FAQ

What ages do you cater for?

Little Kids Academy Barden Ridge is a Long Day Care and Preschool for children aged between 6 weeks – 6 years.

What time do we open / close?

We open at 7:30am and close at 6:00pm Monday to Friday

What happens if I am running late to pick up my child?

We close promptly at 6:00pm. If for any reason you are running late and are not going to make the 6pm closing time, you should try and make prior alternative arrangements for your child to be picked up. You will be charged a late fee of $5.00 per five (5) minutes that you are late, or part thereof.

Do you provide meals?

Yes, we provide all meals and beverages., which include Morning and Afternoon Tea and a hot meal at lunch. You are only required to provide a drink bottle filled with fresh water – if you have multiple children at the centre, one drink bottle each is required.

Do you close for Public Holidays?

Yes, we close for all Public Holidays, and you are still liable to pay for these days

Are you open in the school holidays?

Yes, we are open for 49 weeks of the year and take three weeks off over the Christmas period

Do you have Eftpos facilities?

Yes, we have Eftpos facilities including credit card. Please note that we do not take American Express and that there is a 2% surcharge on all credit card transactions as charged by the Banks.

Does my child ‘just play’ or do you also educate my child?

At Little Kids Academy, care and education are intertwined in our play-based learning programs. From your child’s first day in care we observe and plan learning experiences based on his/her interests, needs and developmental level, at the same time meeting your child’s physical and emotional needs.

What do I do if I want to change my child’s days of care?

If you wish to change, increase or decrease the days your child attends care you must contact the Centre Director.

Parents are required to provide fourteen days notice to decrease days between the months of Febuary and October and forty two days between the months of November and January.

All changes are pending availability, however, we will do our best to accommodate all of your childcare needs.

What do I do if I want to cancel my child’s care?

It is a condition of enrolment that you provide fourteen days written notice between the months of Febuary and October and forty two days between the months of November and January to the Centre Director of your intention to withdraw your child from the centre.

When you enrol with us you are required to pay a holding deposit of $200. Your holding deposit is held to secure your child’s position throughout their time in our care and this will be refunded when your child leaves the centre, provided that your fees have not previously lapsed into arrears and your bond has not been used to clear this debt. You would be advised in writing if Little Kids Academy were using any part of your bond and when you were back up to date, you would be required to pay this bond back.

When are my fees payable and how do I know what I am paying?

A statement clearly indicating the current "fee period” will be emailed to your provided email address advising your payable balance and any overdue amount. Fees are to be paid fortnightly and in advance.

Fees must be paid for every day your child is enrolled, including public holidays and when your child is sick or on holidays. A full daily fee is charged regardless of the number of hours your child attends. Late fees do apply.

What do I do when I drop my child off of a morning?

First you must sign your child in to the centre. It is your responsibility to sign your child into and out of care, as this is a licensing requirement as well as a condition for claiming Child Care Benefit.

Secondly place your child’s bag in his/her locker removing their drink bottle / or babies bottles and handing them to your child’s room leader so they can be refrigerated immediately.
Settle your child, be sure to say goodbye and reassure them you will be back in the afternoon to pick them up.