Frequently asked questions — Berrima Street Early Learning
How do I enrol my child?
Start with a visit — book a tour and meet our educators. When you're ready, we'll walk you through the enrolment form, your child's details, and their first days. You'll need your child's birth certificate and immunisation history, and your CRN if you're claiming the Child Care Subsidy.
Do you have places available?
Current availability is shown room by room on our site — days can open up during the year, so it's always worth asking. If your preferred days are full we'll add you to our waitlist and let you know as soon as something opens.
Can I visit before enrolling?
Please do — a visit is the best way to get a feel for us. Book a tour time on this site, and bring your child along; we'd love to meet them.
What does a day cost?
Our current daily fees are Babies $178/day · Juniors $168/day · Pre-Prep $160/day. Most families pay much less than the full fee once the Child Care Subsidy is applied — use the cost calculator on this site to see your family's estimated out-of-pocket cost.
Are we eligible for the Child Care Subsidy?
Most families are. The subsidy is income-tested: families earning up to $88,520 receive the highest rate (90% of the fee, up to the hourly cap), and it tapers down from there — it cuts out at a family income of $538,520. Use the cost calculator on this site for your family's estimate.
How do we claim the Child Care Subsidy?
You claim through your Centrelink account on myGov: submit a Child Care Subsidy claim, then confirm your enrolment with us once it's approved. The subsidy is paid straight to us, so you only pay the gap. We're happy to help if you get stuck.
How many subsidised hours can we get?
Every CCS-eligible family gets at least 72 hours of subsidised care a fortnight under the 3-Day Guarantee — regardless of how much you work or study. More recognised activity (work, study, volunteering, looking for work) can lift that to 100 hours. The cost calculator on this site works this out for you.
Do we still get the subsidy if my child is away sick or on holidays?
Yes — the Child Care Subsidy covers up to 42 allowable absence days per child each financial year (more with evidence, e.g. a medical certificate), so an occasional sick day or holiday doesn't cost you the subsidy.
Do we pay for public holidays and days my child is absent?
Like most centres, fees apply to your child's enrolled days, including public holidays and absences — this holds your child's place. The Child Care Subsidy still applies to allowable absences, so your out-of-pocket cost usually stays the same.
Are meals provided?
Yes — our menu is prepared fresh and designed for growing children. We cater for allergies and dietary requirements; tell us your child's needs at enrolment and we'll plan together.
What should my child bring each day?
A change of clothes (or two for little ones), a water bottle, a hat, and any comfort item that helps at rest time. Please label everything with your child's name. We'll let you know anything room-specific at orientation.
What are your opening hours?
We're open Mon–Fri, 6:30am–6:00pm, Monday to Friday. If you need drop-off or pick-up outside your usual booking, talk to us — we'll help where we can.
What ages do you take?
We welcome children aged 6 weeks–5 years. Our rooms are grouped by age and stage — you can see each room, its educators and its days on this site.
Do you run a kindergarten (preschool) program?
Yes — our kindergarten program is led by qualified early-childhood teachers in the year before school. Depending on your state's funding program, eligible children may attract additional funding that lowers your fees; see our Rooms & Fees page for how this applies here.
What qualifications and checks do your educators have?
Every educator holds or is working towards a recognised early-childhood qualification, and everyone at the centre holds a current Working with Children Check. We staff to (or better than) the national educator-to-child ratios for each age group.
What happens if my child becomes unwell at care?
We'll call you straight away and keep your child comfortable until they're collected. To protect all the children, we follow national exclusion guidelines for infectious illnesses — we'll always tell you the return-to-care timeframe. Medication is only given with your written authorisation.
How do you help children settle in?
Gently, and at your child's pace. Before their first day we'll arrange orientation visits so the room, the educators and the routine feel familiar. Short days to start, a consistent educator to greet them, and honest updates to you — most children find their feet within a couple of weeks.
Will I know how my child's day went?
Yes — you'll get updates through the day (photos, meals, sleeps) plus a proper chat at pick-up. If anything ever needs your attention, we'll call rather than wait.
What will we actually pay each week?
Today's fees are Babies $178/day · Juniors $168/day · Pre-Prep $160/day, and every fee includes meals, nappies, wipes, sunscreen. Most families pay far less after the Child Care Subsidy — the calculator on this site shows your own weekly number in under a minute.
What does the first morning look like?
Arrive any time from opening (Mon–Fri, 6:30am–6:00pm), and one of our educators will meet you at the door. We keep first mornings short and gentle — a familiar face, a favourite activity, and honest updates to you through the day.