Parent information and resources
We want your family to feel informed, welcomed and confident from the very first visit. This page brings together the key information parents and carers ask for most, with simple steps to make enrolment easy.
My first day
Welcome to our community
We are proud to support families across Harrington Park, Spring Farm and Picton in the Macarthur and Wollondilly region. Each centre feels like a neighbourhood hub and all three work together as one welcoming community. Explore our centres to see rooms, hours and how to book a tour.
What to bring
A named water bottle and sun safe hat
Two changes of labelled clothes
Comfort items your child knows, for example a dummy or soft toy
Any required medication with the original label and action plan
Nappies, wipes, sheets and meals are provided
What we will do
Introduce your child to their focus educator
Follow your home routines for feeds, sleep and comfort
Share a simple visual timetable and show calm spaces
Keep sight or hearing of children at all times and complete regular headcounts
Send updates through the Kinderm8 app
Preparing for a smooth start
In the week before
Visit and play in the room for short periods
Talk about educators’ names and what the day might look like
Practise packing a hat and water bottle
Read or watch short social stories about starting at an early learning centre
Share any allergies, medical plans or strategies that help your child feel calm
On the morning
Allow extra time so drop off does not feel rushed
Keep breakfast and sleep routines familiar
Bring the comfort item you agreed with your educator
Use a simple goodbye plan we can repeat tomorrow
For parents and carers
Tell us the best way to reach you during the day
Ask any questions, big or small
Expect a friendly update through Kinderm8 by rest time
Be kind to yourself. Starting care is a transition for adults too
The waitlist
Our waitlist helps us offer places fairly and efficiently.
How it works
Submit your details via the Kinderm8 waitlist form (choose Harrington Park, Spring Farm or Picton)
Tell us your preferred start date, days and child’s age
We match places as they open and contact you with an offer or an alternative
Once you accept, we’ll schedule orientation and finalise enrolment
How we allocate places
We consider requested days, your child’s age and room availability
We follow our Enrolment Policy and regulatory guidelines
Sibling and continuity considerations may apply
We aim to keep communication transparent and timely
Staying in the loop
If your plans change, update your preferences in Kinderm8 or contact the centre
We’ll let you know as soon as a suitable place becomes available
You can stay on the waitlist for more than one centre if that helps your family
Bookings and the waitlist
Permanent bookings
A permanent booking is a regular pattern of days each week (for example, Monday–Wednesday).
Why families choose this: predictable routine for children, easier planning for work and home, and a guaranteed place on your booked days.
How to request or change permanent days
Join the waitlist or enrol via Kinderm8
Tell us the days you’d like
We’ll confirm availability or offer the nearest match
Changes to permanent days can be requested through the centre; we’ll action them as soon as a place opens
Good to know
Public holidays that fall on a booked day are still charged (industry standard)
Child Care Subsidy may apply to booked days if you’re eligible
If your needs change, speak with us early so we can plan ahead
Casual Bookings
A casual booking is an extra day on top of your permanent pattern, subject to space being available. Why families choose this: shift work, appointments, school holidays, or a one-off need.
How to request
Message us in Kinderm8 or call your centre with the date you need
We’ll confirm as soon as we can and add it to your child’s day plan
Good to know
Casual bookings are confirmed on a first-come, space-available basis
Standard daily fees apply, and CCS may reduce your out-of-pocket cost if eligible
Please give as much notice as possible if you no longer need a casual day
Parent app Kinderm8
One place for daily communication. Kinderm8 keeps you connected with your child’s day. You can see photos, learning stories and rest and meal notes, message your room directly and manage bookings where available.
What you can expect to see
Daily photos and snapshots of play and learning
Sleep and meal records
Nappy or toileting notes
Simple goals we are working on together
Notices about events, excursions and centre news
Getting started
We will invite you by email after you join the waitlist and confirm your enrolment
Download the app and set up notifications
Add any authorised contacts and emergency details
Use the message function for quick updates or questions during the day
Fees and subsidies
Understanding fees
Daily fees vary by room and may differ by centre. Your fee includes meals, nappies, wipes, sheets and hats. We will give you a clear fee schedule during enrolment.
Child Care Subsidy
Most families are eligible for Child Care Subsidy through Services Australia. Your CCS percentage is based on your family income, your recognised activity hours and your child’s age and enrolment pattern.
Simple steps
Check your myGov account to confirm CCS eligibility
Complete our enrolment form
Confirm your child’s enrolment in myGov so CCS can be applied
Keep your activity hours and income estimate up to date to avoid gaps
Your rights and information
You will receive statements that show fees and any CCS applied
We can explain absences, start and end dates, and public holiday arrangements
Ask us any time if you need help with your CCS confirmation steps
If you are new to CCS, our team can walk you through the process during orientation
Key policies
These short summaries help you find what matters most. For full detail and review dates, download the PDFs below. A complete policy folder is available at each centre on request.
Medical conditions
We plan for safety before a child starts and review it every day. Together we create individual medical management and risk minimisation plans, and required medication must be onsite daily where needed.
Download: Medical Conditions Policy (PDF)
Supervision
Educators maintain active supervision at all times, position themselves for clear lines of sight, adjust coverage during higher-risk moments and complete regular headcounts. Rooms and yards are set up to support safe supervision.
Download: Supervision Policy (PDF)
Orientation of families
Orientation is flexible and collaborative. You will receive our Family Handbook, meet educators, tour rooms and discuss routines, allergies and communication so your child can settle at their own pace.
Download: Orientation of Families Policy (PDF)
Enrolment
Our enrolment process is step-by-step and transparent. We explain CCS, confirm required records and ensure any medical plans are in place before your child’s first day.
Download: Enrolment Policy (PDF)
Transition to school
We partner with families and local schools to support continuity of learning, social-emotional readiness and practical independence. Transition to School Statements are prepared and shared with consent.
Download: Transition to School Policy (PDF)
Governance
We operate under the National Quality Framework with clear systems for roles, risk and reviews. Families are kept informed and can access prescribed information and updates.
Download: Governance Policy (PDF)
Payment of fees
Your fee includes meals, nappies, wipes, sheets and hats. We outline statements, CCS application, absences and public holiday arrangements in plain language.
Download: Payment of Fees Policy (PDF)
Educational program
Programs link to the Early Years Learning Framework. Educators observe, plan and reflect so learning is purposeful, play based and visible to families.
Download: Educational Program Policy (PDF)
FAQs
We welcome children from birth to six years. Rooms are generally Nursery 0 to 2 years, Toddlers 2 to 3 years and Preschool 3 to 5 years. Children move when they are ready and transitions are planned with families.
High quality cooked meals, nappies, wipes, sheets and hats are included so mornings are simple. Please bring a labelled water bottle and a change of clothes.
Before your child starts we create an individual health plan with you and keep required medication on site each day. Educators receive first aid, asthma and anaphylaxis training. Food is prepared and served with allergy risks in mind and mealtimes are actively supervised.
We maintain sight or hearing of children at all times, position educators for clear lines of sight and complete regular headcounts. Rooms and yards are set up for supervision and hazards are kept inaccessible.
Emotions are part of the curriculum. We use calm coaching, visuals, clear choices and simple language to help children learn regulation and social skills. Families and educators agree on shared strategies.
Yes, short local excursions may be offered. We complete risk assessments, keep ratios tight, use appropriate restraints on the mini bus, take first aid and children’s medication, and maintain headcounts at every transition. Families receive notes in advance and sign consent.
Please keep your child at home if they are unwell. If your child becomes unwell at the centre we will contact you to collect them and follow our health policy for return.
You will receive updates and photos through Kinderm8, plus friendly chats at drop off and pick up. We share learning stories and set small goals together.
Yes. If a place is offered ahead of your ideal start, ask about a deferred start or a smaller pattern to begin with.
Tell us your pattern. We’ll try to accommodate rotating rosters or fortnightly needs, often by combining permanent and casual days.
Swaps depend on availability. Contact the centre and we’ll do our best to help.
Standard fees apply for booked permanent or confirmed casual days, including absences. CCS rules about paid absences may apply if you’re eligible.
It varies by age group, centre and the days you need. Add flexible options if you can and we’ll offer the closest match as places open.
Helpful tips
Add two sets of preferred days if you’re flexible, for example “Mon–Wed” or “Tue–Thu”
If your child will be moving rooms soon (for example turning two), note that in your request
Keep your contact details current in Kinderm8 so we can reach you quickly with an offer
