1. Staff of Macquarie University
2. Staff of the Research and Development Park
3. Students of Macquarie University
4. General Community

Enrolments are made from the Waiting List with regard to the priority of enrolment, vacancies in the age group and the date of application.

Applications can be made only on the Application Form available from the Centre. A fee of $20 must be paid to lodge the application of your child on the Waiting List.

Closures The Centre is closed only on Public Holidays and from December 23 until the second week of January each year. Fees are not payable for these closures only.

Fees are payable throughout the year. Payment must be made in advance by cheque or credit card. Cash payments will not be accepted. Fees are payable at least one week in advance. Receipts are issued within two working days of payment. Fees are currently $75 per day/$375 per week. An enrolment deposit of two (2) weeks fees is payable upon the acceptance of a place at the Centre.

Subsidies are available through your local Centrelink and Medicare Offices. Child Care Assistance is an income based subsidy for those on a limited income. The Medicare Cash Rebate is only available to those working or studying while their children are in care. Information on both subsidies is available at the Centre.

The Programme is planned for each individual child and aims to enhance their development while stimulating their enjoyment of learning through investigation, conversation and directed experiences. All children are encouraged to participate in all aspects of the programme. Staff are trained and experienced to work closely with each child to promote a sense of self-confidence and self-esteem.

Staff take into account individual needs, cultural and child rearing practices as well as up-to-date child development research when planning the programme.

Every parent has access to their child's records at all times. Strict confidentiality is observed throughout the Centre.

The Playrooms are organised by the age and stage of development of the child.

	Possum Room 12 children 3-18 months 4 Full-time staff
	Cockatoo Room 15 children 18 months - 2.5 years 3 Full-time staff
	Wombat Room 18 children 2-3 years 3 Full-time staff
	Echidna Room 20 children 3-4 years 3 Full-time staff
	Koala Room 25 children 4-school age 3 Full-time staff

Staff of the Centre are chosen for their professionalism and commitment to the Early Childhood Teaching profession. They view their appointed task with sincere concern and interest for each child and their family. They are available to the parents to discuss the programme, the child or any other matters of interest to the family.

All staff remain constantly alert of the health and welfare of each child in their care.

Parent involvement Families are welcome in the Centre at all times and there are many opportunities throughout the year for families to participate in the programme. Through written and verbal daily communication the families can learn about their child's day as well as the daily operation of the Centre.

Student involvement Students are accepted for practical experience in all aspects of the profession throughout the year. They may come from high schools, TAFE colleges, private training colleges and all universities that offer subjects in Early Childhood.

All students are fully supervised while at the Centre. They are never alone with any child and learn the elements of quality care from the Staff.

Other Services

Vacation Care for school aged children is managed through Banksia Cottage and operated throughout the Public School Vacations at the Vacation Care Centre, Building S11A. The programme offers a variety of structured and child directed activities in an atmosphere of relaxed co-operation. Children in their first year of school to the end of Year 6 are eligible for the service. Enquiries and bookings can be made at Banksia Cottage.