Frequently Asked Questions
What age groups do you cater to?
Piney Lakes Childcare offers Early Education and care for children aged between 6 weeks and 6 years.
Do you provide meals?
Yes, our Centre Cook, Tara prepares healthy, fresh and nutritious home-made meals throughout the day. They include breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and a late snack. They adhere to quality guidelines that promote a love for nutritious and healthy eating.
What educational programs do you offer?
We follow the Early Years Learning Framework, promoting and incorporating play-based learning opportunities into our daily routine. Our Educators use a flexible cycle of observation, planning, implementation, and reflection, which is revisited every two months, ensuring that our curriculum and learning experiences are tailored to each child’s unique needs, interests, and developmental stages.
Is there a school readiness program?
Yes – our school readiness program involves active and ongoing planning to ensure that children regularly participate in activities that develop the appropriate skills required to optimise their learning for when they start school. In addition to pre-writing skills, connecting letters to their sounds, counting, measuring, patterns and sorting, school readiness skills also include self-care (independent toileting and hygiene, opening and closing their own lunch boxes, increased responsibility and taking care of their own belongings. Children are encouraged to build confidence, communication skills social skills. Our play-based and holistic learning approach is ideal for preparing children for school.
How can I enrol my child?
To enrol, please contact us via phone or email to check availability and discuss the enrolment process.
Do you have any vacancies? For the most current information on vacancies, please reach out directly to us, as availability may change.
Are you open on public holidays?
We are closed on public holidays.
Do you have an open-door policy?
Yes, we welcome parents and guardians to visit and participate in activities, fostering a strong community connection.
What should my child bring to childcare?
Children should bring their own personal items such as a hat, a couple of changes of clothes (more if toilet learning), 5 nappies (if applicable), a water bottle, and any comfort items like a soft, snuggly toy. For infants, please bring bottles for every feed as well as breast milk or an unopened tin of formula.
How do you handle health and safety?
We prioritise the safety of every child in our care. Our staff are trained in First Aid, CPR, Anaphylaxis and Child Protection. We follow strict hygiene practices and have policies in place for managing illness to ensure a healthy environment for all.
Is a childcare Centre the same as an Early Learning Centre?
Yes – All child care facilities that operate must adhere to the same educator ratios, guidelines and standards set by the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority. It is simply a preference of name.
What is the centres illness policy?
If your child is unwell, please keep them at home to prevent the spread of illness. If a child becomes ill while at the centre, we will notify parents and request that the child is collected from care. For safety and hygiene reasons, children with contagious conditions must be kept home.
How do you communicate with parents?
We believe in maintaining an open line of communication. Parents receive regular updates on their child’s progress during drop off and pick up times, phone calls, and emails. We also use an online platform known as Kindyhub for daily reports and special announcements.
What is your philosophy on behaviour management?
We believe in positive reinforcement and guiding children with understanding and compassion. Our approach focuses on teaching children appropriate behaviours, problem-solving skills and emotional regulation through modelling and consistent routines.
Can I visit the centre before enrolling my child?
Yes, we encourage parents to visit our centre to meet the educators, tour the facilities, and ask any questions they might have. Please contact us in advance to arrange a convenient time.
What steps do you take to ensure families privacy and confidentiality is maintained?
We are committed to respecting the privacy of both children and their families. All personal information is kept confidential and used solely for the purpose of providing care and education. Our staff adhere to strict confidentiality protocols.
Do you offer any special programs for different cultural or religious needs?
Yes, we respect and celebrate the cultural diversity of the families in our community. We incorporate cultural celebrations, stories and activities into our curriculum to provide an inclusive environment for all children.
What are the benefits of enrolling my child at Piney Lakes Childcare?
Our small, family owned and operated centre offers a nurturing, safe, and stimulating environment with highly qualified Educators, dedicated to your child’s growth and development. We prioritise building strong relationships with families and providing enriching learning experiences. The owners of the centre have 10 years teaching experience, and work alongside our highly-skilled educators to deliver engaging curriculums.
