Preschool
Preschools generally enrol children aged from 3 – 6 years. Some centres may be licensed to take children from 2 years.
Preschools are licensed by the Department of Community Services under the Children's Services Regulation 2004 as a centre based children's service. They can be managed and operated by an individual, communities, local government, church groups, hospitals, educational institutions and schools.
The hours of operation are varied; most centres open from 9am to 3pm and some offer 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. Some Preschools offer morning and/or afternoon sessions. Preschools operate in line with public school holidays which means that services may be closed during the term breaks.
One staff member must be, at all times, present on the premises with approved First Aid training. The numbers of trained and qualified staff can fluctuate depending on the size and enrolment numbers of the service. One staff member must also hold a degree in Early Childhood.
Ratios are set for staffing levels according to the number and age of children in care:
• 1 staff member for every 8 children aged between two and three years.
• 1 staff member for every 10 children aged between three to six years.
Child Care Benefit may be available to eligible services. Please enquire at the individual Preschool Service for further information.
