Bumblebees (0-2 years)

Leaving a baby in childcare can be a stressful time for parents.  When the child isn’t old enough to communicate their needs or likes and dislikes, it is often difficult for parents to imagine anyone else being able to look after their baby.

The carers in the Bumble Bee room at MELC have been specifically selected for their ability to care for and understand the special needs of babies.  They all have the maturity, patience, temperament and understanding you need to look after a baby.

All of our rooms have been purpose–built with beautifully designed, separate areas for playing, eating, nappy changing and sleeping – all fully air conditioned with piped music.

Our babies use full-size cots for rest-time with their own bedding provided, and our nappy change facilities ensure high standards of hygiene are maintained at all times.

Importantly, the babies are kept completely separate to the older children to ensure their safety and to allow the carers to focus all of their attention on them.  At MELC we can offer your baby a calm, loving and supportive environment that allows them to thrive.

Bumblebees (0-2 years) FAQs

How much does MELC cost and how do I have to pay?

The cost of childcare at MELC is as follows (effective 15 May 2023);

  • Children 0-2 years  $149 per day
  • Children 2-3 years  $143 per day
  • Children 3-4 years  $138 per day
  • Children 4-5 years  $136 per day
  • Before School care 5-12 years $38 per day
  • After School care 5-12 years $48 per day
  • Vacation care is $65-$95 per day depending on the activity

Short day pickup by 3.00pm - $15 reduction in fees.

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.   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 $500 per family is payable on enrolment.

 

 

What is the daily routine in the Bumblebees room?

Every baby is different, and at MELC we work with you to ensure your baby’s routine is followed as closely as possible. We try to keep sleep times and routines as similar as possible to the way you do things at home, to minimise any disruption and make your baby comfortable. We even keep a summary so you can see what your baby has done each day (sleeping, eating, nappy changes, etc). 

Generally speaking, babies in the Bumblebee room follow a routine something like this:

  • Breakfast · Indoor Play
  • Morning tea
  • Sleep/quiet activities/stories 
  • Outdoor play
  • Lunch
  • Sleep/rest time
  • Afternoon tea
  • Indoor play
  • Late afternoon tea
  • Home time
What do we need to bring with our child each day?

At MELC we provide:  

  • Breakfast, morning tea, hot lunch, afternoon tea, late afternoon tea
  • All drinks, including milk (soy, full cream, etc)
  • Nappies
  • Sunhats and sunscreen
  • All bedding

You will need to supply a change of clothes (labelled clearly), a comfort item if required and any formula, bottles and dummies (labelled).

What are your opening hours?

We are open from 6.30am to 6.30pm, Monday - Friday, 51 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.

Is my child’s progress & development recorded?

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. 

How do I book a place at MELC?

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.

Getting Started Is Easy

At MELC we are big enough to cater for the needs of most families – but small enough to make sure you feel like part of our extended family.

TAKE A TOUR

Contact us today or just drop in – we are always available to give you a guided tour and answer all your questions.

REQUEST FOR PLACEMENT

Simply fill out the form below and let us know your preferred days – we'll be in touch within 24 hours.

ENROLMENT

Once we've confirmed your days, you just need to complete our enrolment form and your child can start with us straight away.


Get In Touch Today