Little Scholars School of Early Learning provides CCS-approved vacation care and before and after school care across 11 Gold Coast campuses. This guide explains how these programs work, who is eligible, and how to find a location near you. It covers service hours, subsidy details, and the specific activities children participate in during care.

Vacation Care Services

Vacation care is a supervised program designed for school-aged children during school holidays. At Little Scholars, these programs are run by experienced and qualified educators. The goal is to ensure your child is happy, cared for, and engaged in a safe and nurturing environment. Your child is not just waiting for you to arrive; they are thriving through structured play and social interaction.

Program Structure and Activities

Children in vacation care participate in a variety of activities that go beyond simple supervision. The programs are designed to be engaging and fun, helping children make friends and stay active. Educators lead sessions that include creative arts, physical play, and group games. This approach supports social development while keeping children entertained during the break from school.

Who Can Enrol

Vacation care is typically available for children who are of school age. If your child's school is not listed in our current program, you should contact your local campus team for specifics. Availability can vary by campus and holiday period, so it is best to check directly with the location nearest to your home. Enrolment is subject to availability, and places are often allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Before and After School Care

Before and after school care, often referred to as OSHC (Outside School Hours Care), provides reliable supervision before and after the school day. At Little Scholars, these programs are integrated into our campus operations. They are designed around your family's day, offering flexibility for working parents. The care is provided in a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment that complements the school day.

Operating Hours

Before school care typically starts from approximately 6:30am and runs through to school drop-off. After school care runs from school pick-up through to late afternoon. Exact hours vary by campus and the specific school attached to the service. You should contact your local team for the precise start and finish times for your child's school. This flexibility helps parents manage their work schedules without stress.

Daily Routines and Meals

Meals are a key component of the after school care experience. Little Scholars provides chef-prepared meals and snacks that are nutritionally balanced. If your child has allergies, the kitchen team is allergy-aware and works with you to manage dietary needs. The routine includes time for homework, creative play, and socializing with peers. This structure helps children transition smoothly from the school environment to the care setting.

Child Care Subsidy and Costs

The cost of care is often a primary concern for families. All Little Scholars Before and After School Care and Vacation Care programs are approved for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS). This means the government helps cover the cost for eligible families. Eligible families can receive up to a 90% subsidy, significantly reducing out-of-pocket expenses. The exact amount depends on your family's income and circumstances, as assessed by Services Australia.

Calculating Your Subsidy

To see exactly what you might pay, you can use the CCS calculator available on our website. This tool provides an indicative estimate based on current rates. It helps you budget for childcare costs before you enrol. Please note that the calculator is indicative only, and final rates are determined by the government. Using this tool helps you understand the financial commitment involved in enrolling your child.

Understanding Eligibility

Eligibility for the CCS is determined by several factors, including your income, the number of children in care, and your work or study status. You must apply for the CCS through Services Australia. Once approved, the subsidy is applied directly to your childcare account. This process ensures that the government pays the provider directly for the subsidized portion of the fee. You only pay the remaining balance, making high-quality care more accessible for many families.

Gold Coast Campus Locations

Little Scholars operates 11 campuses across the Gold Coast, providing extensive coverage for families in the region. These purpose-built facilities are located in key suburbs, making it easy to find a center near your home or workplace. Each campus offers the full range of early learning and school-age care services. The consistent quality across all locations ensures that your child receives the same high standard of care regardless of which campus they attend.

Choosing the Right Campus

When selecting a campus, consider proximity to your home and your child's school. For before and after school care, the campus is often attached to a specific school. Check which schools are serviced by each campus to ensure it fits your logistics. For vacation care, you may have more flexibility in choosing a location. Visiting the campus in person is recommended to see the facilities and meet the team.

Key Takeaways

• Little Scholars offers CCS-approved vacation care and before and after school care across 11 Gold Coast campuses.
• Before school care starts around 6:30am, and after school care runs until late afternoon, with exact hours varying by campus.
• Eligible families can receive up to a 90% Child Care Subsidy, significantly reducing costs.
• Programs are run by qualified educators in safe, nurturing environments with chef-prepared meals.
• Vacation care is available during school holidays and is subject to availability.
• You can use the online CCS calculator to estimate your out-of-pocket costs.
• Campuses are located in Ashmore, Burleigh, Burleigh Waters, Nerang, Pacific Pines, Parkwood, Ormeau, Ormeau 2, Ormeau Village, Stapylton, and Yatala.
• Contact your local campus for specific school attachments and current availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hours does Before and After School Care run?

Before school care starts from approximately 6:30am through to school drop-off. After school care runs from pick-up through to late afternoon. Exact hours vary by campus, so you should contact your local team for specifics.

Is my child eligible for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS)?

Eligibility is determined by Services Australia based on your family's income and circumstances. All Little Scholars programs are CCS approved, so if you are eligible, the subsidy will apply to your fees.

Are meals included in the care programs?

Yes, chef-prepared meals and snacks are provided. The kitchens are allergy-aware, and menus are designed to be nutritionally balanced for growing children.

What if my child's school isn't listed?

If your child's school is not currently listed for before and after school care, contact your local campus. They can advise on availability and whether the school is serviced by a nearby location.

How do I know my child is safe?

All staff hold current Blue Cards and undergo rigorous screening. The programs are run by qualified educators in a safe, nurturing environment that prioritizes child safety and wellbeing.

What do children do in After School Care?

Children participate in a mix of homework, creative play, and social activities. The routine is designed to be engaging and fun, helping children relax and socialize after the school day.

Can I use the CCS calculator to estimate costs?

Yes, you can use the free CCS calculator on our website to see an indicative estimate of what you would pay. This helps you budget for childcare costs before enrolling.

How do I book a tour of a campus?

You can book a tour by visiting our website or calling 1300 896 139. A tour allows you to see the facilities, meet the educators, and ask any questions you have about the programs.

Conclusion

Finding the right vacation care and after school care on the Gold Coast is easier when you know what to look for. Little Scholars School of Early Learning offers a comprehensive range of services across 11 campuses, ensuring there is likely a location convenient for your family. With CCS approval, qualified educators, and chef-prepared meals, we provide a supportive environment for your child. To plan your visit or check availability, book a tour of your nearest campus today.