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About Us  How old is the centre and what environment can I expect
We are a purpose built long day care centre in the Penrith City centre and have been operating since September 2006. We are surrounded by homelike environment and natural surroundings and our staff are very passionate about nurturing children and making their time in childcare a beautiful experience, while creating a home away from home.
When can I start? Do you have a waiting list?
As we are still growing we do have a range of vacancies and can accommodate most requests for a position; if you are interested in care for the future, we recommend that you add your child’s name to the centre waitlist. You can do this by contacting the centre directors, Diane and Catherine at the centre on (02) 4722 2343.
Alternatively, please contact Catherine and Diane to organise a centre tour, we look forward to meeting you and your child.
What is included in the daily fees?
Our daily fees include
· 5 meals (breakfast for the early starters, morning tea, hot lunch, afternoon tea and late snack). All meals are prepared freshly by our centre chef. Please check our Menu link to check our selection of foods on offer. Our menu is rotated every 4 weeks and is designed around the seasons to ensure the freshest of food are used at all times.
· Filtered water is always available
· Nappies, baby wipes and sunscreen are supplied
· Stimulating educational and age appropriate programs
What do parents need to bring?
· Parents will need to provide sheets or Sleep swag for sleep time
· For children in the baby’s room you will need to bring bottles, formula and a change of clothes.
· Upon enrolment, as an additional cost, we offer an ‘essential enrolment package’ that contains a sunsafe child toggle bucket hat and sleep swag.
Do I need to bring a piece of fruit?
No, all the children’s nutritional needs are met through our menu.
What age do you take children from, and how are the children grouped?
We take babies from 6 weeks through to 6 years of age.
Our centre is divided into four rooms:
· 6 weeks to 2 years – Bilby Room
· 2 -3 years – Koala Room
· 3 -4 years – Possum Room (Preschool Transition room)
· 4 - 6 years - Wombat Room (Preschool Room)
Do you have a preschool program?
Yes ,At Explore and Develop Penrith we have a Preschool program that is followed in our wombat room. Our preschoolers undertake a comprehensive transition to school program which covers all areas of development.
We hold a school rediness evening in September for parents to attend with a qualified Primary teacher that can assist in how you as a parent can assist your child get ready for kindergarten and our early childhood teachers are more than happy to talk to you at any time throughout the year about your child’s individual needs and development.
Can my child bring their comforter?
Yes, children are able to bring a comfort toy or blanket for sleep time; however we do not allow children to bring play toys as we are not able to guarantee their security.
 Are you accredited?
Yes we are registered as a high quality child care centre with the National Childcare Accreditation Council. We have adopted an ongoing ‘continuing improvement plan’ which allows us to take the necessary steps to continue our high quality accreditation rating. You can get more information about child care accreditation at www.ncac.gov.au
Can I get Government benefits?
Yes, most families are entitled to government child care benefits (CCB) and the 50% Childcare Tax Rebate. We are able to help you with advice on registration; however each family must call the Family Assistance Office to register on 13 61 50. The CCB reduces the family’s weekly child care fee; however the 50% Rebate is now paid by the government on a quarterly basis.
What hours are you open?
We are open Monday to Friday 6.30am – 6:30pm
How secure is your Centre?
We have a security system in place and, on enrolment, each family is given a swipe key which allows them access to the Centre. Due to the cost in purchasing the swipe cards a $20.00 deposit (which is included in the enrolment package fee) is required on enrolment and is returned to you when you return the swipe card upon leaving the centre.
Do I have to pay a bond upon enrolling?
Yes, a 2 week full fee bond is payable with an essential enrolment package of $100.00. Included in your essential enrolment package is an Explore and Develop sleep swag and an Explore and Develop Bucket hat which they can wear at childcare, and a swipe card that has a $20.00 refundable fee (this will be refunded to you upon leaving the centre).
Can parents give feedback and suggestions?
Yes, at Explore and Develop Penrith we value your feedback. We have a Parent committee that meets every 2 months; a teacher and the centre director will also be present at each of these meetings. The parent committee gives parents an opportunity to make suggestions, assist in activities and fundraising activities and provide valuable comments in regards to our centre. We also have a feedback box and communication slips in the foyer should any parents of visitors wish to leave their feedback in written form.
Is your centre a ‘sunsafe’ cancer council approved centre?
Yes, we follow the guidelines of the sun safe policy of Cancer Council NSW, we have adequate shade areas within our playground and ensure that we provide the children with sunscreen and appropriate clothing each time they go outside. Please feel free to view our sun safety policy at any time.
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