Childcare Centres - East V West (Syd)

[mphunter]

My wife & I are expecting our first child in February, and as a result need to find a larger home. We are living in Paddington now, and have found a great house not far away, however our priorities are about to change. We are looking at another place in Glebe. For various reasons we like Glebe, including cheaper cost of living yet still a short commute to work in the CBD for both of us.

I was hoping readers might be be able help with a general advice the cost of Childcare Centres.... cost per day, not-for-profits V private, additional costs, recommended centres in either area, surprises to look out for, etc....

The cost of daycare is nothing short of a rip-off, forcing mothers out of the workforce, or to find "black-market" alternatives to the registered centres. We are not considering either at this stage, but I think I'll need to spend a vacation day travelling around and calling the various centres..... just wish I knew a little more ahead of that.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

[ThomasMum]

Hiya I dont know much of Glebe (I live in the North Sydney-North Shore area), but I found this info from the website, hope you find it useful:

Childcare
Amigoss Child Care Centre
Long day care for children aged 2 to 5 years. 3 year accredited Spanish and English speaking staff. Preschool programs. Hot meal provided. Educational programme.
Where: 102-106 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe NSW 2037
Fees: $39 per day, Mon-Fri 7.30am-5.30pm
Contact: (02) 9660 8157 Fax: (02) 9552 6326

Broughton Street Extended Hours Kindergarten
Preschool/kindergarten for 2-5 years. 3 day places available Mon, Tues, Wed; 2 days places available Thur, Fri; some 5 days places also available. Ring for fees; relief is available. Priority given to Aboriginal children and low-income families.
Where: 80 Broughton St, Glebe NSW 2037
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-3pm; extended hours Mon-Fri 3-4.30pm; vacation care - hours , as above. Open in Easter, June/July & Sept/Oct holidays for preschool , children).
Contact: 9660 3163

Glebe Primary School - Glebe After School Activities Centre
Before/After school care for children aged 5-12 years from 7am-8.45am and 3-5.30pm. Vacation care centre is open 7.30am-5. 30pm. Ring for fees.
Where: Glebe Primary School, Derwent St, Glebe NSW 2037
Contact: After School/Vacation Care Co-ord, 9692 0663

Glebe Church Centre Toxteth Road Kindergarten
Toxteth Rd, Glebe NSW 2037 ............. Ph: (02) 9660 6001

Hilda Booler Extended Hours Kindergarten
Kindergarten open school days. Attendance may be for 2,3 or 5 days. Vacation care is available for 3-5 year olds from 8.30am-4.30pm during school holiday periods except January.
Where: Jubilee Park, off Eglington Rd, Glebe NSW 2037
Fees: $22.00 per day (8.30-3.00) + $4.00(3.00-4.30) = $26.00 (8.30-4.30)
Contact: 9660 4934 Fax: (02) 9566 4163

Toddlers Junction
Occasional child care centre catering for 26 children between the ages of 6 weeks to 5 years. Individual education programs, and volunteer program for free child care. Childcare, 1hr sessions - $7.50 per/hr. Only available the day before, after 4pm. Nursery; full day permanent $48/ full day casual $55/ 8-1 session $33/ 1-5.30 session $30. Preschool; full day permanent $44/ full day casual $50/ 8-1 session $30/ 1-5.30 session $27.
Where: 112A Glebe St, Glebe NSW 2037
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5.30pm
Contact: 9552 3747 Fax: (02) 9552 3785

Ref: glebenet (http://www.geocities.com/glebenet/services.htm#childcare)

Thomas'sMum

[strawb]

I have enrolled Oli into Active-Kids in George St, Ernest and Young building.
Its $89 per day and they supply all meals and nappies.

They take babies which is rare and the centre just opened so may have places.
check their site for more info. You will need to go in and have a tour and fill in paperwork.
http://www.active-kids.com.au/

Its great that you are sorting this out now because some centres have waiting lists as long as my arm.

Personally I think the whole system is a rort and I would love it to have a complete overhall.
If I had the money id open one myself.

[Anna&JacksMum]

Hi,
You could try Capricorn Kindergarten at Broadway, Glebe. They take babies from 6wks old and we have found it to be a lovely place for our little princess. Costs around $70 per day (includes nappies, meals - except milk/ formula for babies). The staff are v friendly & helpful.

We live in the eastern suburbs and found the waiting lists impossibly long and some of the fees outrageous! Which is why we went with Glebe.

My only advice would be put your name down for a place ASAP at any centres you are interested in - it's like lotto - you've got to be in it to win it!!! :)