Frequently Asked Questions

What ages do we cater for?

Brightest Start Early Learning Centre (BSELC) is a Long Day Care and Preschool for children aged between 6 weeks to 5 years.

Enrolment

By registering your child / children with BSELC, you are confirming your strong interest in our BSELC locations. If needed, we will add you to our wait list and you will be offered a space as soon as one becomes available. While waiting for a space to become available at your first choice BSELC location, many families will choose to enroll at their 2^nd or 3^rd choice temporarily until space becomes available at the center they are most interested in. In our centres, a child currently enrolled at a BSELC location has priority over the general community so enrolling at another location will not only solve your care needs but will also give you additional priority in getting into your 1st preference. Our goal is to accommodate families as soon as space allows. During the entire process, we will keep in touch with you regarding your status.

What time do we open / close?

We are open Monday to Friday. Our operating hours vary between centres so please contact us.

What happens if I am running late to pick up my child?

We close promptly at 6:00pm. If for any reason you are running late and are not going to make the 6.00pm closing time, you should try and make prior alternative arrangements for your child to be picked up. You will be charged a late fee of $15per fifteen (15) minutes that you are late, or part thereof.

Do you provide meals?

Yes, we provide all meals and beverages which include morning and afternoon tea and a hot meal at lunch. You are only required to provide a drink bottle filled with fresh water – if you have multiple children at the centre, one drink bottle each is required.

Do you close for Public Holidays?

Yes, we close for all Public Holidays, however, you are still liable to pay for these days.

Are you open in the school holidays?

Yes, we are open for 49 weeks of the year and take three weeks off over the Christmas period.

Do you have Eftpos facilities?

We do not have an EFTPOS facility as our fees are paid via Direct Debit and Direct Deposit

Does my child ‘just play’ or do you also educate my child?

At BSELC we engage the Reggio Emilia approach. Through this approach and from your child’s first day in care we observe and plan learning experiences based on his/her interests, needs and developmental level, at the same time meeting your child’s physical and emotional needs.

What do I do if I want to change my child’s days of care?

If you wish to change, increase or decrease the days your child attends care you must contact the Centre Director. Parents are required to provide 14 days’ notice to decrease days. All changes are pending availability, however, we will do our best to accommodate all of your childcare needs.

What do I do if I want to cancel my child’s care?

It is a condition of enrolment that you provide 14 working days written notice to the Centre Director of your intention to withdraw your child from the centre.When you enrol with us you are required to pay a holding deposit of  equal to one weeks fee. Your holding deposit is held to secure your child’s position throughout their time in our care and this will be refunded when your child leaves the centre, provided that your fees have not previously lapsed into arrears and your bond has not been used to clear this debt.

When are my fees payable and how do I know what I am paying?

A statement clearly indicating the current “fee period” will be emailed to you advising your payable balance and any overdue amount. Fees are to be paid weekly and you must be one week in advance  at all time.Fees must be paid for every day your child is enrolled, including public holidays and when your child is sick or on holidays. A full daily fee is charged regardless of the number of hours your child attends.

What do I do when I drop my child off of a morning?

First you must sign your child in to the centre. It is your responsibility to sign your child into and out of care, as this is a licensing requirement as well as a condition for claiming Child Care Benefit.Secondly, place your child’s bag in his/her locker removing their drink bottle and handing them to your child’s room leader so they can be refrigerated immediately.
Settle your child, be sure to say goodbye and reassure them you will be back in the afternoon to pick them up.

All other child care information

We encore you to review the BSELC polices in regard to the care of your children, our staff and the communities in which we operate. View our privacy policy here.