Contact Details
FAQ for Parents
FAQ for Educator's
Links

Enrolment form

Contact Details

Telephone Number:	(03) 9813 5680
Fax Number:	(03) 9886 6210
Postage Address:	20 Worthing Ave, Burwood East, VIC 3151
Email:	enquiries@bambini.com.au

 

FAQ for Parents

Why should I choose Bambini family day care?

Bambini family day care offers flexible care in small group settings. Your child will be cared for in a warm family environment, providing your child more personal attention.

Bambini family day care can be more affordable than many child care centres, especially considering you receive an additional 33% in child care benefit when compared to other child care options.

In addition, Bambini:

• Support and guide educator's on programming and appropriate routines for children
• Provide regular reports on your child's placement
• Ensure educator's provide a safe environment
• Provide regular playgroup sessions.
• Provide regular parent/educator newsletters and organise parent/educator information nights

How do I know the care environment is safe?

• All educator's undergo a home safety check to ensure that their home meets the safety standards prescribed in the National Standards for family day care.
• Ongoing safety checks are also carried out during regular home visits.
• Educator's undertake first aid training and are supported by the co-ordination unit in providing a safe environment.

How do we select our educator's?

Prospective educator's are required to complete a thorough registration process that involves:

• An interview in the home
• Personal reference checks
• Working with children background checks and police checks for all adult members of the household who may come in contact with the children
• Home risk assessment
• First Aid training

Who checks on the educator's and the children in care?

Early childhood qualified staff work specifically in the field to monitor educator's and the children in their care.

These fieldworker's visit the educator's home to ensure care is provided to required standards; observe children; and provide developmental and behavioral suggestions and support to the educator's for each child in care.

Bambini and federal government representative's also make regular spot visits to the educator's homes.

What kind of activities will my child be offered?

Educator's are required to plan a daily program of activities for children in their care and to display their program where parents can view it.

Programs cover areas such as art and craft, language and stories, music and movement as well as fine and gross motor skills. Bambini provide training and program models to assist educator's in developing a program that is stimulating, fun and educational.

Outings to visit the park, library or to take walks to explore nature and the local community are also valuable in a weekly program.

How will I know if the educator is the right person for my child?

When you meet the educator it's important you ask questions to ensure the carer will give your child the type of care you require. You need to outline any issues that are important to you and negotiate to ensure the educator can meet your needs. Bambini staff can assist you in the type of questions you should ask the educator.

What happens if I am not happy with the educator I am referred to?

If you feel that the educator you have been referred to does not suit your child's needs then you are under no obligation to commence care. Simply advise Bambini and another suitable educator will be offered to you.

What are the operating hours?

Bambini offers flexible care including care on weekends and overnight if required. Bambini provides full-time care, part-time care, casual care for children for employees on shift work, before/after school care, vacation care, 24 hour and even respite care for parents wanting a break.

How much will it cost?

Each educator is free to set their own fee schedule, however, Bambini expects that fees for standard hours will be in the range of $5 - $9 per hour.

Bambini recommends educator's set their fee schedule based on the cost of alternative forms of child care in the local area, in particular local long day care centres. Fees should also take into account the carers qualifications, experience and house location/suitability.

Fees and related terms and conditions are negotiated between the educator and parent directly.

How can I reduce the cost of my childcare fees?

Bambini is a recognised child care service that provides "approved" care. In most cases parents will be eligible for the federal government funded child care benefit (CCB) and 50% child care tax rebate.

The 50% child care tax rebate is then calculated on the parent's "out of pocket expense" (i.e. total fees less CCB).

The decision on eligibility for CCB rests with the Family Assistance Office. Parents should consult the Family Assistance Office (www.familyassist.gov.au) for details of their specific entitlements to CCB. Further information on the 50% child care tax rebate is available from the Australian Taxation Office (www.ato.gov.au).

FAQ for Educator's

I want to be an educator, how do I apply?

Email your details including a brief description of your experience to enquiries@bambini.com.au or telephone (03) 9813 5680. Before you commence as an educator you will need to undergo a police check and working with children check.

Do I need any qualifications to be an educator?

Bambini require that all educator's must have, or be enrolled on a course to qualify for, a minimum of certificate 3 in children's services.

In addition, we will provide all educator's with training and ongoing professional development workshops that relate to caring for children.

How do I know that my home is appropriate for caring for children?

Bambini will undertake a home safety check to establish whether or not the home is clean, safe and will be an environment that children feel comfortable in.

If you believe that you may have issues with indoor and/or outdoor space (including access to outdoor play areas) or any other concerns, please detail these issues when making your application to be an educator. This is particularly important for applicants that live in a flat.

What will my start up costs include?

Bambini endeavor to alleviate as much cost for the carer as possible. However the following costs may be applicable:

• A working with children check if you do not hold a current police check
• Police checks for any person over 17 in your home at the time of care
• Insurance. This can be paid in installments at approximately $40 a month.

Occasionally, there may also be costs associated with ensuring your home meets the required safety standards such as required child proof pool fencing or providing covers for exposed heaters/fires. Government grants are available to assist with these costs, if eligibility criteria are met.

Will I need to register my own company?

No. You can register a company if you wish but most educator's operate as self-employed contractors (also called sole traders) which mean that you operate your own business in your own name. However, you will need to obtain an Australian Business Number (ABN) and provide it to Bambini so that we can pay you. You can register for an ABN online at www.abr.gov.au This service is free and will provide you with an ABN at the end of the online registration process which takes only 10 minutes or so. Further information on considerations when starting a business, such as whether to operate as a sole trader, company or other structure, can be found at www.business.gov.au

Links to other websites

National Childcare Accreditation Council
Family Assistance Office
Child care benefit
Child care benefit ready reckoner
50% child care tax rebate
Family Day Care Australia
www.abr.gov.au
www.business.gov.au