Food & FAQs

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Pico Early Learning Centre

Food

Pico Early Learning Centre and Kindergarten employs a full time Cook who prepares all meals on site in our registered kitchen.

We cater for your child’s nutritional needs through our 4 weekly rotating menu which is displayed on the Family Notice Board in the hallway of the centre.

These are continually revised to suit the dietary requirements of the children within our environment.

Fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables are offered daily to the younger babies.

FAQs
Food - Pico Early Learning

Parent Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What ages does Pico Early Learning Centre and Kindergarten cater for?
We cater for children from 6 weeks to school age (6 years).

We also offer a Funded 3 and 4 year old Kindergarten program.

What are the operating hours?
Operating hours are from 6.30am to 6.00pm, Monday to Friday, 51 weeks a year. We are not open on weekends or public holidays.
Do the children receive meals?
We provide breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea a late snack where required. We have our own cook creating fresh, healthy meals for the children. A nutritious diet is vital for children’s development, so we make sure to provide meals that give children all the nutrients and energy they need.
Are nappies provided for babies and toddlers?
Yes, however if your child requires a particular brand or type, we recommend supplying your own.
What happens if my scheduled day falls on a public holiday?
Like most early learning centres, Pico Early Learning Centre and Kindergarten closes for public holidays. If your scheduled day falls on a public holiday, we still need to charge to cover staff costs. This is a sector-standard practice. Early learning professionals are entitled to be paid on public holidays as in other industries. The Australian Government’s Child Care Subsidy (CCS) covers up to 42 absence days a year, which includes public holidays. So unless you exceed this quota, you will be eligible for the CCS discount on public holidays. We can offer you a make-up day in the same week based on availability, however this cannot be guaranteed.
Do I still need to pay for a scheduled day if my child is sick?
Yes, Pico Early Learning Centre and Kindergarten to charge for sick days to cover operating costs. This is standard practice across the industry, but we’ll try to arrange a make-up or swap day if we can. The Child Care Subsidy will cover up to 42 absence days a year with no documentation and unlimited sick days if you’re able to provide a medical certificate or similar.
How does the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) work?
The main components of the new CCS are based on activity, family income and type of childcare service and will affect the percentage you are eligible to receive.

The activity test, determines how many hours of childcare per fortnight you will receive subsidy for. Both parents are required to work, study or volunteer for a minimum of 8 hours per fortnight.

Your family’s combined income will calculate the CCS percentage you’re entitled to. It’s based on a grading system, with more financial support available to lower income families.

To determine what your CCS might be, you can use the Governments online calculator.

Do I need to pack sunscreen?
No, Pico Early Learning Centre and Kindergarten provides child-safe sunscreen as we are committed to being a sun safe organisation. However, if your child has sensitive skin, please feel free to pack your own preferred brand.