Information for parents
Practical answers to the questions families ask before enrolling
This page collects the practical things families ask before enrolling at St Ives Chase Kindergarten. For policy detail please see the centre policies.
What ages we cater for
St Ives Chase Kindergarten is a preschool and long day care for children aged 2.5 to 6 years. For younger children, our sister centres at Normanhurst and West Ryde take children from 6 weeks.
Our approach
The centre is Reggio Emilia-inspired. Centre Director Tina is Reggio-trained and has led the centre for many years. The educators are well known for the depth of their program documentation. Learning happens in projects that grow from children's questions, with the outdoor classroom under the gum trees as a central part of the day.
Hours and term
Open 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday, 50 weeks a year. Preschool hours run 9am to 3pm within the long day care window. We close only for public holidays and a short break over Christmas.
Fees and Child Care Subsidy
We are Child Care Subsidy approved. The amount your family receives depends on combined family income and is paid directly to us by Services Australia. Use the Services Australia CCS estimator to check your eligibility, or call us and we'll walk you through it.
What's included
The daily fee covers the educational program, sunscreen, a bucket hat, and afternoon tea for long day care children. Children bring their own morning tea and lunch from home in a labelled lunch box (we send healthy lunch suggestions on enrolment). Some incursions and special events are absorbed into the daily fee, but specialist or multi-week programs and excursions are charged separately and are always opt-in, with written notice in advance.
What to bring
A labelled backpack with a packed lunch and water bottle, a sun-safe hat, a spare set of clothes, and any comfort item your child needs to settle. We provide sunscreen and bedlinen for rest time.
Settling in
Some children settle in days, others over weeks. We work with each family individually. Always say goodbye at drop-off; slipping out unseen leads to mistrust and more distress for your child. We will message you once your child has settled.
Sickness and exclusion
Please keep your child home if they have a temperature, are vomiting, have diarrhoea, an unexplained rash, or are generally unwell. After a fever, vomiting or diarrhoea, children should be symptom-free for 24 hours (48 hours for vomiting and diarrhoea) before returning. We follow current NSW Health exclusion guidance.
Changing days or withdrawing
We ask for 4 weeks' written notice for any change to permanent days or for withdrawal. This lets us plan thoughtfully for your child and the group around them.
Need to know more?
The fastest way to get specific answers is to contact us or book a tour at the bottom of this page.
Come and see the philosophy in action.
The best way to understand how we teach is to see it for yourself. Book a tour and watch our educators and children at work.