Childcare Options
There are a number of options for childcare for your child, on both a permanent or occasional basis and for long and short day care.
It is well worth looking into all childcare options to ensure that you choose one that you are comfortable with. If you choose to send your child to a childcare centre, go to at least a few centres so that you can compare. Have a good look around a couple of times, sometimes it's worthwhile just popping in unannounced to see if that "open door" policy they advertise is actually the case. Ask loads of questions - they expect it (a list of suggested questions is included below). You will get a feeling about a centre and your gut instinct is the best to go with, afterall, any niggling doubts you have when you're just visiting, won't disappear when it comes time to leave your child there.
Long Day Childcare centres are generally open from between 7.30am-8.00am until 6.00-6.30pm. There are a number of centres in Mosman that cater for children from 6weeks to 6 years. The price range tends to be circa $100+ per day for under 2 years, this fee may decrease slightly less as your child gets older. The reason for price variance for different ages is because of the staff to children ratios.
The ratios recommended by DoCS are:
0 to 2 years: Staff to child ratio of 1 : 5
2 to 3 years: Staff to child ratio of 1 : 8
4 to 6 years: Staff to child ratio of 1 : 10
With regard to staff qualifications, the only DoCS requisites are that all staff responsible for the direct supervision of children must be over the age of 18 years and that the supervisor of the service must be over the age of 21 years. One of the carers should also have a current first aid certificate. All centres are required to complete a Working with Children check on their employees prior to the commencement of employment, this check authorises a police check.
Some centres provide nappies, formula and all meals, others provide just meals and some nothing at all.
The majority of Long Day care centres are "approved child care services" and therefore you may be eligible to receive the Government Child Care Benefit (see Government Financial Support Scheme). An "approved childcare service" is one which must meet the quality standards and certain requirements as set out by the Australian Government. Some of these standards and requirements include having a licence to operate, having qualified and trained staff, being open for certain hours and meeting health, safety and other quality standards. If a centre is "registered" (instead of approved) this means that the amount of Child Care Benefit you may receive is greatly reduced and you will not be entitled to the Child Care Tax Rebate. These centres either do not and choose not to meet the Australian Governments minimum opening hours and other quality standards.
An alternative to a Childcare centre is Family Day Care or In Home Care.
Family Day Care is when a registered carer looks after a maximum of 5 children aged 0-6 or a maximum of 7 children under 12 years (this number includes the carers own children). This is organised through Mosman Council and they are very stringent that the carer adheres to DoCs guidelines. The carer must program for the children, provide details about the childs activities during the day (as with Childcare Centres) and have regular inspections. Helen at Mosman Council will be able to assist you with queries. Her details, waiting list forms and further information is available on the Mosman Council website Most Family Day Care Services are approved child care services and therefore you may be eligible to receive the Government Child Care Benefit and also means that the Australian Government quality standards must be met.
In Home Care is similar to Family Day Care except that the carer looks after your child in your home. This service is not widely available and usually is a result of circumstances which make it difficult for your child to be cared for outside of your home eg. if your child has a disability, or, if your family undertakes shift work and therefore overnight care is required. For information about eligibility for in home care, you will need to contact the Child Care Access Hotline on 1800 670 305.
Mosman Occasional Childcare Centre, located by the Allan Border Oval (Myahgah Road) provides flexible occasional childcare for children aged from 6 weeks to 5 years. Care is available from 1 to 7 hours per day at a rate of $10 per hour. To utilise this facility, there is an annual $50 registration fee and once registered you can book one week in advance of the day required. All details, registration forms and enrolment forms are available on the Mosman Council website.
For all types of childcare there are waiting lists and most will charge a non-refundable waiting list fee. If possible it is good to be flexible with your child's commencement date and to enrol your child early, especially if you want your child to attend childcare under the age of 2. Many centres recommend putting your child on the waiting list very soon after birth or in some cases whilst you are still pregnant! It is worth calling the childcare centre in the months leading up to your chosen start date, just to let them know that you still require a place and so they don't forget about you.
If you choose a nanny, ask for references, current police checks and visa status (if not Australian and if hiring independently from an agency).
Nannies, grandparents, friends and relatives who care for your child are classed under the category of registered care provided they register as carers with the Australian Government's Family Assistance Office. In order for you to receive Child Care Benefit you and your partner (if applicable) will also need to meet the CCB work, training, study test.
Can I attend some half days with my child prior to the actual start date?
Will I be charged for Public holidays/Holidays and Sick days?
How will you stimulate my child both emotionally and physically?
What is the daily routine?
Will you follow the routine that I have at home?
What is the policy if my child is very distressed?
Is the food natural and produced on site?
How do you cope with food allergies?
What is the age range in the room?
What is the supervision and separation of the older children in the room: This question is more appropriate when 0 - 2 year olds are in the one room together. The development of a 6 week old as apposed to a 2 year old is vastly different. As the 1:5 staff to child ratio is from 0 - 2 years many centres will put all of the age group together. Biting, poking and over enthusiasm with love and attention from the older children can be a problem.
Do you "hot cot" or do the children have their own allocated cot for the days they are at the centre?
How often to you wash sheets and what products do you use?
How often and how do you clean down the cots?
What are your discipline techniques?
What is your policy regarding bullying?
What is the staff to child ratio?
What are the staff qualifications?
What is the policy if a child is sick?
How many children does the centre accommodate / How many children in each room?
Can I leave a pram during the day?
Do you have a development feedback book?
How do you prevent the cross contamination of toys/bottles?
Do you have an open door policy if I want to see my child during the day?
Are you an approved centre for Child Care Benefit rebates?