Occasional Care

How often have you had to re-schedule appointments or decline social invitations because you didn’t have anyone to look after the children? Have you ever needed some time to yourself to shop, visit friends or just get some work done but couldn’t organise a babysitter?

At MELC we know how limiting it can be when families don’t have flexible, reliable childcare options available to them.

It’s really important for Mums and Dads, and even grandparents, to have an opportunity to take time out from looking after the children, without having to pay for regular, long-day child care.

Many parents don’t want to, or can’t, place their child in long-day care and the option of occasional care can give them access to safe, reliable childcare if and when they need it.

Every parent needs time to themselves at some stage!

• Benefits of Occasional Care
• How does it work?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Registration Form for Occasional Care
• Enrolment Form

Benefits of Occasional Care

• Occasional care can provide an introduction to child care for younger children who may benefit from a more gradual approach to being placed in centre-based care
• It can assist with the “socialisation” of your child and provide valuable opportunities for interaction with children of a similar age
• It can take place as little or as often as you need – without the burden of paying for a regular place in a centre
• It is safe, reliable and occurs in an environment that is regulated on the number of children, size of rooms and ratio of staff/carers to children
• It provides stimulating, educational activities suitable for your child’s individual stage of development
• Most importantly, it is fun for your child!

How does it work?

Occasional care at MELC is available from Monday to Friday depending on availability and can be taken as a full or half day. Children using MELC for occasional care join in with the long-day care groups appropriate for their age. For more information on the carers, facilities, routines and activities we do in long-day care click here.

Simply register your child’s details with us using our Registration Form, even if you don’t have an immediate need for occasional care, and this will make it easier for you to request time for your child at the Centre, particularly on short notice. Then just contact us if and when you need to book a full or half day of occasional care.

Prior to your child spending a full or half day at our Centre, you will need to complete an Enrolment Form which provides us with more comprehensive information about your child.

For answers to some of the more commonly asked questions regarding occasional care, click here .