How do I enrol at Up ‘N’ Grow Early Learning Centre?
When you enrol at our centre, we’ll support you every step of the way. Our Centre Director will invite you to take a tour of the centre first so you can see where your child will be cared for and to ensure you are comfortable with your decision.
They will then provide you with an enrolment pack that contains everything you need to know about the centre, and information we need from you about your child for example their routine, as well as a quote for your daily fees.
We encourage you to ask as many questions as you like, we are here to support both you and your child.
Can I enrol online?
Once you have visited the centre and met the team, you will be guided through the online enrolment form to complete before your child’s first day.
Do you offer half days?
We offer 9-hour, 10-hour and 12-hour Flexible Hours sessions. Find out more about optimising your CCS hours by contacting our Centre Director to discuss your individual requirements.
How is the waitlist managed?
If there are no vacancies at the centre, you may want to join the waitlist. The waitlist is regularly reviewed and families will be contacted once a place becomes available.
Do I still need to pay for a scheduled day if my child is sick?
Yes, fees still apply for sick days, however the Centre Director may be able to arrange a make-up or swap day at their discretion. The Child Care Subsidy will cover up to 42 absence days a year with no documentation and unlimited sick days if you’re able to provide a medical certificate or similar.
What happens when we go on holidays?
Normal fees apply for all absences (excluding Public Holidays) that fall on a usual day of attendance. However, Up ‘N’ Grow offers a holiday discount for up to four weeks of care per financial year. Please note families need to provide written notification two weeks in advance to apply the holiday discount (25% discount on the full fee).
Under exceptional circumstances, the holiday discount may be applied outside these requirements at the discretion of the Centre Director. Fee payments need to be up to date to receive the holiday discount.
What government rebates and benefits are available to families?
The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is a payment offered by the Australian Government for which you may be eligible. To find out if you are eligible for CSS visit the Department of Human Services website or use the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) estimator.
Depending on your personal circumstances, there may also be other government funding available.
What is the Child Care Subsidy (CCS)?
The Child Care Subsidy is means tested based on the combined family income, the fortnightly activity of families – such as work, study or volunteering – and the type of service a child attends.
As part of the Child Care Subsidy, the number of hours of subsidised care you’ll be entitled to will be based on your level of recognised activity. Understanding the different types of activity that will be recognised is key to maximising your Child Care Subsidy
What services do I get at Up ‘N’ Grow?
Up ‘N’ Grow Early Learning Centre offers the following:
- Nappies and wipes.
- Nutritious meals prepared by our in-house cook.
- Regular updates and photos on our interactive app
- Quality learning resources
- Engaging specialised programs.
- Regular festivities for annual events, cultural celebrations, and special occasions.
- We welcome special guests and community members to the centre based on the children’s interests.
- Plus more!
Speak to the Centre Director for a full list of everything included.
What is the Early Years Learning Framework? (EYLF)?
Belonging, Being and Becoming – The Early Years Learning Framework describes the principles, practices and outcomes that support and enhance young children’s learning from birth to five years of age, as well as their transition to school.
The framework is a key component of the National Quality Framework for early childhood education and care. The EYLF was developed by the Australian and state and territory governments with input from the early childhood sector and early childhood academics.
The framework offers a vision where ‘all children experience learning that is engaging and builds success for life’. It has been designed so that early childhood services will be able to develop their own strategies to implement its objectives.
What do I need to pack in my child’s bag?
Please ensure a hat and drink bottle are packed in your child’s bag each day.
Changes of clothes suitable to current weather/season should also be packed.
Other required items may include:
- Comforters/sleep aids
- Bottles (breastmilk/formula)
- Increased changes of clothes/shoes for toileting
- Additional clothing items suitable to weather e.g. warm jackets/gumboots etc