Child Care

Bridge Darebin has been providing inclusive, community-run child care for over 20 years, and your child will take part in a culturally aware, sustainably focused program that is based on sound principles and practices of early childhood education and development.

At Bridge Darebin Child Care your child will take part in a culturally aware, sustainably focused program that is based on sound principles and practices of early childhood education and development.

Our programs are guided by the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework and we are licensed by the Department of Health and Human Services.

We welcome diversity and strive to build a supportive, ongoing partnership between staff, parents and carers, that recognises and fulfils the needs of contemporary families of all backgrounds.

Our experienced child care workers speak over 8 languages and our Thornbury facilities provide a quiet, secure, nature-based setting, that is suitable for children of all abilities from 6 months to school age. The outdoor, undercover, bush play area is a safe, stimulating and nurturing environment for children to be curious, explore and learn through play.

Special children’s activities run during school holidays and our spaces are available for hire for children’s parties and other related functions.

To arrange a tour of our Thornbury centre and take part in a FREE Orientation Session call 03 9480 0466 or email childcare@bridgedarebin.org.au .

Enrolment

Once you have completed your tour of our Thornbury centre you will need to complete the enrolment process for your child.

We are registered for the Child Care Subsidy; up to 85% of childcare fees may be claimed back by eligible families. Click here to confirm your eligibility. Check out Childcare Subsidy FAQs here.

To enrol your child please read and complete the following documents:

Enrolment form for Thornbury
(the primary carer on myGov needs to be the primary carer on the enrolment form)
Photo permission form
Parent handbook

Please note the enrolment process may take up to two weeks for all administration to be completed.

Bookings

Child Care can be booked on a permanent or casual basis (subject to availability) and we operate for 48 weeks of the year – including school holidays – from the 19th January 2022.

If your family is new to the centre there is up to a 2 week turnaround for enrolment administration, so please plan accordingly for your first booking. Once in our system, bookings can be made up to 1 week before the date requested, providing there is availability.

Fees for 2023:

Up to 85% of childcare fees may be claimed back by CCS-eligible families.
Payment may be made weekly via myGov for CCS-eligible families, and by weekly direct debit or full term payment for all others

under 3 years old – $142 per session
over 3 years old – $137 per session

For families that are not eligible for the CCS, a “Relevant Agreement” can be created and fees determined according to ability to pay.

Parent Testimonials

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“We are so happy at Bridge Darebin. All the staff are lovely and absolutely brilliant with the children. They care for the kids like their own and you can tell they love their jobs.”

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“My son is always excited to attend child care and loves the educators. They’re warm and nurturing and I’m very grateful for their care and expertise.”

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“We had previously used a few other childcare facilities, but this has been the best in terms of offering a warm, caring and stimulating environment. The educators facilitate a sense of community, which we found lacking in other larger centres.”

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“The staff are thoughtful, generous and caring towards the children and have created a program that enables the children to have fun and learn new skills. Our child has thrived in this environment.”

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“We love occasional care at Bridge Darebin. My daughter is excited to go each week and I love getting a few hours to myself. There are lots of fun things to do, the staff are lovely and the space has a great feel. Thanks!”

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“I always feel my children are happy when I drop them off and do the pick-up because the carers are patient, friendly and generous with their time (particularly with greeting and farewelling).”

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“Lamia has taught all three of my children over the past eight years. She is kind, considerate, nurturing and incredible at bringing out confidence in children in a new environment. Her approach towards children – whether it be their emotions, a conflict between two children, or simply assisting them with an activity – is second to none. She has the ability to inspire kids in her care to have a sense of community and belonging, and in turn they feel confident and able to interact positively with their peers. Sandy and Lamia create a fun and stimulating learning environment that encourages inclusion and fairness, and inspires children to express themselves and be themselves. I would highly recommend Bridge Darebin to other parents.”