BOWRAL STREET CHILDCARE
Parent and Carer FAQs
Please find answers to come of our frequently asked questions below. As always, our friendly team are always able to assist should you need further information about our Childcare services in Bowral.
Frequently Asked Questions
As a privately owned, family-operated early childhood education and care service, we are deeply committed to providing exceptional care for your child. Our focus is on creating a warm, nurturing, and high-quality learning environment where children feel safe, valued, and supported.
At Bowral Street Childcare, we take pride in our strong reputation as one of the leading childcare centres in the Southern Highlands. Our dedicated team of experienced, friendly, and caring educators prioritises your child’s growth, well-being, and happiness every day, helping them navigate learning experiences and challenges with confidence.
When you choose Bowral Street Childcare, you’re choosing a centre that truly puts your child’s needs first.
Your daily fee at Bowral Street Childcare covers full-day care from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm, including morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, a late afternoon snack, and sunscreen. Our dedicated team of highly qualified educators is passionate about creating a nurturing and stimulating environment where your child can learn, grow, and thrive.
We warmly invite families to visit Bowral Street Childcare for a private guided tour. This is a wonderful opportunity to explore our engaging learning environments, meet our friendly educators, and get a true feel for your child’s experience with us. You’ll also have the chance to learn about our daily routines and ask any questions you may have.
To book a tour, simply make an enquiry on our website or call our office. We’d love to welcome you!
At Bowral Street Childcare, we go beyond the minimum requirements to ensure the best care for your child. As per the Education and Care Services National Regulations, the educator-to-child ratios are:
- 0-2 years: 1 educator for every 4 children
- 2-3 years: 1 educator for every 5 children
- 3-6 years: 1 educator for every 10 children
We pride ourselves on maintaining staff ratios above the government standard. This allows us to provide more individualised attention, stronger connections, and a more supportive learning environment. With our consistent team of dedicated educators, your child will see the same familiar faces each day, ensuring stability, comfort, and a nurturing atmosphere without the need for casual staff.
Our team at Bowral Street Childcare is made up of caring, friendly, and highly professional educators with years of experience and diverse qualifications. Every staff member holds a current First Aid, Asthma, and Anaphylaxis Certificate, as well as a Working With Children Check. We are committed to ongoing learning, with our educators regularly participating in professional development opportunities to ensure they provide the best possible care and education for your child.
Children in their final year before starting school participate in our School Readiness Program, designed using the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) to support their journey of being, becoming, and belonging. This program fosters social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development, ensuring a well-rounded foundation for school life.
In addition to EYLF principles, our program aligns with the Foundation Level of the Australian Curriculum, introducing essential early skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. Through engaging activities and structured learning experiences, we provide children with the confidence and knowledge they need for a smooth and successful transition to school.
We believe in open and effective communication with families. That’s why we use the OWNA app, which gives you real-time updates on your child’s day. Through the app, you can:
- View photos of your child’s activities
- See what they’ve eaten throughout the day
- Track rest times, nappy changes, and toileting (for those toilet training)
- Message educators directly
OWNA helps families stay connected and engaged, offering a glimpse into your child’s daily experiences. Even when you’re not there.
The NSW Start Strong program provides fee relief to families with children in childcare, helping to make early learning more affordable. In 2024, eligible families can receive:
- Up to $2,110 per year for children aged 4 and above
- Up to $500 per year for children aged 3 in eligible long day care services
This funding is designed to support children’s early education by reducing out-of-pocket costs for families. If you’d like to learn more about your eligibility or how to access this funding, feel free to speak with our team or visit the NSW Government website.
About the Child Care Subsidy
The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is a government initiative that helps make early learning and childcare more affordable for Australian families. The subsidy is paid directly to your approved childcare provider, reducing your out-of-pocket fees.
Your eligibility and subsidy amount depend on factors such as:
- Your family’s income
- Your activity level (e.g., work, study, volunteering)
- The type of childcare service you use
To find out how much CCS you may be entitled to, visit the Services Australia website or speak with our team—we’re happy to help!
To check if you’re eligible, login to your MyGov, Centrelink or Express Plus Centrelink account.
How does this work?:
The Child Care Subsidy will be paid directly to childcare providers to be passed on to families as a fee reduction. Families will contribute the difference between the provider fee charged and the subsidised amount. This is known as the families gap fee.
How much will I receive?
3 things that will determine your level of subsidy:
- Combined family income
- Type of approved childcare
- Activity level of your family
You need to meet some requirements to get Child Care Subsidy. The Child Care subsidy is paid directly to child care providers to reduce the fees you pay. You may be eligible if you or your partner meet all of the following:
- Care for your child at least 2 nights per fortnight, or have 14% care
- Are liable for fees for care provided at an approved child care service
- Meet the residency rules. See further information here
- Your child must also meet immunisation requirements
This quick and easy Child Care Subsidy calculator tool helps you find out what your family might pay for early childhood education and care. You can access the calculator here.
About our Parent Communication
All of our children’s learning is documented on our OWNA Digital Software for their parents to view and keep up to date with their education. This is readily available to all parents via the OWNA App, web portal and in our monthly newsletters. We encourage families to contribute to our program regularly through our Educators’ program and daily records, through spontaneous experiences and guest visits, and by offering ideas and suggestions for activities.
The OWNA app gives you real-time updates on your child’s day.
Through the app, you can:
- View photos of your child’s activities
- See what they’ve eaten throughout the day
- Track rest times, nappy changes, and toileting (for those toilet training)
- Message educators directly
OWNA helps families stay connected and engaged, offering a glimpse into your child’s daily experiences—even when you’re not there.