Commonly asked questions

When your child first starts care, it can be daunting knowing what to pack in their bag, and ensuring you are fully prepared. The below information has been compiled to assist in your preparations. Please do not hesitate to reach out to our friendly team with any queries.

• Each child should bring a complete change of clothes (including underwear and socks) in a suitable named bag or backpack. Infants may need more than one change.
• A water bottle for your child to drink from during the day, please ensure it is clearly labelled.
• If your child is in nappies, bring him/her into the Centre wearing one of your own nappies. The Centre uses disposable nappies throughout the day. You are welcome to provide disposable nappies of your choice if you’d prefer. Due to hygiene policies we do not use any reusable or cloth nappies at the centres. Whilst your child is being toilet trained please bring extra underwear, trousers and socks etc.
• To help avoid accidents we ask that children wear appropriate shoes or sandals rather than thongs whilst at the Centre.
• Babies’ bottles are to be prepared hygienically by the parent and clearly labelled. All bottles are to be cooled and then transported to the centre appropriately (preferably in an insulated container). All bottles must be signed in to state that they were prepared hygienically and transported correctly and then placed in the fridge immediately.
• In cold weather a warm coat is necessary. A pair of slippers would be appreciated for indoor play and gumboots for outdoors.
• On hot days, please remember to send an appropriate sun hat and dress your child in sun-protective clothing i.e. not sleeveless. The Centre provides sunscreen for the children although we ask that you please sunscreen your child prior to arrival and inform staff of this. If your child has a sensitivity to sunscreen please bring along one that suits their skin best to leave at the centre. Parents are welcome to view the relevant Federation Children’s Centre Sun smart policy and procedure.
• Special security toys like a dummy, blanket or teddy are most welcome in helping children settle and/or sleep – these must be clearly labelled. It is difficult to be responsible for any other toys that children bring from home and it can be disappointing if they are broken or lost, and often best if they are left at home.
• The Centre will provide smocks for messy play; however please dress your child in appropriate play clothes. Please label all your child’s clothing. Any unnamed clothing found at the Centre will be placed in the lost property bin in the foyer.
• The centre provides all meals although children are welcome to bring a piece of fruit each day to instil and encourage them to contribute and share within their community

Invoices are issued fortnightly by Federation Children's Centres via email. Payment is made via Direct Debit through our direct debit provider ChildCare Easy Pay. Families are responsible for the payment of transaction fees including failed transaction fees. Failure to keep up to date with fee payment may result in cancellation of your child's place until the account is paid in full and re-enrolment will be required. Outstanding accounts may be forwarded to our Dept. Collection Agency, and if applicable a 'No Service Indicator' will be attached to your Federation University Student Account.

For enquiries regarding accounts please contact us on (03) 5327 8183 or childrenscentres@federation.edu.au.

We understand how exciting birthday's can be, especially through a child's eye's! We look forward to celebrating your child's birthday with them. Unfortunately, our food safety policy states that families are unable to bring food into the Centre for the children. However, our cook is able to bake a cake for your child at the Centre. Birthday cakes will be made for afternoon tea unless your child attends for only a morning session.

The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is the main way the Government assists families with their child care fees. The Child Care Subsidy is paid directly to child care providers to be passed on to families with the amount taken off your account prior to receiving your invoice.

For details on eligibility and applications, please visit the Services Australia website.

It is recommended to apply for CCS prior to commencement at the centre, to ensure your subsidy is processed in preparation for your first week.

Depending on days required and care availability, occasional or additional care may be available for our families.

Please speak to the centre coordinator, or contact childrenscentres@federation.edu.au to enquire on availability and book additional days.

At Federation Children's Centres, we believe Kindergarten is an important step in your child's education. Three and four year old Kindergarten programs are available across our centres at Mt Helen, SMB and Churchill. Programs are led by qualified educators, and provide a range of learning opportunities and experiences for our children. Activities are planned according to the children’s developmental stage and include experiences in language and literature, music and movement, art and craft, dramatic play, science and maths, sensory motor activities and activities to promote physical development and co-ordination.

Applications are available through the City of Ballarat and Latrobe City Council Kindergarten Central Enrolment Schemes.

Under the 'No Jab, No Play' legislation, all children are required to be fully vaccinated unless they have a medical exemption to be enrolled in childcare or kindergarten in Victoria.

We request that parents/guardians keep the Centre informed of their children's immunisation status and provide an updated AIR Immunisation History Statement as changes occur. If your child’s immunisation record is not up-to-date your child will be unable to attend.

For further information and details, please visit the Victorian Health website.