Treehouse - Stockland Childcare

FAQ

Who can apply for a child place at the Treehouse?
The childcare facility is available to all current Stockland employees. Note that priority will be given to Stockland employees. However, depending on the level of interest, places may also be extended to other company's employees who may also have child care responsibilities and to Stockland tenants.

What are the Centre's opening hours?
The Centre operates from Monday to Friday (except public holidays) from 7.30am to 6pm.
The Treehouse will be opened for 51 weeks of the year, closing only for the week between Christmas and New Year.

What are the Centre's fees?
2012 Daily fees (including meals and nappies) are:
$111 for newborns to 2 year olds
$104 for 2 to 3 year olds
$101 for 3 to 5 year olds

The child care fees are subject to increases at Stockland's discretion. Users of the Treehouse will be advised of any changes in child care fees.

Confirmed reservations will require two weeks payment in advance at a confirmation meeting with KU.

All current permanent employees of Stockland based at 133 Castlereagh Street who have a child / children under the age of 6 years are entitled to salary sacrifice the cost of child care at the Treehouse.

Would I be better off paying child care fees from my after tax funds or via a salary sacrifice arrangement (i.e. pre tax)?
Each person's individual circumstances are different. Employees who salary sacrifice for child care fees, may not be eligible for Federal Government Child Care Benefits. Stockland recommends you seek independent financial and legal advice before entering into this Child Care Salary Sacrifice Agreement.

Is this an accredited Centre?
The Treehouse is registered with the National Childcare Accreditation Council (NCAC). As a newly registered service the Treehouse will submit a Self Study Report to NCAC 18 months from the date of initial registration. The Treehouse is currently progressing through their first Self Study submission.

What happens if my child becomes ill at the Treehouse?
To ensure children's health is considered and to protect your child and all other children and staff at the centre from infection, KU implements various policies and procedures. Children suffer from a variety of conditions that may mean it is inappropriate for them to attend the centre.

The Centre Director will inform you if your child becomes ill during the day.

It is helpful if you keep staff informed when your child is suffering from a condition which precludes him / her from participating reasonably in the centre program.

If children are absent from the centre due to illness, families are required to continue to pay fees.

What is a typical day like?
Each individual playroom provides different routines and experiences for children dependent upon their individual learning and development needs.

There is a routine formulated for each playroom, however this is flexible enough to cater to the individual interests and needs of children.

Over the course of the day, children will participate in a variety of experiences ranging from creative; language and literacy; physical play activities and / or pre writing and reading skills.

What qualifications do staff have?
The staff within the service will range in qualifications from early childhood teachers that are 3-4 year university-trained, diploma trained staff who are two year trained at TAFE and regular child care workers. The combination of training is determined by the Children's Services Regulation.

What are the current staff:child ratios?
0-2 year old children - 1:4 staff / child
2-3 year old children - 1:8 staff / child
3-5 year old children - 1:10 staff / child

Does this centre have an open door policy and are parents encouraged to drop in at any time?
The Treehouse has an "open door" policy whereby current families can visit the centre at any time throughout the day and participate in the program. The centre encourages this partnership between the centre and families to support the children's learning program, creating a strong connection between the family and the centre.

Will there be a Parent's Committee for The Treehouse?
KU values family input and participation. KU encourage families to contribute and assist the service in many ways. This support may range from assistance with the centre's Accreditation process to planning for the individual learning outcomes of children. KU work in collaboration with families to create a stimulating learning environment for children.

For more information, please contact Kylie Anderson, Centre Director on 9035 3991.