Long Day Care

As the children at MELC progress from one room to another it is important to introduce them to the group activities and learning experiences so that they feel comfortable and excited about the change to their routine.

Our transition program is designed to help the children adapt to their new room as easily as possible. The program runs over a period of time with certain days dedicated to the children spending time as a group in their new room with a dedicated carer.  This helps the children build their confidence within their own peer group. Throughout this transition program our dedicated carer will meet with parents and provide an update on your child’s progress.

The cost of childcare at MELC is as follows;

• Children 0-2 years  $121 per day
• Children 2-3 years  $115 per day
• Children 3-4 years  $109 per day
• Children 4-5 years  $106 per day
• Before School care is $35 & After school care is $42
• Vacation care is $65-$95 per day depending on the activity

In terms of government assistance, the Centre is licensed and accredited by ACECQA.  By contacting the Family Assistance Office and quoting our Customer Reference Number (407 185 690H) your rebate entitlement can be calculated.  As of 2 July 2018 the new child care rebate system is in effect.  For further information please go to www.education.gov.au/childcare 

Payment of fees can be made via EFTPOS (including credit card), electronic transfer via Internet banking, or by direct debit.  Fees are payable fortnightly in advance and a bond of $150 is payable on enrolment.

We cater to the needs of each individual child and parents are asked to let us know if they want their child to have a sleep during the day. Some parents prefer their child not to have a sleep as it makes it more difficult for the child to settle at nighttime.

With regard to babies, we have three nursery rooms all with piped music and cots so we have great flexibility in managing the needs of individual babies.

At MELC we provide everything for your child, including all food, bedding, sunscreen, hats and nappies.  You simply send in a spare set of clothes and any comfort items your child may need to sleep, such as soft toys or pacifiers.

If your baby is still on formula, you need to provide named bottles and formula powder (not made up).

Coming to a day care centre for the first time, or changing from one centre to another can be a frightening experience for a child.

Think of yourself starting a new job, moving to a new neighbourhood, or even going to a social gathering and not knowing anyone. The feelings you would have in these situations are probably similar to those of a child starting care, only to them it is a strange sensation and unlike anything they have experienced before.

There are some things you can do to help the situation.

• Allow your child some time to orientate at the Centre prior to starting care – you can bring them along to see the Centre and play for a while beforehand to become familiar with the surroundings
• Settle your child into an activity, perhaps with a staff member, before leaving them at the Centre in the morning
• Say good-bye and reassure them that you will return to pick them up
• Don’t linger and stretch out the good-bye – this can be distressing for both you and your child
• Most importantly, give your child time to get used to the Centre and the carers. Remember that every child is different and will take a different amount of time to feel comfortable.

To assist you in seeing your child’s progress during their time at the Centre, portfolios are prepared by the carers for each child. They contain observations, examples of work, photos, art/craft and information on children’s current interests or work in progress and become a lovely memento of your child's time here with us.

There are regular times throughout the year when the portfolios are sent home for parents to look at and add to, and you are welcome to view your child’s portfolio at the Centre at any other time. 

If you are thinking about enrolling your child in long day care and considering which centre to attend, we would encourage you to come in and take a look around our Centre at any time. We’d be delighted to meet you and show you how we do things at MELC.

If you have already decided that you would like to book your child in to MELC, then simply print and complete the Request for Placement Form and send it back to us by fax or mail. This form then adds you to our waiting list for the first available place.

When a place becomes available, you will need to complete and return the Enrolment Form to ensure that we have the necessary information on file regarding your child.

We are open from 6.30am to 6.30pm, Monday - Friday, 50 weeks per year.

Parents are encouraged to come in and visit our fabulous facilities at any time, or to call us if you have any questions.

We provide programs for each age group and cater for specific needs of each child. Our activities and learning experiences are based on the following areas, and each child has an opportunity to participate in activities from all of these areas, everyday:  

• Music and movement
• Language
• Art and craft
• Construction/block play
• Drama
• Outdoor play

The programs are on display in each room for your reference.