If you are considering childcare or early learning for your baby, toddler or preschooler for 2027, now is the time to start the enrolment process.
Places at quality early learning centres across the Northern Beaches tend to fill months ahead of the new year. It is time to tour centres and complete the enrolment process to ensure you get your first choice and the days of care you need!
Do not hesitate to ask questions about what matters to your family. You need to feel confident that the centre is the right fit for your child and your family. Indeed, trust is key when you drop off your child at a childcare service. The centre must provide an extension of your family environment: staff must be caring and loving, flexible and attentive to you and your child’s needs.
Why Enrol Early for 2027
First, centres with strong reputations and purpose built spaces are usually the first to fill. Enrolling early means you are not left choosing between whatever is left over in January.
Secondly, paperwork takes time: you will be required to provide lots of information, and you will receive many documents to read.
More importantly, early enrolment allows your child and yourself to settle in gradually. Orientation visits are scheduled and organised which provides opportunities to discuss your child’s routine and individual needs, gives you an opportunity to get to know the educators and spend some time with us before your child's actual start date.
What the Enrolment Process Looks Like
Enrolling at Global Explorers Early Learning generally follows a simple path.
You start by getting in touch and arranging a visit, so you can see the purpose built learning spaces in person and ask questions about safety, routines, staffing, the daily program and any other question you may have. From there, you will complete an enrolment form with your child's details, including any medical or dietary needs, and provide immunisation records as required under National Law. Once your place is confirmed, the centre will arrange a settling in period so your child can spend some time getting comfortable before their official start date.
Choosing the Right Room for Your Child
Each age group has different needs. While we are flexible and vary group sizes based on children’s age and interests, we also cater for individual needs.
Babies aged six weeks to two years join the Penguins Room, where we follow each child’s individual routine to support a nurturing start.
Toddlers aged two to three join the Koalas Room, which is designed around movement, language and hands-on experiences. We also encourage children to become more independent and support toilet learning.
Preschoolers aged three to five join the Joeys and Kangaroos Room, with a program focused on confidence, social skills and genuine school readiness ahead of kindergarten.
What About Fees and the Child Care Subsidy
Most Australian families are eligible for some level of Child Care Subsidy through Services Australia, which reduces out of pocket fees. CCS is based on income, activity levels and care type. Subsidy amounts vary by family, so check your situation through myGov before enrolling, and ask the centre directly about current daily fees.
How the Program Supports Your Child
Enrolment is only the first step. What actually matters is what your child experiences once they are there. Global Explorers runs a holistic, multicultural program aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework, covering language, literacy, music, sustainability and school readiness alongside regular excursions into the local community. You can read more about the full approach on the Our Programs page.
Ready to Secure Your Place for 2027
Places for 2027 are already being enquired about across Brookvale, Dee Why, Freshwater, Curl Curl, Manly, Balgowlah, Cromer, Beacon Hill and Frenchs Forest, so it pays not to wait until the new year to start the process. The easiest first step is to book a tour and see the rooms, meet the educators and ask any questions you have in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look at during a tour?
You can look at the environment and observe whether there is sufficient space outside, in the fresh air, for all children. Also, the condition of the inside and outside environments matters: is it safe? Is it clean? The key factor is the interactions with staff: does everyone greet you? Are they welcoming? When educators are interacting with children, do they have nurturing interactions and do they talk warmly to the children?
Can I add more questions?
It is important to understand the philosophy of the centre and what they focus on with the children. You can also ask about the room routines and the learning program: are routines flexible to cater for individual needs, especially when children are young? What are common teaching practices such as excursions, specific classes etc. More importantly, you should find out if the staff is stable: how long have the educators been working at the centre? Are the educators rostered in the same room on the same days?
When should I enrol my child for 2027?
As early as possible. Many families start the process in the second half of the year before their child is due to start, particularly for popular age groups and days.
Can I enrol before my baby is born?
Yes, many centres, including Global Explorers, accept enrolment enquiries during pregnancy so you can secure a place ahead of your baby's expected start date.
Do I need to pay a bond to secure a spot?
Most centres require the payment of a bond to secure a place for a child. You can ask about any enrolment costs directly when you are having a tour or alternatively find this information on this government website: https://www.startingblocks.gov.au/
