What is a Childcare Co-operative?

A childcare co-operative is a community based, parent-run service, managed by a volunteer Board of Management.

Is Co-op a not-for-profit?

Yes! Co-op is a not-for-profit, which means we do not operate to make a profit.

All funds earned are invested back into improving the play spaces, facilities, and creating richer learning experiences for our children and educators.

What is the difference between sessional kindergarten and integrated kindergarten in a long day care?

Sessional kinder is offered for fifteen hours a week at standalone kinders and some long daycare centres.

The fifteen hours is often spread across several days, and suits families who have lots of flexibility with their schedule and care needs.

Co-op’s kinder program is integrated into our long day care centre.

Our three- and four-year-olds spend much of their day in our dedicated Kinder Room with a Bachelor or Masters qualified early childhood teacher.

There are no differences in educational programs for seasonal or integrated kinder.

The benefits for families in a long day care setting include flexibility of enrolment days, no breaks for school holiday periods, and early and late pick up times.

Other benefits of Co-op’s integrated kinder programs include exposure to a multi-aged environment, and increased opportunities for continued learning outside of the structured classroom time.

Full day attendance also encourages children’s sense of belonging and is particularly beneficial towards the end of each year when we begin to offer school transition programs and activities.

What languages are spoken at Co-op?

Our staff speak various languages other than English, including Vietnamese, Arabic, Tigrigna, Mandarin, and Teo Chew.

Co-op children learn Woiwurrung words, which are embedded in the curriculum. Woiwurrung is an Aboriginal language of the Kulin Nation of Central Victoria including the land on which we learn and play on, Flemington.

Children learn AUSLAN signs each week and are exposed to AUSLAN through music and play.

There is a Mandarin early learning language program taught at Co-op as well.

What are our current fees?

Our current fees are $155 per day.

Fees include all meals, learning materials, activities and incursions.

Do you accept the Child Care Subsidy (CCS)?

The CCS is a Commonwealth Government subsidy to assist families with the costs of childcare.

It is a means-tested payment that is paid directly to providers, and reduces the fees families pay to the provider.

Co-op is an approved provider, and can receive the CCS on behalf of enrolled families.

Do you accept enrolments from outside the area?

Yes we do!

Staffing and Turnover

We take pride in providing a warm and supportive workplace, offering continuous opportunities for professional growth.

Fortunately, we seldom need to depend on agency or temporary staff. The majority of our team members have been part of our organisation for extended durations, ensuring both past and present families benefit from stability, consistency, and exceptional care.

What is a multi-age room and why is it important?

Multi-age groups in early learning centres offer children unique opportunities for learning and development.

In the Lorikeet Room at Co-op, children from six months old to three years old play and learn together.

This grouping mimics the dynamic of a large, extended family, allowing children to develop relationships with their peers of different ages, and in turn nurture their social and intellectual growth.