feedback, and provides staff who know what a good day looks like in your centre.
If you need help finding educators who match your program and your team, find an agency that works closely with early learning services and knows what makes a placement stick.
