Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

At Halifax Street Children’s Centre and Preschool, we understand that choosing the right early education and care for your child is an important decision. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive.

General Questions

What age groups do you cater for?
We welcome children from as young as 6 weeks old through to preschool age, preparing them for their transition to primary school.

What are your operating hours?
Our centre operates from 7:45 AM to 5:45 PM, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays and the Christmas - New Year break.

Are meals provided, or do we need to pack food?
We provide healthy, nutritious meals and snacks for all children. Families with specific dietary preferences or requirements are encouraged to discuss these with our staff.

Fees and Financial Support

Am I eligible for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS)?
Many families are eligible for CCS, which can reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Eligibility is determined by income, activity levels, and other factors. Learn more at Services Australia.

Are there additional charges?
We strive to keep additional costs minimal. We use the Adelaide Free Bus Loop, which means we can access the Museum, Art Gallery, the Botanic Garden, and other places in the city, easily and at no cost to our families. Fees for incursions, excursions, or special activities will be communicated in advance.

Enrolment and Attendance

How do I enrol my child?
The enrolment process starts with submitting an Expression of Interest Form or contacting our team. After we receive your application, we’ll arrange a centre tour and discuss next steps.

Can I change my child’s days of attendance after enrolment?
Yes, we offer flexibility to adjust attendance days based on availability. Please contact our administration team to discuss changes.

Do I need to provide notice if I want to withdraw my child?
Yes, we require 2 weeks’ notice in writing if you decide to leave the centre. This helps us manage enrolment availability effectively.

Programs and Activities

What curriculum do you follow?
Our educational programs are guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), focusing on play-based learning, social development, and school readiness.

What kinds of activities will my child participate in?
Children engage in a variety of activities, including sensory play, outdoor exploration, creative arts, storytelling, STEM activities, and group learning sessions.

How do you prepare children for school?
Our preschool program incorporates literacy, numeracy, and social skill-building activities designed to help children transition smoothly to primary school.

Health, Safety, and Inclusion

What is your policy on illness and immunisation?
To ensure a safe environment, we require children to be up-to-date with their immunisations. If your child is unwell, we ask that they stay home until they are fit to return.
How do you accommodate children with allergies or special needs?
We are committed to inclusivity and safety. We work closely with families to create tailored plans for managing allergies, medical conditions, or additional needs.

What are your sun safety practices?
We follow a strict sun safety policy, including the use of hats, sunscreen, and shaded outdoor play areas.

Parent Involvement

Can I visit my child during the day?
Absolutely! We encourage families to stay connected by visiting the centre, especially during special events or parent-involved activities.

How do you communicate with families?
We use a combination of daily updates, newsletters, and regular meetings to keep families informed about their child’s progress and centre events.

Still Have Questions?

We’re here to help! If you have any additional questions, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team.

We’d love to
hear from you!

We’d love to
hear from you!

Halifax | Where Children Grow, Learn, and Thrive

Halifax St Children's Centre and Preschool

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ACCESS GUIDELINES

As a child care service which receives CCS payments from the Commonwealth Government, we abide by the priority of access guidelines set by the Department of Family and Community Services. To help us equitably fill vacant places, please tick the appropriate priority boxes below:
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Within the main categories above, priority should also be given to the following:
A child care service may require a Priority 3 child to vacate a place to make room for a child with a higher priority. They can only do so if you:
  • are notified when your child first entered care that your service follows this policy.
  • are given at least 14 days notice of the need for your child to vacate.

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