Childcare in Wollongong

[missie_mack]

Hi all :wave:

I'm just after some advice on what are the better long daycare/ preschools in the Wollongong area? I've been thinking about Lollypop Kidz down near that baby shop (whose name escapes me) Any experiences or better recommendations?? It's not for now but mid next year (waitlists and all that)

[GraceUnhearing]

sorry i dont know of any
but we are trying to organise a meet somewhere in Wollongong soon if you'd be interested in coming :)

[missie_mack]

Thanks for the offer but we are currently on a
'Sand Change' in Northern Victoria for 12 months. Hence why I need the advice as I can't just drop in and check things out myself :detective:

I keep an eye on things here though- maybe I will be back in the Gong after Chrissy :D
I miss it so and I couldn't believe how green things were at Easter and that the Lake was even full- can't remember the last time!!

[illawarramumof2boys]

hi

i can't recommend one in the gong area itself but i can highly recommend shellcove pre school at shellcove.

[singlemum]

Why dont u try some of the Illawarra childrens services one they are all great and the staff are really good.

[mum2peanut]

Do you know what area you want to live in? That will prob play a part in the childcare centre you choose. My daughter goes to daycare one dday a week. She goes to Little Possums which is Mt Kembla, out of the way unless you live up there really, but my DH teaches across the rd, which means he does drop off and pick up. :yelclap:
It's a private daycare centre and I'm really happy with it. DD has not cried once since going to daycare, she been there 7 wks, and seems to be having a ball, she eats, she sleeps and is very happy. Plus there was no wait list for the day I wanted for under 2s as it only feeds a small area.

[missie_mack]

We already own our own house in Shellharbour but I work in Coniston- I've lived in the area most of my life except for this 12- 18 months. So I already know the areas. I think something close to Coniston would be in my best interest so that he is close to work for pick up and drop off esp with the hours I work. Also (maybe its a first time Mumma thing :o ) because he has been diagnosed with very early onset asthma I want to be close should any issues arise.

I will probably be needing long daycare :detective: I've got no idea of fees or anything. I remember a couple of years ago when someone said their fees included nappies where others you had to bring in a box a term or something along those lines. But it was probably 5 years ago. If that still applies what happens if I don't need nappies? Does that make my childcare fees cheaper??

I did think about the family daycare but I think it would be better for my sons personality to spend time with lots of children. He is very social and by the time I return to work would've already spent 2 years at home with me.

Whats the difference between a private or public childcare centre?? The only ones I have heard a :thumbsdown: about are the ABC centres.....

[mum2peanut]

I think the diff between private and community one is that private are owned by a person/people where as community ones i think are governement ones, they seem to be harder to get into. We pay $49 a day, that doesn't include nappies or food or anything. I prefer to pack DD's food anyway so I know she gets what she likes. I actually have a friends whose son goes to the ABC at Shellharbour and she's really happy with it. I think it really depends on each individual centre.
Close to Coniston..... I think there is one in mangerton/coniston area, that another friend's son attends. Don't know if there are any other's in Coniston. There are quite a few community based ones in Central W.gong, I think if you ring and ask them for a form, you can apply for several at once, maybe do that now so you;ve got your foot in the door. It doesn't mean youhave to take the spot, but if one comes up at least it's there. You ould check them out when you are back up this way.
This is prob a stupid question but do you work at Pillar?

[mummyrissa]

i have looked at a few in wollongong unfortunatly there arent to many LDC to choose from.
the few i looked at just didnt feel 'right' having worked for 5 years as a childcare centre director i think i am being very fussy.:confused: