Edge Early Learning Mount Barker – Adelaide Rd

A: The first step is to tour your preferred Edge Early Learning and Kindergarten centre by booking a tour. This gives you an opportunity to meet our educators, explore our nurturing environment, and understand how we can provide an experience that is best suited to your child. After your tour, you’ll receive an enrolment form to secure a spot or join the waitlist.

A: Whether your child is starting soon or at a later date, we’re here to help. Our Family Engagement Team can let you know what places are available in each classroom. If there isn’t a spot available when you need it, we can add your child to our waitlist.

Give us a call on 07 3517 0629, Monday to Friday, from 8am to 4pm AEST. We’re happy to chat and answer your questions.

A: The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is a federal government subsidy designed to help Australian families with the cost of approved childcare. The amount you receive depends on your family’s income, the type of care, and your recognised activity hours. Learn about CCS.

A: Applying for the Child Care Subsidy is simple; however, you should apply early to ensure you are ready to receive subsidised care in time for your child’s first day at Edge Mount Barker – Adelaide Rd. To apply for the CCS:

• Set up a MyGov account (if you don’t have one already) and ensure you have a Customer Reference Number.
• Set up your Centrelink online account through MyGov.
• Prove your identity through documentation to be able to claim payments (you can do this online or in-person at Centrelink).
• Gather supporting documents including payslips, birth certificate, and medical records.
• Submit supporting documents in your Centrelink online account or the express plus Centrelink mobile app. You can also mail, fax, or visit a service centre.
• Lodge your application via MyGov.
• Once this is lodged, Edge Early Learning, as your childcare provider, will input your enrolment details and lodge your application for you to get it fully processed.
• The Government will then notify you to confirm your subsidy eligibility and entitlement (how much they will subsidise off your childcare cost).

For more information on the application process, including how to do the childcare subsidy assessment, visit Services Australia website.

A: You can use our easy Childcare Subsidy Calculator to get an estimate of your out-of-pocket fees for our centre. Simply input your details, and the calculator will provide an indication of your potential subsidy and fees.

A: There is no difference in the quality of our Mount Barker Kindergarten program (also known as Preschool) compared to a community or stand-alone kindergarten. Our program meets the Early Years Learning Framework (national curriculum) and is taught by a degree-qualified Early Childhood Teacher.

What makes us different?

• Teach A Rainbow education program (only available at Edge centres)
• Year-round program with long daycare hours across five days a week. This means you don’t have to look for extra care during school holidays or outside of the planned preschool program each day. It’s childcare and kindergarten when you need it, with the option to book casual days as needed
• Chef cooked meals daily, unlike a typical stand-alone kindergarten, where you need to pack a lunch box for your child

A: At Edge Early Learning Mount Barker – Adelaide Rd, we aim to make life as easy as possible for you, so we supply most of the necessities including sustainable nappies, wipes, sunscreen, bedding, and nutritious meals (breakfast through to a late snack) to ensure your child is well-cared for throughout the day. However, there are a few items that you will need to bring to ensure your child has everything they need:

• Hat and drink bottle (supplied on enrolment)
• Spare clothes (3 sets)
• Any comfort items (dummies)
• Nappy cream (requires pharmacy label)
• Formula (pre-measured in dispenser) & baby bottles (pre-filled with water) / Breastmilk (clearly labelled)

A: We’re conveniently located on Adelaide Road, just 1 minute drive from Mount Barker Primary School. Plus, we offer on-site parking for added ease and accessibility.

Our central location in Mount Barker allows us to easily enjoy regular local community excursions, including visits to the Mount Barker Library, Woolworths, the bakery, and more.

A: Yes! Your child will enjoy fresh, nutritious meals prepared daily by our on-site chef, using recipes developed in collaboration with accredited dietitians at The Biting Truth. Designed with growing bodies in mind, our seasonal 4-week rotating menus are designed to be age-appropriate and nutritionally balanced, aligning with the Australian Dietary Guidelines to support healthy growth and development. Featuring a variety of whole foods and culturally inspired dishes, meals can be tailored to suit individual tastes, dietary needs, and allergy requirements—ensuring every child receives nourishing meals each day.

A: Our Intergenerational Program for children 3-5 years visit Laurel’s Intergenerational Playgroup weekly for children to foster meaningful connections across generations. At the heart of our program is the belief in nurturing a lifelong love of learning. Regardless of age, we recognise the importance of education and are committed to creating opportunities for growth and enrichment for all.

A: Yes! At Edge Early Learning, we make it easy for families to book the care you need, when you need it. We partner with Childcare Now, an on-demand booking platform that allows you to book a casual day at the touch of a button, from your phone.

Enrolled families will receive a weekly SMS letting you know when there’s availability in your child’s room. You can instantly book available casual days or go on a waitlist and be the first to be notified if space opens up for the date you need extra childcare.

A: Yes, we do! At Edge Early Learning, families can save money with our annual holiday discount.

Do you have a holiday planned? You can get 30% off* the daily fee for up to 4 weeks each year.

*The Edge Early Learning holiday discount entitles enrolled families to up to 4 weeks of holiday discount per year when the family provides a minimum two weeks’ notice in advance of the holiday. One week of holiday equates to the number of days in your child’s permanent weekly booking. Once your holiday discount is approved by your Centre Director, the Edge Centre Support Team will apply a 30% discount to the daily fee during the holiday period. Up to four weeks total holiday discount per enrolment per year.

A: At Edge Early Learning Mount Barker – Adelaide Rd, strong partnerships with families are at the heart of our childcare and preschool. We value open, two-way communication and invite families to connect with our Centre Leadership Team and educators at a time that works for them, ensuring you stay informed and involved in your child’s learning and development. Families at Edge receive regular and meaningful updates via the Storypark app, centre newsletters, and face-to-face conversations about your child’s development. As an Edge Family, you can expect to receive:

• Weekly updates: Highlights of your child’s learning, program experiences, and classroom news delivered across the week.
• Monthly updates: Individual learning snapshots on your child’s goals, progress, and special moments.
• Twice yearly / Annual updates: A comprehensive summative assessment outlining your child’s development, a transition statement for kindergarten children heading to school, and a structured room transition process that includes family discussions to ensure every room transition feels supported and well planned.

We are proud to work alongside families, creating a supportive and connected learning experience that helps every child thrive. For more information, see the regular updates you can expect.

A: Edge Early Learning Mount Barker – Adelaide Rd is unwavering in our commitment to ensuring that our centre provides a secure and nurturing environment where your child’s wellbeing is always our top priority.

• Our 3–5 years rooms benefit from a 1:9 ratio of educators to children (versus the regulated 1:11 ratio), meaning your child will receive an enhanced level of individualised care and supervision.
• Our dedicated team prioritises safeguarding children through daily practices, educational programs, and adherence to national child safety principles.
• Our supervisory and senior staff complete regular Child Protection and Mandatory Reporting training.
• We proudly work with Bravehearts and other similar child safety advocate organisations to strengthen the personal safety education within our programming.
• Our S.A.F.E. framework (Spot, Act, Fix, Explain) means educators are expected to speak up and take action if something doesn’t feel right. With S.A.F.E in place, we have created a culture of accountability and required reporting.
• Our Active Supervision policy ensures all educators consistently Plan, Position, Look, and Listen to ensure safe learning environments at all times.