FAQs

You can complete a waitlist form online 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 on 02 96617896 to answer any further questions or queries you may have or to learn more about our service

After you have submitted your waitlist form, we will contact you as soon as possible to discuss how we can accommodate you and your child’s needs.

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.

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.

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.

Once your enrolment is finalised an orientation is needed to begin the transition into our Academy. Families attend a one hour session with a team member where they have the opportunity to share with us the interests, needs, and abilities of their child. The orientation is also an opportunity for our team to talk to you further about our program and answer any other questions you may have.

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.

We welcome our families to visit the centre at any time throughout the day. Your contribution to our program is highly valued.

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.

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.

We provide sunscreen as we are committed to being a SunSmart organisation. However, if your child has sensitive skin, please feel free to pack your own preferred brand.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

We are open throughout the calendar year, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5.30pm, and are closed only during Public Holidays and for three weeks over the Christmas and New Year period.