Helping Hands Network is working in partnership with Caloundra State School to provide Outside School Hours Care services to the school community.
Location
The Helping Hands Network OSHC facility is located in the activity room below the classrooms in C block, and is centrally accessible to outdoor play areas. All children attending the service must be dropped off in the morning or collected in the afternoon by an authorised person and signed in and out of the OSHC room each day.
Programs
Helping Hands Network tailors their programs to meet the local school community needs, providing much more than child minding.
Their programs are designed to develop stronger, healthier, happier children and to provide an environment that is like a "home away from home".
Programs are developed in consultation with children, parents, the school community and Helping Hands Educators. They are tailored to cater to the children's age, skill, interests and abilities through a variety of challenging and recreational activities.
Before and after school care
Care is available 5 days per week during term time. Before school, the service operates from 6.30am - 9.00am. After school, the service operates 3.00pm to 6.00pm. Children can walk straight to and from their classrooms. Educators from the service pick up and drop off the Prep and Year 1 students and escort them to the OSHC room.
Vacation care and student free days
A full day program is available 5 days per week during school holidays, and on Student Free Days from 6.30am to 6.00pm.
Food
Helping Hands Network provides a healthy breakfast at Before School Care and a healthy afternoon tea at After School Care. Breakfast, morning tea, and afternoon tea are all provided at Vacation Care. In addition to these meals the children also have the opportunity to participate in cooking activities and the occasional special treat.
Fees
Before School Care: $18.50 per session
After School Care: $25.50 per session
Vacation Care: $52 per session
Government subsidies
There are a number of schemes available to parents including;
Child Care Subsidy (CCS) - CCS is a means tested benefit available to parents accessing Outside School Hours Care. The percentage benefit available to a family is determined by criteria including the number of children in care and household income. Helping Hands Network automatically lodges claims on behalf of parents, and only bills for the difference.
Cost to parents after CCS (see above)
After 85% CCS, costs per child per session for a permanent booking range from:
Before School Care $2.78
After School Care $3.83
Vacation Care $7.80
These costs are based on current rebate estimates as provided by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR), but may be subject to change by the Department.
Currently, places are available in Before School Care, After School Care and for Vacation Care.
For more information visit the Helping Hands Network website.
To make an enquiry to use the service, please contact the Coordinator of the service directly on: mobile 0457 735 704 or by email at caloundra@helpinghandsnetwork.com.au
To speak to the accounts department, please call 1300 612 462.
Parent handbook
A copy of the parent handbook is available on request from the service coordinator, or by contacting the Helping Hands Network head office
on 1300 612 462.