FAQ’s

How do you provide the best care for my child?

Our philosophy is all about encouraging your child to discover their own unique abilities and individuality. We do this by providing engaging educational curriculums, learning environments and activities and resources that will inspire your child. Our professional and highly qualified educators genuinely want to see your child succeed and will go over and above to tailor their approach to support your child’s development. Our centre offers high quality facilities and a safe and nurturing environment to provide the best opportunities for your child while they are in our care.

Who can attend the Centre?

The centre was established to cater primarily for the children of GCIT students. The centre accepts children of GCIT students and staff plus community families. Any vacancy that occurs at the centre is offered to a student first (if on the waiting list), then to GCIT staff and community families.

How many children in each room?

We have four rooms at GCIT Children’s Centre. They are Waterlillies (6 weeks to 2 years) and there is a maximum of 8 children per day. Then there is the Waratah room (2 years to 3 years) and there is a maximum of 10 children per day. We have the Banksia Room (3 years to 5 years) and there is a maximum of 22 children and finally we have our Hollies Room (4 years to 5 years) and it’s a maximum of 11 children per day. This provides your child with a much higher degree of individualised care and attention. Please contact us to book a tour of our centre so you can see first-hand the high level of interaction your child will have with their educators and other children.

What is a community centre?

A community centre is a non-profit organisation which is managed by an elected committee of parents and community members. This committee is responsible for the day to day management of the GCIT Children’s Centre, in conjunction with legislative and policy requirements. The Committee employs a Centre

Director to oversee the day to day running of the centre. Community centres are able to concentrate on providing quality care for young children as all revenue is returned to the centre e.g. new equipment, qualified staff, memberships for professional organisations (for the latest early education and care information). The committee meets monthly and all parents are welcome whether you are an executive member or not. This is a time for parents to bring forward ideas and suggestions for discussion and consideration.

What are the trading hours?

The Centre is open from 7.00am to 6.00pm Monday to Friday. The Centre is closed for public holidays and for two weeks over Christmas – New Year.

How do I enrol?

The first step is to make contact with us and express your interest in enrolling with us. It would be ideal if you are able to arrange a time to come into the centre for a tour, where we can show you around our centre and you can meet the educators. We will then provide you with an enrolment pack and will be happy to guide you through the process, answering any questions you may have. If necessary, we will explain the waitlist process and go from there. There is an administration fee of $20.00 payable with the waiting list application. This fee is non-refundable. Upon your enrolment you will be required to pay a bond of 2 weeks fees.

What assistance can I get with my fees?

Child Care Subsidy (CCS)

A new Child Care Package came into effect 2nd July 2018, the package includes a new Child Care Subsidy (CCS). Three things determine a family’s level of CCS.

1. Combined family income
2. Activity level of parents
3. Type of child care service.

This subsidy is paid directly to the centre and a gap fee will apply from centre.