Childcare

[shelleweb]

I have been told to look into our childcare options pretty early as spots fill up pretty quick. I will be looking at going back to work possibly around October 2012 if I can get a spot, otherwise it will be the start of 2013. Oh my that is such a long way away!

Does anyone have any childcare options that they would recommendation in and around the Hamilton/New Lambton/Kotara area?

Or any other areas in Newcastle/Lake Macquarie area for that matter. We live in the Hamilton area, but I work out at Speers Point, so anywhere in between would be suitable I guess.

Would be good to know where is good to go, how to go about finding a place, what questions to ask when sussing out a place, your experiences with different places and different forms or care and any other useful information for first timers like me!

Look forward to hearing your preferences and experiences :)

Cheers,
Michelle

[Eco Goddess]

Hi:wave:

I am a Director at a centre in Lake Macquarie, so hopefully can help! Would recommend my centre;) but we only take 2yrs-6yrs!

In the Hamilton area I would recommend Hamilton Child Care Centre (I think on the corner of Donald or Donaldson street) - the Director and staff are lovely and it is a beautiful homelike environment.

Things to ask/look for:

* Fees - what does the daily fee include? Are there any other fees for enrolment, bond, equipment, administration etc

* Are they accredited - the whole accreditation system is currently changing, however all centres should be accredited. Ask to see their accreditation profile - it outlines the centre's ratings in all areas

* Are they community based - (this may not bother you too much, but is something I am passionate about) Community based centres are run by a volunteer parent committee and an appointed director/co-ordinator. All money made goes back into the centre. Private centres are run by organisations or individual owners and the money goes back to them and is often not spent on the service as much as it should be

* Ask about the early years learning framework - this is a national document that guides EC services in programming, documenting childrens learning etc

The best thing to do is to have a visit at a centre and get a feel for it yourself. Do the children, staff and families seem happy? Are the staff playing with the children or standing around chatting? Is the environment clean (although some mess should be expected!!) and well cared for? Do you feel comfortable in the environment?

The service should offer you information about their policies and procedures as well as general information about the centre.

Good luck - hope some of this has been helpful. feel free to PM me if you have any other questions:)

[shelleweb]

Eco Goddess thank you so much, I really appreciate it :)

Yes, looking at places that cater for 0-2 year olds at this stage. I will look into the Hamilton Child Care Centre as a starting point as it looks like it is not far from where we live and I love the look of it on their website :) Thanks again!

[nicpetro]

I work at one of the child care centers at Newcastle uni. We are an occasional care center which means you pay for the hours you need. Suits families that do not require a full day of care for their Children. All you need to do is book a min of 2hrs. we are open 8.30-4.30 and offer care to students and the community.

Message me more if need more info.

Nic

[RmumR]

DD1 used to go to abc at broadmeadow. we only changed cause we moved too far away.

if we ever lived close enough id send my girls there in a heartbeat. lovely lovely carers, fantastic director.

have recommended it to a few friends and their children go there now

[shelleweb]

Thanks Nic, that will definitely come in handy! Not sure the opening hours would suit my full time work hours once I have to go back full time, but definitely on a casual basis and if I ever get stuck it is a great back-up plan :)

[shelleweb]

Thanks RmumR, will have to add that one to my list to check out too!
So far I am looking into the Hamilton Childcare Centre, New Lambton Blinky Bill Child Care Centre, and The Little Unicorn Long Day Care Centre Broadmeadow.
A friend has given me some questions that are good to ask when I go for visit, will keep you posted:)

[Cromo]

DD1 used to go to abc at broadmeadow. we only changed cause we moved too far away.

if we ever lived close enough id send my girls there in a heartbeat. lovely lovely carers, fantastic director.

have recommended it to a few friends and their children go there now

DD & DS go to our local ABC Centre (at Lake Munmorah - sorry for taking over the thread) and they love it. They have the nicest director and carers. I always recommend ABC to friends.