Information for our Children's Centre families

Our 2026 fees are:

Ballarat

• $157 for the full day
• $103 for a half day

Gippsland

• $135 for the full day

Please note that fees apply to all booked days, including sick days, public holidays, school holidays and any other absences.

A late fee of $50 applies for the first 10 minutes, then $10 for every additional 5 minutes if your child is collected after 1pm for a morning session or after 6pm for an afternoon or full‑day session without reasonable cause. This fee will be added to your next account.

Yes, most families can apply for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), which is the main way the Australian Government helps with childcare fees. The subsidy is paid directly to the centre and is deducted from your account before you receive your invoice.

To check your eligibility and apply, visit the Services Australia website. We recommend applying before your child starts to make sure your subsidy is in place for the first week.

Invoices are emailed to families fortnightly, and payments are made by direct debit through ChildCare Easy Pay. Families are responsible for any transaction or failed‑payment fees. If fees fall behind, your child’s place may be cancelled until the account is paid in full, and re‑enrolment may be required. Outstanding accounts may be referred to our debt collection agency, and a No Service Indicator may be added to your Federation University student account if applicable.

For any account enquiries, please contact us on (03) 5327 8183 or email childrenscentres@federation.edu.au.

Occasional care or extra days may be available, depending on the days you need and our current vacancies. Please speak with your centre coordinator or email childrenscentres@federation.edu.au to check availability and book additional days.

Yes. We offer 3‑ and 4‑year‑old kindergarten programs. Our qualified educators run play‑based programs that support each child’s development, with experiences in language and literature, music and movement, art and craft, dramatic play, science and maths, sensory play and physical skills.

Kindergarten applications are submitted through the City of Ballarat or Latrobe City Council Kindergarten Central Enrolment Schemes.

Here’s a simple guide to help you get ready. You’re always welcome to speak with our team if you have questions.

Clothing

• A complete change of clothes (including socks and underwear), clearly labelled.
• A warm coat in cold weather; gumboots and slippers are helpful too.
• A sun hat and sun‑protective clothing on hot days.
• Play clothes are best; smocks are provided for messy activities.

Comfort

Food, drinks and bottles

• A labelled water bottle.
• Babies’ bottles, prepared hygienically at home, cooled and transported in an insulated container. Bottles must be signed in and placed in the fridge on arrival.
• The centre provides all meals. Families may send a piece of fruit each day if they wish.

Nappies

• Bring your child in wearing one of your own nappies.
• We provide disposable nappies during the day, or you may supply your preferred disposable brand.
• Cloth or reusable nappies can’t be used due to hygiene requirements.

Footwear

• Closed‑toe shoes or sandals that are safe for climbing and play — no thongs, please.

Sunscreen

• Our centres provide sunscreen. Please apply it before arrival and tell an educator. If your child needs a specific sunscreen, please supply a labelled bottle for the centre.

We love celebrating children’s birthdays at the centre! While our food safety policy means families can’t bring in cakes or other food from home, our cook is happy to bake a birthday cake for your child. Cakes are usually served at afternoon tea, unless your child only attends in the morning.

Yes. Under Victoria’s No Jab, No Play legislation, children must be fully vaccinated – or have a valid medical exemption – to enrol in childcare or kindergarten. Children can attend on a 16‑week grace period while catch‑up immunisations are completed, as long as an approved catch‑up schedule is in place.

We ask families to keep the centre updated with their child’s immunisation status by providing an updated AIR Immunisation History Statement whenever it changes. If your child’s record is not up to date, they won’t be able to attend.

For more details, please visit the Victorian Health website.