Does my child need to be toilet trained?

Yes, children who attend Koala Playschool MUST be fully toilet trained. While we understand that accidents happen, changing nappies/pull-ups takes staff away from supervision of children. Please ensure you pack labelled spare clothes including socks and undies in case of accidents.

Will I be charged for public holidays?

No, we do not charge for public holidays.

What food/snacks do I need to pack for my child?

Morning tea and lunch is required to be packed in separate containers.
Koala Playschool encourages healthy eating and we also ask that parents avoid sending pre-packaged foods. A drink bottle with water only is to be sent with your child. Please ensure that you label your child’s drink bottles and lunch boxes.

How old does my child have to be to attend?

Children must turn 3 prior to 30 April in their year of attendance. If your child turns 3 between the start of term 1 and 30 April they must be accompanied by a parent/carer until their 3rd birthday.

When will I find out if my child will be offered placement?

The bulk enrolment process is done from June – September in the year prior to your child’s attendance. Our Office Manager will send out an email in June to all families on the waiting list asking for them to confirm their interest. Formal offers of enrolment will be sent out soon after with the hope of having all placements finalised prior to September.

Can my child attend more than one day per week?

Yes, we run 2 sessions per week.

• a 3-day session – Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday
• a 2-day session – Thursday/Friday

How much are the fees?

Please visit our Enrolment Information page for the most up to date fee information.

Does my child need to be immunised?

In accordance with ACT Public Health Regulations, Koala Playschool does not exclude any child on the basis of his or her immunisation status. However, also in accordance with ACT Public Health Regulations, we require a copy of each child’s original immunisation records. These are available from the Medicare website. If your child acquires a communicable disease, you are required to notify the Director/Teacher immediately, so that all measures can be taken to prevent the spread of the disease. Your child will be excluded from Koala Playschool for a specified period as per ACT Public Health Regulations.

My child still has a nap during the day, can they sleep whilst at Koalas?

After lunch, children are supported to have a rest time through our relaxation music, story massage, stories and puzzles and yoga time. If a child requires a rest, particularly in the early stages of the year as they are settling into the program, a quiet space is provided for them to lie down. If a child falls asleep during rest time, they are made comfortable and allowed to sleep. At all times, the program remains flexible to respond to children’s needs with regards to rest and relaxation. In the first weeks, when children are adapting to the program and often very tired, parents/carers are welcome to pick up their child early.

Can I stay with my child?

You are welcome to stay with your child until they are settled. However, if they are unsettled, it is often easier if the parent leaves quickly as your child generally tends to settle more quickly. It is often the anticipation of your leaving that is more stressful than the actual leaving for your child. The teacher will advise the best action in each circumstance.

You are always welcome to be the roster parent and to assist the teachers for the morning or afternoon.

Will my child learn to read?

No. We do not specifically teach children to read. However, our play based program includes many activities that foster literacy and numeracy development in future years.

Can I claim assistance under the Childcare Subsidy Scheme (previously the Childcare benefit or rebate)?

No, the government did not include any ACT Playschools that operate less than 48 weeks per year in the scheme. Koala Playschool operates during school terms only.

How is Koala Playschool different to childcare centres and family day cares?

Koala Playschool provides a service that is different to childcare centres and family day cares.

• our program is directed at 3 to 5 year olds only, so we are able to provide a program that best meets your child’s needs both developmentally and socially;
• our program is play-based and recognises the value of play in your child’s learning and development;
• our program includes a range of intentional teaching times across each day which include songs, storytelling, nursery rhymes, music and movement, group games and science investigations;
• we have a fully qualified early childhood teacher in the classroom at all times;
• we are very community focused and run by a parent committee;
• our facility is purpose built, i.e., with children’s toilets, gated kitchen etc;
• there is only one classroom and one large playground;
• we will never have more than 22 children each day; and
• our program is excellent preparation for preschool.

We are regulated, licensed and insured and comply with the ACT Childcare Standards.

Does Koala Playschool operate for the entire year like day care?

No. Term dates are in line with ACT government schools. We do not operate during school holidays or on public holidays. Please refer to the ACT Department of Education and Training website to confirm the current years dates and public holidays.
http://www.det.act.gov.au/school_education/term_dates_and_public_holidays

What is Parent Roster Duty?

Conditional upon the acceptance of a place at Koala Playschool you are required to participate in Parent Roster Duty.

Parent Roster Duty is where parents or carers of children help out during session time. This is a wonderful opportunity for parents to see their children interact with other adults and children. It is also needed to keep our adult to child ratio within the recommended limits and enable our staff to have a lunch break.

There are two shifts:

• morning (9:15am – 12:30pm)
• afternoon (11:30am – 2:45pm)

The shifts overlap allows our staff a lunch break.

You will be expected to perform a certain number of shifts per term depending on how many days your child attends, they are:

• For children enrolled in the Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday session, parents/carers are expected to complete 3 half day shifts per child per term
• For children enrolled in the Thursday/Friday session, parents/carers are expected to complete 2 half day shifts per child per term

How can I become more involved?

We encourage and welcome any and all involvement from families. There are many ways parents and carers can join in the fun. These include:

• sharing knowledge and expertise with the children (ie. gardening, cooking, music, art)
• becoming a part of the Parent Committee;
• working bees;
• helping in an administrative capacity (ie. writing grants, seeking donations, writing policies);
• fundraising

Who owns Koala Playschool?

You do. Koala Playschool is a not for profit incorporated association which is run by a Parent Committee, Director/Teacher, Assistant Teachers and Office Manager.

We do not receive any government funding. Our financials are public and any profits go straight back into the school.

What is the Parent Committee?

The parent committee is be made up of five office bearers and three general members. They are the:

• President
• Communications and Marketing Coordinator
• Treasurer
• Fundraising Coordinator
• Secretary
• Plus 3 General Committee Positions

The committee is responsible for the management and operation of the school and also to support the educational program delivered by the Director/Teacher.

The five office bearer positions do attract a percentage off the yearly fees depending on the role.

Should you wish to join the parent committee when your child is in attendance at Koalas, our new committee is elected at our Annual General Meeting in November/December each year.

More information about Koalas is available in our Policy and Procedures Manual and our Parent Roster Duty Guidelines accessible on your child’s enrolment at Koala Playschool.