The thought of finding a child care centre for many parents can be a bit daunting. It certainly was for me as I'd listened natterings at the mother's group of year long waiting lists, super high costs and not-so-kind natured carers. I would rather someone I know looking after my daughter but moving to a new city, far away from family, the option had to be child care. Little Dove was a find. They recently opening a new level so have vacancies or a short waitlist, depending how old your child is. I surprised myself at how reluctant I was to leave my daughter in care but doesn't help when she whimpered as I left for the first few weeks. Saying that Hannah and Alexis (her primary carers) say she is doing really well for a first timer. The girls are great at letting me know how she has been through the day and will call for a midday update if I want one. They also upload her art (yes, art at 10 months old!) and pictures to the Universal Childcare website so I can see what she's doing through the day as can her extended family scattered all over the world. Hannah and Alexis are also great at asking me how she has been at home, how she slept, if she needs any extra attention etc which is reassuring as I know they're really clued in to the kids personal needs. There are four children to one care worker and the kids in the three nurseries play together in the common area. Though the nurseries are indoors Wood furniture, really plants, a sand pit make for a pretty good simulated outdoor experience. The older kids upstairs have a real outdoor play area as well as computers for learning activities. The wait list fee is $50 which is average. The enrollment fee is $250 which I believe is average. And there are two options - short ($120/day) and long day care ($130). The centre is open from 7.30am to 6.00pm. read more

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