Frequently Asked Questions
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Do you have an Educational Programme?
Our centre’s program follows the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), the National Curriculum Guideline for education and care for children from birth to school age.
All learning experiences are based on the needs, interests, and abilities of the children. We strive to create a stimulating and engaging environment that enhances children’s learning and development, recognising that each child’s learning journey is ongoing. Our goal is to provide meaningful experiences that resonate with each child.
Educators support individual learning and development through a continuous cycle of observations, planning, and intentional teaching. Using digital platforms like Xplor, they document child journeys, including various observations and examples of children’s milestones, artwork and experiences. Educators regularly reflect on children’s learning and development with the Educational Leader to consistently adapt the program to children’s knowledge, strengths, ideas, culture, abilities, and interests.
Each child’s digital portfolio is accessible to families, showcasing their learning and development. We welcome parents to meet with educators to discuss their goals for their child while in our care.
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What training do the staff have?
All staff at Treetops Early Learning Centre have a recognised Certificate or Diploma in Children’s Services or a Degree in Early Childhood Education. Additionally, we also have educators working towards their qualifications, supported by qualified educators and the director. This provides several benefits, including the infusion of fresh ideas and enthusiasm, promoting a culture of continuous learning, and ensuring that our staff stay updated with the latest practices in early childhood education. We wholeheartedly support educators in their pursuit of qualifications, recognising that their growth enriches the learning environment.
All staff are also trained in First Aid, Child Protection, and Safe Food Handling. Staff are also required to undergo a Working with Children Check.
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What meals do you provide?
Treetops recognises the significant impact that the food provided in childcare has on the growth and development of children. We provide all meals for the day, including breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, and a late snack. Our onsite cooks strive to meet the daily nutritional requirements for our children, ensuring they receive balanced and healthy meals.
A variety of foods such as vegetables, fruits, cereals, lean meats, fish, chicken, milk, yoghurts, and cheeses are offered to children in our care. We also ensure a range of textures and tastes appropriate to the developmental stages of different age groups. Our menus are carefully planned to support the health, wellbeing, and dietary needs of all children, taking into account any allergies or dietary requirements.
In addition to nutritious meals, we provide children with access to water and milk throughout the day to keep them hydrated. We believe that establishing healthy eating habits early on will positively influence children’s physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. At Treetops, we are committed to fostering a love for nutritious foods and encouraging lifelong healthy eating patterns.
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My child has food allergies – how do you manage this?
The centre employs a full-time cook who is highly experienced in managing various dietary requirements, including food allergies. Parents of children with specific dietary needs are encouraged to meet with our cook to discuss which foods are appropriate or should be avoided for their child.
In accordance with regulatory requirements, we implement stringent safety measures to manage food allergies and dietary needs. This includes maintaining up-to-date documentation of each child’s dietary requirements, clearly labelling foods, and ensuring that all staff are trained in allergy management and emergency response procedures.
We strive to accommodate all dietary requests to ensure the safety and wellbeing of every child. If it is not feasible to meet certain specific requirements, we encourage parents to bring in suitable foods from home to ensure their child’s needs are met.
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What do I need to bring each day?
The centre supplies all nappies, foodstuffs, and in the case of older children, drinks being water and/or milk.
For infants who require bottles please supply bottles (sterilised) and their formula. Our staff will prepare bottles as per the manufacturer’s requirements. Infant food requirements are also prepared on-site.
Spare changes of clothing along with any comforters e.g. dummy, ‘ruggy’ or that special comfort toy is also advisable. All items should be packed in a suitable bag e.g. child’s backpack and labelled with your child’s name. Hats and sunscreen are necessary for outdoor play and are supplied by the Centre.
For those children who wear nappies, a nappy for them to go home can also be included in their bag if you wish.
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What happens if I want to change/increase days?
Changing or increasing your child’s attendance days is dependent on the vacancies the centre has. Please speak to the manager to arrange these changes. If the change can not happen immediately you will be offered the next available position. Four weeks notice is required to decrease attendance.
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Am I charged for days my child does not attend?
Parents are charged for all days their child is booked into care, regardless of holidays, illness, or Public Holidays. This policy is in place to ensure the operational and staffing costs of the centre are met, as we are required to maintain staffing levels based on booked enrolments rather than actual attendance. Charging for these days also secures your child’s place in the program and supports the continuity of care and consistency for all children.
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What happens if I am running late past 6:30pm?
If a parent is not going to be able to pick up their child/ren before the centre is due to close, they must ring the centre as soon as possible to advise. We recommend a nominated authorised person on your enrolment is called to collect if possible. Late fees will be charged when children remain at the centre after 6:30pm. Any part of the first 15 minutes will incur a fee of $50 per child and then a rate of $2.00 per minute; per child.