Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do we pay extra for the Government Approved Kindergarten program
A. No. The good news is that your regular daily fee covers the Kindergarten program.
Q. Do your fees attract child care benefit?
A. Yes, we are a registered centre so you are able to access the usual fee assistance arrangements.
Q. How do I enrol my child at Big Day Out Care & Education?
A. Enrolment is easy. You can call us at any time on the number on this web site or you can download and complete the inquiry form and email that to us. We will call you back to ensure we have the correct information for your child’s needs and to answer any questions you may have about enrolling at the centre. It is as easy as that.
Q. How do you manage rest time at Big Day Out Care & Education?
A. This is a hotly debated issue. The AMA recommends that children in care for more than 3-4 hours are in need of a rest period to recuperate and rest their muscles prior to resuming busy play and learning experiences. This means a physical rest, not necessarily sleep. Some children need to sleep and others do not. Rest time allows children to learn about their own needs and those of others and to be respectful of others. We expect all children to engage in rest time whether they sleep or not. After a period of 30 minutes or so of quiet resting on beds children may participate in quiet activities while their friends sleep longer if they need to.
Q. Do we pay extra for meals?
A. No. Meals are included in your daily fee. Our on site chefs provide fabulous freshly cooked meals (morning tea, lunch, dessert and afternoon tea) each day to support busy working families – we know it is hard to fit everything in so this is our way of helping you manage life with a busy young family.
Q. Will my child have regular carers and educators they know?
A. Yes, our roster is arranged so that each room has a core team of educators who will be consistently present. This assists young children to settle and feel comfortable. We also utilise a regular pool of relief staff members so should carers be away, children will be familiar with the replacement team member.
Q. How do you move children up from one room to another?
A. We consult with families to ensure they are comfortable that their child is ready to move to the next age group. Once all partners are happy, we begin short visits to the next room so your child becomes comfortable with the new space, routines and people. After a few visits (some children take more and others less), we make the move to the new room. Settling in is monitored so we are able to ensure your child feels settled and happy.
Q. How will you communicate with me about my child ‘s development and learning?
A. We will communicate with you using a range of methods at different times including: phone calls, face to face chats and discussions, newsletters, emails, posters, personal notes, photographs, communication books for infants and “Today’s Adventures” sheets in other rooms. As you can see, we have many ways to keep you in the loop about your child’s day.
Q. What makes your centres different to others in the area?
A. Our centres are designed and developed by a dedicated team of local people. We are a Sunshine Coast family and we have a local builders, and other suppliers engaged with our centres. You always know who you are dealing with in our centres. Our Approved Provider is a former award winning Director with 30+ years’ experience in early childhood care and education. Big Day Out Care & Education also offers busy families:
- Our on site chefs provide beautiful meals daily
- Appealing, creative, well equipped and stimulating indoor and outdoor play spaces
- Nappies and sheets for infants
- The BDO Art Studios offer opportunities to develop creative ways of thinking and explore multiple avenues of learning experiences
- An environment designed to offer exciting play and learning experiences
