Ijust got back from a holiday (yes, so happened to be my babymoon) and saw all these useful replies on my forum thread. Greatly appreciated and all suggestions are very valuable for me. We will definitely start looking around and will try to do some inspections at the childcare centre! Hopefuly, it is not too late now to put my name down now for a place in 1.5 years time...
I have emailed nearly 20 childcare centres last weekened and I received responses from the following childcare centres. (1) and (2) are out for me. Considering (3)-(5) - if anyone have any feedbacks/experiences with these centres, your comments would be greatly appreciated:
(1) ABC Developmental Learning Centre - East Melbourne - Unfortunately I received an email that they might shut down
(3) Ananda Marga Sunrise Preschool - this is out as they only accept registration for Children 3 years old and above
(3) St Vincents Early Learning Centre - unfortunately the accreditation status that I saw in the NCAC website said that it is not accredited (something to do with their nappy changing procedure). This centre would be the most convenient for myself and my husband as it is close to our workplace. Even though the accreditation status = Not Accredited, Does anyone have any feedbacks/experiences with this centre and if it is recommended?
(4) Lemon Tree Children's Centre - this centre only accept once baby is born and currently, they have a waiting list of around 115. The fees for this centre is quite expensive - $90 a day. Does anyone have any feedbacks/experiences with this centre and if it is recommended?
(5) North Carlton Children's Centre - this 54 place centre sounds very promising and I have requested to make appointment for an inspection. Opening Hours - Mon-Fri 7.45am- 6.15pm for 50 weeks per year Ages starting from 3 months- 5 years, Fees $70/day
Good luck on your search!!! A few bits of advice I had were to check out the feel of the place - is it organised chaos, so lots of variety of activities present for the kids to do (easier to assess in toddler rooms) rather than just 1 set thing out at a time. Is the environment interesting vs sterile - with artwork etc on walls/ceiling. Are staff interacting with kids rather than chatting together? How do kids progress between rooms?
Also what are you getting for your money - sounds silly but the centres I visited had different stuff you had to bring. Some nappies/food/wash bedclothing at the end of the week and others just the child - may be worth factoring in all required rather than just the $$. Also you will get 50% rebate quarterly if you meet the roght requirements, maybe more CCB rebate also - worth checking out to factor in!
This is all so personal and about what works best for you - ask all the questions you can to help you decide. We are really happy with our cc experience and the staff are pretty much extended family!
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