F.A.Q

Early learning happens everywhere – at home, in centres, parks and shops. Young children are developing at an extremely fast pace and everything they encounter offers a new learning experience.

Research shows us that children who start ahead tend to stay ahead. Significant differences in children's development are evident by age two and have a tendency not to close over time. The early years provide the foundation for the rest of a child's life.

Children are born ready to learn and the best learning happens in nurturing, positive, stimulating environments. That's why high-quality early learning experiences are so important. By creating these environments, we're providing the best opportunities for children to fulfil their potential.

For those in the sector, the difference is more than just words – 'daycare' or 'childcare' gives the impression that the service we provide is simply 'care'. It's much more than that: it's care plus education. Early learning captures the essence of what Neldrac is all about - nurturing and stimulating environments that inspire a love of learning.

Age groups can vary from centre to centre, but generally we cater for children aged from six months to six years and cater After School Services and Day Care services up to 10 years of age. You can find out more about age groups at your local centres or you can contact (040) 6733 7020 for more information.

Operating hours vary between centres, however they are generally open from 8.00am to 7.00pm, Monday to Friday, 52 weeks a year. We're not open on weekends or public holidays. We recommend checking with your local centre about their operating times.

Please Note: The timings might vary entirely for a corporate branch. 

At many centres we provide breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and snacks and a late snack where required. Centres that provide food have their vendor creating fresh, healthy meals for the children. A nutritious diet is vital for children’s development, so we make sure to provide meals that give children all the nutrients and energy they need. Children love to eat together, so the meal times at a centre are always fun!

When you enrol at a Neldrac centre, we'll support you every step of the way. Our Centre Directors will invite you to take a tour of the centre first so you can see where your child will be cared for and to ensure you are comfortable with your decision. They will then provide you with an enrolment pack that contains everything you need to know about the centre, information we need from you about your child for example their routine, as well as a quote for your daily fees. We encourage you to ask as many questions as you like, we are here to support both you and your child.

If there are no vacancies at the centre of your choice, you may want to join their waiting list. These waitlists are regularly reviewed and families are contacted once a place becomes available. If you wish to no longer be on a particular centre's waitlist then you can remove yourself by contacting the centre directly or our Family Support Team on (040) 6733 7020.

Fees vary from centre to centre and are also dependent on things such as the number of days in care, the age of your child, program or services chosen as well as your eligibility for any corporate rebates. We recommend speaking with your Centre Director who will be able to provide you with a quote. Use the 'Find a Centre' tool to seek out your local centre.

Yes, fees still apply if the child is not present regardless of being sick or on vacation!

Fees once paid are non-refundable excluding caution deposit.

We adhere to the EYLF from Australia: The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) describes the principles, practices and outcomes essential to young children’s learning from birth to five years of age, as well as their transition to school. It's part of the Australian Government’s National Quality Framework for early childhood education and care.

The framework has a strong emphasis on play-based learning, recognizing the importance of communication and language (including early literacy and numeracy) and social and emotional development.

When you first enrol at a Neldrac centre, we will provide you with everything you need to know about starting care, including a detailed list of what to bring each day. In the meantime here's a general guide to help:

• Change of clothes (when involved with hands-on play-based learning, your child may get a little messy!)
• A bib or two (if required)
• Comfort item (if required), such as a toy or blanket
• Dummy in a sealed, named container (if required)
• Sleeping sheet set or blanket for nap time
• Bottles
• Expressed milk (if required)
• Nappies, wipes and cream (if your centre does not provide them)
• Water bottle with a lid or a sippy cup
• Any medications – please give these to centre staff to manage directly. Please note our centres have formal processes in place to support children who require short or long-term medications as well as management plans for children with any known medical conditions. Please speak further with your centre staff regarding this.

Many Neldrac centres provide meals, including morning and afternoon tea and lunch. Some also offer breakfast and a late snack. Each centre is different so please speak with your local centre head to confirm what services they provide.

We are passionate about ensuring all children have access to early learning and have facilities and resources in place in our centre to support children with specific requirements or additional needs - from allergies to greater care needs such as physical or learning disabilities or behavioral concerns.

Please speak with your nearest Neldrac Centre Director about how we can work together to support your child's individual needs.