Occasional Childcare

The Lara Community Centre provides an occasional childcare service, licensed by Department of Human Services, offering high quality, affordable childcare to the local community. Our inclusive childcare provides children with the opportunity to interact and participate in age appropriate activities, in a safe and welcoming environment. And while we take care of them, you can take care of whatever you like!

Bring the children along to play in the recently renovated playground with the new equipment and toys. Take a look at our new, innovative and exciting program, and you will see there is something for everyone.

For full details on the philosophy, policy, procedures and service licensing for the Occasional Childcare program, please refer to the Parent Handbook for further details on payment of fees, cancellation fees and late fees.

Hours of Operation

The Centre is currently open from 9.15am until 12.15pm Monday to Friday during the school terms. The Centre is closed during School Holidays. Christmas break usually begins in the third week of December and the room reopens in the last week of January.

Staff

There is a minimum of two staff members on duty at all times, and at least one staff member trained in Level II First Aid. If child numbers exceed 15 at any time, a third staff member must be on hand. This position may be filled by a volunteer.

Enrolment Procedure

Before you child starts in the Occasional Care Room, you are encouraged to meet with the Childcare Coordinator to discuss the needs of your child, your needs and existing vacancies. An enrolment form must be fully completed and returned to the Centre prior to your child's first stay with us. All sections of the enrolment form must be completed and a copy of your child's immunisation record supplied. In addition, if there are any Court or Custody orders in place, we must have a copy of these attached to the Enrolment Form.

Fees

Fees are structured as follows:

1st child$15.00 per session (3 hours)
2nd child$9.00 per session (3 hours)
3rd child$7.50 per session (3 hours)

Children must be from the same family for this structure to apply.

If you are attending a class at the Community Centre while you child is in care, the following fees apply: $3.00 per hour (or part thereof)

If you are Volunteering in the Community Centre while your child is in care, no fees will apply. This can only be done where a vacancy exists in the room on a day mutually convenient to both the Volunteer and the Community Centre Coordinator.

Please note: While this service is licenced to operate by the Department of Human Services, we are not registered to receive Federal Government Child Care Benefits. We cannot offer fee reductions through the Childcare Benefits Scheme to any family.

Please refer to the Parent Handbook for further details on payment of fees, cancellation fees and late fees.

Bookings

To guarantee a place for you child at a particular time, a booking must be made. Bookings can be made through the Childcare Coordinator on the days that the room is open, or through the Centre's General Office at any other time, either in person or by phoning (03) 5282 2725.

Last updated 20 February 2008