FAQ
Do I need to be an employee to get a position at the centre?
No, not at all. Although we are a work-based centre – and therefore the children of employees have priority of place – we are also a community facility.
Do I pay less if I only leave my child at the centre for a few hours?
No, we charge a daily flat rate fee; families are welcome to drop their child off between the hours of 7.30am and 6pm. Children in the orientation process are not charged for the session; billing will take place once room staff and families have agreed for your child to begin full days.
What hours does the kinder session operate?
From 2012 the core kinder hours run from 8.30am -3.30pm Monday to Friday, the programme will continue throughout the whole day, as with all room programmes. It is not a sessional kindergarten, so the children have the benefit of experiencing a rich educational programme from open to close.
Do I need to bring food for my child?
No, we have a ‘no food policy’ at the centre. All meals are provided by our onsite restaurant, The Big Cheese. We offer morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. The only exceptions are for infants on formula or breast milk, which parents may supply in labelled bottles.
My child has special dietary requirements, do I need to bring in his food? If not, how do you cater for his needs?
Upon enrolment at the centre, we ask families to provide us with details regarding special dietary requirements. This information is then recorded and passed on to our restaurant, a meeting with our chef can be organised for families to dicuss their childs individual needs. Meals are prepared separately and served from separate containers.
I would like to continue breastfeeding my baby, can I provide breast milk?
Yes, you are most welcome to supply breast milk in a bottle for your child; alternatively, if you work close by you are welcome to come throughout the day to feed your child.
How long will it take to get a position once I am on the waiting list?
There is no definitive answer to this question, it depends on availability of places and is reliant on children leaving, dropping or changing days.
How can I monitor where my child is on the waiting list?
Parents are welcome to contact the centre by email any time to see where they are on the list, and each year we send out a letter to update your details.
Do you charge a fee to go on the waiting list?
Yes, we charge a $20 administration fee.
Do you charge for public holidays?
No. Likewise, when the centre closes for two weeks over the Christmas break, families are not charged.
Do you charge for days when my child is away?
Yes, we charge fees according to your regular booked days regardless of whether your child attends or not. The only exception is if you have advised us in advance that you will be away on holidays and another child can pick up the days. Extended holidays of four weeks or more consecutive leave entitles you to half-priced fees.
What is your staff-to-child ratio?
3-month to 1 year old group: 2 staff to max 8 children
1 to 2 year old: 4 staff to max 16 children
2 to 3-year-old group: 4 staff to max 16 children
3-year-old group: 2 staff to max 15 children
3-year-old group: 2 staff to max 18 children
4 to 5-year-old group: 2 staff to max 24 children
What qualifications do your staff have?
All staff have, or are studying to acquire, formal qualifications in Early Childhood Education and have extensive experience within the field. All room leaders hold a minimum of Diploma of Children’s Services and all assistants have a Certificate 3 in Children’s Services. Our kinder teacher also has a Bachelor of Education.
Are your staff trained in First Aid?
All staff have training in First Aid and hold current First Aid certificates. Our staff are also trained in Anaphylaxis Management and Asthma Management.
Is your centre accredited?
Yes, the children’s centre is fully accredited and we participate in the Quality Accreditation process of the National Childcare Accreditation Council. Results can be reviewed on www.ncac.gov.au; the centre has achieved the highest federal government accreditation rating on several occasions.
