Children & families

Early Education Centres mainly cater for children aged 0-5 years whose parents work. They open at least eight hours per day, 49 weeks of the year. Care can be part-time or full-time and children may stay for shorter periods although there are usually minimum hours of attendance per day.

A varied educational program is provided as in pre-schools. In practice, very few centres cater for 0-2 year olds and it may be difficult to find a place for a child who is under 3.

Parents are always advised to put their child’s name on a number of waiting lists as early as possible.

Family Day Care complies with the Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011. Children are cared for in small groups of up to four children in the educators’ own home.

Flexible arrangements are possible such as full day care, part-time (educators charge for a minimum of seven hours per day), before and after school care and limited emergency care.

All educators who are registered with Waverley Council Family Day Care are provided with  supervision and support for them through the Coordination Unit and from Child Development Officers who visit Educators  regularly. The scheme also provides play sessions for Educators and children registered with Waverley Family Day Care.

Eligible families could claim Child Care Subsidy when attending Waverley Family Day Care.

Occasional care is provided for short periods of time on an occasional or emergency basis. At some centres this may be limited to a session or a few hours per week. Parents may be able to use this type of care on a regular basis and for whole days. It is ideal for shopping or appointments or for providing a necessary break.

Pre-schools and kindergartens are usually open between 9.00am and 3.00pm during school terms only. Care for 3-5 year olds is provided on a sessional basis either as a morning or afternoon session or a full day, with some centres offering both. In Waverley, pre-schools offering a shorter day program are government subsidised and fees are based on a means test.