FAQs
Please find a list of the most commonly asked questions below.
What happens once I pay the $50 registration fee? Should I call to check where I am on the wait list?
Once you have paid your $50 registration fee you will receive a confirmation email and/or phone call. This will confirm that you are now on the official wait list. You are always welcome to call us on 03 9598 6060 regarding the position of your child on our waitlist.
Do you offer a funded four year old kindergarten program with a qualified kindergarten teacher?
Yes, we have a 4 year old kindergarten program and employ a full time kindergarten teacher who holds a Bachelor of Education. Our Kindergarten programs are similar to sessional kindergartens and ELCs in private schools. The difference is we offer a program which operates 5 full days per week with no school holidays.
What government funding is available to assist with the cost of child care and how do I access this?
There are two schemes set up by the Government to assist families with the cost of child care. They are Child Care Benefit and the 50% Child Care Rebate. Click on the links below for further information.
http://www.familyassist.gov.au
http://www.mychild.gov.au/childcarerebate
It is up to families to register for Child Care Benefit and the 50% Child Care Rebate with the Family Assistance Office on 136 150. Families will then receive a Customer Reference Number and a Child Reference Number – both of these numbers need to be provided to the centre before any assistance can be applied.
Is there a minimum number of days my child is required to attend?
Yes, we recommend two days as a minimum as we believe your child will gain the most out of our programs and build strong relationships with our educators and the other children in their group.
Are there any vacancies?
We do have limited vacancies at times during the year.
What are your age groups?
We group children based on their ages. We believe that children learn best when they are surrounded by peers of similar ages and stages of development and growth.
Age groups from 6 weeks to 12 months are placed in rooms accommodating 15 children and 4 educators. From 12 months to 36 months, room sizes accommodate 16 children with 4 educators per room.
Our 3 and 4 year old age groups are separate and accommodate a minimum of 16 children to a maximum of 22 children.
What is your centre’s curriculum based on?
Our curriculums are play-based, emergent learning curriculums embracing the Victorian and Early Years Learning Frameworks. Our educators are constantly updating their programs based on the children’s interests.
Can we bring our own food?
No, we supply all food. Breakfast, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea are all prepared by our cook. Due to Food Safety Regulations and our comprehensive Food Safety Program, families are not permitted to bring any food into our centre. This helps to maintain our high standards and ensures our centre remains ‘nut free zones’.
Can we bring a birthday cake to celebrate our child’s birthday?
Yes, provided it is purchased from a shop and is in its original packaging which contains a list of ingredients. All birthday cakes must be nut-free.
What if my child has anaphylaxis, allergies or special dietary requirements?
Our cook caters for all dietary requirements and we take all dietary requirements very seriously.
When can I visit the centre?
Please call the centre to arrange a personal tour. Tours are done most days, in the mornings.
How early should I join the waitlist?
The earlier the better! Please be aware that most of our available places occur in January and few places arise during the year.
What does our daily rate include?
Our daily rate includes everything. Environmentally friendly nappies, bedding, breakfast, morning tea, a cooked seasonal lunch and afternoon tea. All incursions are complimentary.
Is there an initial payment required to secure my child’s place?
Yes, we charge a $200 bond to secure a child’s place. This bond is refunded to families once the final account has been paid.
What are the staff to child ratios?
The ratios of educators to children are regulated by the Victorian Government. We always ensure these ratios are met or exceeded.
0-3 year olds 1:4
3-5 year olds 1:11Why do I have to pay for public holidays?
Families are billed for public holidays (just like schools) as we have every day costs, regardless of whether children are attending or not.
What’s the notice period to change or cease enrolment?
The notice period to reduce, change and/or cancel enrolment is 4 weeks with written notice. Between October and February, the notice period to cancel your child’s enrolment is increased to 8 weeks with written notice.