FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

How do fees for funded kinder work?

The Victorian Government provides up to 15 hours of funding for three and four-year-old kindergarten programs.  Funded kinder programs are run in sessional kindergartens and long day care centres. 
  • We are a long day care centre open from 6.45am to 6pm, including during school holidays. 
  • Sessional kinders are open for shorter days, (e.g., 9am to 2pm) and are closed during school holidays. 
We deduct the kinder funding from your account fees, saving you $2,050 per year. Kinder funding is in addition to the Child Care Subsidy from Centrelink. For most of our families, this ensures free or low-cost kinder. If you have more questions about fees and funding, please get in touch with us.

Can my child attend more than one funded kinder program?

No, your child can only attend one funded kinder program at any one time. However, they can access extra days in our kinder room if enrolled in Eastwood ELC&K funded kinder.

What are the benefits of funded kinder at long day care centres?

  • Long day care centres are open for longer hours. For example, our service is open from 6.45am to 6pm, which helps support working families.
  • Long day care services are open during school holidays.
  • You can drop off multiple children at one place versus a standalone sessional kinder which only offers funded 3 and 4-year-old kinder.   
  • Sessional kinders are open for limited hours (e.g., 9am to 2pm). They operate for 40 weeks during the school term. They do not operate during school holidays.
  • Families have the flexibility of choosing the 2 kinder days that best support their work days and hours.

What is the Child Care Subsidy?

The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) assists with the cost of approved child care. Once you’ve been approved, it’s provided directly to our service to reduce your out-of-pocket fees.  The amount you receive depends on your family’s work, income, and residency.  Please note: if your child falls behind on immunisations, your CCS may be cut off.  

How do I apply for the Child Care Subsidy?

  1. Create a myGov account and link it to Centrelink
  2. Prove your identity
  3. Add supporting documents
  4. Confirm your child’s child care enrolment
Instructions on how to claim the CCS by Services Australia.

How do I confirm my CCS?

  1. Log into your myGov or Centrelink app 
  2. Select the task in your account. Select ‘Confirm’ to verify your child’s details are correct. 
If the task doesn’t appear, follow these steps: 
  1. Log into your myGov 
  2. Select ‘Child Care’ from the ‘My family’ menu option
  3. Select ‘Enrolments’ and find the relevant enrolment details
  4. Select ‘View details’ and then ‘Confirm’ 
  5. Answer the questions about the enrolment to confirm the details are correct

How do I manage CCS payments?

You have an ongoing responsibility to keep your information up-to-date with Centrelink. You must tell them about any changes to your: 
  • family income 
  • activity levels 
  • relationship 
  • circumstances, such as leaving Australia or your child beginning primary school for the first time. 
Failure to do this may result in you being overpaid and needing to pay the money back to Centrelink.  Reporting your income:  At the end of each financial year, Centrelink compares your actual income with your income estimate. Visit servicesaustralia.gov.au/ccsbalancing to find out more.

Do I need to apply for CCS for my second child?

Yes, even if you've been approved for one or more children, you will need to lodge an additional claim when another child starts kinder.

What is the Additional Child Care Subsidy (ACCS)?

In special circumstances, some families may be eligible for the ACCS – which completely covers all out-of-pocket fees.  To qualify, you need to be one of the following: 
  • An eligible grandparent getting an income support payment
  • Transitioning from income support payments to work
  • Experiencing temporary financial hardship
  • Caring for a child who is vulnerable or at risk of harm, abuse or neglect
Learn more about the ACCS on Services Australia’s website.

Do I need to contact the centre if my child is unwell?

Yes, if your child is unwell, please call, email or text the centre as soon as possible.  Email: admin@eastwoodelck.com.au Phone: (03) 5153 2554 Mobile: 0408 051 453

Will I still be charged if my child is absent due to being unwell?

Yes, you are still charged your normal daily rate if your child is absent.

Will I be charged if I go on holidays?

We offer families a 50% discount on their fees for holidays. Every family can claim up to 4 weeks of the holiday discount per calendar year.  To be eligible, you must:
  • give at least 4 weeks’ notice 
  • be away for a minimum of 1 week.

What is the enrolment process?

  1. Fill out the pre-enrolment form on our website. Please ensure you add any relevant information.  
  2. We’ll get in touch with you if there are any spots available or if you’ll be put on our waitlist. 
  3. If you’ve been offered a spot, we’ll send you enrolment forms for you to fill out and return.
    • Attend our orientation/information session with your child. Here, you’ll meet your child’s teacher and/or educators.
    • Before your child starts, we'll run transition sessions.

What does my child need to bring?

  • Drink bottle of water
  • Lunchbox with healthy food choices, such as healthy sandwiches, raw vegetables and dips, salads, wholesome muffins, etc.*
    *Fresh, natural and nourishing foods give children the right fuel to play happily throughout their day. A plastic and package-free lunchbox (nude foods) are encouraged. We are a nut-aware centre. We encourage families to consider peanut and tree nut alternatives.
  • A change of labelled clothes and 2 plastic bags (when involved in hands-on, play-based learning, your child will get messy!). 
  • A sun-smart hat which covers your child’s face, neck and ears
  • Beanie, warm jacket and gumboots for outdoor play in winter
  • Bottles for breast milk/formula if required
  • Sleep/rest items (e.g., blanket, favourite toy)

What will the centre provide for my child?

We provide care and education for babies from 6 weeks old to 6-year-old children from 6.45am to 6pm, for up to 51 weeks a year.  This includes: 
  • Fresh fruit for morning and afternoon tea 
  • Breakfast program for children who arrive early 
  • Nappies, wipes and nappy cream 
  • All centre-based experiences and incursions.

What is the fee payment policy?

  1. You must complete an enrolment form and a direct debit form before your child starts. 
  2. Fees are paid two weeks in advance 
  3. Fees are paid via direct debit each fortnight (Friday). 
The amount you pay depends on your Child Care Subsidy and kinder funding.  (See the Absences section for information about holiday discounts.)

What will the centre provide for my child?

  • 0 to 3 years: 1 educator to 4 children
  • 3 to 5 years: 1 educator to 11 children
At Eastwood Early Learning Centre and Kindergarten, we work above ratio to ensure the highest standard of care and a better work environment for our educators.

What are the educators' qualifications?

Our educators share a passion for early childhood education. They pair their unique skills and talents with a commitment to bring our centre’s philosophy to life.  All our educators have: 
  • A minimum of Certificate 3 in Children’s Services 
  • Level 2 First Aid, including CPR, asthma and anaphylaxis 
  • Current Victorian Working with Children check card
All Lead Educators are diploma-qualified.  Our kindergarten program is facilitated by Bachelor-trained Kindergarten Teachers.