Resources
Answering your questions
If this is your first time using childcare, don’t fear, we are here to help!
As a first time childcare user, it is normal to feel a little daunted about the process, the regulations, the red tape, and thats before leaving your child in someone else’s care. We want to assure you that we are here to help make the transition as smooth as possible for both you and your child. Our friendly and experienced staff are always available to answer any questions you may have and offer support along the way. So, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you need any assistance or guidance – we are here to help!
Freequently asked questions
Is there a waiting list?
In general, there is a short waitlist at the centre if you require specific days, some of these may already be filled. If you are not particular about the days you are after then generally you can start straight away, no waiting list.
How do I pay childcare fees?
Fees are required 1 week in advance and payment made via Direct Debit transfer which will be set up upon enrolment. You will receive weekly statements emailed to you showing your total fee; any government entitlements you may have and your out of pocket expense. You can read more about your fees HERE.
Do I pay if my child doesn’t attend?
Yes. If you have a permanent booking at the centre fees are payable on days off; holidays; sick days and public holidays, some discounts may apply for holiday days booked off in advance.
Can my child still come to the centre if they are sick?
The centre is not able to care for unwell children as it has to protect all children and educators attending the centre. If your child has an infectious disease they will be excluded from the centre in accordance with the Staying Healthy in Childcare and the National health guidelines.
How do I get my child ready for starting school?
Our curriculum from birth is developmentally appropriate in assisting children develop their milestones in readiness for the big world. In the kindy room we run a specific transition to school program which is multilayered in assisting children, families, educators and the community make this transition.
What age can my child start attending childcare?
Children can attend childcare from 6 weeks to when they start school. At Acacia Hill we provide vacation care for children until they turn 6 years old or the end of Pre-Primary.
Do the children receive cooked meals?
We provide the children with morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and a late snack. All the meals are prepared and cooked on the premise by our centre cook. The menus have been developed with a nutritionist and change on a seasonal rotation.
Do I need to pay for sick days and public holidays?
Yes. Full fees do apply for sick and public holidays. At Acacia Hill if vacancies are available on alternate days in that same week, a swap may be able to apply. This would need to be discussed with the centre coordinator.
How do I find out what my child has being doing at childcare?
There are many ways you can find this out and centres have different practices. At Acacia Hill, we are more than happy to chat to you about your child’s day when you pick them up. We use a web based portfolio program called Xplor Playground which provides families with regular updates of their child’s growth and development, as well as live updates of meals (including quantity) nappy changes/toileting and sleep times.
Can we still come if we are running late?
Yes. We ask if you are going to be later than 10.00am, you give us a courtesy call to let us know, so meals can still be made and provided for your child.
Is the kindy programe like school?
Yes. Both our kindy and school based kindy use the same framework for the planning and implementation of the curriculum (Early Years Learning Framework). Other factors to consider when choosing between kindy at childcare or school based kindy include: hours and days of care provided, meals provided, routines, number of weeks per year and accreditation.
What will my child do all day?
The day is made up of mat sessions, purposeful play, meal times, rest time, indoor/outdoor sessions and family grouping. At all these times the children will be encouraged to participate but never forced.
Is the centre accredited?
Yes the centre is regularly assessed by the Education and Care Regulatory Unit, Department of Local Government and Communities of WA. You can find out more about all things licensing and regulation here…
How do I speak to the coordinator or educators in the room?
We have a number of ways you can communicate with the coordinator and educators at the centre. We use face to face communication at drop off and pick-ups; phone, email, Xplor Playground (online child portfolio), Facebook, and if you would like to book a time to have a meeting with us, we are more than happy to arrange this.
What does my child need to bring to childcare?
Depending on the age of your child changes what you are required to bring. At Acacia Hill we require the following from our families
Nappies, milk and bottles, sun hat, water bottle and a daily piece of fruit for sharing.
How many staff work with my child?
In Western Australia our regulations state the following ratios
Birth – 2years old 1:4
2-3 years old 1:5
3-5 years old 1:10
What qualifications do the educators have?
All educators on the floor working with the children have completed either -
Bach degree in early childhood studies or
Diploma in children’s services or
Cert 111 in children’s services
Our centre coordinators have a minimum qualification of a Diploma in children’s services.
All Acacia Hill educators must have as a minimum -
WWCC, WA police clearance, first aid including asthma and anaphylaxis, child protection, sun protection, food safe, sleep + rest training.
Childcare Subsidy
The childcare subsidy in Australia is a financial assistance program designed to help families with the cost of childcare. It is available to families who are working, studying or training, or who are looking for work.
The subsidy is paid directly to the childcare provider on behalf of the family, reducing the amount the family has to pay out of pocket. The amount of subsidy you can receive depends on your family’s income, the type of childcare you use, and the number of hours you work or study, you can find out more here.
To apply for the subsidy, you need to create a myGov account and link it to Centrelink. You can then submit an application online or via the Express Plus Centrelink mobile app.
For more information on the childcare subsidy, including how to calculate how much you may be eligible for, visit the Services Australia website.
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