Question 1

Does my child need to be toilet trained?

Accepted Answer

Yes, children who attend Koala Playschool MUST be fully toilet trained. While we understand that accidents happen, changing nappies/pull-ups takes staff away from supervision of children. Please ensure you pack labelled spare clothes including socks and undies in case of accidents.

Question 2

Will I be charged for public holidays?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Koala Playschool charges the usual daily fee for public holidays that fall on your child's regularly booked days. This policy is primarily to cover our ongoing fixed operational costs, such as rent, utilities, and essential maintenance, which continue regardless of closures. Crucially, it allows us to consistently pay our dedicated team of educators for these days, helping us to retain experienced and high-quality staff.

Question 3

What food/snacks do I need to pack for my child?

Accepted Answer

Both a morning tea and a lunch box should be provided to assist children with eating times. It is easier for children to manage how much they eat at both times if the morning tea and the lunch are packed in different containers.
Koala Playschool encourages healthy eating. We also encourage waste-free lunch boxes.  Please only send water in your child's drink bottle.  And don't forget to label your child's drink bottle and lunch boxes.

Question 4

How old does my child have to be to attend?

Accepted Answer

Children must turn 3 prior to 30 April in their year of attendance. If your child turns 3 between the start of term 1 and 30 April they must be accompanied by a parent/carer until their 3rd birthday.Children who turn 5 before the 30th April in the year of their attendance are not eligible to attend.Big School starting age (Preschool & Kindergarten)Preschool: Your child must be aged 4 on or before 30 April of the year they start preschool. If they turn 4 after 30 April, they can start the following year.Kindergarten: Your child must be aged 5 on or before 30 April of the year they start school (kindergarten is the first year of primary school).To find out what year your child can start preschool or school, use our school age calculator.

Question 5

When will I find out if my child will be offered placement?

Accepted Answer

The bulk enrolment process is done from June – July in the year prior to your child’s attendance. The Office Manager will make offers of place for children in June/July of each year.  Priority is given to returning children, returning families and then new families in order of their wait list application. It is important to get your name on our waitlist as soon as possible.

Question 6

What is the parent committee?

Accepted Answer

The parent committee is made up of five office bearers and three general members.

They are the:

• President 
• Communications and Marketing Coordinator 
• Treasurer 
• Fundraising Coordinator 
• Secretary 
• 3 General Committee Positions

The committee is responsible for the management and operation of the school and also to support the educational program delivered by the Director/Teacher.  there is no percentage off for office bearers.  Should you wish to join the parent committee when your child is in attendance at Koalas, our new committee is elected at our Annual General Meeting in November/December each year.

More information about Koalas is available in our Policy and Procedures Manual and our Parent Roster Duty Guidelines accessible on your child’s enrolment at Koala Playschool.

Question 7

How many days a week can my child attend?

Accepted Answer

Your child can join either our three of two day sessions:  
• 3-day session – Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday 
• 2-day session – Thursday/Friday

Question 8

How much are the fees?

Accepted Answer

Please visit our Enrolment Information page for the most up to date fee information.

Question 9

Does my child need to be immunised?

Accepted Answer

In accordance with ACT Public Health Regulations, Koala Playschool does not exclude any child on the basis of his or her immunisation status. However, also in accordance with ACT Public Health Regulations, we require a copy of each child’s original immunisation records. These are available from the Medicare website. If your child acquires a communicable disease, you are required to notify the Director/Teacher immediately, so that all measures can be taken to prevent the spread of the disease. Your child will be excluded from Koala Playschool for a specified period as per ACT Public Health Regulations.

Question 10

My child still has a nap during the day, can they sleep whilst at Koalas?

Accepted Answer

After lunch, children are supported to have a rest time through our relaxation music, story massage, stories and puzzles and yoga time. If a child requires a rest, particularly in the early stages of the year as they are settling into the program, a quiet space is provided for them to lie down. If a child falls asleep during rest time, they are made comfortable and allowed to sleep. At all times, the program remains flexible to respond to children’s needs with regards to rest and relaxation. In the first weeks, when children are adapting to the program and often very tired, parents/carers are welcome to pick up their child early.

Question 11

Can I stay with my child?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You are welcome to stay with your child until they are settled. However, if they are unsettled, it is often easier if the parent leaves quickly as your child generally tends to settle more quickly. It is often the anticipation of your leaving that is more stressful than the actual leaving for your child. The teacher will advise the best action in each circumstance.  You are always welcome to be the roster parent and to assist the teachers for the morning or afternoon.

Question 12

Will my child learn to read?

Accepted Answer

No. We do not specifically teach children to read. However, our play based program includes many activities that foster literacy and numeracy development in future years.

Question 13

Can I claim assistance under the Childcare Subsidy Scheme (previously the Childcare benefit or rebate)?

Accepted Answer

Currently Koalas does not offer CCS. Koalas is in the process of registering for the CCS and we hope to be able to offer this subsidy to families soon. More information will be available shortly for 2026 families!

Question 14

How is Koala Playschool different to childcare centres and family day cares?

Accepted Answer

We like to say that where long day childcare suits families, playschools suit children! We have consistent educators, short days, family engagement, always the same children in the class and only one class run at a time, enabling for the development of warm, reciprocal relationships, child-led learning and a string sense of community.

• our program is directed at 3 to 5 year olds only, so we are able to provide a program that best meets your child’s needs both developmentally and socially.

• our program is play-based and recognises the value of play in your child’s learning and development.

• our program includes a range of intentional teaching times across each day which include songs, storytelling, nursery rhymes, music and movement, group games and science investigations.

• we have a fully qualified early childhood teacher in the classroom at all times.

• we are very community focused and run by a parent committee

• our facility is purpose built, i.e., with children’s toilets, gated kitchen etc.

• there is only one classroom and one large playground.

• we will never have more than 22 children each day.

• our program is excellent preparation for preschool.  Koala Playschool is regulated, licensed and insured and comply with the ACT Childcare Standards.

Question 15

Does Koala Playschool operate for the entire year like day care?

Accepted Answer

No. Term dates are in line with ACT government schools. We do not operate during school holidays or on public holidays. Please refer to the ACT Department of Education and Training website to confirm the current years dates and public holidays.

http://www.det.act.gov.au/school_education/term_dates_and_public_holidays

Question 16

What is Parent Roster Duty?

Accepted Answer

Conditional upon the acceptance of a place at Koala Playschool, you are required to participate in Parent Roster Duty.  Parent Roster Duty is where parents or carers of children help out during session time. This is a wonderful opportunity for parents to see their children interact with other adults and children. It is also needed to keep our adult to child ratio within the recommended limits and enable our staff to have a lunch break.

There are two three hour shifts per session.  
You will be expected to perform a certain number of shifts per term depending on how many days your child attends, they are: 
 
• For children enrolled in the Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday session, parents/carers are expected to complete 3 half day shifts per child per term

• For children enrolled in the Thursday/Friday session, parents/carers are expected to complete 2 half day shifts per child per term

Question 17

How can I become more involved?

Accepted Answer

We encourage and welcome any and all involvement from families. 
There are many ways parents and carers can join in the fun.

These include:  
• Sharing knowledge and expertise with the children (ie. gardening, cooking, music, art) 
• Becoming a part of the Parent Committee. 
• Working bees. 
• Helping in an administrative capacity (ie. writing grants, seeking donations, writing policies 
• Fundraising

Question 18

Who owns Koala Playschool?

Accepted Answer

You do. Koala Playschool is a not for profit incorporated association which is run by a Parent Committee, Director/Teacher, Assistant Teachers and Office Manager.  We do not receive any government funding. Our financials are public and any profits go straight back into the school.

Frequently Asked Questions