At Highfield Gardens Early Centre we have an active Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). This plan is always evolving to incorporate the Aboriginal and Tores Strait Islander cultures throughout the centre. We have a cultural advice team who work closely with the local Indigenous community members, who visit our centre regularly to support culture within the centre whilst introducing the children and staff to the traditional Indigenous methods.

It is important that you ensure you say goodbye to your child when you leave and make sure that the teacher or educator in charge knows that you are leaving. We understand goodbyes can be hard for all involved however to continue building a safe and trusting relationship we strongly acknowledge that you say goodbye and not ‘slip away’ Our educators and teachers will acknowledge any feelings and emotions that you and your child may be having and support you throughout the entire process. You can read more on separation anxiety by following the link.

As part of our commitment to learning, we conduct excursions out of the centre to follow on children’s interests. Prior to any excursion taking place, parents will be advised in writing with all the required information about the planned excursion.

We have an amazing team of early childhood professionals who are either studying or hold a Bachelor, Diploma, or Certificate III in child-related studies. They also have current first aid qualifications and regularly participate in professional development opportunities to further enhance their skills and provide the best opportunities and experiences for the children in our care. In addition, our staff have annual child protection, food safety and fire safety training. All members of staff hold current blue cards.

We are proud to be one of the few Carbon Neutral Early Learning groups in QLD (learn more here). We believe that our children will benefit most from improved sustainability practices so we are always ensuring that we provide children with support and ways in which they can learn to care and show respect for the environment. We teach children how to care for our environment by helping to recycle all cardboard, paper and plastic containers. Our centre also encourages children to develop a bond with the natural environment through gardening, sorting, observing, creating and participating in a program that utilize natural mediums.

As you are your child’s first teacher, you know best so when it comes to saying goodbye, rest time routines, settling techniques etc, we want to be made aware of what works for you and your family at home. Our teachers and educators will ask you for your advice and input and will also in return provide you with this information. We provide an open-door policy and believe that communication is the key to any great relationship so please do not hesitate to ask any questions or provide feedback. Communications are in person or via Storypark. Storypark creates a space where parents and carers can communicate and collaborate on a daily basis. The Storypark app is available in both the Android and iOS stores for download.

The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is a government subsidy that offers different levels of financial assistance to help cover the cost of childcare for Australian families. How much you receive depends on your individual circumstances. To estimate how much you could be entitled to please visit;

https://www.childcaresubsidycalculator.com.au/

Prior to enrolment, please make sure you are the registering parent under Centrelink for your child. Follow the link to learn more about childcare subsidies (CCS).

We understand that school pick-ups and drop-offs can be tough for working families. We provide supervised care for children from 6:30 am. Children are then taken to school between 8 am and 8:30 am.

School picks us are between Children 2:30 pm to 3:20 pm when they are returned to the centre for supervised care and recreation. Highfields Gardens currently service:

• Highfields State School
• Mary MacKillop Catholic College
• Meringandan State School