Before and After School Care

For working parents, the years after their children start school are often the most difficult in terms of finding appropriate care before and after school hours.

At MELC, we have specifically designed our centre to accommodate primary school aged children (5-12 years) in a comprehensive before and after school care program, known as the “Grasshopper Club”. For parents in our local community this program guarantees a safe, reliable and fun childcare option from 6.30am to 8.30am and from 3.00pm to 6.30pm.

Servicing Maraylya, Cattai, Pitt Town, and Oakville Public Schools as well as Arndell College, we drive the children to school each morning and then pick them up from inside the school grounds in the afternoon and bring them back to the Centre.

Most of the parents using our before and after school care service have their children booked in on a regular basis. We do however, also cater for parents who require care on a casual basis if places are available.

• Our Routine
• Active Bodies, Active Minds – the “Active After School Program”
• What we provide
• The Grasshopper Club
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Enrolment Form

Our Routine

Our before school routine includes:

• Breakfast from 6.30am
• Quiet activities eg. Reading, story writing, board games, music
• Supervised homework time (optional)
• Drive to school and drop off inside school grounds

Our after school routine includes:

• Pick up from inside school grounds and drive to Centre
• Afternoon tea
• “Active After School Program” two afternoons per week
• Outdoor games (eg. Ball games, cricket, putt-putt golf)
• Supervised homework time
• Indoor games and activities eg board games, table tennis, air hockey, art and craft
• Access to computers
• Late afternoon tea
• Centre closes at 6.30pm

For many parents, one of the main challenges they face is to ensure that their children get enough physical activity in their daily lives. This challenge is even harder when parents work and may not get home until after dark or at dinnertime, when most organised sporting activities have finished.

Recognising this, MELC now offers the Active After School program for all children who participate in the before and after school care service.

The program is part of a Federal Government initiative designed to encourage children to participate in structured physical activity and foster a healthier lifestyle from an early age. There are no additional costs to participate and each session is run by a specially trained coach – ensuring your children receive the best possible advice and encouragement.

The program has a different theme every term, and all equipment is provided free of charge. In 2008, the themes will include “Funworks” (comprising a range of fun outdoor games using a giant earthball, parachute and toss mats) and Soccer.

Most importantly, the sessions are fun! They give your child a chance to get active and join in, whilst at the same time developing their gross motor skills and encouraging mobility.

For further information about the Active After School Program click here.