Are there enrolment priorities?
If applications exceed the number of places for which the Centre is licensed, places will be offered firstly to Catholic families and to families with siblings already in a Catholic primary school in the Centre’s regional area.  It is expected that all families who enrol their child in a Catholic Early Learning Centre will be supportive of the Centre’s ethos.  Enrolment priority details are available at www.ceocg.catholic.edu.au/enrolment

All children who attend a Catholic Early Learning Centre in 2014 are guaranteed a Kindergarten place in an ACT Catholic primary school.

How many places are there available at the Early Learning Centre?
The Centres are licensed for approximately 20 places in each group.  (see below for details of groups)

What are the opening hours?
Each Centre is open from 7.30am to 6.00 pm Monday through to Friday.  The Centres close on the last day of Term 4 and reopen at the start of the new school year.

Can my child attend on a part time basis?
Yes, if you want your child to attend preschool for the 15 hour program then your child can access childcare before and/or after preschool 7.30-9.00am and 3.00 - 6.00pm.

What if I need childcare all week?
For families who work full time and need childcare services each day the Preschool program is offered on all the days of the week.

Group Three children can access the childcare care program before and/or after preschool every day of the week, 7.30-9.00am and 3.00 - 6.00pm.

What happens during the school holidays?
The Preschool program operates during school terms only.  Families who require childcare during the vacation periods will need to register at least 6 weeks prior to the holidays to enable the Centre to have the appropriate staff in place for Vacation Care.  The Centre is open for a minimum of 48 weeks per year.  It will close at the same time that school finishes for the year.  Term dates are listed on the Catholic Education Office website for NSW and ACT.

What is the ratio of staff to children?
The minimum ratio is 1:11 – this is the Territory standard.  The Centre’s Director is tertiary qualified, with a minimum of a Degree in Early Childhood Education.  Each Preschool teacher must have a Degree in Early Childhood Education too.  The preschool assistants and the childcare staff (support educators) must also be qualified at either Diploma or Certificate III level depending on their appointed position.

How do I enrol my child?
The Enrolment Application form is available from any ACT Catholic school or on the Catholic Education Office website.  It is very important that your application is received by the end of the Enrolment Period (24 May 2013).  You can take your application to any ACT Catholic primary school, and it will be forwarded to the Principal of the school where the Early Learning Centre is located.
On enrolment all families will be required to pay an enrolment levy of $25.00.

When will I know if I have a place for my child?
By the end of June you will have received a letter of offer.  You will have an opportunity to discuss your child’s application with the Principal, and confirm the details of the enrolment you are seeking.

Does the Centre provide meals?
Only afternoon tea will be provided for children who stay on after 3.00 pm.  Children are asked to bring their own lunch, as well as a piece of fruit or a carrot or celery stalks that will be cut and shared at morning tea time.

Can my 3 year old go to the Centre?
Children must be 4 years old by 30 April to be eligible for Preschool. Catholic Early Learning Centres are open to preschool-aged children only.

Do I have to pay fees all year?
Catholic Early Learning Centres are not for profit organisations.  Every effort is made to ensure fees are at an affordable level for families.  Fees must be paid for every day your child is enrolled, including public holidays, regardless of attendance.  Each child is entitled to a number of Allowable Absence days during the financial year and still be able to claim Child Care Benefit (CCB) for these days.  In addition, CCB is payable for Approved Absences days that are verified with supporting documentation.

Families are asked to give 20 working days’ written notice of their intention to withdraw their child from the Centre.  Should families give less than 20 working days’ notice they are obligated to pay an amount equivalent to four weeks of fees.