Question 1

How long does the enrolment process take?

Accepted Answer

Enrolment in our family daycare is efficient, with the process taking 48 hours from the submission of your application, provided it is within the working week. This timeframe ensures a smooth transition for your child.

Question 2

How do I choose the right educator for my child?

Accepted Answer

Choosing the right Educator is a crucial decision. We encourage parents to visit 2 or more different services to observe the environment, meet the Educators, and assess which setting best suits their child’s needs and personality. Each Educator offers a unique experience, and visiting a few will help you make a well-informed decision.

Question 3

What are the benefits of family daycare compared to other childcare options?

Accepted Answer

Family Day Care offers a smaller, more personalized care environment, often with a lower child-to-educator ratio than larger childcare centers. This allows for more individualised attention and a home-like setting, which can be comforting for younger children. Additionally, Family Day Care can offer flexible hours, which is ideal for parents with non-traditional work schedules.

Question 4

How can I stay informed about my child’s progress?

Accepted Answer

Communication between Parents and Educators is key. Many Family Day Care Educators provide regular updates, whether through a communication book, daily reports, or digital apps that share photos and milestones. It’s helpful to establish a preferred communication method with your Educator early on.

Question 5

Are meals provided at the daycare?

Accepted Answer

Meal provision varies between Educators. Some Family Day Care Educators provide meals, while others may require parents to pack food for their child. It’s important to discuss this with your potential Educator during the initial visit to ensure your child’s dietary needs are met.

Question 6

What should I bring for my child on their first day?

Accepted Answer

Each Educator may have specific requirements, but generally, you should pack the following for your child:
A change of clothes
Nappies or pull-ups (if applicable)
Any comfort items (like a blanket or favorite toy)
A hat and sunscreen
Meals or snacks (if not provided by the Educator)
A water bottle

Question 7

Can I visit my child during the day?

Accepted Answer

Parents are generally welcome to visit their child at any time during the day. However, it's best to discuss this with your Educator to establish the most convenient and least disruptive time for visits.

Question 8

What happens if my child is sick or we’re going on holiday?

Accepted Answer

If your child is unwell, it’s important to keep them home to prevent spreading illness. Under the Child Care Subsidy, you are entitled to 42 absence days per financial year without affecting your subsidy entitlement. These absences can be used for various reasons, including sickness or holidays.

Question 9

How do I pay for my child’s childcare fees?

Accepted Answer

Our Family Day Care Service uses a convenient direct debit system for processing childcare fees. Upon enrolment, you will be required to fill in a Direct Debit Authorisation Form, which allows us to automatically deduct the fees from your nominated account.

Question 10

What is the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), and how much am I entitled to?

Accepted Answer

The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) helps with the cost of childcare for eligible families. The amount you are entitled to depends on factors such as your family’s income, the number of children in care, and the type of childcare service. Under the CCS, you are entitled to 42 absence days per financial year without affecting your subsidy entitlement. For more detailed information and to estimate your subsidy, please Services Australia website.

Question 11

Are there any additional charges for using the direct debit system?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there may be transaction charges depending on the payment method you choose:
Visa/Mastercard: A small percentage fee applies for each transaction.
Bank BPay: A flat fee may apply per transaction.
The exact fee details will be provided on the Direct Debit Authorisation Form during enrolment. as well as highlighted on individual Educators 'fee schedule. These charges are determined by the payment processing provider.

Question 12

When will my account be debited for the childcare fees?

Accepted Answer

Care fees are typically debited on a set day fortnightly. The specific debit date will be communicated to you upon enrolment and is also outlined in the Educators fee schedule.

Question 13

What happens if a payment fails or is declined?

Accepted Answer

If a payment fails or is declined, our system will automatically notify you, and a reattempt will be made on the next available business day. Please note that failed payments will incur additional from our payment processor and maybe fees from your bank. We recommend ensuring that sufficient funds are available in your account on the scheduled debit date to avoid any disruptions.

Question 14

Can I pay my childcare fees in advance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you prefer to pay your childcare fees in advance, please contact our administration team to arrange this.

Question 15

How will I be notified of the childcare fees and payments?

Accepted Answer

You will receive a statement outlining your childcare fees, payment schedule, and any applicable charges. This statement will be sent via email before each debit. Please review your statements regularly to ensure all details are correct.

Question 16

What should I do if I have a question about my payment or account?

Accepted Answer

If you have any questions or concerns about your payments, please don't hesitate to contact our administration team on info@excellacademy.com.au.

Frequently asked questions