Before School Care Program

Objective: To offer a safe and enjoyable program, responsive to your children's needs, before their structured school day.

• The Before School Program operates within the guidelines of a 'One Staff Model' - the model employs one qualified staff member who is able to care for a maximum of 15 children. If numbers increase, experienced relief staff are available to work.
• All permanent and casual staff hold at least Level 1 First Aid and have experience working at the Before School Program.
• Procedures for security and emergency situations have been developed and are displayed at the program. They will be discussed with all children and practised regularly (eg. fire drills).
• Emergency telephone numbers and a visual Emergency Action Card for children are also on display.
• Children can be enrolled in the program on a full-time, part-time or casual basis.
• Depending on the children's energy levels and the weather, the program includes a range of indoor and outdoor activities, such as team games, ball games, board games, craft and construction activities.
• A nourishing breakfast is also provided and at the end of the morning program, taxis pick up the children and transport them to their schools (all included in the cost).

New Enrolments

Before enrolling, families are most welcome to visit the Before School Program, meet with staff and see the program in action. If you would like to enrol your child/ren, either phone 03 5320 5720 or visit the Co-ordination Unit at The Phoenix, 25 Armstrong Street South, Ballarat.

Program Fees

The fee for the program is $12.00 per morning per child (including taxi and breakfast) - any Childcare Benefit is deducted from this amount. Invoices will be posted to you fortnightly and must be paid at The Phoenix Building within seven days. Any other payment arrangement needs to be negotiated with the Program Coordinator.

Childcare Benefit (fee reduction)

All families are eligible to receive Childcare Benefit to assist with the payment of fees. Please call the Family Assistance Office (Centerlink) on 136 150 and complete an application form.

The Before School Program provider number is 407 005 723S. Your Childcare Benefit will be deducted from your program fee when your assessment notice is received at our Family Day Care office.

Behaviour at the Program

Staff implement positive behaviour management processes at the program. Limits and rules are developed with the children to allow them to feel valued and have a sense of belonging.

If a child displays inappropriate behaviour, this will be discussed with the child and his/hers parents. An Incident Report will be kept recording all details of the behaviour. If the behaviour continues, further warnings may result in suspension from the program. Please talk to staff if you require further information.

Taxis

Taxis are an expensive component of the Program, however, using taxis enables children from up to twenty schools to be delivered within 10-15 minutes of leaving the program. Safety measures are in place as follows:

• Taxi drivers must sign the City of Ballarat Accreditation Agreement prior to transporting children from the program.
• All taxi drivers have undergone Police checks.

Hours & Contact Details

Hours of Operation: 6.30am - 9.00am Monday to Friday during school terms (except on public holidays).

Program Contact Details: Eureka Family Resource Centre, 507 Humffray Street South, Ballarat, phone 03 5320 5803.

Coordinator: Kylie Bray 03 5320 5678
Team Leader: Mary Kervarak

The Before School Program Co-ordination Unit is located at The Phoenix, 25 Armstrong Street South, Ballarat, phone 03 5320 5720 or email beforeschoolprogram@ballarat.vic.gov.au.