Question 1

What ages do you care for?

Accepted Answer

We care for children 6 weeks – 5 years, across four dedicated rooms — Nursery, Toddlers, Pre-Kinder and Kindergarten — each with a program tailored to that stage.

Question 2

What are your hours?

Accepted Answer

We're open 6:30am – 6:30pm, Mon–Fri — Monday–Friday, 52 weeks/year (excl. public holidays).

Question 3

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

Discovery Nest is in Eaglehawk, Bendigo, Victoria. Our full address is 39 Peg Lane.

Question 4

When do you open?

Accepted Answer

We open mid-January 2027. Joining the waitlist now secures your child's place in line ahead of opening day.

Question 5

Do I need to enrol before you open?

Accepted Answer

There's no need to enrol now — the first step is to join the waitlist. We'll guide waitlisted families through enrolment as we approach opening and as places become available.

Question 6

What's the difference between the rooms?

Accepted Answer

Each room is matched to a developmental stage — Nursery (6 wks–2 yrs) for secure, sensory beginnings; Toddlers (2–3 yrs) for play, language and big feelings; Pre-Kinder (3–4 yrs) for independence and early literacy; and Kindergarten (4–5 yrs) for our ECT-led school-readiness program.

Question 7

How does the waitlist work?

Accepted Answer

Join in two minutes and you'll get instant confirmation plus your position in line for your child's room. We keep you updated while you wait, and invite you in to visit and enrol the moment a place opens.

Question 8

Is there a cost to join?

Accepted Answer

No — joining the waitlist is completely free and there's no obligation. You're simply securing your place in line.

Question 9

How are places prioritised?

Accepted Answer

Places are ranked within each room. We prioritise siblings of enrolled families and families needing flexible or full-time (4–5 day) places, then order by the date you joined.

Question 10

What happens after I join?

Accepted Answer

You'll receive instant confirmation with your position, then helpful updates while you wait — educator introductions, centre progress and CCS & fees guidance. When a place opens in your child's age group, we'll be in touch personally.

Question 11

How will I know when a place opens?

Accepted Answer

We contact you directly by phone and email the moment a place becomes available in your child's room — no chasing and no missing out.

Question 12

Can I change my preferred days or start date later?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Just let us know and we'll update your details — your place in line is kept while you do.

Question 13

How much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

Our daily fee is $168 before subsidy. Most eligible families pay far less once the Child Care Subsidy is applied — use the calculator on our Fees & Funding page for an estimate.

Question 14

Am I eligible for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS)?

Accepted Answer

Most families using approved care are eligible for some level of CCS, based on income and recognised activity. Discovery Nest is a CCS-approved provider, so the subsidy is applied directly to your fees.

Question 15

How do I apply for CCS?

Accepted Answer

You claim CCS through Services Australia via your myGov account. Once approved, it's paid directly to us and reduces your out-of-pocket fees automatically.

Question 16

What is the 3-Day Guarantee?

Accepted Answer

From 5 January 2026, CCS-eligible families can access a minimum of 72 hours (three days) of subsidised care per fortnight. See our 3-Day Guarantee page, and always confirm the details with Services Australia.

Question 17

What's included in the fee?

Accepted Answer

Your daily fee covers fresh meals and snacks prepared on-site, the full learning program, and daily updates via our parent app — no lunchboxes to pack and no hidden extras.

Question 18

Do I pay for public holidays or absences?

Accepted Answer

Standard sector practice is that fees apply for booked days including public holidays and absences (with CCS available for a set number of absence days each year). Final fee terms will be confirmed in your enrolment agreement.

Question 19

What are the educator-to-child ratios?

Accepted Answer

We maintain the regulated educator-to-child ratios for every age group at all times, and aim to staff warmly above the minimum where we can. Exact ratios per room are confirmed in line with regulations.

Question 20

What meals are provided?

Accepted Answer

Fresh, nutritious meals and snacks are prepared on-site each day by our qualified cook — allergy-aware, seasonal, and shaped with family input. All meals are included in the daily fee.

Question 21

How will you help my child settle in?

Accepted Answer

Settling in is gentle and partnered. We start gradually where we can, lean on familiar routines and comfort items, and work closely with you on what helps your child feel secure — at their own pace.

Question 22

How will you keep me updated each day?

Accepted Answer

Families receive daily photos and a written recap via our parent app (Xplor), plus chats at drop-off and pick-up. You can also call any time and be put through to your child's room.

Question 23

What's your approach to sleep and rest?

Accepted Answer

Rest is led by your child's needs — particularly in the nursery, where we follow each baby's individual sleep and feeding routine. Older children have a calm quiet time to recharge.

Question 24

How do you handle allergies and medication?

Accepted Answer

We follow clear, documented allergy-management and medication protocols, double-checked by educators, with individual plans recorded for every child who needs one.

Question 25

How do you keep children safe?

Accepted Answer

Safety is our foundation: careful supervision and regulated ratios, secure entry, screened educators, documented health and medication protocols, and a clear commitment to the Victorian Child Safe Standards.

Question 26

What are your security and sign-in procedures?

Accepted Answer

Entry is controlled, and every child is signed in and out each day. Children are only released to authorised people you nominate.

Question 27

How are educators screened?

Accepted Answer

All educators hold current Working With Children Checks and are reference-checked before they start, in line with our recruitment standards developed with our partner ELC Group.

Question 28

What happens in an emergency?

Accepted Answer

We maintain practised evacuation and emergency procedures that are reviewed regularly, so our team can respond calmly and quickly if needed.

Question 29

How do you manage illness?

Accepted Answer

We follow rigorous hygiene and infection-control practices and clear illness guidelines, so children who are unwell can rest and recover at home while we protect everyone's wellbeing.

Question 30

What do I need to bring?

Accepted Answer

Just the essentials — a change of clothes, any comfort items, and specifics like formula if needed. Meals, snacks and most daily items are provided; we'll share a simple checklist on enrolment.

Question 31

How does drop-off and parking work?

Accepted Answer

We'll share parking and drop-off details for our Eaglehawk centre closer to opening, designed to make mornings as easy as possible for working families.

Question 32

What's your sick-day or absence policy?

Accepted Answer

Let us know when your child will be away. Booked days are still charged, but CCS covers a set number of absence days each year — the specifics are set out in your enrolment agreement.

Question 33

Is there a minimum number of days?

Accepted Answer

Many centres ask for a minimum of two days per week to support continuity of care and settling. Our final booking options will be confirmed before opening — tell us your preferred days when you join the waitlist.

Question 34

Can I visit before enrolling?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we warmly invite waitlisted families in to experience the centre before enrolling. Joining the waitlist is the first step, and we'll arrange your visit when a place is available.

Your questions, answered.

Getting started

Waitlist

Fees & subsidy

Care & daily life

Safety & wellbeing

Practical

Secure your child's place