Childcare
Castlefield Community Centre is proud and committed to being a Child Safe Organisation.
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Our Childcare program is small, nurturing and fun. Children have the opportunity to
engage in planned activities and free play, where their imaginations lead the way! Our venue has spaces indoors and outdoors where children can explore and learn whilst being actively supervised and cared for.
Our Centre is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children. We consistently act to ensure a child safe environment is maintained and have policies and procedures that comply with regulations.
Program information
What happens in our program?
Our Childcare staff deliver a range of age-appropriate activities for the children each day. The program changes weekly and includes music, fine motor skill activities, creative play, art and craft, social and outdoor activities. Our program plans are developed based on observations of the children and their individual needs, interests and stages. We have a flexible regular routine, which provides a sense of security and helps the children to settle into the program. Copies of these routines are displayed in the childcare room.
Who can attend our program?
Children can attend our childcare from the age of 2 years until they become school aged.
Children can attend up to 15 hours per week. Priority of access is determined by the staff, based on the circumstances of the individual child and family. Our programs are provided primarily for the residents of the Bayside municipality, however we welcome children from other areas if there is availability.
What is an occasional childcare program?
For many children, an occasional childcare program is a first opportunity to spend time away from family and socialise with other children of a similar age.
Our programs are developed to nurture and develop children’s independence and confidence. There is also a focus on enhancing their social and developmental skills within a semi-structured program. This enables children to gain confidence and self-esteem with both peers and staff before they move on to three or four year old kindergarten.
Schedule
The Childcare program runs during the school term.
We are closed on public holidays (no fees apply).
2024 Term Dates:
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Term 1 Mon 29 January to Fri 29 March
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Term 2 Mon 15 April to Fri 28 June
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Term 3 Mon 15 July to Fri 20 September
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Term 4 Mon 7 October to Fri 20 December
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Session times
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Monday 9.00am to 1.00pm (4 hours)
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Tuesday 9.00am to 1.00pm (4 hours)
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Wednesday 9.00am to 1.00pm (4 hours)
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Thursday 9.00am to 1.00pm (4 hours)
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Friday 9.00am to 1.00pm (4 hours)
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Fees
Full fee per session $50
Concession fee per session $45
Please Note: No fees are charged for public holidays.
Concessions of $5 per session are available for second children in same session or
holders of a Health Care Card.
Our Staff
Sessions are conducted by two accredited staff members at all times. At a minimum, one staff
member holds a Diploma in Children’s Services; and the other staff member holds an Assistant
Qualification in Children’s Services.
Each staff member holds a current Level 2 First Aid Certificate, anaphylaxis and asthma training,
and a current police and working with children check.
Our staff members are:
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Lynne Wakeham, Occasional Child Care Coordinator
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Robyn Watts, Occasional Child Care Assistant
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Leintje Cusmano, Reliever (qualified) and volunteer.
What regulations apply ?
Castlefield Community Centre Occasional Childcare Program is for children aged between two and five years old.
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The Centre holds an Occasional Care licence to operate a children’s service under the Children’s Services Act 1996 issued by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD), State Government of Victoria.
The licence is displayed in the main entrance to Castlefield and in the childcare room for the information of parents or guardians.
The Centre is also required to comply with the Children’s Services Regulations 2020, which outline the operation of the children’s services.
Testimonials
“Castlefield Community Centre is a great program run by Robyn and Lynne. They both care so much for all of the children and have great interactive relationships. Communication with teachers and parents is easy. I highly recommend the Centre. I have been bringing my two daughters to the program since they were 2 years old. It now feels like family when you step into the rooms. We love Castlefield!” Melissa I.
"We couldn’t be happier with Castlefield Occasional Care. Our 2 year old adjusted quickly thanks to the warm and caring staff. There is a good range of activities offered and a large space to play. It is a small and nurturing environment. We would highly recommend”. Katie C .
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”We have been so grateful for the extra care and attention the educators have provided Thomas this year. We feel that Castlefield is the best place for our children when they are away from home. Thank you very much! Your help means a lot to us.” Julie C.