How do I enrol my child at a St Nicholas Early Education centre? 

Enrolling your child at a St Nicholas Early Education centre is easy. Simply submit an enquiry for your centre of choice through our website and a friendly member of the team will be in contact within 48 hours.  

All enquiring parents/carers are invited to visit their centre of choice for a private tour with their family at a time that mutually suits within business hours. 

If your desired care days are available, you will be sent an offer of enrolment through My Family Lounge, which you can accept. If your desired care days are not available, you will be invited to sign up to the centre’s waitlist to be advised when a vacancy opens up. 

What can I expect from a centre tour? 

At St Nicholas Early Education, a centre tour is a valuable opportunity for you to explore our facilities, learn about our programs and ask any questions you may have about our curriculum, policies and procedures.  

During the tour, you can expect to: 

Meet the Centre Director – The Centre Director will welcome you and your child and provide you with a brief overview of the centre’s background, philosophy and programs. 

Observe our environments – You will be shown around the rooms where you will see our highly qualified and experienced educators in action, engaging children in a range of educational experiences. 

Experience our facilities – You will be shown the outdoor play areas, and any other facilities.

Learn about our curriculum – You will discover our educational program and how we implement it in the rooms to ensure optimal learning outcomes for your child. 

Ask questions – Throughout the tour, we encourage you to ask any questions that you may have about our programs, policies, procedures and any other aspects of the centre that you would like to know more about. 

By the end of the tour, you should have a good understanding of our approach to early education and whether St Nicholas Early Education is the right fit for your child. 

What can I expect from my child’s first day at a St Nicholas centre? 

At St Nicholas Early Education, we understand that the first day of care can be both exciting and overwhelming for both children and parents. We strive to ensure that the first day at one of our centres is a positive experience for everyone involved. 

Parents can expect a warm welcome from our friendly staff who will be there to greet you and your child/ren upon arrival. Our educators will introduce themselves and guide you through the orientation process, helping you to feel comfortable and informed about what to expect. 

During the first day, your child will be introduced to their new environment, meet their educators and the friends in their room, and be encouraged to participate in a range of experiences. Our dedicated educators will work to create a safe and nurturing environment where your child can explore, learn and flourish. 

We also encourage parents to provide us with any additional information about their child, including their likes and dislikes, their routines and any special needs they may have. This helps us to create a customised learning plan that meets the individual needs of each child. 

At the end of the day, our educators will provide you with a summary of your child’s day, including information about what they learned, who they played with and any special moments they had. This will give you an insight into your child’s day and help you to stay informed about their progress. 

I’ve been put on a waitlist. How long can I expect to wait until a place becomes available? 

It depends. St Nicholas Early Education is our region’s leading provider of early childhood education and care, and there are sometimes waiting lists for certain age groups and centres. We recommend getting in contact with your centre of choice well before you require care to secure your child’s place. 

What is included in the cost of care? 

Provided: 

• Qualified early childhood educators and teachers 
• Play and learning resources 
• Meals + milk 
• Onsite parking 
• Nappies 
• Cot linen (0 – 2 years) 
• Sunscreen 
• Transition to School program (Preschool only) 
• Dedicated breast feeding areas 

To bring: 

• Labelled bag w/ 2x extra sets of clothes 
• Supply of bottles w/ formula or breast milk 
• Water bottle or sipper cup 
• Comforter (0 – 2 years) 
• Wide-brim hat 
• Single fitted sheet + light blanket (2+ years) 

My fees have increased. Why? 

At St Nicholas Early Education, we understand that the cost of child care can be a significant expense for families. We are committed to keeping our fees as low as possible while still providing high-quality care and education to children. 

Fees at our centres may increase to ensure that we can continue to provide the best possible care and education to your child. The cost of running an early education centre increases each year, with rising expenses such as staff salaries, facility maintenance and supplies. 

However, we strive to keep these fee increases to a minimum and provide ample notice to parents before any changes take effect. We believe in being transparent about our fees and the reasons behind any increases, so you can plan and budget accordingly. 

We are also Child Care Subsidy (CCS) approved to help ease the financial burden of child care fees for families.  

At St Nicholas Early Education, we are committed to providing exceptional care and education to children and we believe that our fees reflect the value of our services. We will continue to work hard to keep our fees affordable and ensure that families have access to high-quality child care services. 

Who can access the Child Care Subsidy?  

You need to meet some requirements to get CCS. 

This subsidy is paid to your child care provider to reduce the fees you pay. 

You may be eligible if you or your partner meet all of the following: 

• Your child will be in care 2 nights per fortnight (or have 14% care) 
• You are liable for fees at an approved child care service 
• You meet the residence rules 

Your child must also meet the following criteria: 

• Immunisation requirements 
• Not be attending secondary school unless an exemption applies. 

If your child attends secondary school, you may still be eligible if they require supervision. They must be either: 

• 13 years old or under 
• 14-18 years old with disability. 

In these circumstances, you must provide evidence why your child can’t be unsupervised. This may include evidence of your child’s disability. You also need to confirm an adult cannot care for your child during this time. 

Each person that’s liable to pay child care fees will need to apply for this subsidy and meet these criteria. 

Some families can get Additional Child Care Subsidy, which is an additional payment on top of CCS to provide extra support with child care fees. 

There are 3 different types of Additional CCS that you can apply for if you are either: 

• A grandparent 
• Transitioning to work 
• Experiencing temporary financial hardship. 

How much Child Care Subsidy can I claim?  

The amount of CCS you can get depends on your circumstances. 

Use our CCS calculator on this page to estimate how much CCS you can get. 

The amount of CCS you’re eligible for depends on the following: 

• Your family’s income 
• The hourly rate cap, which is dependent on the type of approved care you use and your child’s age 
• The hours of activity you and your partner do 
• The number of children in your care 

The amount of subsidised child care you can access each fortnight applies to each child. 

How do I claim the Child Care Subsidy?  

For a comprehensive guide on how to claim the CCS, click here. 

What kind of curriculum do you offer at St Nicholas Early Education Centre? 

At St Nicholas Early Education, we offer a child-led and play-based curriculum that is based on the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). Our curriculum is designed to provide a holistic and child-centered approach to learning, which focuses on the development of the whole child. We provide a range of learning experiences that encourage children to explore, experiment and discover, while also developing their language, literacy and numeracy skills. Our programs include specialised experiences such as music and movement, language and literacy, and outdoor play, to support children’s learning and development. We also use a range of assessment methods, including observation, documentation and reflection, to assess children’s learning and development and to plan for their ongoing growth. 

What kind of programming and experiences do you offer at St Nicholas Early Education?  

At St Nicholas Early Education, we offer a range of programming and experiences that are designed to support children’s learning and development across different areas. Here are some examples of the programming and experiences we offer: 

1. Play-based learning experiences – We believe that children learn best through play, so we offer a range of play-based learning experiences designed to support their cognitive, social, emotional and physical development. 
2. STEM experiences – We offer various STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) experiences designed to introduce children to the world of science and technology in a fun and engaging way. 
3. Creative arts experiences – We believe that creative arts play a crucial role in supporting children’s overall development, so we offer various creative arts experiences such as music, drama, dance and visual arts. 
4. Outdoor play experiences – We have outdoor play areas where children can engage in physical experiences, play games and explore nature. 
5. Language and literacy experiences: We offer language and literacy experiences designed to support children’s communication and language development. 
6. Social and emotional learning experiences – We believe that social and emotional learning is essential for children’s overall development, so we offer experiences designed to support children’s social and emotional development. 

St Nicholas offers a comprehensive and holistic approach to children’s learning and development. Our programming and experiences are designed to support children’s physical, cognitive, social, emotional and language development. 

Can you tell me more about the daily routines and schedules my child will follow at the centre? 

At St Nicholas Early Education, we follow a daily routine and schedule that is tailored to the age and developmental needs of each child. Our routine includes a range of experiences, such as indoor and outdoor play, quiet play, group times, music and movement, and art experiences. We also provide nutritious meals and snacks throughout the day, which are included in the cost of care.

How do you ensure that my child is safe and well-cared for while at the centre? 

At St Nicholas Early Education, the safety and wellbeing of your child is our top priority. We have established policies and procedures in place to ensure your child is safe and well cared for at all times. Some of the measures we take include: 

1. Staff qualifications and training – Our staff members are highly qualified and experienced in early childhood education and are trained to provide a safe and supportive learning environment for your child. 
2. Health and safety protocols – We have strict health and safety protocols in place to help prevent the spread of illnesses and ensure that your child is in a clean and hygienic environment. We also conduct regular safety checks to ensure that our facilities and equipment are safe for use. 
3. Supervision and monitoring – Our staff members closely supervise and monitor your child throughout the day to ensure their safety and wellbeing. We have established policies for child pick-up, drop-off and release to ensure that only authorised individuals have access to your child. 
4. Communication with parents – We value open communication with parents and regularly update them on their child’s progress and development. We also encourage parents to share any concerns or feedback they may have so that we can continue to improve our services. 
5. Continuous improvement – We are committed to continuous improvement and regularly review our policies and procedures to ensure that we are providing the best possible care for your child. 

By implementing these measures, we strive to provide a safe and nurturing environment for your child to learn, grow and thrive at St Nicholas Early Education. 

How do you communicate with parents about their child’s progress and development? 

As an educator, communicating with parents about their child’s progress and development is essential to ensure a positive learning experience for the child. One approach to facilitating this communication is the St Nicholas Early Education’s Floorbook Approach. 

St Nicholas’ Floorbook Approach is a method of documentation and communication used in early years settings. It involves creating a physical book that documents a child’s learning journey, including their interests, achievements, and developmental milestones. Our educators regularly update the Floorbook with observations, photographs and notes about the children’s learning experiences. This can include their participation in experiences, social interactions with peers, and any challenges they may be facing. 

Another way we communicate with our families is through the use of children’s portfolios, which are collections of a child’s work and accomplishments over time. This can include artwork, work samples and other projects that showcase the child’s development and growth. Portfolios provide a tangible representation of the child’s progress and are available for parents and carers to view at any time. 

Daily conversations with parents are also an important way to communicate about a child’s progress. Educators can use these conversations to provide updates on the child’s learning experiences, discuss any challenges or concerns and answer any questions that parents may have. 

In addition, regular email updates can be a useful tool for communicating with parents. These updates can provide information about upcoming experiences, share photos of the child’s learning experiences and highlight any areas of progress or growth. 

By using a variety of means of communication, our educators can ensure that parents have a comprehensive understanding of their child’s learning journey and can work collaboratively to support their child’s growth and development. 

Are there opportunities for parent/carer involvement in the centre’s programming and experiences? 

Yes, there are plenty of opportunities for parent/carer involvement in St Nicholas Early Education’s programming and experiences. We believe that parents/carers are an essential part of their child’s early education and development, and we welcome their participation and support in our community. 

Some of the ways parents/carers can get involved include: 

1. Participating in events and experiences – We regularly hold events and experiences for our families, which can include picnics, open days and information sessions. Parents/carers are encouraged to attend these events and get to know other families in the community. 
2. Sharing their skills and knowledge – We value the unique skills and knowledge that parents bring to our community. Parents/carers are invited to share their cultural traditions, hobbies or professional expertise with the children and staff. 
3. Providing feedback and suggestions – We welcome feedback and suggestions from parents/carers on our programming and experiences. We believe that by working together, we can continuously improve and enhance the educational experience for our children. 

We encourage parent/carer involvement and believe that it plays a crucial role in fostering a sense of community and supporting children’s learning and development. 

How do you accommodate children with special needs or learning differences? 

St Nicholas Early Education strives to provide a welcoming, inclusive and supportive environment for all children, including those with special needs or learning differences. To accommodate these children, we have a range of strategies in place, such as individualised education plans, highly qualified educators, inclusive learning environments, assistive technology and ongoing assessments and evaluations. Our goal is to ensure that every child can learn and grow to their fullest potential in a safe and nurturing environment. 

What kind of qualifications and training do your staff have? 

At St Nicholas Early Education, we understand that our staff are our first and most valuable resource when it comes to our delivery of high-quality early education and care, which is why all our centres are staffed by passionate and qualified early childhood educators, with educator-to-child ratios in accordance with the requirements set out by the National Quality Framework (NQF). 

Our centre teams are made up of certificate III, diploma and degree-qualified educators. We also support work-based and school-based trainees beginning their career in early education, who do not count towards our required staffing ratios. 

All staff are offered regular professional learning opportunities through St Nicholas Pathways. All opportunities are designed to support our staff in building their skills and career through workshop-style sessions facilitated by either a Pathways Trainer and Assessor, a St Nicholas champion, or an external subject matter expert. 

What is your approach to behaviour management at your centre? 

At St Nicholas Early Education, we believe in fostering a positive and respectful learning environment where children can thrive and develop to their fullest potential. Our approach to behaviour management is based on a philosophy of promoting social and emotional growth through positive reinforcement, effective communication and setting clear expectations and boundaries. 

Here are some key aspects of our approach: 

1. Positive reinforcement – We believe that positive reinforcement is one of the most effective ways to promote good behaviour in children. We use praise, encouragement and rewards to reinforce positive behaviours such as sharing, kindness and cooperation. This helps children feel valued and motivated to continue exhibiting positive behaviour. 
2. Effective communication – We believe that effective communication is essential in building positive relationships with children. We communicate clearly and respectfully with children, using age-appropriate language and actively listening to their needs and concerns. We also encourage children to communicate their feelings and thoughts in a respectful and constructive manner. 
3. Clear expectations and boundaries – We believe that setting clear expectations and boundaries is important in promoting good behaviour and preventing negative behaviour. We establish clear rules and boundaries for behaviour and we consistently enforce them. This helps children understand what is expected of them and what is not acceptable behaviour. 
4. Partnership with families – We believe in working in partnership with families to promote positive behaviour and discipline. We communicate regularly with families about their child’s behaviour and work collaboratively to address any concerns or issues that arise. 

How do I enrol my child at a St Nicholas OOSH service? 

Enrolling your child at a St Nicholas OOSH service is easy. Simply submit an online booking request for your service of choice through our website and a friendly member of our Admin and Client Services team will be in contact within 48 hours. 

Once your booking has been confirmed, you will receive an email from the Nominated Supervisor at your service with your confirmed days. 

Once finalised, your bookings will also show up on the ‘Bookings’ tab of the Xplor app. If your desired care days are not available, you will be invited to sign up to the service’s waitlist to be advised when a vacancy opens up. 

All enquiring parents/carers are welcome to visit their service of choice for a tour with their family at a time that mutually suits within business hours. 

What can I expect from my child’s first day at a St Nicholas OOSH service? 

The first day at St Nicholas OOSH can be an exciting and nerve-wracking experience for both the child and the parent/carer. At St Nicholas OOSH, we understand that every child is unique, and we strive to create a nurturing and supportive environment that helps each child settle in comfortably and enjoy their time with us. 

On your child’s first day, they will be greeted by our friendly and experienced staff members who will welcome them and show them around the premises. We will introduce your child to their educators and help them get familiar with the daily routine, facilities and experiences that are available to them. 

We encourage parents/carers to provide us with as much information as possible about their child’s interests, strengths and any specific needs they may have. This helps us tailor our approach to meet each child’s individual needs and interests. 

Throughout their session, your child will have the opportunity to participate in a range of fun and engaging experiences that promote their social, emotional and physical development. We provide a wide variety of experiences, including sports, arts and crafts, music and games, to keep your child entertained and stimulated. 

We also provide nutritious snacks and meals throughout the day, ensuring your child is well-fed and energised. 

We understand that separation anxiety can be a common issue for children on their first day and we are well-equipped to manage this. Our educators are experienced in helping children cope with separation anxiety, and we will work with you to ensure a smooth transition for your child. 

You can expect your child’s first day at St Nicholas OOSH to be a positive and enjoyable experience. Our goal is to provide a safe, nurturing and engaging environment that helps your child thrive and develop their full potential. 

I’ve been put on a waitlist. How long can I expect to wait until a place becomes available? 

It depends. St Nicholas OOSH is our region’s leading provider of out-of-school-hours care and there are sometimes waiting lists for certain services. We recommend submitting a booking request form well before you require care to secure your child’s place.

What is included in the cost of care? 

Provided: 

• Breakfast and afternoon tea 
• Play and learning materials 
• Dedicated homework spaces 

To bring: 

• Wide-brimmed hat 
• Enclosed shoes 
• Refillable drink bottle 
• Jumper or jacket 
• Morning tea and lunch (Vacation Care only) 
• Spare set of clothes (Vacation Care only) 

My fees have increased. Why? 

At St Nicholas OOSH, we understand that the cost of care can be a significant expense for families. We are committed to keeping our fees as low as possible while still providing high-quality care and education to children. 

Fees at our services may increase to ensure that we can continue to provide the best possible care and education to your child. The cost of running a out of school hours care service increases each year, with rising expenses such as staff salaries and supplies. 

However, we strive to keep these fee increases to a minimum and provide ample notice to parents before any changes take effect. We believe in being transparent about our fees and the reasons behind any increases, so you can plan and budget accordingly. 

We are also Child Care Subsidy (CCS) approved to help ease the financial burden of child care fees for families.  

At St Nicholas OOSH, we are committed to providing exceptional care and education to children and we believe that our fees reflect the value of our services. We will continue to work hard to keep our fees affordable and ensure that families have access to high-quality child care services. 

Who can access the Child Care Subsidy?  

You need to meet some requirements to get CCS. 

This subsidy is paid to your child care provider to reduce the fees you pay. 

You may be eligible if you or your partner meet all of the following: 

• Your child will be in care 2 nights per fortnight (or have 14% care) 
• You are liable for fees at an approved child care service 
• You meet the residence rules 

Your child must also meet the following criteria: 

• Immunisation requirements 
• Not be attending secondary school unless an exemption applies. 

If your child attends secondary school, you may still be eligible if they require supervision. They must be either: 

• 13 years old or under 
• 14-18 years old with disability. 

In these circumstances, you must provide evidence why your child can’t be unsupervised. This may include evidence of your child’s disability. You also need to confirm an adult cannot care for your child during this time. 

Each person that’s liable to pay child care fees will need to apply for this subsidy and meet these criteria. 

Some families can get Additional Child Care Subsidy, which is an additional payment on top of CCS to provide extra support with child care fees. 

There are 3 different types of Additional CCS that you can apply for if you are either: 

• A grandparent 
• Transitioning to work 
• Experiencing temporary financial hardship. 

How much Child Care Subsidy can I claim?  

The amount of CCS you can get depends on your circumstances. 

Use Services Australia’s CCS estimator to find out how much CCS you may get. 

The amount of CCS you’re eligible for depends on the following: 

• Your family’s income 
• The hourly rate cap, which is dependent on the type of approved care you use and your child’s age 
• The hours of activity you and your partner do 
• The number of children in your care 

The amount of subsidised child care you can access each fortnight applies to each child. 

How do I claim the Child Care Subsidy?  

For a comprehensive guide on how to claim the CCS, click here.

What kind of programming and experiences does St Nicholas OOSH offer?  

St Nicholas OOSH offers a range of programming and experiences to cater for the diverse interests and needs of children. Our programming includes art and craft experiences, sports, games, cooking, drama and music, and quiet time for relaxation. 

What is the curriculum like at St Nicholas OOSH?  

Our curriculum is designed to be engaging, age-appropriate and reflective of the interests and needs of the children we care for. We incorporate learning opportunities into all of our programming, including opportunities for children to develop social skills, emotional intelligence and creativity. 

How does St Nicholas OOSH ensure the safety of the children in its care?  

The safety of the children in our care is our top priority. We have comprehensive policies and procedures in place and ensure that all our staff are trained and equipped to provide a safe and secure environment for children. We also have robust child protection policies and procedures in place to ensure that children are protected from harm. 

How are parents and carers involved in the programming and experiences at St Nicholas OOSH?  

We encourage parents and carers to be involved in the programming and experiences at St Nicholas OOSH if they wish. We welcome feedback, suggestions and contributions from parents and carers. 

Can children with special needs or disabilities attend St Nicholas OOSH?  

Yes, children with special needs or disabilities are welcome at St Nicholas OOSH. We have a commitment to inclusion and strive to provide an inclusive environment for all children. We work closely with families to ensure that the individual needs of all children are met.

I’ve submitted an online booking request form. How do I know if I’m booked in for Vacation Care?  

Once your booking has been confirmed, you will receive an email from a member of our Admin and Client Services Team with your confirmed days. If the days you requested includes any excursions, you will be sent an excursion authority form, per excursion, to complete and return. Bookings for Vacation Care days where an excursion is taking place are not finalised until excursion authority forms are completed and returned. Once finalised, your bookings will also show up on the ‘Bookings’ tab of the Xplor app 

Can I submit a booking request for Vacation Care through Xplor?  

No. All bookings for Vacation Care must be submitted through the online booking request form. Care days requested through Xplor for the Vacation Care period will not be accepted. 

I have submitted my booking request but have not heard back. What do I do?  

Following the release of our Vacation Care programs, St Nicholas often receives an extremely high volume of booking requests, which may lead to delays in the confirmation of bookings.  

If you have not heard back from us within three (3) business days, you can contact us to check on the progress of your booking request via email – vacationcare@stnicholasmn.org.au or phone – (02) 4979 1110 

What can I do to ensure I do not experience delays in confirming my Vacation Care bookings?  

The biggest causes of delays in processing a Vacation Care booking include: 

• The family has not completed their CCS requirements
• The family has not completed/updated their enrolment information through Xplor
• The family has not provided the required documentation (e.g. medical conditions)

To avoid delays, we recommend following the instructions of our Admin and Client Services team and ensuring all of your child’s information and documentation is ready and up-to-date on Xplor (if you are already enrolled) prior to submitting a booking request. 

How do I change or cancel my booking? 

To change your booking, simply submit a new online booking form with your updated preferred days. 

To cancel a booking, you can contact our Admin and Client Services team via email – vacationcare@stnicholasmn.org.au. 

Please note, our cancellation policy requires notice of five (5) business days for cancellation of Vacation Care bookings. If you cancel within 5 business days of your booking, you will be charged the full rate. 

I have already provided my details in my booking request form, so why do I need to enrol?  

Formally enrolling with St Nicholas OOSH is a regulatory requirement. It ensures we have all the necessary information about you and your child in a centralised system that we can quickly reference when and if needed. 

Why do I need to sign an excursion authority form for every excursion my child attends?  

Completion of our excursion authority forms is a regulatory requirement for all parents/carers with children attending an excursion with St Nicholas OOSH as part of Vacation Care. It verifies that parents/carers are aware of the risks, transport requirements and experiences their children will be participating in as part of their chosen excursion. 

Can I make a booking within three (3) business days of my required care day?  

If your child is already enrolled with St Nicholas OOSH and has attended Vacation Care or Before and After School Care this calendar year, you may request a last-minute booking directly through the service within three (3) business days of the booking. If not, you may still request a booking through our online request form, however we cannot guarantee we will be able to accommodate your request given the short notice. 

Who can I contact if I have questions about Vacation Care?  

For any questions you might have relating to Vacation Care with St Nicholas OOSH, you can contact our friendly Admin and Client Services team via email – vacationcare@stnicholasmn.org.au. If your enquiry is urgent, you can call our family support line within business hours – (02) 4979 1110. 

Please note, following the release of our Vacation Care programs our family support line receives an extremely high volume of calls and families attempting to contact us via this channel may experience extended delays. To avoid these delays, we recommend sending any enquiries to the email address listed above. 

My service is not offering Vacation Care these school holidays. What do I do? 

Based on the availability of staff and demand for bookings, St Nicholas OOSH is not always able to offer a Vacation Care program at all our usual locations. In these instances, we invite families to request a booking at a neighbouring service. We currently operate services across the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Hunter and Manning regions.

What does the orientation process look like for a new student in one of St Nicholas Pathways’ programs? 

The orientation process for a new student in one of St Nicholas Pathways’ programs is designed to help them understand the program requirements, familiarise themselves with St Nicholas’ policies and procedures, and establish a connection with their fellow students and key supports. It varies depending on the student’s chosen program, usually begins before their first day and includes several steps. 

Firstly, new students are typically provided with a welcome packet that includes information about the program they will be entering, along with a checklist of the things they need to do before the start of the program. This packet also contains information on their schedules, training/centre/service facilities and other relevant details that will help the student get acquainted with the program. 

Next, the student will be invited to attend an orientation session, which is generally held onsite at their local St Nicholas Pathways training facility. During this session, they will have the opportunity to meet their dedicated trainer and assessor and other new students. They will also receive information on program requirements, St Nicholas’ policies and procedures, as well as resources available to them onsite at their centre or service. 

During their orientation session, new students are assigned a dedicated in-service mentor, who will guide them throughout their program. The mentor will provide the student with basic support and advice about what it looks like to be an early childhood educator day-to-day in a centre or service. 

What costs are associated with each of St Nicholas Pathways’ programs? 

Fees for each of St Nicholas Pathways’ programs vary depending on the unique circumstances of the student/client. For a full breakdown of fees and inclusions regarding your program of interest, please submit a formal enquiry via our website. 

What support is available to students of St Nicholas Pathways? 

St Nicholas Pathways provides a range of support services to students to help them achieve their academic and career goals. One of the key sources of support is our dedicated team of Trainers and Assessors who work closely with students to provide guidance and assistance throughout their studies. 

In addition to this, St Nicholas Pathways also arranges in-service mentors for students. These mentors provide additional support to students in their studies, helping them to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed as early childhood educators. 

Another valuable resource for St Nicholas Pathways students is our training partner, Macquarie Community College. As a partner organisation, Macquarie Community College offers a range of support services to students, including consultation around their assessments and tools. 

What qualifications can I achieve by participating in St Nicholas Pathways’ programs? 

St Nicholas Pathways offers a range of programs for individuals seeking to develop their skills and qualifications in early childhood education and care. The specific qualifications that you can achieve by participating in these programs will depend on the program you choose to enrol in and your individual goals and needs. 

Some of the programs offered by St Nicholas Pathways include: 

Early Childhood Immersion program – Secondary students can apply to participate in our Early Childhood Industry Immersion program, which has been designed to provide secondary students with an introduction to the early childhood education and care profession. 

Early Childhood School-Based Traineeship (SBAT) program – Students who participate in our SBAT program undertake a CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care while completing their HSC. 

Early Childhood CONNEX program – The CONNEX program sees Macquarie Community College, in partnership with St Nicholas Pathways, deliver a blended program of onsite (face-to-face), online and workplace-based training that leads to a nationally accredited entry-level qualification (CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care*). 

Professional Development – St Nicholas provides all our employees with access to a suite of exciting and free opportunities for professional development, which they can register for through an exclusive online training portal. 

Early Childhood Work-Based Traineeships – Trainee early childhood educators employed by St Nicholas Early Education undertake a Certificate III or Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care while participating in paid full-time employment. 

What kind of qualifications and training do St Nicholas Pathways’ Trainer and Assessors have? 

St Nicholas Pathways is committed to providing high-quality training and assessment services to our learners. To achieve this goal, we employ a team of highly qualified trainers and assessors who possess the necessary knowledge, skills and experience to deliver effective training and assessment. 

All St Nicholas Pathways trainers and assessors hold relevant qualifications and early childhood industry experience. They possess a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment or higher, which is the minimum requirement for individuals delivering vocational education and training in Australia. Additionally, they engage in regular professional development to keep their knowledge and skills up-to-date with the latest industry standards and practices. 

Moreover, St Nicholas Pathways trainers and assessors are selected based on their expertise, teaching skills and ability to engage and motivate learners. They undergo a rigorous selection process that includes interviews, reference checks and demonstration lessons before being appointed as trainers or assessors. This ensures that they have the necessary qualifications, experience and personal qualities to provide exceptional training and assessment services to St Nicholas Pathways’ learners.

How can I apply for a job at St Nicholas? 

You can visit the careers page of our website to see all available positions. You can apply directly or, if you don’t see a position that suits, you can submit a general employment enquiry to speak to a member of our friendly staffing team. 

What are the minimum qualifications required to work at St Nicholas Early Education centre or St Nicholas OOSH service? 

The qualifications required for each position may vary.  

At St Nicholas OOSH, our staff vary from OOSH Assistants, who do not require a formal qualification other than a valid Working with Children Check, to OOSH Educators, Responsible Persons and Nominated Supervisors, who each hold either a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or a Diploma in Children’s Services qualification. 

At St Nicholas Early Education, our centre teams are made up of certificate III, diploma and degree-qualified educators.  

We also support work-based and school-based trainees beginning their career in early education, who do not count towards our required staffing ratios. 

What are the job opportunities available at St Nicholas?  

St Nicholas offers a range of job positions, including but not limited to: 

St Nicholas Early Education: 

• Certificate III educators 
• Diploma educators 
• Educational leaders 
• Early childhood teachers 
• Centre directors 
• Assistant directors 
• Child care cooks 

St Nicholas OOSH: 

• Assistants 
• Educators 
• Responsible persons 
• Nominated supervisors 

St Nicholas Pathways: 

• School-based trainees (SBATs) 
• Work-based trainees (cert III and diploma) 
• CONNEX students 

What are the working hours at St Nicholas?  

The working hours and conditions may vary depending on the job position and service location.  

Our Early Education centers operate from Monday to Friday and opening hours may vary depending on the needs of each centre’s local families.  

Our OOSH services operate from Monday to Friday for before school care, after school care and vacation care (at some services, during school holidays), and opening hours may also vary depending on the needs of each service’s local families.  

Staff shifts depend on availability, preference and the needs of the service. Wherever possible, St Nicholas strives to roster flexibly to support staff work-life balance. 

What benefits can I expect if I work at St Nicholas?  

Those employed by St Nicholas gain access to a range of excited benefits, including: 

• Above-award conditions and remuneration by negotiation* 
• 3 days of additional leave between Christmas and New Years Eve annually 
• 50% discount on child care fees 
• 6 weeks Paid Parental Leave + a 3-week return to work payment 
• Corporate benefits, including EAP, reduced gym membership, flu injections, reduced healthcare and more 
• Industry-leading training and professional development opportunities 
• Full-time, part-time and casual employment opportunities 

*Certain positions only – see our careers page for more information 

What does the recruitment and onboarding process look like at St Nicholas?  

The flow for St Nicholas’ recruitment process is as follows: 

1. Applicant submits application 

• Up to 7 days for response 

2. Applicant shortlisted for interview 

• Up to 7 days for response 

3. Applicant identified as preferred candidate 

• Up to 3 days for response 

4. Pre-employment checks completed 

• Up to 3 days for response 

5. Formal offer provided and onboarding process commences 

• Wait depends on employee’s required notice period at previous employment 

6. Employee commences with St Nicholas 

St Nicholas’ onboarding program is designed to welcome and support new employees. 

Our onboarding program will: 

• Welcome new employees and make them feel at ease 
• Familiarise new employees with their physical working environment 
• Familiarise new employees with the policies, procedures and practices of their centre/service 
• Invite constructive feedback about the service from new employees 
• Build the basis for a mutually positive and committed relationship. 

You will be assigned a mentor during your orientation period to assist you with settling into the routines at St Nicholas. 

The Director/Nominated Supervisor will meet with you during the next three months to provide a forum for mutual feedback. 

The feedback will focus on: 

• Interactions with children 
• Interactions with parents 
• Interactions with other employees 
• Interactions with co-workers 
• Health and safety practices. 

Meeting with the Director/Nominated Supervisor will also give you the opportunity to ask questions and for your manager to provide any additional training/information about your role and functions in the service.