Childcare FAQs - Everything families need to know about starting childcare at C&K

Starting childcare is a big decision for any family, and it's natural to have questions. At C&K, we're here to make the process as smooth as possible for both you and your child. Whether you're returning to work or looking for new learning opportunities for your little one, we'll support you from enrolment through to those first exciting days when your child settles into their new routine.

Check out our FAQs for everything you need to know about enrolment, fees, Free Kindy and what to expect at our centres.

Enrolment & Availability

How do I enrol?
Complete the enrolment application form. Your child will be waitlisted, and you will be contacted when a place is available at your preferred centre.

Can I enrol if my child isn't vaccinated?
Yes, but you will not be eligible for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) and your fees will not be subsidised. Full fees will apply.

Do you have availability for my child?
Get in touch with your preferred childcare centre for availability. Places fill fast! Join the waitlist ASAP.

I have multiple children, can they start at the same time?
Please contact your preferred centre directly. Availability can change quickly, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.

When can I enrol my child?
As soon as you like! If you are still pregnant, you can add your baby’s known details to the application even if you haven’t chosen a name yet.

Childcare Tours, Orientation & Room Transitions

Can I book a tour?
Yes, we’d love to meet you! Book a tour online or via phone with your preferred centre.

What is the settling in process?
Once enrolled, we’ll arrange an orientation visit where you can discuss your child’s transition to care and learn more about our centre, our routines, and qualified early childhood educators.

In addition, we recommend attending a few short stay and play sessions before your child’s first day. These sessions are designed to immerse and familiarise your child with the environment, their educators and peers, with a family member present for support.

Some children may also benefit from the flexibility of attending for a few hours on their first day, building up to a full day over the course of a week or two as they become more comfortable and form attachments with their educators.

When will my child move rooms?
Transitions occur based on your child’s age, developmental readiness, and room availability in our age-appropriate learning environments.

What are your staff to child ratios?

• 0-2 years, 1 educator to 4 children
• 2-3years, 1 educator to 5 children
• 3-5 years, 1 educator to 11 children

Fees, CCS & Free Kindy

What is the Child Care Subsidy (CCS)?
A federal government subsidy provided to eligible families to help with childcare costs. For more information, visit Services Australia.

Can I claim CCS at two centres?
Yes, CCS can be shared across two centres if your child attends multiple locations.

What is Free Kindy?
Free Kindy is a Queensland government subsidy that provides 15 hours/week free kindergarten for 40 weeks for eligible children (turning 4-years-old by June 30 in the year before they start Prep). For more information, visit Free Kindy.

Can I claim Free Kindy at two centres?
No, Free Kindy can only be claimed at one centre. If your child attends a stand-alone kindergarten and a childcare centre, Free Kindy will usually be claimed at the stand-alone kindergarten.

Why do I still pay fees if kindy is free?
Fees apply for extra care hours outside the 15 hours per week, 40 weeks per year.

What will my fees be?
The full childcare fee rate (without subsidies) is listed on each centre webpage. Your fee will depend on the subsidies you qualify for and your CCS percentage. Contact us for a personalised estimate.

Are your fees changing soon?
Fees are reviewed yearly in July with notice to families. As a not-for-profit organisation, we aim to keep fees affordable for Queensland families and have developed a fee system to maximise family access to available subsidies.

How is Free Kindy delivered in childcare centres?
Within the day, at our childcare centres in the kindy room, led by a qualified Early Childhood Teacher (ECT).

Food & Daily Routines

Is food provided?
Most centres provide fresh nutritious meals for morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. Seasonal menus are created by our qualified cooks and are tailored carefully for children with dietary requirements.

Can I bring breakfast?
Check with your centre for their safe food procedure.

Opening hours?
Childcare opening hours are typically 6:30am–6:00pm (varies by centre location across Queensland).

What is C&K’s curriculum?
C&K has developed an Infant and Toddler Approach, which informs the way we care for and educate our babies and toddlers. Our philosophy for this age is to “slow down” and be in the moment with your child as they learn and explore the world. We focus on developing a deep and trusting relationship with each child.

What do I need to pack?

Do I need a lunchbox?
Most centres provide meals – check with your centre.

What should I pack in my child’s bag?
When you enrol at C&K, you’ll receive everything you need to know about starting care, however a general guide:

• A wide-brimmed hat, with no chin straps (a C&K hat is included in your enrolment)
• Bottles of expressed milk or formula (if required)
• Change of clothes (play is messy!)
• Wet bag for dirty clothes
• Water bottle

It’s never too early to start the childcare enrolment process – places fill fast! Find your nearest C&K centre to book a tour, or complete an enrolment form to join our waitlist.

Still have questions? We’re here to help. Contact your local centre directly or reach out to our Service Support team.