New Familes
Step 1 - tour our centre
Step 2 - register interest, discuss availability
Step 3 - wait for your offer
Step 4 - Arrange two orientation, schedule start date
Step 5 - Contact Services Australia to arrange your Child Care Subsidy
Step 6 - First day at SHBELC!!!
Note: According to the ‘No Jab - No Play’ Legislation all children must have an up to date Immunisation History Statement prior to commencement.
Your child’s enrolment process and waitlists
Exploring your options with SHBELC is a fantastic choice, and we can’t wait to welcome your family! To get started, please fill out the form below to send us your enquiry and arrange a tour of our centre; we’ll reach out to you soon.
Please note that spaces at SHBELC are limited. We only offer places to families who have joined our waiting list, so submitting a general enquiry or booking a tour does not secure your spot. Our waiting list can fluctuate, and we allocate places based on the order families joined. You can join our waiting list up to two years in advance or three years with a special request.
The fee to join our waiting list is $25 per child (non-refundable), so we encourage you to apply right after your tour.
We look forward to connecting with you!
The Orientation Process
SHBELC offers an inclusive orientation program to assist your child to settle into their new education and care environment following completion of your child’s enrolment. Our orientation process provides opportunity for parents and children to develop relationships with the educators in your child’s room before starting at the centre.
We encourage a minimum of two, up to two-hour orientation sessions prior to your child’s commencement. Orientation sessions are free of charge and booked in a couple of weeks prior to your child’s commencement, with the sessions scheduled in the week prior to your child’s commencement date.
Transitioning into a new childcare environment can be a very exciting time, but also a little bit of a challenge for children and parents alike. How quickly your child settles in their new environment can depend on many factors, like whether your child has been in care before, your child’s age and the type of interaction with other children and adults that your child has experienced prior to his or her enrolment at SHBELC. While it can in some instances it can feel like a highly emotional and stressful time, we want to reassure you that it does take time, and perseverance really does pay off towards a very fun and rewarding early childhood.
Some tips for a great morning drop off:
Foster excitement in conversation with your child about coming to SHBELC.
If age appropriate involve your child in packing their bag - include your child’s labelled drink bottle, spare clothes, hat and comforter. These familiar items help make your child feel secure throughout the day.
Create a drop off ritual. For example, read one story with your child in their room prior to leaving.
Talk to an educator about your child’s needs. For example, they are particularly tired, or Dad is away on a work trip.
Never leave without saying goodbye before you leave and let your child you know that you will be back later.
Try not to linger too long if you can avoid it.
If your child is having a difficult time letting you leave, ask an educator for assistance – we will help your child to settle and make it easier for you to leave.
Enrolment Checklist
all of our new families will need to provide the following information on enrolment:
Completed Enrolment Form (this will need to include names and contact details of additional emergency and authorised contacts)
Completed Fee Policy Form
Vaccination details should read an up-to-date Immunization History Statement
A copy of your Approval Assessment Letter from the Family Assistance Office (this will have your CRN’s and approval percentage recorded – if you have not yet been assessed please call the Family Assistance Office on 136 150)
Any relevant Medical Documents, Court Orders and/or action plans if relevant to your child (allergy info, asthma or anaphylaxis plans etc). Please note the centre will not administer any medication without a completed and signed Action Plan from a General Practitioner indicating the name of the child and the medication, dosage of the medication and the duration of the medication to be administered.)
A completed Child Profile Form (to be used in your child’s room to help settle your child into the environment)
Available dates to schedule in transition visits (free of charge for up to 2 hours) for the settling in of your child in the lead up to commencing care.
Any other information you feel is important that will support educators to care for your child, such as, reports from specialists or speech pathologists and developmental records/assessments.
Any information about cultural practices that will help educators to support your child to develop a sense of belonging when commencing care.
Choosing a childcare centre?
Here’s a list of questions you should ask
Choosing the perfect childcare centre is a significant decision for your child's future. To help you navigate this important choice, we've put together a list of crucial questions to ask daycare providers. These include key considerations for childcare and specific inquiries to make while touring daycare facilities.
About the Early Learning Centre
When exploring daycare options, especially if it’s your family's first experience with childcare, consider these essential inquiries:
What are the Centre’s operating hours?
How does the pick-up and drop-off process function?
Is there a Preschool or Kindergarten program available?
Do you provide casual care bookings for occasional needs?
Has the Centre undergone any assessment and rating?
Is there an open-door policy for communication with families?
What about the Staff?
A dedicated team that genuinely loves working with children, is qualified, and seeks to foster relationships with families is crucial. Ask the following to assess the suitability of the childcare Centre’s staff:
What qualifications do your Educators hold?
Are there qualified teachers present in each room?
What training, development, and mentoring are offered to your staff?
What curriculum is implemented for different age groups?
How many staff members are assigned to each room?
Are the staff certified in first aid and CPR?
How about my Child?
How can I be involved in my child's learning?
How will you help prepare my child for school?
Will you keep me updated throughout the day on my child's activities?
How will you communicate if my child is facing any difficulties or issues in care? What steps will be taken to manage this?
What meals will my child be eating daily?
Can I view your current menu?
What’s the Program Like?
The daily program at a daycare centre is vital for your child’s development.
What is the daily routine like for children?
How much time do children spend outdoors?
Are there any enrichment programs or extra-curricular activities offered?
How does the Centre handle discipline and behavioural issues with younger children?
What is your approach to learning and education for young children?
What about Health and Safety?
Ensuring that your child is safe and healthy while in daycare is a top priority. Don’t be afraid to ask these important questions about safety and health policies.
What are your emergency procedures in case of fire, natural disasters, or medical emergencies?
How do you handle sick children at the Centre and your general sick policy?
Do you have protocols for administering medication if needed?
What measures do you take to prevent the spread of illnesses such as colds or flu among
General Questions
It’s good to have as much information as possible, so here are some suggested questions you can add to you daycare tour checklist.
What is the daily routine like for children?
How much time do children spend outdoors?
Are there any enrichment programs or extra-curricular activities offered?
How does the Centre handle discipline and behavioural issues with younger children?
What is your approach to learning and education for young children?
Take the Checklist with you
Print this checklist and bring it along to your tour so you don’t forget any of the important questions. We’ve even left some space for you to add your own questions and to write notes.