-
Thanks everyone for your advice, I cancelled the enrollment at that centre. So back to the search :) But at least now I have a better idea of what to look for.
I'm (hopefully) going to the ipswich UQ uni next year. Going to start part time so I will drive out. They dont have childcare but thats a good idea Rivlas, I might put a post on here to see if there's any ipswich mummies and where they put there kids.
Snugglybean, thanks for the info. Tingalpa isnt too far away - what is the one there?
I will have a look at ebcc too thanks.
There is no vacancies at the moment, but I found a mother duck, a pussinboots and chatterbox centre about 10mins away that I still havent checked out. Poor dd, at least she's going to be familiar with the childcare thing by the time we find a place :lol:
-
I have used a motherduck previously and they were awesome! We only left because we moved north for work. They still ask our SIL about how we are going. I have heard similar good things about some of their other centres so I would personally put them high on the list to visit.
-
-
between morningside and ipswich really opens up your options! I don't feel all that comfortable posting names in a public forum though, so maybe when I can PM you I will send you a list? I do it for my friends all the time, pick out my favourites in order and send them out. Getting in for next year will be really tricky though, most centres have already finalised their places, PLUS now there's the squeeze from all the ABC-puller-outers.
-
Hi Snugglybean, Thanks I would really love that. Don't know why I can't pm yet, I must need a certain number of posts? Im a bit worried now that I wont find anywhere.
-
Hi just wanted to add my 2 cents worth. I have worked in early childhood for 7 yrs and just wanted to clarify a few things. Obviously you need to feel good about the Centre and go with your gut feeling. It's also a good idea to ask for a copy of the Centre's parent handbook if they have one so that you can read the policies and most importantly the centre philosophy to see if they coincide with your beliefs. Free play based on the children's interests is what is concidered best practice in the industry especially for younger children and although it may seem like babysitting if the centre is good there will be alot more going on. If you want to do some reading google emergent curriculum. Some good questions to ask are "can I see the centre's program", and "do the children have developmental records which the parents can freely access". The centre should provide these and they should ask about your childs interests very early on. I would also suggest a few visits at the service at different times of the day especially with 2yr olds as separation anxiety is very common and one day can often be hard for young ch'n. Also expect your child to resist going to the centre after a few weeks, this stage is very common and is often about power, they no longer feel in control of the situation. Also in relation to family grouping (young ch'n and old mixed) this can be a very positive thing if done properly as young children develop social skills role modelled by older ch'n and language while the older learn empathy and nurturing skills. Hope this helps.
