What are the operating hours of the Centre?

We are open Monday to Friday (excluding Public Holidays) 50 weeks a year 6.30am to 6.30pm – All the convenience of Long Day Care hours with a preschool program embracing the Early Years Learning Framework.

What does Mud Puddles provide?

• We open 5 days a week, 50 weeks a year (excluding Public Holidays)
• We open 6.30am and close at 6.30pm
• Education and Care for children aged 0 to 6 years old
• Located close to public transport, local schools and local shops
• Sunscreen
• Nappies and wipes. We also assist with toilet training when your child is ready.
• All meals are provided – Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Afternoon Tea and a late snack
• Secure access via PIN code
• Onsite parent car park and pram parking available at the centre
• A tailored Curriculum that provides specialised programs that will deliver experiences which are challenging, stimulating, full of discovery and child lead

Meals

• All meals are prepared by Kids Gourmet Food and are delivered daily. This includes Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Afternoon Tea and Late Snack.
• Based on a 6 week cycle, our menu is developed under the nutritional guidelines for menu planning for children aged 0 to 6 years.
• Specially designed meals to cater children with allergies.
• We are a ‘Nut Free’ Centre
• The children also participate in cooking activities where they can enjoy what they made during their time at the centre or to take home to share. (Please note: children’s allergies are always a first priority when the educators plan the cooking learning experiences for the children).

For more information about Kids Gourmet Food, you can visit their website here.

Can I visit my child throughout the day?

Mud Puddles has an Open Door Policy which means parents, family and community members are welcome to participate at our centre and in our programs at any time. An Open Door Policy means exactly that – our doors are open at all times for others to participate in and enrich our programs.

How long do I have to decide if I would like to accept a position?

When you are offered a position, the Director will email you access information to QK Family Lounge to our online enrolment form to complete. You have 72 hours to complete and return the paper work along with your child’s birth certificate and immunisation records. If we do not hear from you within this time, the hold on the position will be removed.

What will I need to provide in order to secure my enrolment?

When offered a position the director will send you an “Offer of enrolment” email. Attached to this email will be information regarding our enrolment process through QK enrol including Direct Debit Request information. To secure your enrolment you will need to complete the enrolment forms and Direct Debit Request form along with your child’s birth certificate and immunisation records.

Is there a minimum number of days required for enrolment?

We encourage a minimum enrolment of 2 days. We feel any less than this can be too upsetting for children as they cannot settle and form attachment with other children or teachers. It can also be difficult for teachers to plan a suitable program if a child is only attending 1 day per week.

What forms do I have to complete and provide to the Centre for my child to be enrolled at Mud Puddles Cottage?

To secure your child’s enrolment, you need to complete the following documentations:

• Completed Enrolment Form
• Immunisation record from MyGov
• Direct Debit Form
• Birth Certificate
• Permission note
• Any additional information e.g. Allergy Action Plans, Dietary requirements, special comfort items etc. has been completed/discussed/handed into the Centre Director.
• Bond Payment
• Family Photo

It is important that you allow the Centre Director and Educators time to prepare for your child’s first day. This will ensure your child and yourself will settle into our Centre smoothly.

What do I have to bring on the days my child attends Mud Puddles?

• A clearly labelled bag that is large enough to hold your child’s belongings.
• Sterilised bottles, clearly labelled and formula if required.
• Dummy which is placed in a labelled container.
• Change of clothing – each item of clothing to be clearly labelled.
• Any comforters that your child might like to have whilst in care e.g. blanky, teddy etc.
• If your child has an allergy you are required to bring the medication indicated on your child’s Health Management Plan e.g. asthma puffer, epipen, medication etc. (Health Management Plans are to be discussed with the Centre Director during the enrolment process. All medications brought into the centre must have a pharmacy label with your child’s name and directions in order to be accepted by the Educators).
• You will be required to complete a medication chart each time your child requires medication.

What is the notice period to change or end the enrolment days?

The notice period to reduce days within your enrolment is 2 weeks written notice.

Will my child move rooms when they have a birthday?

Transitions into an older room are based on developmental readiness and availability. We generally run like a school year. When our Pre-schoolers leave for primary school in December/January, we have the opportunity to transition children.

How do I update my details or book casual days?

Mud Puddles Cottage uses QK Enrol as part of our enrolment process. Existing families use their own unique log in code to access their child’s enrolment information, update details, request enrolment changes, book in casual days and more.

How do I join the waitlist?

Contact our Director to book in a tour and find our more about our centre. We have limited positions across the nursery, toddler and Pre-school. We encourage you to enrol your child early to secure you preferred dates.

Can I visit Mud Puddles before I join the waitlist?

Yes. We do ask that you make an appointment to visit, so please contact the Director or complete an enquiry form.

Can I join the waitlist if my baby hasn’t been born yet?

Yes you can. When you join the waitlist you can write the babies surname and write ‘baby’ or ‘unknown’ and an estimated date of birth. Once the baby is born please contact the director to update your details

Do I need to call you regularly to re-confirm my interest?

No. there is no need to call to re-confirm your interest. The Director will regularly be contacting the waitlist regarding the availability. You are welcome to contact us if you have questions or to update your preferences. If you decide to be no longer on our waitlist, we ask you give us a courtesy call or email to be removed and make the place available for other families.

What are your fees?

The daily fee depends on the room they are enrolled in. There is a different fee for the Nursery, Toddler and Pre School age groups. Please contact us and the Director will be able to assist you.

How do I pay my weekly fees?

Billing is conducted automatically every fortnight, for that fortnight in advance. At enrolment, we supply you with a direct debit form. You can elect to pay your weekly or fortnightly fees by credit card or direct debit. You can change your billing details at any time by notifying your Director.

Why do I have to pay for public holidays?

The reason we need to charge on public holidays is because we have every day costs that take place, regardless of whether children are at the Centre or not. Some early childhood services absorb their running costs into their fees making their daily rate higher. This may mean that you are paying for public holidays even if your child is not enrolled on a public holiday.

Why do my fees fluctuate from week to week?

If you claim the child care subsidy, you can be subject to fee fluctuation due to the timing of the child care subsidy payments, and your level of subsidy. Subsidies are decided by Centrelink and your application with them, which we have no control over. We are always happy to answer your questions and are generally up to date with information from the Department of Human Services.

When will my bond be returned?

After providing notice to leave Mud Puddles Cottage, your bond will be returned to your nominated account two weeks after your child has finished at the centre.

The terms and conditions mention an ‘Dishonour Fee’ which is payable whenever there are insufficient funds in your bank account or my credit card is rejected. How much is the Administration Fee?

The Dishonour fee is a fee charged by Debit Success and is currently $14.95.

What is the criteria to be eligible for Child Care Subsidy?

You may be eligible for Child Care Subsidy if:

• You use a Child Care Benefit approved child care service
• You are eligible for Child Care Benefit, even if you earn too much to receive payment, and
• You and your partner meet the Work, Training, Study test or are exempt from it.

How can I get more information about the Child Care Subsidy?

For more information about the Child Care Subsidy, you can visit the Department of Human Resources website or contact Centrelink on 136 150.

My child is not immunised – can they be enrolled?

No. From the 1st January 2018, any new Oac enrolments will require the child to be fully up-to-date with their immunisations, or be on a catch up schedule, or have a medical exemption to be enrolled into care.  Documentation supporting the child’s immunisation position, must be provided at the time of enrolment.

Children who are not vaccinated will not receive the Child Care Subsidy.

A copy of your child’s immunisation details can be obtained any time by:

Using their Medicare online account through MyGov using the Medicare Express Plus App calling the Australian Immunisations Register (AIR) General Enquiries Line on 1800 653 809. Parents should automatically receive their child’s AIR Immunisation History Statement in the mail after they complete their immunisation schedule (sometime after 4 years of age).

Is Mud Puddles a SunSmart Centre?

• Yes, Mud Puddles is a SunSmart Centre, we will provide sunscreen for your child which will be applied before any outdoor activities take place.
• Parents must supply a wide brim hat for their child.
• Educators access the Cancer Council SunSmart UV App to ensure children are participating in outdoor play during the appropriate times of the day. The SunSmart App features: Sun protection times, Sunscreen calculator and a 7 day weather forecast to assist educators when planning outdoor activities.
• Parents are welcome to provide their own sunscreen if their child has a known allergy to certain creams.