The City of Canterbury's Children's Services provides care and education programs for children aged 0 - 5 years. We provide a comprehensive range of childcare services to the community, operating four child care centres across the City, and also offering long day care; family day care; occasional care; OSHC and vacation care.
Leading the way in child care, Canterbury City Council is committed to high quality care throughout our City with a focus on excellence in Early Childhood Education.
Children have plentiful opportunities throughout their day to be involved in stimulating and appropriate learning experiences and our service aims to provide high quality, developmental care in a warm, safe environment that is appropriate for all children.
Earlwood Children's Centre is staffed by a team of professionals who are highly experienced in the care and education of young children. It is our desire that you and your child experience the happy and professional caring environment we will provide.
The practices of Canterbury City Council's Children's Services are based on Our Philosophy which was developed in consultation with parents and staff. Please take the time to read our Family Booklet where you will find information about our hours of operation, attendance policy, management structure and other operational procedures.
We recognise that entrusting the care of children to others is an important decision for families. Earlwood Children's Centre enjoys a reputation for quality early childhood practice and is committed to making our community a great place to live and work.
We look forward to providing enriching and enjoyable care for your child at our Centre.
If you require further information please contact the Centre on 9789 6000.
We, at Earlwood Children's Centre believe learning emerges through a social environment, one which supports each child's unique learning style, interests, special rights and builds on individual strengths and recognises potential.We view each child as competent and resourceful.We believe early learning lays the foundation for all future learning.
Children's work is valued and respected through making this learning visible.
We are committed to planning for children through innovative and reflective approaches.The curriculum emerges through interest and experiences, and social interaction between peers and adults.We believe that the program must celebrate today as well as being visionary about tomorrow.Reflection of these approaches is essential in assuring continual learning and growth.
We believe staff, in partnership with families, play a crucial role in facilitating children's learning. The program aims to acknowledge and respect all staff skills and interests.Shared decision making, the exchange of ideas and communication is vital in achieving effective teamwork.
We believe the environment at the centre should reflect beauty and aesthetic appeal.We aim to create a home-like environment, which invites the sharing of possibilities that celebrates the richness in cultures through the sharing of food, music and life experiences.
We acknowledge that each child comes to the Centre with a history, already possessing life experience and knowledge about the world.We recognize the importance of the family unit and strive to support families in their parenting role.We aim to build partnerships with families and communities, encouraging active participation and ensuring all families and cultures are represented within the service.
We value the diversity that exists within the community and wider society.Children are encouraged to value and respect difference within our community. We actively seek ways to build social capital and network with the
community.
We aim to build a trusting and positive reciprocal relationship with all families. We strive to provide a service that promotes social justice, equity and the rights of children and families, staff, management and the wider community.
What's in a Day?
In catering for the individual rhythms and social connections of children, we offer an indoor/ outdoor program across the day engaging children in uninterrupted play with peers and educators, empowering choice and self-directed learning.
Snack and meal times are valued as social opportunities in a relaxed and unhurried atmosphere with progressivemorning and afternoon tea served and managed by small groups of children.
Breakfast and supper are offered to children who attend care for extended hours.
Lunch is served on the verandah for the older children and all children have the opportunity to sit and chat with friends and educators-a social and enjoyable time, we encourage families to join us anytime!
Routine times such as toileting, sleep and rest are valued for their own learning potentials and individualised to accommodate each child's requirements and family practices.
Small groups occur during the day fostering emerging interests, friendships and developing extended investigations.
Language and literacy, drama and music, and the visual arts are integral to these times.
Cnr Fore St and Woolcott St EARLWOOD NSW 2206
Ph: (02) 9789 6000
Please feel free to call us on the number above or complete the form below and we will contact you as soon as possible.
We open at 7.00a.m. and close at 6.00p.m. Monday to Friday, 49 weeks a year.
We are closed for three weeks at Christmas.We are closed on all Public Holidays.
Contracted Hours
When families enroll their child into our centre they sign an agreement about the hours their child will be in our care.
These hours are negotiated with the Director and is dependent on individual families situations andstaff ratios have to be considered. If you break the contracted hours agreement consistently a warning will be given to you and other arrangements made.
Fees
We charge a daily fee of:
$73 per day or
$350.00 per week, when a child is enrolled fulltime (five days a week)
A late fee of $1.00 per minute after 6.00p.m will be incurred if families are consistently late.
Child Care Benefit (CCB)
Child Care Benefit is a payment aimed at reducing the cost to Australian resident families using approved childcare services.
Some families will receive more benefit than other familiesdependent on aspects such as income and hours used.
To claim this benefit you need to contact the Family Assistance Office (FAO) at Centrelink and complete an application form.
The Assistance Office will then calculate a CCB% entitlement and provides an assessment notice to the family and the service.
You must inform your service of any other childcare you may be using.
Contact FAO on 136 150 or www.facs.gov.au/ccb for information.
Parent and staff Sharing Times
Sharing times are organised between you and your child's primary caregiver twicea year. The intention of these meetings is to share and discuss information about your child, their achievements, friendships and interests.
We are happy to arrange a meeting at any time should there be anything you wish to discuss.
Staff are available both morning and afternoon to discuss andexchange information regarding your child's day.
Please label all your children's belongings.
Bag - we recommend a medium sized backpack, thisensures all belongings remain together in their locker.
Hat - children need a hat for outdoor play all year round.
Change of clothes - for unpredictable weather andaccidents. Please dress your child in comfortable practical clothing. Belt, buckles, braces can be difficult.
Nappies - if your child is in nappies please provide a minimum of 5 nappies per day.
Meals and Nutrition
During the course of the day, the Centre provides all meals and beverages. Meals are social occasions and children are enuraged to be independent, serving and feeding themselves.
Younger children who have varying eating patterns are fed according to their routines. Parents need to supply infants' bottles and formula.
Our Cooks plans weekly menus in consultation with staff, parents and children. We look forward to menu suggestions you may have.
All meat, fruit and vegetables are purchased weekly from the local community to ensure quality and freshness.
Special diets and cultural requirements are catered for in consultation with the family.
Meal and Snack Times
7.15am - 8.00amBreakfast
9.30am?10.00amMorning Tea
11.15am Lunch - (birth-3yrs)
12.00pmLunch - (3-5 yrs)
2.30pm - 3.30pm Afternoon Tea
5.15pm Late Afternoon Tea
Transition to School
Starting school for most children and families is a major turning point in their lives.
Our Transition to School Program is a progressive process
commencing for children in their year prior to school. The centre has built and maintained links with all local schools as well as ongoing involvement in their transition programs.
There are opportunities for families to meet school representatives and discusstheir school environment and expectations.
