Whether you are still searching for the right childcare provider or have enrolled your child at Edge Early Learning, this comprehensive family handbook is your guide to commencing childcare. Read on to learn everything you need to know to prepare your family for this next step!
We are excited you are considering or have chosen Edge Early Learning and are proud to partner with your family to care for and educate your child. On behalf of our educators, Centre Directors and chefs, we look forward to being a part of your child’s next step in their early learning journey.
As CEO of Edge Early Learning, I am delighted to say I’m currently enjoying the most rewarding role I have ever had. To see the positive impact, we can have on children’s lives, hear the laughter and see the nurturing care our educators give each and every day is a true privilege.
At Edge Early Learning, we are extremely passionate about ensuring equal opportunities for all children. We focus on building trusting relationships and providing culturally safe and inclusive places of learning. Our family and community engagement are key for us and we take our responsibility to share the gift of education seriously.
We also actively encourage career progression, pay our team members attractive rates and provide the latest training and development opportunities for our valued team. So, when you choose Edge Early Learning, you can enrol with confidence your child will receive the best quality childcare and early learning education possible.
We look forward to welcoming your family to Edge Early Learning,
Annie Bryce.
As a family, it is important to select a quality childcare and early learning provider that aligns with your values and parenting style. A childcare provider that respects and supports your approach to learning, discipline and emotional development can act as an extension of your home environment and maintain consistency for your child. By finding the right childcare centre that complements your parenting approach, you can feel confident that your child is in a safe environment where they can thrive.
Inspire powerful relationships in early learning.
We believe in lifelong learning and have created a unique environment that inspires and challenges your child to give them the best opportunity to develop new skills.
Each of our childcare centres is designed to meet the community’s needs whilst respecting the diversities that make each of these communities unique. Our educators work with community partners to recognise and support the shared values that unify the local community.
We are passionate about the health and well-being of children which is why our program has been designed to promote healthy eating and active lifestyles. Our curriculum includes physical activity, mindfulness and nutritional education to provide children with a sense of self.
We recognise that your family is your child’s first teacher. We believe that the knowledge you can share and provide us plays an important part in how we create, implement and support our educational program and daily practice. This supports our educators in developing authentic experiences that connect our learning environment to the home setting.
We place importance on sharing values and decision-making with our families and encourage parents to come and spend time in the centre. Open communication is a key factor to our success in building strong parent and family partnerships and we do this through face-to-face conversations, Storypark and emails.
Before selecting a childcare centre, it is important for your family to attend a tour at your preferred centre. This will allow you to meet the Centre Director, see the environment your child will spend their time in and understand more of the logistical elements of the centres processes and policies.
If you would like to tour your local Edge Early Learning childcare centre, use the button below to book in a time that works for you and your family.
To enrol at Edge Early Learning, you can either join the waitlist online or speak to your local Centre Director in person. We will be in touch once a place becomes available and notify you via email of an offer of care that you can choose to accept, decline or request alternate days.
Want to join our waitlist? Simply fill out the form using the button below. Upon enrolment confirmation, your child will receive a welcome pack with a backpack, drink bottle, hat and wet bag to get them prepared for their first day of childcare.
Edge Early Learning offers a ‘Stay and Play’ program at all our centres which allows new families to spend some time with us before your child starts. We recommend families attend their new childcare centre a minimum of one time prior to starting childcare as an orientation session. This will allow your family to meet your child’s educators, observe Edge’s early learning program in person and learn where things are located the centre. The orientation session aims to empower you and your child to feel confident coming in on their first day of childcare. To arrange this, please speak to your Centre Director to discuss when would be suitable to arrange a visit.
The day before your child’s first day of childcare, we also recommend families have a conversation with their child on what to expect on their first day. This conversation can be used to discuss:
For your child’s first day at Edge Early Learning, please pack in their bag with their name clearly labelled:
On your child’s first day of childcare, it is recommended to allow plenty of time for drop-off. This will allow your child to settle into this new routine. As this first day can be an emotional time for parents and children, our educators will be on hand to make this transition as smooth as possible. All parents and guardians are welcome to stay with their child as long as needed during drop-off and we recommend sitting down with your child and engaging them in an activity to ease them into the day.
When it is time for you to leave, we recommend saying goodbye to your child and letting them know when you will be back. Whilst this may be hard, even if your child is getting upset, we recommend saying ‘goodbye’ to get them used to this daily routine. Educators will be available to provide children the nurturing and consistent emotional support where needed. This will assist children in developing the skills they need to interact positively with others. Throughout the day parents are also welcome to call the childcare centre to see how their child is settling in.
For pick-up, it is important to return when you told your child you would. If you are going to be late, please let the centre know so educators can explain this to your child. At Edge Early Learning, we prioritise open communication with our families, so all information regarding your child’s day will be documented and available each afternoon at pick-up including sleep, toileting, meals and activities.
Still have a question our handbook hasn’t answered? Our FAQ page is full of the most common questions families have regarding childcare, waitlists and enrolment. Alternatively, contact your local Edge Early Learning childcare centre today to get more information.
