Childcare & Kindergarten Cheltenham

While we provide the essentials (like nutritious meals), adding a few personal items from home can make your child's day even more special. We suggest including a labelled set of extra clothes, a water bottle, and comfort items like their favourite toys or dummies. Don't forget to pack a sleeping bag and any milk necessities like bottles, formula, or breast milk, if needed.

Once your child’s enrolment is confirmed, we’ll invite you to a complimentary two-hour visit before their first day. It’s a great chance for your little one to explore our exciting learning spaces while you meet our friendly team, ask any pressing questions, and share important details about your child. This session helps make the transition into our preschool as smooth and comfortable as possible for you and your child!

Keep it positive! Turn drop-off into a happy experience by spending a few minutes helping your little one settle in. Mornings can be busy, but taking the time to find an activity they love and saying a cheerful goodbye can make all the difference. Our wonderful team is always here to lend a hand. If you’re curious about how they’re doing, don’t hesitate to give the centre a call for an update after you’ve left!

The educator-to-child ratio varies based on age and location; we always meet or exceed this ratio. - From 0 to 24 months, the ratio is 1:4 in all states and territories. - From 24 to 36 months, the ratio is 1:4 in VIC. - Over 36 months, the ratio is 1:11 in QLD, SA, and VIC. You can find out more about it on the ACECQA website.

Choosing the right childcare in Cheltenham is important. Look for a place where you feel comfortable and confident that your child will be safe, happy, and well looked after. You’ll want an environment that encourages learning, where caring educators guide and model positive behaviour, helping kids develop independence and essential life skills. Be sure to also consider what works best for your family, like the centre’s location, fees, and what services are included.

At Mayfield Early Education Centres, we’re committed to meeting or exceeding the National Quality Standards and Regulatory requirements for early childhood services. We regularly review and update our policies and procedures to ensure that children, families, and staff are all clear on their roles in creating a safe, happy, and secure environment for the kids. Parents or guardians can learn more by visiting www.mayfield.com.au/policies. This page is password-protected, and you can get the password from your Centre Manager once your child is enrolled.

Eligibility for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) in Victoria depends on a few important factors, such as your household income, your child’s age, the type of approved childcare service, and your family’s participation in work, study, or volunteering. Australian citizens and permanent residents are welcome to apply for the CCS.

The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) can cover up to 100 hours of early childhood education or childcare per fortnight. The number of hours you're eligible for depends on your family's involvement in work, study, volunteering, or other approved activities. The more time you dedicate to these, the more subsidised childcare hours you can receive.

Our dedicated team follows the Early Years Learning Framework, providing a play-based curriculum that focuses on children’s interests and developmental milestones. Our educators create engaging and enriching learning environments.

We provide nutritious meals, including morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea. Our meals are freshly prepared on-site, catering to dietary needs and allergies. We take allergies and dietary restrictions very seriously. Our kitchen staff and educators work closely with families to ensure that all meals provided meet individual dietary needs. We have strict protocols in place to manage allergies and prevent cross-contamination.

We use a combination of daily communication, progress reports, and parent-educator meetings at our daycare in Cheltenham to keep families informed about their child's development. We also use a secure digital platform to share photos, learning stories, and updates on your child’s day.