Often this decision is conflicted between two things at once: will the hours work for our jobs and will our child be ready for school when the time comes? Consider this:

One framework - two rhythms

Both operate under the same National Quality Framework, align curriculum to the Early Years Learning Framework and both must follow the National Regulations, Laws and rules.

What is different is the rhythm, shapes of the day and sometimes the environments

Preschool typically operates approximately 9am-3pm/3:30pm, follows the 40-week school terms (non-operational in school holidays), and only enrols 3-5 yr olds. Preschool’s programs are often a touch more concentrated, and some children do better with a shorter day, more contained day.

Long day care operates roughly between 7am to 6pm across 50 weeks per year and takes children as young as 6 weeks old. Long day care programs are spaced out across their longer operating hours therefore their rhythm and structure are different to Preschool.

Which to choose?

It’s best to choose a service that is going to suit your family and child’s needs.

Community Preschools have the shorter hours and gaps in the year, some children do better with this. Preschool is funded by the NSW Department of Education which have guidelines that determine enrolment hours and priorities. Currently children are funded for a maximum of 15hours/week, or approximately 2 days. The NSW Department of Education’s priority is providing quality uplift in preschool education and drive outcomes for children aged 3-5 in the developmentally significant years before school. Often Community Preschool daily/termly fees are very low.

Long day care may suit your working or study arrangements as they operate all year and have the extended hours. The Federal Department of Education prioritises working, single and studying families (see more). Their fees are subsidised by Centrelink through CCS payments.

No, we accept enrolments from all areas of the Kempsey & Macleay Valley Shire. However, many families consider the travel time and the school that their child might transition to before deciding to enrol their child at Crescent Head Preschool.

Yes. Relating to the NSW Public Health Act 2010, Reg 87, a child cannot enrol at Preschool without the following documentation about your their immunisation status:

Families must provide an Immunisation History Statement from the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) that shows that their child:

• is up to date with vaccinations for their age OR

• is on a recognised vaccine catch-up schedule OR

• has a medical condition preventing them from being fully vaccinated.

This statement can be obtained from your MyGov or Medicare App. Families must maintain an up-to-date immunisation register with Preschool in order to re-enrol the following year.

No, CCS Funding is for Long Daycare which is funded by the Australian (Federal) Government.

We do however receive Start Strong Funding from the NSW Department of Education based on a child’s enrolment. To be eligible for a Start Strong Funding, you child will need to enrol in at least 2 days (15hours). You will be required to sign a Department of Education Start Strong Funding Consent form. If your child only attends one Preschool, you may be eligible to nominate for additional NSW Start Strong Fee Relief once your application has been assessed. This could save you an up to $4,347p.a in fees, should you nominate our Service. This funding comes directly to our service.

Due to funding constraints we require your child to be enrolled at Preschool at least 600 hours per year/15hours per week, which equates to 2 days per week as a minimum. Depending on your child’s age, the availability of vacancies and funding available, we may be able to offer an additional 3rd day enrolment.

We ask that you wait until your child is at least 2 - 2.5 yrs old before contacting us to be placed on our waitlist.

Our waitlist works differently to Long Day Care as we are an NSW Funded Pre-School, therefore not covered by CCS conditions.

The NSW Department of Education supports us through the Start Strong for Community Preschools program which provides funding to deliver affordable quality preschool education for 3- to 5-year-old children enrolled in eligible community Preschools. Therefore, priority of access is given to children who are in this age bracket and meet certain conditions.

If your child is on our waitlist at age 2.5yrs old, they are not holding a position in the line. This is because children who meet the DoE Priority of Access Guidelines will be prioritised before your child, whether they contact us before or after your waitlist application.

When there is a place available our Director will review the waitlist to determine who will be prioritised for access to the placement.

No, your child is required to bring a lunchbox with lunch and morning tea. We also request a shared piece of fruit or crackers.

Our policy is NO chocolate/chocolate products or lollies. Water or plain milk only