General Information
What times are you open?
Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 6:00pm excluding public holidays.
The Centre closes for 3-4 weeks over the Christmas period.
Is there an onsite car park?
The Middleback Theatre carpark has reserved 15 minute child care drop off and pick up carparks located directly out the front of the Centre.
Which age ranges do you cater for?
6 Months – 6 Years
What should I bring to child care?
- Bottle and formula or milk
- Baby cereal
- Dummy/Pacifier
- Any comforters (e.g. Special toy, blanket)
- Spare change of clothing (or extra when toilet training)
- Any special requirements (e.g. glasses)
- Any medication/medical requirements (clearly labelled and with a doctors certificate)
Please ensure that your child's belongings are clearly labelled to avoid loss. Families are also asked not to bring toys from home as this can cause conflict between children.
Is our Centre accredited?
Yes. TAFE SA Whyalla Child Care Centre is accredited under the (ACECQA).
What types of qualifications do the staff at the Centre have?
The TAFE SA Whyalla Child Care Centre staff team consists of people with varying levels of qualifications. Team Leader and Children’s Services Professionals have a minimum of Diploma in Children’s Services (Child Care) or equivalent and Unqualified staff have a minimum of Certificate III in Children’s Services or equivalent.
All staff must undergo additional training such as First Aid, Manual Handling, and Child Safe Environments and possess current national police clearances which are consistent with requirements set out by the Department for Families and Communities.
What are your staff : child ratios?
Babies (6 months – 2years) – 1:4
Over 2’s – 1:8 for the first 8 then 1:10 thereafter
Bookings And Payments
How do the sessions work?
The Centre offers full day care 8:00am – 6:00pm
Am session 8:00am – 1:00pm
Pm session 1:00pm – 6:00pm
We also offer casual bookings depending on available places.
What are your fees?
Fees can vary depending on the type of care required. Please contact the Centre to find out more.
What subsidies are available to me?
Child Care Benefit (CCB), offered by the Australian Government, is one of the types of subsidies available to eligible families. This can include up to 50 hours of CCB per week. For more information on CCB click here.
A Child Care Rebate is also available to eligible families. This assists with your out of pocket expenses. For more information on the Child Care Rebate click here.
Parents/guardians looking to enter or re-enter the workforce may be eligible for JET subsidies. You can find out more about this here.
Families are asked to register for subsidies and connect to the Centre prior to starting care. This enables Reception staff to reflect the correct fees on your bill from the commencement of care, avoiding any confusion that backdating of subsidies may cause.
What methods of payment are available?
EFTPOS payments can be made at the Centre.
Payments of Cash, Cheque and EFTPOS are possible at the front office of TAFE.
Other Information
How does the Centre communicate with enrolled families?
Once care begins, families will be assigned a pigeon hole in the foyer area which any communication, including bills, will be placed. Families are encouraged to check this on a regular basis.
Information can also be sent electronically – feel free to give your email address to our office staff.
Any information regarding your child’s development will be available from the educators. Please don’t hesitate to speak to your child’s primary caregiver.
Can I be involved in making decisions at the Centre?
Family involvement in decision making at TAFE SA Whyalla Child Care Centre is strongly encouraged.
The TAFE SA Whyalla Child Care Centre Advisory Committee which is responsible endorsing of ideas, suggestions and policy changes. This Committee consists of a number of parent representatives.
Input is also sought to facilitate continuous improvement at the Centre. For example, parents/ guardians have been actively involved in Centre policy review processes and the Centre’s program.
Families are always welcome to make suggestions using the Centre’s suggestion box which is situated in the foyer. Alternatively, if any concerns arise, there is a formal process which parents/guardians are encouraged to undertake.
Can I breastfeed my child at the Centre?
TAFE SA Whyalla Child Care Centre is breastfeeding friendly. Please speak to staff about your individual needs.