Permanent care vs. occasional care. How does this work?
Permanent care is when set days are booked from week to week. Occasional care is care that is used on a casual basis. Occasional care can only be utilized if vacancies are available at the centre and these can only be determined on a week to week basis.

When should I book my child into care?
The earlier the better. Some of the waiting lists can be quite long, so the earlier your name appears on the list the better chance you have of obtaining a spot when you need it.

Can I visit the centre to meet staff, see children and staff interactions?
You are more than welcome to come and look at our centres. This way you can get a feel for the environment. It can be very daunting leaving your child in day care for the first time so it is important to feel comfortable with the centre you choose. Contact the centre you would like to view to arrange an appointment. It is always helpful if you have a list of questions ready so the staff can help as much as possible.

Meals - do you provide for allergies and special conditions?
There is provision on our enrolment forms to note any allergies and special conditions your child/ren may have. Some medical documentation may be needed. An allergy list is placed in each child's room and all kitchens. In all of our centres nuts are banned and some centres have a ban on eggs.

What meals are provided for my child?
Morning tea, two course lunch and afternoon tea are provided daily.
Some centres vary with providing breakfasts while at some you can bring your child's breakfast. It's best to check with the Centre Director.

We have been with the Start Right Eat Right program now for approx 3 years and all our meals are nutritiously balanced, healthy, and offer lots of fruits and vegetables.

Fees - How much does it cost? How does it change from occasional to full-time?
We have ½ day, full day and full time rates with fees varying from centre to centre. Each family is also entitled to Child Care Benefit. This payment can be taken directly off your fortnightly account or alternatively you can claim this at tax time each year. If you contact the Family Assistance Office on 136 150 they will be able to advise what is best for your circumstances.

What are your opening and closing hours?
Our seven centres have differing operating hours ranging from 6.30am to 6.30pm. You will need to contact individual centres to find out specific times.

What age are children in care and how many children in a room?
As all of our centres vary in size, so do the room structures. Because each child is unique, we must also add that , at City Learning and Care centres, age is not the only thing we take into account when placing children into individual rooms. We also look at the development level of each child to ensure that they are placed to give them the best opportunity to thrive and feel secure in our environment.

As a guideline most rooms are 0-2, 2-3, 3-4, and 4-5 depending again on the centre.

Will my child get a hug when they need it?
Always, they are freely given by caring staff during your child's day.
Each staff member observes the children in their care and quite quickly gets to know them as individuals, from both information parents share and from each child's characteristics.

Do the children in the older age groups still have a sleep during the day?
Some of the children will rest for a little while. Others do sleep depending on parent's request. Kinder phase out sleeps after June in preparation for school unless child needs a rest.

Do the children play outside much?
Centres will utilise their outside areas in the morning and in the afternoons, weather permitting. Our centres have natural outdoor environments which have elements of a home garden, enhancing a sense of belonging and well-being. The outdoor areas are full of great spaces for children to enjoy physical activities, imaginative play and to explore and participate in nature. We are active members of the "Kids go for your life" program incorporating healthy eating and physical activity into each day. At times children in older rooms have indoor/outdoor curriculum.

Do we supply milk?
We do supply cows milk and soy milk for allergies.
Parents need to supply baby formulas and bottles.
All children are encouraged to drink water regularly throughout the day.

My child has a disability, how is the program run?
Our programs are inclusive for each individual and their needs.
The child care centres have easy access for wheel chairs. Centres also have access to speech therapists, psychologists etc. for assessments if necessary.

How do I settle my child into the centre?
We have an orientation process which we offer to all families. We ask that you make a time to bring your child in before your booking commences to help your child/ren familiarize themselves with their new surroundings. It is recommended your child spend about ½ hour in their new room. You will need to stay on the premises during this time and there is no charge to you. A suggestion would be to have the child/ren stay shorter hours initially if need be, until they are more settled.

Communication - can I call during the day?
We understand that leaving your child can be extremely stressful. You are more than welcome to contact us throughout the day to see how your child/ren is progressing.

When we start care, if my child becomes extremely upset during the day will you call me?
When your child first starts child care it is normal for them to be upset for a little while until they build a trusting relationship with the staff in the room.

Once they have established this, you will start to see your child settle and explore the environment. If you child becomes extremely upset in the earlier stages of settling in, staff will give them a little time and then give you a courtesy call. We don't want to make childcare a negative experience for your child or you. We will however encourage the time spent to be longer and always advise parents to ensure they say "goodbye" to their child before leaving. This helps your child to accommodate the routine and build trust; knowing that their Mum/Dad will be back.

What do I need to bring to child care?
A bag containing a full change of spare clothes, a jacket for the winter months and a broad brimmed or legionnaires sun hat from the start of September through to the end of April (as per our Sunsmart Policy). Please ensure all items are fully labelled. Comfort items provide a valuable link between child care and home for children and it is a good idea to bring these in order to make your child/ren's stay here as pleasant as possible.

What if I need an extra day?
Booking extra days depends on what vacancies are available at the time. You will need to check with the centre if there are vacancies. We will do our best to accommodate your needs.

Do we need to supply our own nappies?
All nappies and wipes are supplied for your child/ren by the centre.

What sort of behaviour and guidance is used?
City Learning and Care centres are committed to using a positive approach in the guidance and behaviour modification of children. This means recognising why a child may behave in a certain way and encouraging more acceptable and positive forms of behaviour.