FOR FAMILIES
A good beginning,
together.
From your first visit to your child’s first day, here is what to expect and how we will support you along the way.
HOW TO APPLY
Five steps to your child’s first day.
We appreciate your interest in Bower Education. Five steps take you from enquiry to your child’s first day.
Join the waitlist.
Complete an online waitlist application through Xplor. There is no charge to join, and you can follow the links from each centre page.
We contact you.
We contact you to discuss your requirements and start dates, then provide you an offer for a place as applicable.
Accept and enrol.
You will be asked to complete an enrolment form through Xplor. A one-off, non-refundable enrolment fee is charged at this point.
Your place is secured.
Your place is secured once the enrolment form and fee are complete.
We organise your visits.
We organise your enrolment meeting and your orientation visits, ahead of your child’s first day.
Tour before you apply. See the curriculum and learning environments for yourself. A waitlist application is not a confirmed enrolment.
Choose a centre and join its waitlistTRANSITION AND CONNECTION
Your child builds trust with a familiar person, not with a room.
A gentle transition
We offer a gentle transition program, where families spend time getting to know our team before care begins. This helps children build trust and feel safe as they start their early learning journey.
We generally offer two orientation visits of approximately one hour each, after which we discuss together whether your child is ready for the next stage. We are flexible and accommodating to each family’s needs, and additional visits can always be arranged.
A key educator for every child
To support the settling process, we aim to connect each child with an educator who provides consistent care, comfort and guidance. By building trusting relationships and tuning in to each child’s individual needs, we create a calm and welcoming environment where children can explore, engage and thrive with confidence.
MEALTIMES
Meals, menus and dietary needs.
Mealtimes are an important part of the day and an opportunity for children and educators to come together and enjoy nutritious meals prepared by our Chef.
We follow the Australian Dietary Guidelines to ensure all meals support healthy growth and development, and we embed the National Healthy Eating Guidelines for Early Childhood Settings as set out in the Get Up & Grow resources.
Special dietary requirements, including allergies and preferences, are carefully managed through individual risk minimisation plans developed in consultation with families and our Chef.
Our seasonal menu is displayed at the centre and is available online for families to view at any time.
We are an allergy aware centre
To minimise risk and protect children with recognised allergies and intolerances, nut products are not used in any meal or snack we provide, and we ask that they are not brought in from home.
READY FOR DAY ONE
A little preparation.
A calmer first day.
Before the first day
- Complete enrolment and information-sharing forms
- Provide immunisation information and relevant care or action plans
- Discuss routines, dietary needs and settling with educators
- Confirm attendance, fees and account arrangements
What to pack
- A named backpack and change of clothes
- Suitable shoes and a sunhat
- A named drink bottle and any required feeding items
- A familiar comfort item, if helpful
- Any additional items requested by your centre
Label belongings clearly. Hand medication directly to a staff member and discuss the required paperwork. Please do not leave it in your child’s bag.
PRACTICAL MATTERS
The everyday details.
Opening hours
Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 6.00pm, 52 weeks of the year. Closed public holidays.
Included in your daily fee
Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea are included in every room, along with bedding and sunscreen. Nappies and wipes are included in the Nursery, Toddler and 3 year old preschool rooms. Your centre will provide its current fee schedule.
Child Care Subsidy
Each Bower Education centre is a Child Care Subsidy Approved Service. To check your eligibility, visit servicesaustralia.gov.au or call Centrelink on 136 150.
Check Child Care Subsidy with Services AustraliaAdditional Child Care Subsidy
Policies and procedures
Policies guide our everyday care, from health, nutrition and rest to behaviour guidance and safe environments. Ask your director about the policies relevant to your family.
View the Bower policy libraryGOOD TO KNOW
Your questions, answered.
How do I book a tour?
Use “Book a tour” to select a centre and an available time. You can also call your chosen centre to discuss a visit.
Can I join more than one centre’s waitlist?
Contact the centres you are considering to discuss your needs and their waitlist process. Each centre has its own application link.
When will a place become available?
Availability depends on the centre, your child’s age and your preferred days. Your centre can discuss current options; joining the waitlist does not guarantee a place.
How do you support children who are new to care?
We plan orientation with you, learn about your child and build a relationship with a familiar educator. Settling is individual, and we stay in close communication.
What age group will my child join?
Our rooms are Nursery (6 months to 2 years), Toddler (2 to 3 years), 3 year old preschool (3 to 4 years) and 4 year old preschool (4 years to school age). Transitions are planned with you and based on readiness, not on birthday alone.
Who should I speak to if I have a concern?
Please speak with your child’s educator or centre director. We welcome feedback and want to work with you to resolve concerns.
YOUR NEXT STEP
Come and see us.
Meet the educators, explore the spaces and feel our nurturing environment.
Or send us an enquiry