F.A.Q.

How to enrol

The centre Director will provide you with an enrolment pack which will include the Parent Handbook, Enrolment Forms, Fee Schedule and any other relevant information required.

Our aim is to create a smooth transition from home to childcare by allowing you and your child the time to explore our environment. We do this by having you and your child spend a couple of hours at our centre during orientation to get your child familiar with all aspects of our service. During orientation, we gather as much information about your family, your child, your culture and beliefs through various means and once you feel comfortable, we set an official start date.

Being emotionally prepared for Day 1 at Kiddie Garden

It is an exciting day for our Educators and a new beginning for your child.

It might be a day of anxiety for you, that is natural for all our parents, and you can contact our Educators anytime during the day to see how your child has settled.

We keep you updated and informed throughout the day to help put your mind at ease and we will discuss the different strategies we have developed to make the transition easier on the both of you during the orientation process.

FAQ

Click the boxes below to see Questions and Answers

What happens after I submit an enquiry form online?

After you have submitted your enquiry form, we will:
• call you back
• discuss your child’s needs
• discuss days required
• arrange a tour and confirm start date

How do I enrol at Kiddie Garden Day Care & Pre-School?

We recommend that you and your child visit our centre for a tour and meet our director. We will take you to your child’s room, introduce you to the educators and discuss our routine and program and answer any questions you may have. We will then book an orientation day/s for your child, discuss days available and book their official start date too.

Do the children receive meals?

Yes. We have an onsite chef who prepares healthy meals for our children. Morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and late afternoon tea are all provided daily.

What are the operating hours?

We open at 7.30am and close at 6.00pm

What ages does Kiddie Garden cater for?

We cater from newborns to school age.

What government rebates and benefits are available to families?

The government provides assistance of Child Care Subsidy for those families who are eligible. Please contact Centrelink on 13 61 50 to see if you’re eligible and/or to seek further information.

What happens when we go on holidays?

Daily fees are applied for each day the child is booked into the centre for 51 weeks. However, the Government does allow for 42 days absence from the centre for holidays, public holidays, sick days or special circumstances in which case the subsidy is still paid.

Does my child’s immunisation status affect Child Care Subsidy?

Yes, to attend Childcare a child’s immunisation status must be up to date.

How do I claim childcare benefits?

You can call the Family Assistance Office on 13 51 60 and ask to be assessed for CCS (Child Care Subsidy). If you’re unsure, our Director can help you in this regard.

What to expect on your first day of Childcare?

As parents, we often feel guilty when the time comes to send our children to childcare. There are many reasons why we send them to childcare: we have to start work again, we want them to make friends, or we want them to be prepared for school. The first day can even be more nerve-wracking for parents than we care to admit, as we are hopeful that the transition to childcare will be smooth and easy for our children.

At Kiddie Garden we want you to feel entirely comfortable sending your child to our centre, which is why we have an extensive transition process which includes a tour, orientation sessions and consultations with the room leader before your first day.

The start of the year can always be a busy time, so here’s what to expect on the first day of childcare.

When to turn up

Childcare is part of a new routine which will take some time to adjust to. Be sure to set alarms and reminders on your phone so you have plenty of time to get ready in the morning. It is best practice to try and always be early to childcare, so you have plenty of time to say goodbye. Arriving early on your first day means there’s heaps of time to settle them into childcare and ensure they know what is happening so they won’t be distressed when you go to leave. On your first day when you arrive at Kiddie Garden, our educators will help sign you in and settle your child before you need to leave.

Pack everything the night before

This tip has come from our community of parents. Pack everything the night before so you are not as stressed that very first morning. In particular, create a list of everything you will need with your childcare educators during orientation and check it off with your child before bedtime the day before.

If your child is going into kindergarten, get them to pick out a special “childcare” backpack and let them pack everything with you. This will give them some sense of responsibility and help reduce tears on the first day. Having a special bag will also help create a routine where they mentally check off everything in their bag before leaving for kindergarten each day.

Ask for our leaders

On the first day of childcare, the last thing you want is for your child to be scared of everyone. During orientation, you will get to know our centre’s staff and in particular our centre manager and your child’s room leader. They will help you transition into childcare and on your first day and guide you to your child’s room. It is important to us that we build a relationship with our parents so that we can maintain communication with our families and get to know the child a little better.

Set realistic expectations

As parents, we all want the first day to go off without a hitch but the likelihood of that is pretty slim; it is normal for both you and your child to be feeling anxious about this process. It’s why we recommend orientation sessions and having conversations about childcare with your child before they start at Kiddie Garden. It is important to remember that it might take your child a few days to settle in, so continue to remind them why child care is fun and exciting for them, and maybe how much you wish you could go to child care instead of work. Regression is normal within the first few weeks of being at childcare and it will return to normal as they get more comfortable.

Be realistic with your children and validate their feelings of nerves because this will help them become more comfortable at Kiddie Garden. By acknowledging these feelings instead of dismissing them, will give your child a sense of trust that you understand what they are going through.

Saying goodbye

At Kiddie Garden, we can’t stress this enough – it is extremely important to say goodbye to your child every day and not just sneak off once they are having fun. By saying goodbye, it reduces the likelihood of anxious attachments and helps them understand what is going on. One of the best ways to start the goodbye routine is when you first get to childcare, have a conversation about what their day is going to look like and what they might be doing. It can even be a good idea to include the room leader in these conversations to help your child familiarise this environment with another friendly face.

It’s also important to set aside time for goodbyes because you may feel upset or like you’re doing the wrong thing. This is ok and every parent can tell you it’s normal. By saying goodbye you are not only helping your child adjust to the new routine but also helping yourself adjust. If you need some added tips when saying goodbye check out our blog on what to bring to childcare and take some time to look after yourself.

Be consistent

Consistency is key to any change in the routine. It’s important to create this consistency from day one to reduce anxious feelings and help your child transition smoothly. One of the ways you can be consistent is by always being there at a ‘regular’ pick up time (e.g. before afternoon tea or after late snack) and dropping your child off at a similar time each morning. Other ways you can be consistent include maintaining your bedtime routine and planning extra bonding time with your child at home after childcare so they don’t miss their favourite playmate.

How Kiddie Garden will help you prepare for your first day

At Kiddie Garden, we help you every step of the way when starting childcare and the first day is no different. It can be the hardest day for both the child and the parent because it is a big change in your lives. Our educators will be here to help and make sure your child has an amazing first day. If you are considering sending your child to childcare, fill out the enquiry form and get in touch with our centres to see if we are the right fit for your child.