Our Program

Our centres are open from 7.30 am to 6 pm. Our day plays out like this.

11am – 12.15am

A cooked lunch is served. Children and staff sit together at tables to eat, interact, and develop good social eating habits with one another.

12.15am – 3pm

Younger children and babies sleep and older children are encouraged to rest or enjoy ‘Quiet Time’ reading or participating in quiet play.

3pm

Children participate in outdoor play (weather permitting), and then resume scheduled programmed interactive activities in their rooms.

3.30pm

Afternoon tea is served, indoors or out, with an informal approach so children can continue to play uninterrupted if they choose to.

5pm

The integrated afternoon program begins after 5pm, where children again assemble in one room and participate in activities for mixed ages.

5.30pm

A light supper (not dinner) is provided for children who require it.

6pm

Centre closes. (Please see costs page for details on Late Pick-Up Fees).

Leaving your child with us for the first time?

Don’t worry if you feel mixed emotions. The decision to place your child in someone else’s care is a big one, and the first day in a new environment is always a bit daunting for a child and his or her parents. But a bit of forward planning will make it easier for everyone.

On acceptance of a position at one of our centres, parents are encouraged to talk to staff about our individual child orientation process to meet the needs of your child. This is always an emotional and sometimes hard time for parents and children, but the rewards for putting in time to the orientation process are great, as your child will soon develop the confidence to separate from you easily and engage in the centre with excitement and a positive, relaxed attitude. Our centre staff will do everything possible to make you and your child’s early experience as warm and happy as possible.

What can you do at home to prepare your child?

Before your child begins at our centre, and during the orientation process, talk about our centre, the staff and the activities your child will be taking part in so that they become familiar with names and what happens throughout the day. Borrow some books on first days from the library and read them with your child, and spend as many hours as you can with your child in the centre so that they associate you with the centre and see you acting positively in this environment. They will follow your emotional lead, so be confident and calm and get to know the staff so that once you do leave your child, you can ring and speak to them throughout the day about how your child is going.

We always advise parents to say goodbye to their children before leaving to make it clear that you are going, rather than slipping out which can cause great distress and unnecessary separation anxiety for children. The staff will do all they can, with you, to make your child’s transition into the centre as smooth as possible.

What should you put in your child’s bag for the day?

• For babies, bottles of pre-made formula or expressed breast-milk
• A dummy or sheepskin (if required)
• A complete set of labelled and seasonally appropriate clothing in case of accidents
• A hat (broad-brimmed for summer and warm, woollies for winter
• Several pairs of underpants (during toilet training)
• A familiar toy or comforter (if required) or something small that is special to them in their bag as an aid to them settling in those first few days

N B: Do not put food in your child’s bag. The centre provides all meals.