Does my child need to be immunised to attend child care?
It is a requirement of Centrelink that children are immunised (or a conscientious objector) to receive child care assistance.   Children who are not immunised may attend, but may not be able to attend during an outbreak of an infectious disease in the Centre.

Is Blackmans Bay Childrens Services accredited?
Yes, Blackmans Bay Childrens Services has received the highest possible level of accreditation.

Who is responsible for Blackmans Bay Childrens Services?
Blackmans Bay Childrens Services is a community based child care service.  The management committee comprises of parents who access the service - all parents are welcome to join - meetings are monthly and this group is responsible for all aspects of the service.

Are the staff qualified - do any of the staff have first aid certificates?
A large percentage of the staff have formal child care qualifications, with the rest of the staff either undertaking qualifications or regularly attending in-service training.  The majority of the staff have current first aid certificates.

How often do you change nappies?
In the babies room, nappies are changed at two hourly intervals (or more frequently if  necessary).  In other rooms, nappies are changed as required.  Change times are an ideal opportunity for communication between the child and carer.  As well as lots to talk about, there are pictures on ledges above their heads and other wonderful bright "distractions".

Is lunch or morning and afternoon tea provided?
Morning and afternoon teas are provided.  Lunch is not provided except in an emergency situation.

What should I pack for lunch?
Variety in small quantities seems to work well.  We do provide fruit at morning and afternoon tea, however fruits such as bananas, kiwi fruit and mandarins are always a good idea, as are dried fruits.   Sandwiches are good - but not too many for the toddler child.  Hot meals, vegetables, baked beans, pasta dishes make nutritious lunches, and children enjoy the small yoghurts to finish with.  Cheese sticks and slices are usually popular with children too!

Do you supply hats and sunscreen?
Wide brim hats or legionnaire style hats and sunscreen are provided by the service for Long Day Care.  As well, younger children are not exposed to the sun whilst it is at its hottest.  In all Outside School Hours programs, hats and sunscreen are to be supplied by parents.

What happens if my child is sick?
When a child becomes sick in child care, parents are contacted and informed.  The child receives appropriate care as decided between parent and staff.  Children with infectious diseases will be excluded from the service as per the recommended guidelines.

What about coats and warm hats in Winter?
Yes Please!  We are fortunate that most of our play areas are sunny year round and we try to play outside as often as possible when the weather permits.  Names on coats and hats make it less likely that these items will be lost.

How do you get the younger children to sleep in a bedroom with six other children?
We seldom have problems for long.   If necessary a carer will stay in the room to comfort a child, often by stroking or patting, until the child settles to sleep.  All sleep rooms have intercoms, so we immediately know if a child is crying, and when they wake up.  It generally takes only a short time for a child to feel secure.

What about eating routines or problems?
Mealtimes are an important part of the child's day, and they soon learn the routine.  First it's handwash, they love the little sink!  Younger children sit in lowchairs and older ones at the table.   All children are given a drink - mealtimes are happy, relaxed occasions.  We encourage independence but assistance is always close by.