ELC FAQs
When are the ELC open days for 2024?
The open day is 7th of May 2024 and will be held over two sessions:
9:30-11:00 am
3:30-5:00 pm
A later session will be held on 15th of May 2024 between 5:30-6:30 pm
Are there enrolment priorities?
If applications exceed the number of places for which the Preschool 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 Preschool's ethos.
All children who attend a Catholic Preschool are guaranteed a Kindergarten place in an ACT Catholic primary school in their priority enrolment area.
How many places are there available at the Preschool?
The Centre is licensed for 44 children per day divided into two classes.
What are the opening hours?
The Centre is open from 8:00am to 5:30pm, Monday through to Friday.
What are the enrolment options?
We currently offer three options:
1. Preschool 40 weeks (school terms only 9:00-3:00)
2. Preschool plus 40 weeks (school terms only 8:00-5:30)
3. Preschool plus 48 weeks (includes two weeks before school begins, school terms and term breaks 8:00-5:30)
Please note the holiday booking is the same days as your school terms.
What happens during the school holidays?
The Preschool will operate during school terms. Families who require care during the vacation periods will need to enrol their child in the 48 week plus program (Preschool Plus) either part time or full time. The Preschool is open for 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.
What is the ratio of staff to children?
The minimum ratio is 1:11 – this is the national 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 as well. The preschool 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. On enrolment all families are required to pay an enrolment levy of $55.00.
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 the Director, and confirm the details of the enrolment you are seeking.
Does the Preschool provide meals?
Children are asked to bring their own lunch and snacks, as well as a piece of fruit or cut vegetable such as carrot or celery sticks. The Preschool promotes healthy eating habits and water is the recommended drink during the day.
Can my 3 year old go to the Preschool?
Children must turn 4 years old by 30th April to be eligible for Preschool. Catholic Preschools are open to preschool-aged children only.
Do I have to pay fees all year?
Catholic Preschools 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 Subsidy (CCS) for these days. In addition, CCS 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.