Gumnuts early learning centre adopts an 'open doors' policy, our families are welcome to visit the centre any time and meet our friendly team.

Early Learning

(0 - 6YRS)

Programs

Early Learning Care provides the following:

Possums' Room

In the Possum’s room we aim to provide a program and routine that supports children in making decisions and having self expression. 

We strongly believe that a child needs to grow and explore on their individual level and we will provide a program and environment to reflect this. 

Our program provides activities such as art, music, cooking, free play, dramatic play and a whole range of other experiences. 

Our flexible, fun program supports the building of relationships with peers and the educators; it encourages experimentation and exploration of a wide range of materials and creates opportunities for self expression through language, music and movement, art and dramatic play activities. 

Wombats' Room

In the Wombats’ room we belive in providing for each child on an individual basis for their needs. We strive to work with parents so that their child has a ‘Home Like’ routine as much as possible. We love cuddles and one on one opportunities. 
We aim to offer a safe and secure environment with inviting actives that are of interest to the children to foster their development. 

We like to build strong partnerships with families, including and accepting diversity, cultures and uniqueness of all our families. 

Wallabies' Room

In the Wallabies’ room we believe in treating each child with respect and providing a warm nurturing environment. Children have the opportunity to grow and develop at their own pace and express themselves as an individual. 

We provide children with enriched actives which meet their interests and developmental needs. 

Actives range from dramatic play, cooking, language, art and craft and lots more. 

Koalas' Room

Our aim in the Koalas’ room is for each child to learn and grow in a fun, happy and secure environment, as we belive children learn through play.

Our program is very flexible as we provide the opportunity for the children to play both indoor and outdoor throughout the day. 

Our program not only stimulates but enhances your child’s development and fosters their individual interest and needs to create opportunities for social interaction. 

Our room is organised to engage children’s interests and also challenge their abilities. 

Activities and equipment are arranged so children have access to them and are free to use them at any time, we value choice and encourage independence in their play.

Emus' Room

We provide a Kindergarten program for 4-5 year olds incorporated into a long day care environment while parents still receive Child Care benefits. 

Gumnuts is involved with the ‘Best Start Program’ along with other kindergartens and primary schools in the community. 

The children attend many excursions throughout the year, learning about the people in their community, we also have special visitors each year such as The Melbourne Museum, Responsible Pet Ownership, Library Sessions, Gymnastics, Wellington Entertainment Centre and more. 

We aim to provide the children with all the essential skills before school. It’s an enjoyable education program which instills a positive approach to learning by making it fun. 

Program Requirements

Food

Nutritious foods are strongly encouraged and preferred.

Breakfast

All items required for breakfast are to be clearly labelled and brought in a countainer ie: bread, cereal, spreads etc. It is parents/guardians responsibility to provide all food for their child's breakfast. Breakfast can be prepared and served prior to 8am.

Lunch, Morning & Afternoon Tea

Bring a separate named container with food for morning tea and a separate named lunch box with child's lunch and afternoon tea. Sweet drinks are discouraged. Children should have a named drink bottle with water.

Clothing

Parents will be required to dress their child in appropriate clothing whilst at the Centre.
  • Closed toed shoes
  • T-shitrs and dresses with sleeves to protect child from the sun
  • Comfortable loose fitting clothes that do not restrict the child in any way
  • Appropriate sun hat (legionnaires or broad brimmed)
  • Other Requirements

  • Named drink bottle with water
  • A coat in winter and an appropriate hat for winter such as a beanie (terms 2+3)
  • Nappies for the day (if required)
  • Prepared named bottles (if required)
  • At least one change of clothes
  • Extra pairs of pants if toilet training
  • A fitted and flat sheet set (if your child requires a sleep)
  • Comforters (teddy, dummy)
  • Out of school hours

    Programs

    Before School Care Program

    Our Before School Care Program operates Monday to Friday 6:30am – 9:00am during school terms. 

    A bus provided by Little’s Gippsland Coaches will collect your child from Gumnuts along with one of our educators and take them to their school. 

    Children will be given the opportunity to have breakfast (provided by families) our breakfast cut off time is 8:00am. Children are provided with a free choice of quiet activities and free outside play. 

    We operate our Before School Program from our Centre at 305 Raglan Street. 

    After School Care Program

    Our After School Program operates Monday to Friday 3:00pm – 6:00pm during School Terms. 

    A school bus will collect your child from the school at the end of the day, one of our educators will be on board the bus to ensure your child boards safely. 

    We offer a fun and relaxed atmosphere for the children in an environment where they can participate in gross motor activities, cooking, art and craft, maths and science and language and literacy. Children also have the opportunity to do their homework, with help from our staff if needed. 

    Vacation Care Program

    Before your child’s first day, please ensure you have contacted the FAO about your entitlements. Please complete an enrolment form for your child, forms can be downloaded here. The Vacation Care Brochure also has a section for parents to fill in with their child’s name and days attending. You can download the current Vacation Care Program Brochure here when available. The Vacation Care Program dates change from one vacation period to the next. Please provide your child a bag with:
    · A spare set of clothing
    · Drink Bottle
    · Hat
    · Ample food for the time the child is attending

    Program Requirements

    Before & After School Care

    Children enrolling in either the Before or After School Programs must already be attending a Primary School. The OSHC program is not open to pre school children.

    Vacation Care

    Before your child's first day, please ensure you have contacted the FAO about your entitlements. Please complete an enrolment form for your child, dorms can be obtained from the Centre or downloaded here. The Vacation Care Brochure also has a section for parents to fill in with their child's name and days attending.

    You can download the current Vacation Care Program Brochure here when available. The Vacation Care Program dates change from one vacation period to the next. Please provide your child a bag with:
  • A spare set of clothing
  • Drink Bottle
  • Hat
  • Ample food for the time the child is attending (refer to healthy eating policy in the handbook)
  • Fee Information

    Gumnuts Early Learning Centre fees are to be paid by direct debit.

    Early Learning Program

    Fees are emailed on a weekly basis.

    It is the Centre’s policy that parents pay fees by direct debit. 

    How to Pay Fees

    By completing a direct debit form on enrolment. 

    Overdue Fees

    Parents/guardians with overdue fees will be encouraged by the Director to discuss any difficulties they may have in meeting payments and make suitable arrangements to pay. 

    Late Collection Fees

    A late collection fee of $5 per minute will be charged to parents/guardians for each child collected after 6pm. 

    Please note: Child Care Subsidy does not apply to any late fees charged. 

    Out of School Care and Vacation care programs

    Our Vacation Care Program operates Monday to Friday from 8:00am – 6:00pm during school holidays. The Program offers many different activities, lots of sports and great opportunities to meet children from other schools and age groups.

    Each holidays we offer different excursions for the children such as the cinema, ten pin bowling, gymnastics and other local attractions. These excursions are not only fun but provide opportunities for the children to further develop their knowledge and learning skills. There is also a variety of incursions. 

    Our Vacation Care Programs will be available to download below one month prior to the commencement of the school holidays. There is a section of the form for you to cut out and return to book your days.

    Child care subsidy

    Please note families may be eligible for Child Care Subsidy. Parents can apply for these rebates through Centrelink by visiting your local Centrelink office or calling 13 61 50. (Your subsidy will determine your actual fees). Click on the links above for more information. 

    Child Care Subsidy and Absence

    Child Care Subsidy is paid for up to 42 absences per child each financial year. Additional absences beyond 42 days for certain reasons may be approved and paid. Talk to your child care service about additional absences. A public holiday is counted as an absence if the child normally attends the child care service on that week day, and fees are charged for that day for the child. 

    You can access your child’s absence record using your Centrelink online account through myGov by selecting View Child Care Details and Payments. You can also do this using the Express Centrelink mobile app.