There is a huge amount of compelling recent research on the first five years of a child’s development and how it affects the rest of their lives. We know that 80 per cent of a child’s brain is developed within the first five years. We also know that children who start ahead stay ahead and keep accelerating beyond their peers.

Over time, it becomes harder to close gaps between children who are excelling and those who are falling behind. That is why it is so important to get it right from the start. To give our children the best possible opportunities for their future, we need to lay the foundations early.

Children start learning from the day they are born. They need a rich range of hands-on play-based experiences and intentional teaching to develop the skills for future success. Therefore, it is paramount for young children to be engaged in high-quality early childhood education programs to lay strong foundations for their future successes.

At Imagine Early Learning and Childcare, we take in pride in providing environments that support each child to reach their potential.

There is a misconception that ‘Childcare’ is simply providing care for children and that ‘Preschools’ provide an education. The truth is that all Early Childhood Services are assessed against the National Quality Standard (NQS), which has a strong focus on both ‘caring and nurturing’ as well as the learning and educational aspects of the program.

All Imagine Early Learning & Childcare Centres have separate preschool rooms for children aged 3/5 yrs. The preschool programs in these rooms are developed and implemented by Early Childhood Trained Teachers. The advantage to families of having a preschool program run within a ‘Child Care Centre’ or ‘Daycare Centre’ is that it offers families the flexibility of the longer operating hours and choice of days.

Our staff hold various qualifications in Early Childhood – ranging from the minimum qualification of Certificate III in Children’s Services to Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood. But the most important qualification that our staff hold is not written on any certificate but clearly visible to a trained eye – and that is a true passion and commitment to providing the very best care and education for young children.

We provide morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea in line with the Good for Kids Good for Life foundation.

Children are encouraged to drink water from their water bottles throughout the day. The water bottles will be refilled with fresh water as needed. Please note that cordial or juice is not permitted in the water bottles. We also have bubblers for the children in the outdoor playground.

Mealtimes provide excellent opportunities for children to develop self-help skills. Staff sit with children at mealtimes to offer support and encouragement as children acquire self-help skills in feeding, serving, pouring etc.

Whilst children are encouraged to eat, no child is forced to eat against their will. If we are concerned about your child’s refusal to eat, we will discuss this with you to work out any possible strategies.

You can submit an online enquiry via the ‘Contact us’ link on this website or you can check further details on the selected centre’s website by clicking on ‘Our Centres’.

In the first instance, you need to submit an online waitlist form. The Centre Director will contact you once a suitable position becomes available. They will invite you to visit the centre to meet the educators, view the environment, and ask any questions you may have. We want to ensure that you are comfortable with your decision. The Director will then provide you with an enrolment pack that contains everything you need to know about the centre, as well as enrolment forms. Once you return the completed forms, you can arrange further visits before your child’s start date. We want to ensure as smooth a transition as possible, so feel free to visit as many times as necessary. Even after your child starts, we will support you every step of the way.

Fees vary from centre to centre and are also dependent on things such as the number of days in care, the age of your child as well as your eligibility for any government subsidies. We recommend that you contact the Centre Director who will be able to provide you with a quote.

Imagine, along with many other providers in the sector, closes for public holidays. If your scheduled booked day falls on public holidays, fees will still apply as staff and operating costs still need to be covered. The Australian Government’s Child Care Subsidy (CCS) covers up to 42 absence days a year, which includes public holidays. This means that, unless you exceed this quota, you will be eligible for the CCS discount on public holidays.

Yes, fees still apply for sick days. The Child Care Subsidy will cover up to 42 absence days a year with no documentation and unlimited sick days if you are able to provide a medical certificate.

The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is a payment offered by the Australian Government for which you may be eligible. To find out if you are eligible for CSS visit Services Australia website.

Depending on your personal circumstances, there may also be other government funding available.

Effective communication between home and the centre ensures nothing gets missed. Whilst we love the daily communication at arrivals and departures, we also use an app called OWNA to keep families updated on their child’s day, learning and development and centre happenings. The OWNA childcare app is free to download and gives families real-time access to their child’s data. It is a two-way tool, allowing families to provide information and feedback to the educators.

For All Children: 

• Two complete sets of spare clothing to suit the weather.
• Sun Hat (broad-brimmed or legionnaire style) for summer. 
• A jumper or cardigan in summer (just in case the weather gets cold). 
• At least two sets of underpants (more if your child is toilet training).
• Any rest time comforter if needed.
• In a drawstring bag or pillowcase, a small sheet and light blanket for rest time. Please note that pillows are not permitted in the cots for safety reasons. 
• Sunscreen (only if your child cannot use the one provided by the centre).
• A drink bottle filled with water (no juice or cordial).  

For babies and toddlers (0-3 years): All of the above, plus the following: 

• At least 6 disposable nappies per day (or training pants if your child is in the process of being toilet trained). 
• Nappy Wipes. 
• Any nappy lotion or powder, if necessary. 
• Fitted cot sheet and blanket. 
• Bottles. If your child is on formula, please send formula in pre-measured scoops and sterilised bottles containing cooled boiled water. We will make the bottles up at the centre. On arrival, bottles containing cows or breast milk must be placed in the fridge.

• Casual play clothes are best. Most of our activities are ‘hands-on’ and will include messy play, so clothing should be practical and comfortable. Children who are afraid of getting dirty or ruining good clothes will not benefit from a large part of their early learning program. 
• Shorts and a tee shirt in summer and a tracksuit in winter are the most practical as they allow children to climb, run and jump. No jewellery please. 
• Older children are encouraged to be independent in dressing and toileting. To help your child experience success in these self-help skills, please avoid buckles, belts and overalls. 
• Sturdy shoes with a closed toe suitable for climbing and active play are essential. Thongs and slip-on shoes are dangerous and not permitted at the centre. 
• Sun hats are essential, even on cloudy days. The risk of sunburn, although reduced, is still present on overcast days. Please ensure the hat protects your child’s face, neck and ears (legionnaire style is best). Caps and hats with cords (due to the risk of strangulation) are not permitted. 

Labelling all your child’s belongings, including all clothing, nappies, wipes, shoes, socks, sheets, drink bottles, hats, teddy bears, lunch boxes and drink bottles, is essential.

Shoes, socks, jumpers and hats are taken off and put on many times throughout the day. We must be able to identify what belongs to whom, so please label everything!