thread: Moving :( centers in west melb

  1. #1
    Registered User
    Add MummyDuck on Facebook

    Nov 2007
    Melbourne
    1,065

    Moving :( centers in west melb

    We are moving, not far but I will have to change dds childcare which I'm very sad about but it's peak hour traffic to get her to and from the current one otherwise.

    So I want to know about centres between werribee point cook laverton and altona.

    Do they run 3 year old kinder program?

    How Many kids to staff in the room (currently dd is 30 to 2 and I don't like it one bit)

    Extra activities they may do?

    I want the good the bad and the ugly

    Tia


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  2. #2
    Registered User

    Mar 2007
    Melbourne
    4,031

    My kids go to Point Cook Play and learn. They run 3yr old and 4yr old Kinder programs in each room.
    I would ring the centre and take a tour and see how you feel. They have just chaged ownership.
    I like the staff, they are all lovely.
    My DS1 went and my DS2 is currently in the 4yr old room and DD is in the babies room and about to go to toddlers room.
    I am not sure on the ratio's, they are generous though from memory. I think it's 3 in the rooms more if needed.

  3. #3
    Registered User
    Add MummyDuck on Facebook

    Nov 2007
    Melbourne
    1,065

    Thanks heather.

    I'll go have a look. We want to book early to get a spot hopefully starting jan.

    In the meantime we are going to keep her with her friends (who are older) till they move up.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  4. #4
    Registered User

    Jul 2007
    melb
    8,498

    I use Bright steps in Altona North, they do have a kinder room not sure if 3 yr old program or not as have not got that far yet. Its a nice smaller centre lovely staff bright colourful and clean

  5. #5
    Registered User

    Jul 2007
    Melbourne
    3,660

    I would do as Heather suggested and go and visit a few centres and speak with the staff, have a look at their programs.
    A lot of centres will offer an orientation for you - not necessarily meaning you are locked into commencement but gives you a few hours to get a better idea of what they are offering etc.

    WRT staff to children ratios, Victorian legislation is currently 1:15 for children over the age of 3
    Unfortunately as much centres may have additional staff on a daily basis - when it comes down the 'legal' obligations - 1:15 it is

    I'm not going to say any more because it looks like advertising - but I think it is really important that parents come in and see for themselves. All centres are different and what you like in one doesnt mean someone else likes in another etc.

    Oh, and FWIW - from a parent's perspective, I do LOVE my DS' CCC

  6. #6
    Registered User

    Mar 2007
    Melbourne
    4,031

    The YMCA have opened a new centre in Point Cook, I say new as it's only 12-18mths old. They offer long daycare and a Kinder program as well.
    If you google YMCA Point Cook you will get a website.
    I have heard good things about this centre also.

  7. #7
    Registered User
    Add MummyDuck on Facebook

    Nov 2007
    Melbourne
    1,065

    I have looked at abc hoppers because my friends daughter used to be there but they said to me they don't have a 3 year old kinda. Dd is very smart (or has a very good memory) and I love dd's current centre but only the under 3's after that I've seen how busy they are and lack of support the older kids get.

    I'll definately have a look at the centres mentioned. I just didn't know where to start because everywhere I've called so far didn't run a kinda program.

    I knew someone in bright steps too and they loved it there as well

    Point cook would be great because we want dd at point cook primary when her time comes so if we can get into that area now I hope half the battle of zoning is over.

    Thanks for the help girls


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  8. #8
    Registered User

    Mar 2007
    Melbourne
    4,031


    Point cook would be great because we want dd at point cook primary when her time comes so if we can get into that area now I hope half the battle of zoning is over.

    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    The YMCA is next door to Point Cook Primary, you could check it out while you are there

    I have GF's with kids at Point Cook Primary. Mostly happy, a little unhappy about the numbers at the school at the moment.

  9. #9
    Registered User

    Oct 2008
    Newport, VIC
    1,885

    feeb - thanks for the feedback on Bright Steps. We are moving to Newport in a few months and this is one of the places I have my eye on.

  10. #10
    Registered User

    Jul 2007
    melb
    8,498

    feeb - thanks for the feedback on Bright Steps. We are moving to Newport in a few months and this is one of the places I have my eye on.
    No worries A girlfriend has her DS at there newport centre but unfortunatly they could only take my DS1 there as had no space in babies room for DS2 which is why we are at Altona north both are brilliant centres, Altona is much smaller and intimate than larger Newpor centre, you wont be disapointed!!