PREPARING FOR CHILD CARE

WHAT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

A variety of options are available including: family day care, long day care, outside school hours care, occasional care and preschool services.

WHEN SHOULD MY CHILD START?

There is no one answer to this. It will depend on the individual needs of your family and child. What matters more than the age they start or the amount of time spent there is the quality of education and care given.

HOW WILL I KNOW IF THE EARLY EDUCATION AND CARE SERVICE IS GOOD QUALITY?

A quality service will keep your child safe, happy and protected while responding to their emotions and interests in a strong learning environment. Services are also given national quality ratings.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN MY CHILD STARTS?

You will be provided with an enrolment form that will request information like:

• Family contact details 
• Your child’s immunisation history/illness or allergies 
• Sleeping/eating routines.

WHAT WILL HELP MY CHILD SETTLE IN?

• Start with shorter days then gradually increase their time at the service
• Spend time settling your child into a favourite activity before you leave 
• Tell the service what comforts your child.