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RESOURCES

Here you will find some Frequently Asked Questions, Helpful Links for Families, Parenting, Health, Learning, Support & Services, Early Childhood Education Info, Mental Health Resources, Counselling and Inclusion Support.

JOIN OUR WAITLIST

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ) FOR FAMILIES

  • Children can enrol from the age of 3 years and attend until they start school (typically around age 5–6).
    Please note: In line with Start Strong funding guidelines, priority is given to children in the year before school. This means older children (4–5 years) are offered placements first, with younger children enrolled as vacancies arise.

  • We are open Monday to Friday, from 8:00 am to 3:45 pm, during NSW public school terms. We are closed during school holidays and on public holidays.

  • No, NCP is a community-based preschool, not a long day care service. We operate on a preschool calendar with shorter, school-term-based hours.

  • Yes, families can choose from 2-day or 3-day attendance options, depending on availability. We offer sessions based on Monday/Tuesday or Thursday/Friday with Wednesday’s being offered as a third day. Enrolments for younger children are offered as vacancies arise, after priority is given to older children.

  • Our days include a rich balance of indoor and outdoor learning, group experiences, creative play, music and movement, storytelling, mealtimes, and rest periods—all guided by children’s interests.

  • Please send your child with:

    • A nut-free lunch and morning tea

    • A water bottle

    • A broad-brimmed hat (issued upon enrolment and remains at Preschool)

    • Weather-appropriate clothing and spare clothes

  • We are inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, which sees children as capable, curious, and full of potential. Our play-based program nurtures a caring environment and embraces co-learning, where educators and children learn together. This approach encourages creativity, inquiry, and strong connections with the environment and community.

  • We support a confident start to school with:

    • School readiness experiences

    • Focus on social and emotional wellbeing

    • Development of independence and self-help skills

    • Strong connections with local primary schools

  • We use the OWNA app to share:

    • Daily reflections and photos

    • Learning stories and documentation

    Reminders, newsletters, and announcements
    We also maintain open, regular communication with families through meetings and day-to-day conversations.

  • Yes, fees apply. We participate in the NSW Government’s Start Strong program, which helps reduce preschool fees for families.
    As part of this funding model:

    • Children in the year before school are given priority enrolment

    Families may receive additional subsidies based on eligibility
    Please contact us to learn more about how Start Strong funding can support your family.

  • We are an inclusive service and work closely with families and support professionals to create tailored plans, ensuring every child feels welcome, supported, and included in the preschool experience.

  • We embed both sustainability and First Nations perspectives into our daily program. Children learn about caring for the environment and build meaningful connections to Awabakal Country through storytelling, art, and community involvement.

Parenting and Child Development

Raising Children Network
www.raisingchildren.net.au
A comprehensive resource supported by the Australian Government, offering expert information on child development, behaviour, health, and parenting from birth through to teens.

Parenting NSW (Start Strong & More)
www.education.nsw.gov.au/parents-and-carers

Information on early childhood education in NSW, funding support (like Start Strong), and resources for school readiness.

Children’s Health and Wellbeing

Healthdirect Australia
www.healthdirect.gov.au
Trusted health advice and information, including child health, immunisation schedules, and nutrition.

Tresillian
www.tresillian.org.au
Support for new parents including advice on sleep, feeding, routines, and postnatal wellbeing.

Karitane
www.karitane.com.au
Practical parenting support with a focus on early childhood development, behaviour, and mental health.

Munch and Move (Good For Kids Good For Life) - https://www.goodforkids.nsw.gov.au/early-childhood-services/resources/

Good for kids, good for life - https://www.goodforkids.nsw.gov.au/

Children’s Health and Nutrition – ECA - https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/parent-resources/childrens-health-nutrition/

Staying Healthy in Child Care - https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/reports/clinical%20guidelines/ch55-staying-healthy.pdf

The Sydney Children’s Hospital Network – facts sheets  -https://www.schn.health.nsw.gov.au/factsheets

Raising Children – The Australian Parenting website - https://raisingchildren.net.au/preschoolers

SunSmart Program - https://www.sunsmart.com.au/

Circle of Security - 

https://www.circleofsecurityinternational.com/circle-of-security-model/what-is-the-circle-of-security/ 

Early Childhood Learning & Development

Early Childhood Australia
www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au
Offers resources and publications on early learning, play-based education, and family engagement.

Be You – Mental Health in Learning Communities
www.beyou.edu.au
National initiative that provides resources to support children’s mental health and wellbeing in early learning settings and schools.

HELPFUL LINKS FOR PARENTS AND FAMILIES

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Family Support and Services

Northcott
www.northcott.com.au
Provides services and support for children with disability and developmental delay, including early intervention, therapy, and inclusive programs.

Family Connect and Support (NSW)
www.familyconnectsupport.dcj.nsw.gov.au

Helps families access local services for parenting, mental health, housing, and more.

The Parenthood
www.theparenthood.org.au
Advocacy and information network supporting families through better policies and support services.

Government & Early Childhood Education & Care Information

Early Years Learning Framework - https://www.acecqa.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-01/EYLF-2022-V2.0.pdf

Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) - https://www.acecqa.gov.au/

Children, families and carers | Family & Community Services - https://www.facs.nsw.gov.au/families

Early Childhood Education & Care - https://education.nsw.gov.au/

Guide to National Quality Framework - https://www.acecqa.gov.au/nqf/about/guide

National Law and Regulations - https://www.acecqa.gov.au/nqf/national-law-regulations/national-law

NSW Immunisation Schedule - https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/Publications/nsw-immunisation-schedule.pdf

Mental Health Support & Advice

Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636 Provides information and support to help anyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health.

13YARN - 13 92 76 Support line for mob who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping. Available 24/7

Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800 Free, confidential online and phone counselling service for young people aged 5 t0 25. Available 24/7

Be You - https://beyou.edu.au/

A service that provides educators with knowledge, tools and resources to create positive, inclusive and responsive learning communities where every child, young person, educator and family is empowered to achieve their best possible mental health.

Information, Support & Counselling

1800RESPECT - www.1800respect.org.au National sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service. This service is free and confidential.

Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline - 1800 497 212 For anyone from LGBTIQA+ community whose life has been impacted by sexual domestic and/or family violence. This service is free and confidential. Available 24/7

Well Mob - www.wellmob.org.au Social, emotional and cultural well-being online resources for First Nations people.

Lifeline A national charity providing all Australian experiencing emotional distress with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.  Available 27/7