About us

Background of Darebin Childcare and Kindergarten

Darebin Childcare & Kindergarten has been providing community care and education to families for over 54 years. Preston was established as a Childcare centre in 1971 and Reservoir was established as a childcare centre in 1978. Both buildings are owned and maintained by City of Darebin and operated by Darebin Childcare & Kindergarten Committee of Management. Preston is registered for up to 61 children and Reservoir is registered for up to 86 children. Both centre’s offer long day care, 3yr old pre kinder program and 4yr old funded integrated or sessional kindergarten sessions. The centre’s operational hours are 7.00am – 6.00pm.

Each age group has experienced qualified early childhood practitioners caring for children. We pride ourselves in offering a friendly and affordable service. We aim to provide children and families an improved learning curriculum that contributes to each child’s learning and development.

We encourage children to make informed decisions to enable the learning outcomes in relation to identity, connection with the community, wellbeing, confidence as learners and effectiveness as communicators as we prepare your child to grow and develop to take on what life offers. Our vision is to acknowledge the importance and commitment to provide a high quality play based environment. All children in our care are treated with praise, security, equality and respect of culturally diverse groups.

 PARENT ENGAGEMENT

Collaboration is key to our community

Committee of Management

Our centres are a non-profit organisation occupying council buildings, but not operated by City of Darebin. We rely heavily on parent involvement to enable the implementation of the day to day operation of the centres to meet families needs.

We hold meetings on the last Wednesday on each month commencing at 7pm for about 1 hour. All parents are welcome to join the committee.

FAQ

Here you will find some of the most frequently asked questions by Parents.
If you can’t find you answer here, get in touch.

 

  • A new online portal is available for families registering with the Darebin Child Care Registration System. To register your child online visit: City of Darebin

    After the registration is submitted, you will receive an email confirming the registration. A registration is not complete until you receive a confirmation email. 

  • This will depend on how many families are already on the waiting list, the availability in the rooms and the amount of days you require.

  • Once you have registered, you will receive an email advising that you have been accepted onto the waiting list. The second email you will receive will be offering you a position at our centre with what room and what days. Once you get this email, please contact the centre immediately to enrol your child. When you come in to collect the package you will set up your FREE orientation and be given your commencement date.

  • City Of Darebin Centralised Waiting List

    Phone: (03) 8470 8888
    Fax: 8470 8877
    Email: mailbox@darebin.vic.gov.au

  • Five days for one hour, completely free. This is for your child’s benefit. Even if your child has been in child care before, we still strongly suggest this for your child. New educators in a new environment can be a little daunting.

  • Nappies, formula/breast milk (labelled & dated), hat, water bottle, nappy cream, spare clothes, if your child has sensitive skin you will need to supply their own sunscreen labelled.

  • On arrival you need to remove all medication from your child’s bag and hand over to an educator. We only administer medication with a prescription from a general practitioner (GP) and no over the counter medications. You will need to sign the medication in. When you leave for the day you need to sign that the medication was administered and take the medication with you. The only medication that must remain on premises at all times is Ventolin and epi pen.

    • Duckling Room: 6 months – 2 years (1:4 ratio)

    • Penguin Room: 2 years – 3 years (1:4 years)

    • Rosella Room: 3 years – 5 years (1:11 ratio)

    • 3-year-old Program: (1:11 ratio)

    • 4-year-old Kindergarten (1:11 ratio)

  • Fees are direct debited from your nominated bank account fortnightly. You are able to access your invoice through the Xplor app.

  • After you have given your 2 weeks’ notice and your fees are at zero balance, you will be refunded your bond payment.

  • Storypark is a safe and secure site, owned and controlled by you. Parents are the administrators of their child’s account, and the owners of all photos, videos and content. Parents are able to invite family and friends to view their child’s portfolio.

  • We have a rating of Meeting over both of our centres.

  • Our educators have Advanced Diploma, Diploma, Bachelor of early childhood studies, Bachelor of Teaching and Certificate 3.

  • Yes, the cook makes our menu up weekly. It will be tailored to the children will their different needs.

  • The educators will work with you and your routine at home. Working on the same routine of meal times, sleep times etc. will help your child settle into childcare smoothly.

  • To hold your position you will need to pay your normal fortnightly fee. CCS may be available to lower your cost of fees.

  • You can receive CCS and JETCCFA for 42 absence days per child each financial year. These can be for any reason and will not require proof and include public holidays. If you exceed 42 absence days in the financial year full fees will apply. If you supply a medical certificate you will receive benefits.

  • Yes, there are no change tables available in the room. We must keep within our ratios and therefor educators cannot leave the room to change nappies.

  • Picking up days: Please see office and we will check to see what available permanent days we have.
    Dropping days: Please see office to give 2 weeks’ notice to drop days.
    Ceasing care: Please see office to give 2 weeks’ notice to cease care. Your bond payment will be reimbursed 1-2 weeks after your child’s last day.

  • The educators will notify that your child is ready to move up to the next room. Over the next week, your child will go for short visits to meet the educators and children to help for a smooth transition.

  • Yes, we have a late fee of $5 per minute. This is to cover the staff’s wage for staying back after hours.

  • No, we have regular incursions. They vary from farm animals, reptiles, African drumming, health & fitness, music & movement, chicken hatching and more!

  • All policies are located in the foyer and on Storypark. Please see office for assistance if needed.

  • The committee of management meet on the last Wednesday of every month. The meetings are held through video conferencing, starting at 7pm and goes for an hour. Families are welcome to join the committee at any time.

  • Yes, we are closed on all gazed public holidays, one day mid-year for Professional Development Day and approximately 3 weeks over Christmas/New Year.