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 enrolment registration 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 3 about an orientation session. This will be a 1-hour session where you can ask questions.
Before your child starts preschool you can come to pre-entry transition visits. These will be in term 4 and are a chance for you and your child to meet our staff and other children.
Fees
We ask you to contribute towards the cost of your child attending preschool. This helps support the program to purchase resources and equipment.
Your parent contribution is $245 per year. You can choose to pay the total amount at the beginning of the year or pay by instalments of $60 each term or $6 per week, plus $5 for a Preschool hat.
When to pay
We will post your invoice at the beginning of each term.
Payments are due by the date on the invoice.
Please contact us if you are having difficulty paying.
How to pay
Payments can be made at the front desk or by direct deposit.
Account name: Ngura Yadurirn Children and Family Centre
BSB: 015555
Account number: 634029374
Please put your child’s full name as the reference.
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 12 noon |
What to bring
Your child needs to bring these items each day:
- bag
- fruit to share
- healthy lunch – refer to our food supply and nutrition policy (PDF 275KB)
- change of clothes
- drink bottle containing water
- flat shoes (no heels or thongs)
- nappies if needed.
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.
Your child may be able to use the school bus service if you live more than 5km from our centre. You will need to make arrangements and get approval with the Ceduna Area School and please let us know, so a staff member can meet your child at the bus. Read our bus travel procedure (PDF 57KB).
Please note that your child cannot use this service on Fridays because the preschool session finishes at 12 noon.
Please read our drop-off and pick-up procedure (PDF 245KB).
Occasional care
Occasional care is for children under school age who aren’t in any other early childhood education and care programs, such as preschool, childcare or family day care. It promotes young children’s development by giving them access to high-quality early childhood education.
It may help parents to take part in a range of activities including non-work and casual work commitments.
Priority of access
The education department has a priority of access policy to decide who can get into occasional care. This might mean that some families get more sessions than others.
Talk to us about enrolling in occasional care.
Cost
This program costs $5 per session and $2.50 for siblings.
If you have an Australian Government Pensioner Concession or Health Care Card, the cost is $1.50 per session and 75 cents for siblings.
Occasional care session times
Children generally can go to 1 session a week.
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.45am to 11.45am | - | 8.45am to 11.45am | - | - |
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | 12.15pm to 3.00pm | - | - |
What to bring
Your child needs to bring these items each day:
- bag
- healthy snack
- change of clothes
- drink bottle containing water
- flat shoes (no heels or thongs)
- nappies if needed.
Please write your child’s name on all their belongings.
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.
Families with children age 5 years and under are welcome to join us to sing, play, learn together and listen to stories.
We offer 3 types of playgroups:
- Minya Gidya-Muga playgroup for families with Aboriginal children hosted by Ceduna Aboriginal Corporation (CAC) on Thursdays from 9.30am to 11.30am.
- Jump and Jive playgroup for ages 2 to 4 years on Thursdays from 2pm to 3pm.
- Creepers and Crawlers playgroup for pre-walkers on Fridays from 10.30am to 11.30am (Crèche is available for big brothers and sisters, bookings are essential, contact us on 8625 2294 to book your place).
Cost
This service is free.
What to bring
Children need to bring these things:
- SunSmart hat
- drink bottle containing water
- sunscreen
- clothes for messy outdoor nature play.
Additional information
See our what's on offer page for more details.
Learning together
Being involved in your child’s learning makes a positive difference. Read about this program and how it can help your family.
Our learning together playgroup provides an interactive fun opportunity for children and parents to sing, play and learn together. Families with children from birth to 5 years are welcome to join us.
Times
Tuesday from 9.30am to 11.00am (during school term only).
Cost
This service is free.
Additional information
We provide a light snack.