We offer a number of programs and services to support your child’s early years learning.
Preschool
We invite you to join the governing council, which meets twice a term to make sure the centre runs smoothly. Read through what a governing council does and speak to us to register your interest.
When your child can start preschool
Your child is entitled to access 4 terms (1 year) of government preschool in the year before they start school.
We are introducing a mid-year intake into preschool. This means from 2023 children who turn 4:
- before 1 May are eligible to start preschool at the beginning of the year.
- on 1 May to 31 October can start preschool through the mid-year intake at the beginning of term 3 of that year.
Regardless of whether your child starts at the beginning of the year, or through a mid-year intake they will undertake 4 terms of preschool.
If your child turns 4 after 31 October they can start preschool at the beginning of the following year.
If you are uncertain about the best time for your child to start preschool or feel your child may benefit from starting preschool later, please talk to us about your options.
If your child is Aboriginal or under guardianship (in care) they are eligible for 12 hours of preschool after they turn 3. They will then be eligible for 15 hours per week of preschool in the year before they start school.
Early entry
If you have a child with disability or additional needs, they might be able to start preschool earlier if there are places available. Talk to us if this applies to you. Being given early entry to preschool does not guarantee early entry to school.
Enrolling your child
You can register your interest to enrol your child with us by using the preschool registration of interest form. This form is also available from us.
Try to register your interest by 30 June, but you can do this any time during the year.
Priority will be given to children living in our catchment area. If you don’t live in our catchment area you should indicate at least 2 other preschool options on your form.
If we can give your child a place with us we’ll send you an offer letter in term 3. You can accept the offer by filling in and sending back the acceptance slip by the due date.
Before your child starts
We will contact you in term 4 about an orientation session. This will be a 1-hour session where you can ask questions.
Before your child starts preschool you may be able to come to pre-entry transition visits. These will be in term 4 and are a chance for your child to meet our staff and other children. Please speak to us for more information.
Fees
We ask you to contribute towards the cost of your child attending preschool.
The parent contribution is $135 per term. You can choose to pay the total amount at the beginning of the year or pay instalments each term.
When to pay
We will invoice you by email and your child's communication pocket.
Payment due dates are on invoices.
Please contact us if you are having difficulty paying.
How to pay
Cash, cheque or EFTPOS
You can pay cash, cheque or EFTPOS at the centre. If paying by cash or cheque, please put the payment in a sealed envelope with your child’s full name on the front. Put the envelope in the payments box at the front counter.
You can also pay by direct deposit. Our bank details are on all our invoices.
Preschool session times
Your child can attend preschool for up to 15 hours per week.
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9.00am to 3.00pm | 9.00am to 3.00pm | 9.00am to 3.00pm | 9.00am to 3.00pm | 9.00am to 3.00pm |
What to bring
Your child needs to bring these items each day:
- bag
- broad-brimmed, legionnaire or sun-safe hat (without chin straps)
- coat for winter
- change of clothes
- drink bottle containing water
- healthy snack (fruit or cheese)
- packed lunch if staying for a full day (unless your child has centre-made meals).
Please write your child’s name on all their belongings.
What not to bring
Children should not bring these things:
- food containing nuts (some children have nut allergies that can be dangerous)
- unhealthy food or drink (lollies, chocolate, chips, fizzy drinks)
- toys from home.
Additional information
Please read our drop-off and pick-up procedure (PDF 74KB).
Long day care
Long day care is full or part-day childcare for babies, toddlers and children under the age of 6. It provides play-based educational care from qualified teachers or children’s services professionals using the National Quality Framework.
Your child may attend full-time, part-time or occasionally.
Times
- full day: 7.00am to 6.00pm
- mornings: 7.00am to 12.30pm
- afternoons: 12.30am to 6.00pm
- short days: 9.00am to 3.00pm (Mondays and Fridays only)
We also offer the following sessions if your child attends kindy:
- before kindy: 7.00am to 9.00am
- after kindy: 3.00pm to 6.00pm
Cost
Please speak to us about pricing.
Enrolling
You will need to sign our written agreement and pay a bond of $300 (per family) when enrolling your child into child care.
This bond is refunded when care is no longer needed.
What to bring
Children need to bring these items:
- bag
- broad-brimmed, legionnaire or sun-safe hat (without chin straps)
- coat for winter
- change of clothes
- drink bottle
- bottles for milk
- healthy snack (fruit or cheese)
- formula
- disposable or cloth nappies (if cloth, please bring plastic pants and fasteners)
- packed lunch if staying for a full day (unless your child has centre-made meals).
Please write your child’s name on all their belongings.
Additional information
We close on public holidays.
We may be able to care for babies under 4 months, speak to us for more information.
Playgroup
Playgroup is an interactive, fun opportunity for children and parents to play and learn together. Playgroups are usually supported by an early childhood professional who will give support, information and advice about children’s health, learning and development.
In our relaxed playgroup, children aged from birth to school age can learn, make friends and share experiences at their own pace.
Times
Fridays during term, 9.30am to 11.30am.
Cost
Gold coin donation.
What to bring
Children need to bring these things:
- drink bottle containing water
- piece of fruit to share
- hats for children and adults
- wet weather clothes during cooler months
- closed footwear.
Learning together @ home
Being involved in your child’s learning makes a positive difference. Read about this program and how it can help your family.
We offer a home-visit program that helps you develop skills to support your child's learning.
Times
Our field workers will arrange suitable times to visit your home.
Cost
This program is free.
Additional information
Contact the Lower Mid North (Clare) program on 8632 2633 or Kaye on 0408 290 807 for more information.