Everything You Need to Know About Village Early Learning

Choosing the right early learning centre is an important decision. We understand families want to feel confident about their child’s care, learning and wellbeing.

Our FAQs provide answers to common questions about enrolment, programs, daily routines, fees, nutrition, safety and family support.

If you have a question that is not answered below, our team is always happy to help.

General Information

What ages does Village Early Learning cater for?

Village Early Learning provides age-appropriate education and care for children from infancy through to school age. The minimum enrolment age varies by centre. Most of our centres welcome children from 6 weeks of age, while Claremont and Karrinyup welcome children from 6 months, and Nedlands welcomes children from 12 months. Please refer to your preferred centre’s page or contact the centre directly for specific enrolment information.

What are the operating hours?

Operating hours vary between centres. Please visit our Locations page for specific opening hours, contact details and services available at each Village Early Learning centre.

Is there a minimum number of days I need to book?

Operating hours vary between centres. Please visit our Locations page for specific opening hours, contact details and services available at each Village Early Learning centre.

Can I choose which days my child attends?

Operating hours vary between centres. Please visit our Locations page for specific opening hours, contact details and services available at each Village Early Learning centre.

Do you offer casual care?

Operating hours vary between centres. Please visit our Locations page for specific opening hours, contact details and services available at each Village Early Learning centre.

Learning and Programs

What programs does Village Early Learning offer?

Our programs support children from infancy through to school age, including:

  • Early Learners Program
  • Kindergarten and School Readiness
  • Vacation Care
  • Outside School Hours Care (at selected locations)

What curriculum guides your programs?

Our programs are guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and the Western Australian Kindergarten Curriculum Guidelines, providing a play-based approach that supports children’s learning, development and school readiness.

How do children learn at Village Early Learning?

Children learn through play, exploration, meaningful experiences and positive relationships. Our educators combine child-led play with intentional teaching to support children’s curiosity, creativity, communication and problem-solving skills.

How do you support my child’s individual development?

Our educators observe each child’s interests, strengths and development to plan meaningful learning experiences. We recognise that every child learns differently and tailor experiences to support their individual journey.

How do you support school readiness?

Our Kindergarten and School Readiness programs help children develop confidence, independence, communication skills, early literacy and numeracy foundations, problem-solving abilities and social skills needed for school.

What does a typical day look like at Village Early Learning?

Each day includes a balance of play-based learning, outdoor experiences, meals, rest, group experiences and opportunities for children to explore their interests.

Our educators create flexible routines that support children’s wellbeing while encouraging curiosity, independence and connection.

Do all Village locations offer After School Care

Not all Village locations currently offer After School Care. Please visit our Locations page to see which centres provide this service.

Do all Village locations offer Vacation Care?

Vacation Care availability varies by location. Please visit our Locations page for details on the services available at your preferred centre.

Enrolment and Orientation

How do I enrol my child at Village Early Learning?

The first step is to book a tour at your preferred Village Early Learning centre. During your visit, you can explore the centre, meet our educators, learn about our programs and ask any questions.

Following your tour, you will receive further information, including our Family Handbook and access to begin the enrolment process.

Can I visit the centre before enrolling?

Yes. We encourage all families to book a tour before enrolling. A tour allows you to meet our team, explore the learning environments and understand how we support children’s learning and wellbeing.

Can I enrol online without attending a tour?

We encourage families to visit the centre before enrolling, as we believe building a relationship with our educators and understanding our approach is an important part of choosing the right early learning environment for your child.

How early should I place my child on the waitlist?

We recommend joining the waitlist as early as possible, as places can fill quickly, particularly for popular start dates.

What happens after I enrol?

Once your enrolment is confirmed, our team will work with you on orientation, room placement and preparing your child for a smooth transition into Village.

How does the orientation process work?

Orientation allows your child to become familiar with their educators, learning environment and daily routines before starting care.

Each child settles differently, so we work with families to create an approach that supports their individual needs.

Can families stay during orientation?

Yes. Families are welcome to spend time at the centre during orientation visits to help their child become familiar with the environment, educators and routines.

What happens on my child’s first day?

Your child’s first day is an important milestone. Our educators will welcome your child, support their transition, introduce daily routines and help them build relationships with educators and friends.

We understand every child settles differently and work closely with families to make the experience as comfortable as possible.

How do you help children settle into childcare?

We provide a personalised settling approach based on each child’s needs. Orientation visits, familiar routines, comfort items and strong educator relationships all help children feel safe, secure and confident in their new environment.

Fees and Child Care Subsidy (CCS)

What is the Child Care Subsidy (CCS)?

The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is an Australian Government payment that helps eligible families reduce their childcare fees.

The amount of CCS a family receives depends on factors including:

  • Combined family income
  • CCS eligibility requirements
  • Type of approved childcare service used
  • Hours of subsidised care approved

Eligible families may receive up to 90% of their childcare fees covered. Some eligible families may receive a higher rate of up to 95% for their second and younger children aged 5 or under. Families above the CCS income limit may not receive CCS.

How do I apply for CCS?

Operating hours vary between centres. Please visit our Locations page for specific opening hours, contact details and services available at each Village Early Learning centre.

Does CCS Apply to OSHC and Vacation Care?

Operating hours vary between centres. Please visit our Locations page for specific opening hours, contact details and services available at each Village Early Learning centre.

How much is the enrolment fee?

Operating hours vary between centres. Please visit our Locations page for specific opening hours, contact details and services available at each Village Early Learning centre.

Can I view my payments and invoices?

Yes. Families can use the Kidsoft App to view invoices, statements, past payments and upcoming debits, as well as update their nominated billing details.

Do I still pay fees if my child is sick?

Yes. Fees apply for absent days, including sick days. Eligible families may continue receiving CCS support for allowable absence days.

Do I pay fees on public holidays?

Yes. Fees apply for scheduled days that fall on public holidays. Eligible families can generally continue receiving CCS for allowable absence days.

What happens if my child is away on holiday?

Families with a permanent booking may be eligible for a 20% to 25% holiday discount on booked days when their child is absent. The discount is available for up to four weeks per financial year, prorated according to your child’s permanent booking pattern.

To apply for the discount, families must provide written notice at least two weeks before the first day of absence, and accounts must be up to date. Standard CCS rules apply, and where CCS is not payable, full fees will apply to the discounted charge.

What notice is required to change or end enrolment days?

Two weeks’ written notice is required to reduce permanently booked days. Requests to add or change days are subject to availability.

What happens if my payment is missed or declined?

Families are responsible for ensuring fees are paid on time. Missed or dishonoured payments may result in outstanding amounts and applicable bank fees. Repeated missed payments may result in a temporary suspension of care until accounts are settled.

What if I am experiencing difficulty paying my fees?

If you are experiencing financial hardship, please speak with your Centre Director as early as possible. Short-term payment plans may be available at the centre’s discretion, and families can also contact Centrelink if applicable.

Daily Routine and What to Bring

What should my child bring each day?

Children should bring a clearly labelled bag containing:
 
  • Drink bottle
  • Feeding bottles, if required
  • Formula if required
  • Broad brimmed hat
  • Spare changes of clothes
  • Shoes and socks
  • Comfort items if needed
  • Bedding or sleep items, if required
  •  
We recommend children wear comfortable clothing suitable for play and exploration.

What should my child wear to childcare?

Children should wear comfortable, practical clothing suitable for play, outdoor exploration and creative activities. Clothing should allow children to move freely and participate confidently throughout the day.

Are nappies provided?

Yes. All Village Early Learning centres provide disposable nappies for children who require them. Families can confirm any specific requirements with their preferred centre.

Do children have a daily routine?

Yes. Each day includes a balance of play, learning experiences, meals, outdoor exploration, rest and opportunities for social connection.

While routines provide children with security and confidence, educators remain responsive to each child’s individual needs.

Do children sleep or rest during the day?

Yes. Rest routines are based on each child’s age, development and individual needs. Our educators provide calm spaces where children can rest, relax or sleep when required.

Can my child bring a comfort item?

Yes. Comfort items such as a favourite teddy, blanket or family photo can help children feel secure, particularly when they are settling into care.

Will my child move rooms when they turn a certain age?

Room transitions are based on each child’s developmental readiness, individual needs and available spaces rather than age alone.

Meals and Nutrition

Do children receive meals?

Yes. Village Early Learning provides nutritious and culturally diverse meals and snacks prepared fresh daily by our Food Coordinators.

Menus are designed to support children’s growth, development and positive relationships with food.

Are meals prepared fresh at the centre?

Yes. Meals and snacks are freshly prepared using quality ingredients and planned menus.

Can you cater for allergies and dietary requirements?

Yes. We cater for allergies, intolerances, cultural preferences and specific dietary requirements. Families are encouraged to discuss their child’s needs during enrolment so we can develop appropriate care and nutrition plans.

All Village Early Learning centres are nut-aware environments, and families are asked not to bring peanuts, tree nuts, nut spreads or foods containing nuts into the centre to help minimise the risk of allergic reactions.

Can I see the centre menu?

Yes. Menus are available at each centre, so families can see the meals and snacks provided throughout the day.

Parent Communication

How will I know how my child is doing during the day?

Families stay connected through daily conversations with educators and digital updates through Storypark. Updates may include learning experiences, photos, daily routines, meals, sleep and important moments from your child’s day.

Can I communicate with my child’s educators?

Yes. Building strong relationships with families is an important part of our approach. Families are encouraged to share information, ask questions and communicate regularly with educators.

How can I stay involved in my child’s learning?

Families are encouraged to share information, participate in centre experiences and continue conversations about learning at home.

Health, Safety and Wellbeing

How do you keep children safe?

Children’s safety and wellbeing are our highest priorities. Our educators follow child safe practices, maintain active supervision, complete safety procedures and provide responsive care throughout the day.

What qualifications do Village educators have?

All educators hold, or are working towards, recognised early childhood qualifications.

Educators require a minimum Certificate III qualification, while Lead Educators hold a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care or higher. Our educators also hold Working with Children Checks, and many have First Aid, Asthma and Anaphylaxis training.

How do you support children with medical needs?

Families should provide details about medical conditions, allergies or health requirements during enrolment. Our educators work with families to create appropriate plans and follow safe medical procedures.

How do you manage allergies?

We work closely with families to understand each child’s allergy requirements and implement appropriate risk minimisation and communication plans.

What happens if my child becomes unwell at the centre?

If your child becomes unwell, we will contact you and follow health and illness management procedures in line with current guidelines.

What happens if my child has an accident or injury?

If your child experiences an accident or injury, our educators will provide appropriate first aid, complete required documentation and communicate with families according to our procedures.

Family Support and Inclusion

How do you support children with additional needs?

We work collaboratively with families to understand each child’s individual needs and provide inclusive learning environments where every child feels supported and valued.

How do you support children from different cultures and backgrounds?

We celebrate diversity and create inclusive environments where children and families feel respected, represented and a strong sense of belonging.

Start Your Village Journey

Have another question? Our team is here to support your family and help you make an informed decision about your child’s early learning journey.