Monash Community Family, Cooperative

Our centre provides care and educational programs based on the individual development and needs of children aged from 12 weeks to school age. Our 4-5 year old program is a funded kindergarten program. Our program, carried out by experienced qualified staff, has been accredited for three years as high quality. An extensive natural outdoor playing area complements the program. Our centre supports the inclusion of children from diverse backgrounds and those with additional needs/disability. We assist parents in accessing support services to ensure an inclusive environment for their child's care. We are a not-for-profit service with a voluntary parent Committee of Management, so parents have direct input into our policies. As a co-operative, parents have the opportunity to help out by attending the working bees and fundraising activities during the year. Bookings are taken for permanent full time places. For permanent users, additional part time hours are available on a casual basis, if vacancies exist. Visiting academics and students are welcome to apply for casual places, if vacancies exists. We also have limited spaces for school age children up to 12 years of age on casual basis, eg during school holidays. We are open on all days that Monash University is open, closing for approximately a week over the Christmas to New Year break, and for a professional development day once a year. Enrolments are taken throughout the year. Fees depend on eligibility for Child Care Benefit, and include nappies, nutritious hot lunches and snacks.