FAQ’s

The experiences provided for children, both planned and spontaneous, are undertaken to support the learning and development of each child and their individual abilities, needs and interests. Our curriculum recognises the Early Years Learning Framework as the underpinning foundation for the way we educate children. We believe that children will thrive best in a play based learning environment and we strive to create rich learning opportunities through that environment, which enable children to explore and discover, bring out their imaginations, build relationships, and above all, have FUN!

Our centres offer a range of extra activities and services, unique at each campus. These include:

We hold a selection of interesting, educational and fun shows throughout the year.
Over 80% of our educators have been at our centres for more than 5 years. They know the local community and enjoy being part of your child’s life for a number of years.
Our educators receive ongoing professional development.
At Dakabin and Victoria Point Campus, we provide 3 meals a day and nappies free of charge.
At Mission Beach Campus we provide nappies and fruit platters.
We provide natural outdoor play experiences.
We identify children’s strengths, by carefully observing and reflecting, then plan with these strengths in mind, setting children up for success and providing opportunities for them to play and learn.

We have an ‘open door’ policy, so family members are always welcome to stay for a play at their own convenience. We also encourage parents to attend ‘special activities’ and excursions with their children and their friends.

Yes. We are fully licensed with the relevant state authority and registered for Child Care Benefit (Federal Government child care subsidies). Our operational licenses are displayed for your perusal in our centre foyers.

At Mission Beach Campus, we are very proud to have received the high rating of “Exceeding” the National Quality Framework.  We are pursuing an “Excellent” rating as a priority.

At Dakabin Campus, we have recruited our Director and Teacher from “Excellent” centres.  Along with the newly refurbished indoor and outdoor learning environments, our educators are receiving quality professional development and mentoring from our Director and Teacher.  Our Kindergarten Program is recognised by the Queensland Government.

At Victoria Point Campus our beautiful indoor and outdoor learning environments will delight you and our Kindergarten Program is recognised by the Queensland Government.

You can be assured your child is receiving the highest quality care in a safe and professional child care environment.

Please call the Director (or pop in) to enquire about availability. The phone numbers are below:

Dakabin Campus –  (07) 3491 8059

Mission Beach Campus – (07) 4088 6800

Victoria Point Campus – (07) 3207 9698

You will need to fill out an enrolment form which can be obtained directly from our centre.  The Director will contact you to advise you of the current enrolment situation, and if positions are available a meeting time will be arranged for you to come and visit the centre, to meet our staff and to see the centre in operation. If there are no positions available at that point you will be advised of the current enrolment status of the centre and your waiting list form will be placed into our system awaiting positions becoming available that meet your nominated days required.

If we are able to start your child at the centre immediately the Director will go through the entire enrolment procedure with you to ensure that everything has been completed, and will arrange a time for you to bring your child in for some orientation time, if time allows. We have a very flexible orientation program, as we believe that each child and family has individual needs with regards to their orientation. The Director will discuss your needs with you and a plan will be put in place to meet your needs.  The Director will confirm your start date and ensure that the relevant paperwork and enrolment fees have been finalised.

In the interests of all children and staff in the centre your child will be required to be collected from the centre and taken home if they become unwell while with us. All care will be taken to meet their needs whilst we await your arrival at the centre to collect your child. Unfortunately, we are not staffed to adequately care for sick children in the manner they need and deserve. In serious cases of illness the centre may seek immediate medical attention. Further information about this can be obtained from the centre.

In order to minimise the risk of cross infection, sick children must not attend the centre, and you may be asked to take you child home or obtain medical clearance from a Doctor if there are concerns about the wellbeing of a child arriving to care.

In the case of an outbreak of an infectious disease a notice will be displayed in the centre and relevant authorities will be contacted.

All children settle in their own way and in their own time. We ensure that new children feel welcomed and give new starters extra attention to make settling easier for them. Separation anxiety may occur but is temporary and will pass. Our caring team will help both you and your child through any difficult time.

It is suggested that goodbyes are not prolonged as this can add to the separation anxiety of the child. Have a cuddle and a kiss then say goodbye and leave. It may be harder on you this way but it is much easier on your child. The Centre Director or Group Leader will contact parent/guardians if your child does not settle and will provide the family with information and suggestions to make separation easier. We will also contact parents if their child was particularly upset when they left.

Yes, we can give medication as long as a Medication Permission Form is completed by the parent which includes details of the child plus identification, purpose and dose of medication. For more information on our Medication Policy contact us.

Our staff are all qualified in early education, or are in the process of studying to be qualified for more senior positions within the early education sector.  All our Group Leaders hold their early childhood Diploma, and our Teachers hold their Bachelor of Education – Early Childhood.

The centres are owned by Monique Chelin who has a number of years experience in the areas of Early Education and Small Business. Monique has a particular focus on environmental conservation and the Reggio Emilia approach of early years education.  All of our centres are managed by our experienced Directors.

Day One Early Learning Centres are committed to providing affordable quality care to all families. The cost of child care can be as little as $5.00 per day and is GST free.

To make life easier for you, fees are payable by Direct Debit, Eftpos, Visa, Bankcard and MasterCard.

The amount that you will pay is dependant on the amount of Child Care Benefit you receive. This Child Care Benefit percentage is paid directly to Day One Early Learning Centres by the government, leaving you to pay only the ‘gap fee’.

You may also be entitled to the Child Care Rebate which helps working families with the cost of child care. The Child Care Rebate covers 50 per cent of out-of-pocket child care expenses for approved child care up to the annual cap. There are certain requirements you must meet to get the Child Care Rebate. Please call the Family Assistance Office directly on 13 6150 or visit www.familyassist.gov.au for more information on Child Care Benefit and Child Care Rebate.

You may also be entitled to additional assistance if you are studying.

We have provided further information on these opportunities here.

To understand our fees and discounts for multiple child families, 5-day care and vacation care, please contact the Director at your campus.