CC - what questions should I be asking the centre?

[*Beema*]

I dropped into the local CC this afternoon and had a really good experience, this is what I found out and I was wondering if i have missed anything, what are your thoughts on the fees etc... Thankyou soo much for any advice (we are trying tog et into FDC, but having trouble finding an opening atm)

Fees: $59.50 per day
Hours: 6:30am-6:30pm we would prob use 7:30-3 or 5 depending on my day.
Ratio: 1:5, but today there were only 10 bubs, they have a maximum of 25 bubs
Nappies: happy to use my cloth or dippies, supply, they will rinse the cloth and bag them up for me. Used to do a full clother service but people weren't using it - it was included !
Food: all cooked onsite, will only give what we have already given bubs, you select what they have (type), when the bubs are eating more "older foods" they will mush it up for them if they can't eat the pasta etc.
Finger food is ok as well
Bath: they will bath bubs if you need or want to (included) may also be required if they do a bad poo!!
Baby Section: two parts, one for crawling/moving bubs the other for non moving
Sleeping: you take in a set of sheets for bubs (labelled) and their bed is made up the night before and they will always have the same cot
Outside Play: The littlies only go under the verandah in the shade, they have lots of little things for them to play in, so plenty of variety
Reading and Music: Lots of stories, music and fun times
Routine: up until 14 months they do your routine for bubs, when they go up a room, the shift them into the middle of the day sleep routine. Which is good for us, we have aroutine and when we use it it works really really well!!
EBM: Happy to and encouraged me to keep up with the BF'ing, so will be giving her EBM to take for the feed or two she needs.
Extras: Dental Visits every 6 months (no teeth atm LOL), Thetrical performances, thetre companies go to the centre, Animal visits, Musical visits (police band), community visitors, police, fire department etc.


What questions do you think I might be missing, we spent 1/2 an hour there and I felt comfortable straight away, the staff were really lovely and I was surprised that it felt so comfortable. Nakita was holding on ithgt but kept craning her head to look at things so was very interested!

Thankyou for your responses!!

[BrightSparkles]

Definatly ask them what their policies are surround discipline.
Also check to see that they are register for CCB and CCTR
Also check to see in relation to fees - if they are sick or your on holidays how much do you have to pay, some CCs do half fees etc also check allowable absences.

[Rebecca77]

I dont have any suggestions for you but Holy COW!!! I wish my centre provided even half of those things....dental checks.....gosh!
where on earth do you live?? I might come live there too!!!

[Pandora]

It sounds like its really good in as far as what its offerring, especially the price for the hours its open. Mine is 7-6 and 65/day.
The fact they will rinse the nappies is great - some places wont do this and will bag them, dirty or clean, and send home as is.
Make sure they know how to correctly warm EBM - some places think they can microwave it.
Google NCAC this will give you a list of questions to ask, so you can cross check with what you have asked already.

[*Beema*]

Thanks JenJorja, they are definitely registered for the CCB, what is the CCTR? That is a great question about illness/holidays etc, should probably ask how much notice do we need to give.

Rebecca, Adelaide, north east of the CBD

RayRay, so the fees sound reasonable then (I had no idea!), and they don't have microwaves, they only heat all milk (EBM and F) with hot water in a bowl method. Thankyou for the Google info too

Thankyou for your quick responses!!

[alioops]

Beema - That sounds a lot like the SA only chain that we used when we lived there. 2 words, both starting with S?

If it is the company I think it is then I think you have pretty much covered everything. They were great with our MCN, and really strict on making sure Em never got hold of any dairy without our knowledge.

If N has issues with some foods you may be required to provide ingredients for alternatives. We had to provide lactose free milk and soy yoghurts.

I only wish that company was nation wide, I couldn't recommend them any higher!!

[BrightSparkles]

CCB is the % of what you pay.
CCTR is the $$ you get back every 3 months if your eligible. Yes definatly ask about how much notice you need to give and also exclusion periods for illnesses

[*Beema*]

Thanks Ali, that isn't the centre, this one isn't a chain, just a one off (that I know of), but they seem good to me!

Thanks again Jenn!! All new to this

[BrightSparkles]

no worries my mum is a child care worker LOL