Parent Information
Everything You Need to Know About Happy Days Preschool
We aim to create a seamless and supportive experience for both parents and children. Below you’ll find essential details to help you prepare for your child’s journey with us.
Arrival and Collection Process
Daily Routine
At Happy Days Preschool, each day is carefully planned to balance structured learning and unstructured play, fostering children’s growth in a supportive and fun environment.
- Morning: Free outdoor play, intentional teaching, and group activities.
- Mid-Morning: Morning tea, outdoor play, intentional teaching, and focused learning experiences.
- Lunchtime: Shared meal time followed by quiet rest or sleep (optional).
- Afternoon: Storytime, sensory play, and outdoor play.
- Late Afternoon: Afternoon tea, outdoor games, and reflective group discussions.
Arrival & Collection
- Use hand sanitiser or wash hands upon entering the centre.
- Place your child’s lunchbox in the fridge and their drink bottle in the designated area.
- Help your child put their bag in their locker and apply sunscreen.
- Put your children's hat on on arrival and return at the end of the day.
- Always say goodbye before leaving to ensure your child feels secure.
- Sign out using the sign-in book.
- Collect all items (lunchbox, drink bottle, and artwork).
- Hold your child’s hand as you leave, as the car park can be busy.
What to Bring
To ensure your child is prepared for the day, please pack:
- Healthy Lunch and Snacks: Include fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein.
- Drink Bottle: A clearly labeled water bottle.
- Bedding: If your child will rest, please provide a labeled set of sheets.
- Change of Clothes: Pack extra clothes, especially if your child is toilet training.
- Nappies: If your child uses nappies, supply enough for the day.
What to Wear to Happy Days
Active play is an integral part of every day at Happy Days Preschool. To ensure your child is comfortable and ready to engage in all activities, we recommend the following:
- Comfortable: Pack old clothes that can withstand messy activities like painting, gardening, and sensory play. This allows your child to fully participate without concern about stains or dirt.
- Sunsmart: Adhere to Sunsmart guidelines by dressing your child in clothing that covers their shoulders and back. A wide-brimmed hat is provided at enrolment to ensure proper sun protection during outdoor activities.
- Practical: Avoid clothing with tricky buckles, buttons, or clips to encourage independence during toileting or dressing. Choose easy-to-remove clothing to support their confidence and independence.
Fees and Payments
At Happy Days, we aim to make fee management simple and transparent. Here’s what you need to know:
- Payment Schedule: Fees are payable weekly or fortnightly in advance via EFTPOS or direct debit. Payments must be kept up to date to secure your child’s place.
- Fee Details: Contact the centre to discuss detailed fee structures, including options for shorter days.
- Child Care Subsidy (CCS): Approved families will see reduced fees based on their subsidy percentage. Our team is happy to assist with any questions.
- Late Fees: To ensure fairness, late fees may apply if children are not collected on time or if fee payments are delayed. Continued non-payment could result in the forfeiture of your child’s enrolment.
Centre Policies
Our comprehensive policies are designed to maintain a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for every child and family. Key policies include:
- Health and Safety Protocols: Covering everything from food safety to hygiene practices to ensure your child’s wellbeing at all times.
- Sick Child Policy: If your child is unwell, they should remain at home to prevent the spread of illness. Clear guidelines are in place for when children can return after an illness.
- Medication Administration: Educators follow strict procedures when administering medication. This includes completing a signed form and ensuring proper dosages.
- Behaviour Guidance: Positive reinforcement strategies are used to promote respect, collaboration, and emotional regulation among children.
- Child Protection: Educators are mandatory reporters who are trained to identify and respond to risks to children’s safety.
OWNA App
We want parents to feel connected to their child’s journey. The OWNA App lets you follow your child’s day in real-time, sharing photos, videos, and updates on their activities and achievements.
From moments of play to learning milestones, the app offers insights into your child’s growth while keeping you informed about events, reminders, and announcements. It’s a fun and simple way to stay engaged and share in your child’s experiences every step of the way.
Child Care Subsidy (CCS)
Helping Families Access Affordable Childcare
At Happy Days Preschool, we are proud to be an approved childcare provider for the Australian Government’s Child Care Subsidy (CCS) program. CCS is a fee assistance initiative designed to help families with the cost of childcare, making quality early education more accessible.
The Child Care Subsidy is a government program introduced on 2 July 2018, replacing the previous Child Care Benefit (CCB) and Child Care Rebate (CCR). This single-payment system simplifies the process and is means-tested, ensuring greater support for low- and middle-income families.
The subsidy is paid directly to childcare providers, reducing your fees. Families are responsible for covering any remaining balance. At Happy Days, we’re happy to assist you with setting up CCS and answering any questions you may have.
To access the Child Care Subsidy, families must meet certain eligibility criteria and be assessed by Centrelink. Key factors include:
- Combined family income
- Activity test (e.g., work, study, or volunteering)
- Type of childcare service required
For more detailed information, visit the Centrelink website.
The amount of CCS you receive depends on several factors, including your annual family income, the number of hours of recognised activity you perform each fortnight, and the childcare fees charged by your provider.
Families in special circumstances, such as those experiencing financial hardship, may be eligible for the Additional Child Care Subsidy (ACCS). This provides extra financial support to ensure childcare remains accessible.
To apply for CCS:
- Sign in to your myGov account linked to Centrelink.
- Complete the Child Care Subsidy assessment.
- Confirm your child’s enrolment at Happy Days through Centrelink.
For assistance, call the Family Assistance Office at 136 150 or visit myGov.
Happy Days Preschool is an approved long day care provider that meets the Australian Government’s quality standards under the National Quality Framework (NQF). Our program is designed to provide a nurturing and educational environment for children aged 2 to 6 years..
If you have any questions or need assistance with your CCS application, our friendly team is here to help