How far in advance should I look for childcare in Melbourne's outer east?

Aim for six to twelve months ahead for nursery places and by the middle of the year before for four-year-old kindergarten. Waitlists move, so it is always worth asking about your specific days even when a centre appears full.

Does a higher fee mean better quality childcare?

Not reliably. Fees reflect location, staffing, meals and facilities. The National Quality Standard rating, educator retention and what you observe on tour are far better indicators of quality than the daily rate.

How long does it take a child to settle into childcare?

Most children settle within two to four weeks with a consistent routine. Younger toddlers and children starting during a big life change may take six to eight weeks, which is still within the normal range.

Should I sneak out to avoid tears at drop-off?

No. Leaving without saying goodbye tends to increase anxiety, because your child stops trusting that you will tell them what is happening. A short, warm, confident goodbye works better.

Is kindergarten really free in Victoria?

Funded kindergarten programs are free or heavily subsidised. Inside long day care, Free Kinder reduces the cost of the kindergarten hours, while the rest of the day is covered by the Child Care Subsidy — so many families still have a small out-of-pocket amount.

Can my child do three-year-old and four-year-old kinder at the same centre?

Yes. Both Meraki centres run funded three-year-old and four-year-old kindergarten, so children can stay with the same educators and friends across both years.

Do I pay the subsidy and get reimbursed?

No. The Child Care Subsidy is paid directly to your childcare service, and you are invoiced only for the remaining gap fee.

What happens if I do not confirm my enrolment in myGov?

The subsidy cannot be applied and you will be charged the full fee until the enrolment is confirmed, so it is worth doing on the day you receive the notification.

Shouldn't my four-year-old be doing worksheets before school?

No. Research consistently shows that play-based programs with intentional teaching produce stronger long-term outcomes than early formal instruction. Pencil grip, letter recognition and number sense are all built through play at this age.

How do I know my child is progressing?

Ask for a learning conversation with the room leader. They can show you documented observations over time and explain the specific skills they are extending next.

Should my child be able to read before starting Prep?

No. Prep is designed to teach reading. What helps most is loving books, recognising their own name and being able to listen in a group.

How do I decide whether to hold my child back a year?

Talk with your Early Childhood Teacher early in the kinder year. They can compare your child's social, emotional and self-help development against what school will ask of them and help you weigh the decision.

Family Learning Centre

Everything Bayswater & Mooroolbark families ask us — answered

Straight answers on Free Kinder, fees and Child Care Subsidy, settling in, meals, immunisations and daily routines — from our qualified educators.

47 of 47 results

Watch — YouTube Q&A

Quick video answers from our educators

Short answers to the questions Bayswater and Mooroolbark families ask us most. Click through for the full written answer, transcript and related guides.

Everything Bayswater & Mooroolbark families ask us — answered

Quick video answers from our educators

The eight questions almost every family asks first