Find answers to commonly asked questions
What days will be offered to my child?
ANSWER
We accept waitlist applications at our Academy for children aged 2 to 5 years. Our enrolment options are as follows:
2-day enrolment options are Mondays & Tuesdays OR Thursdays & Fridays
3-day enrolment options are Monday to Wednesday OR Wednesday to Friday
4-day enrolment options are Monday to Thursday OR Tuesday to Friday.
5-day enrolment option is Monday to Friday.
Please specify your selection on your child's waitlist application.
How do I go about the enrolment?
ANSWER
You can complete our waitlist form online. Please ensure that you choose the days you require for your child and we will be in touch with you as soon as possible to move forward with your waitlist application. In the meantime, please feel free to call us between 8:00am-5:30PM on 02 9661 7896 so we can answer any questions.
What happens after I complete the waitlist form online?
ANSWER
After you have submitted your child's waitlist form, we will contact you as soon as possible to discuss how we can accommodate you and your child’s needs.
Are the staff qualified?
ANSWER
To ensure the highest standards of care, we pay the utmost attention to employing qualified and experienced staff who share our philosophy and ideas of working together to create a warm, loving and secure environment for children to learn and grow.
What is the minimum number of days my child can attend?
ANSWER
In order for your child to adjust to their new surroundings, we recommend a minimum of two days booking for each child. This allows your little one to receive the maximum benefit of a childcare setting.
Will my child fall behind if they don't attend an early learning centre?
ANSWER
Whilst young children can learn skills anywhere, through their everyday activities, we believe that the best learning takes place in nurturing, stimulating environments. Our carefully constructed curriculum and purpose-built environment ensure children are engaged and constantly learning through play-based activities and observation. Click here to read more about our facilities and beliefs.
Is there an orientation and what's involved?
ANSWER
Once your enrolment is finalised an orientation is needed to begin the transition into our Academy. Both you and your child's will be invited to attend a one hour long session with an educator in your child's room where you share with us your child's interests and needs. The orientation is also an opportunity for our team to talk to you further about our day to day runnings, program and answer any other questions you may have.
What happens on my child's first day?
ANSWER
On arrival, an educator will show you and your child to their group and will assist you with placing your child’s belongings in their assigned locker.
Our friendly staff will show you how to sign-in using our secure electronic kiosk system located in the entrance foyer. Families are required to sign their child in upon arrival and sign out at the end of each day, when departing. You are welcome to stay with your child as long as you wish and then are encouraged to bid them goodbye and ensure you let them know of when you will be back to collect them. Please feel free to phone at any stage throughout the day to see how your child is getting along.
Can I visit my child whenever I like?
ANSWER
We welcome our families to visit the centre at any time throughout the day. Your contribution to our program is highly valued.
Do the children receive meals?
ANSWER
All meals are prepared daily by our chef using fresh ingredients. These meals are nutritious and delicious and include all the vitamins and nutrients needed for an active, fun-filled day. We provide morning and afternoon tea as well as a home-cooked hot lunch.
All meals are prepared to the highest standards of hygiene. Menus are displayed weekly on the notice board in the foyer. Parents’ input is appreciated. We cater for religious, cultural and special dietary requirements. Our staff ensure that mealtimes are enjoyable and an opportunity for positive interaction.
What should I pack in my child's bag?
ANSWER
Once your child is offered a place at A Place to Grow Early Learning Academy, you’ll be given a list detailing exactly what you need to pack, depending on your child’s age.
We suggest you consider packing the following essentials:
o A sun smart hat which covers your child’s face, neck and ears
o A couple change of clothes as some of our play-based learning activities are hands on and may involve a little mess
o A familiar comforter such as a soft toy or blanket or pacifier (if used)
o A blanket or sheet for when your child needs to nap
o Sufficient nappies (if required)
o A water bottle with a lid
Please do not pack any of your child’s medications in their bag. We ask that medications are given directly to A Place To Grow staff members with detailed instructions.
*Please do not allow your child to bring any toys to the Academy other than their comfort item. The Academy is equipped with educational toys, supplies and equipment for children to play with when they are at the centre.
Can you tell me more about the sunscreen that will be applied to my child?
ANSWER
We pride ourselves in being a low-tox centre and service. We use Young Living's Mineral Sunscreen as it is the most effective and cleanest mineral base sunscreen currently available. This product is applied at various times of the day to your child. This sunscreen is toxic-free. Should you accept a spot at A Place To Grow Academy, a sunscreen fee will be charged to your account in order for us to purchase an individual tube in advance for your child. This mineral sunscreen by Young Living is also great if your child has sensitive skin.
What will happen if my child becomes unwell whilst in your care?
ANSWER
If your child becomes unwell, we will contact you immediately and you may be required to pick up your child. We are committed to providing and maintaining a healthy environment so please do not send your child to the Centre if they are unwell.
What should I do if my child is unwell on a day they are due to attend daycare?
ANSWER
We request that you notify us that morning and keep your child home if they are ill. This helps reduce the risk to other children and staff.
What activities are provided for my child?
ANSWER
We believe children learn through exploration and stimulating experiences and our play based programs offer a wide range of carefully planned activities based on each individual child’s needs and interests.
What is the Early Years Learning Framework?
ANSWER
The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) is part of the Australian Government’s National Quality Framework for early childhood education and care. It lays out the principles, practices and outcomes that are deemed essential to a young child’s learning from birth to five years of age, as well as their transition to school.
The framework emphasises the importance of play-based learning, and recognises the importance of communication and language (including early literacy and numeracy) and social and emotional development.
The framework also describes five learning outcomes:
Children have a strong sense of identity.
Children are connected with and contribute to their world.
Children have a strong sense of wellbeing.
Children are confident and involved learners.
Children are effective communicators.
What is the National Quality Framework?
ANSWER
The National Quality Framework (NQF) is an initiative by the Australian Government designed to bring consistency to the level of quality of early learning and care across Australia in the critical areas of education, health and safety. Introduced in January 2012, the NQF also provides clear and comprehensive information for families so they can choose the services best suited to their child.
The main reforms implemented through the NQF are:
Curriculum guided by approved learning frameworks such as the EYLF, outlined above
Improved staff-to-child ratios
New staff qualification requirements
New quality rating system
New national governing body (ACECQA)
The NQF also introduced seven quality standards, which a centre is rated upon. These are:
The centre’s educational program and practice
Children’s health and safety
The physical environment
Staffing arrangements
Relationships with children
Collaborative partnerships with families and communities
Leadership and service management
Why are the first five years of my child's life so important for learing?
ANSWER
Recent research has shed light on the impact the first five years of a child’s development can have on the rest of their lives. We now know, for example, that 90 per cent of a child’s brain is developed by age three, and that children who get a good start stay ahead and keep accelerating beyond the abilities of their peers.
As children get older, it also becomes harder to close the gaps between those who are excelling and those who are lagging behind. It’s therefore imperative to make the right choices for your child during these early years, in so doing, giving them the best possible opportunities for their future.
How do I apply for childcare benefit?
ANSWER
Contact the Family Assistant Office on 13 61 50 or visit www.familyassist.gov.au. They will assist you in receiving any Child Care Benefit you may be entitled to and will provide you with a Customer Reference Number (CRN) for you and your child. Upon enrolment, you will be asked to add these numbers to the enrolment form.
What are your hours of operation?
ANSWER
We are open throughout the calendar year, Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5.30pm, and are closed only during Public Holidays and for three weeks over the Christmas and New Year period.