We have 5 classrooms:
- 6 weeks – 18 months Butterfly Room
- 18 months – 24 months Caterpillar Room
- 24 months – 36 months Ladybug Room
- 36 months – School age Adventurers Room
- 3YO and 4YO Kindergarten Explorers Room
0 – 2 years
Butterfly Room – 6 weeks to 18 months, and Caterpillar Room – 18 months to 2 years.
In the Butterfly and Caterpillar rooms we provide an environment that is stimulating, inviting and safe to each child’s stage of development. Our Butterfly Room reflects the routine of the home with babies having their own sleep routine, and a focus is made on building individual self-esteem and self worth. We cater for 4 children within the Butterfly room, with one qualified educator.
In the Caterpillar Room we cater to 8 children with one qualified educator and an assistant. We provide a flexible play-based environment, and believe this is the most effective way for children to learn and make sense of their world. The children will be involved in a variety of experiences that facilitate learning in emotional, social, gross motor and fine motor skills.
2 – 5 years
Ladybug Room – 2 ½ to 3 years, and Adventurers Room – 3 to 5 years.
In the Ladybug and Adventurers rooms we provide an environment that is stimulating, inviting, safe and challenging to each child’s stage of development. We provide a flexible play-based learning environment, and believe this is the most effective way for children to learn and make sense of their world. The children will be involved in variety of experiences that facilitate learning in emotional, social, gross motor, fine motor, arts and crafts, dramatic play and music and movement.
In these rooms we are guided by the ‘Early Years Learning Framework’ program. We acknowledge that every child will take a unique path towards achieving developmental milestones. We realise how exciting and important these times are and feel privileged to share and record these with you.
In the Ladybug Room we cater to 8 children with one qualified educator and an assistant. And in the Adventurers Room we cater for 11 children with one qualified educator and an assistant with transitioning children.
Kindergarten room
Explorers Room (3YO and 4YO Kinder room)
In our Explorers room we cater for up to 16 children with 2 educators, at least one of which is a qualified kindergarten teacher, and a qualified assistant.
The kindergarten program operates from 9.30am to 3.00pm daily during school terms. Outside of these hours long day care is offered with a more relaxed program that complements the kindergarten program.
The Explorers Room learning environment provides children the chance to engage in small and large group learning, and share thoughts, feelings and ideas with their peers. In conjunction with working in the social realm we recognise that each child is different and brings their own interests, knowledge and skills, and that the environment and experiences should engage the senses, stimulate curiosity, and encourage active exploration.
Our program operates using weekly units of enquiry. We follow the children’s interests in each topic and allow them to guide the process of learning. The transition from kindergarten to school can be quite overwhelming for children and families. Throughout the year we aim to prepare children to make a positive, smooth transition to school.
We follow the Free Kinder initiative implemented by the Victorian Government and provide $500 per term off parents GAP fees (pro-rated). This occurs in middle of each term however parent’s will be informed at the start of each year as to the date that these offsets will be applied. Payments on statement will be labelled Victorian government Free kinder offset. This is subject to change in accordance with Government policies.
Food and Nutrition
We encourage healthy eating at The Cottage Child Care Centre with all of our meals cooked at ‘The Cottage’ using seasonal ingredients delivered fresh. We cater to all dietary requirements and have a nut free policy.
Meals are a shared experience, where the children come together to eat and chat about their day. Culturally diverse meals and snacks are included on our menu.
Water is consistently available for children throughout the day, and with every meal. We also provide snack times where seasonal fruit and snacks are offered.
Our typical daily menu is as follows:
- Breakfast 7:00 am to 8:30 am Toast and/or cereal
- Morning Tea 9:30 am
- Fresh fruit Lunch 11:00 am to 11:45 am
Check daily menu located on the kitchen door. 11.50 am Fresh fruit Afternoon Tea 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm Light snack 5.00 pm
Book a Tour
Contact us and we can arrange a guided tour of ‘The Cottage’ for you and your family.