Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
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What age groups do you cater for?
Lili's Early Learning Centre provides care and education for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years at our centre in Hoppers Crossing. Our programs include the Nursery (6 weeks to 18 months), Toddler (18 months to 3 years), Pre-Kinder (3 to 4 years) and Kinder (4 to 5 years) rooms, each designed to support your child's development at every stage.
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What are your operating hours?
We are open Monday to Friday from 7:00am to 6:30pm, excluding public holidays. Our hours are designed to give families in Hoppers Crossing, Tarneit, Truganina and surrounding suburbs flexibility with drop-off and pick-up while ensuring children have a full day of learning, rest and play.
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Do you offer government-funded Kindergarten?
Yes. Lili's is a Victorian Approved Kindergarten provider, offering a government-funded kindergarten program for eligible children in the year before school and the year before that. Our program is delivered by a bachelor-qualified early childhood teacher and follows the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework. Families from Hoppers Crossing, Tarneit and Truganina are welcome to enquire about availability.
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Are meals provided?
Fresh, healthy meals are prepared daily onsite, ensuring children at our Hoppers Crossing centre enjoy nutritious food that supports growth, energy and wellbeing. Our menu caters to all dietary needs, including allergies, intolerances and religious requirements.
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How do I enrol my child?
Enrolling is straightforward. You can book a tour via our website or contact us directly on 03 8580 7112. After your visit we will guide you through the enrolment process and answer any questions about fees, orientation or availability.
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Is there a waitlist?
Yes, some rooms may have a waitlist, as availability varies by room and by the days you need. We recommend contacting us early to secure your preferred days and start date, and we will let you know current availability at our Hoppers Crossing centre.
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Do you offer casual days or flexible bookings?
Yes, we offer casual days and flexible bookings where availability allows. Please speak with our Centre Manager about flexible care options and current vacancies that suit your family’s needs.
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What’s included in the daily fee?
From nappies, wipes and cot linen to sunscreen, nutritious meals catering to all dietary requirements, and engaging programs that celebrate the cultures of our community, everything your child needs is included in your daily fee. There are no hidden costs – just exceptional care and education for your family.
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How will I know how my child is going during the day?
We use a secure app to share photos, daily updates, learning stories and messages with families. You will always feel connected to your child's day, even when you are not there.
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How do you support children during orientation?
We offer a personalised orientation process to help your child settle in gradually. Families are welcome to attend multiple orientation sessions so your child can become familiar with our educators and spaces before their first full day.
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What suburbs do you service?
Lili's Early Learning Centre is located at 645 Sayers Road, Hoppers Crossing, and we welcome families from Tarneit, Truganina, Wyndham Vale, Werribee, Point Cook and surrounding suburbs across Melbourne's west.
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How do I claim the Child Care Subsidy (CCS)?
Families can apply for the Child Care Subsidy through Centrelink via myGov. Once your child is enrolled at Lili's, we will finalise your enrolment in the CCS system and help you understand your entitlements. You can find more information on our CCS information page or through Services Australia.
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What qualifications do your educators hold?
Our educators hold or are actively working towards qualifications in early childhood education and care, including Certificate III and Diploma level. Our kindergarten program is delivered by a bachelor-qualified early childhood teacher. All educators hold a current Working with Children Check.
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What curriculum approach does Lili's follow?
Our curriculum is play-based and guided by the Early Years Learning Framework. It is also inspired by Montessori and Reggio Emilia approaches, which place children at the centre of their own learning and encourage curiosity, independence and creativity. Our educators plan experiences based on each child's interests and developmental stage, with strong links to the National Quality Framework.
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What is VIC Free Kinder and does Lili's offer it?
VIC Free Kinder is a Victorian Government initiative that provides funded kindergarten hours for three and four year olds at approved providers. Because Lili's is an approved provider, eligible families can access Free Kinder as part of their child's program at no additional cost. You can find out more on our VIC Free Kinder page or visit the Victorian Department of Education website for full eligibility details.
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How much does childcare cost at Lili's?
Our daily fees vary depending on your child’s room and the days you book. Most families are eligible for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), which significantly reduces the out-of-pocket cost, and eligible three and four year olds can access VIC Free Kinder. There are no hidden extras, as nappies, wipes, meals, sunscreen and program costs are included in the daily fee. Please contact us on 03 8580 7112 for our current daily fees and a personalised estimate.
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What is your educator-to-child ratio?
We maintain educator-to-child ratios in line with the National Quality Framework (NQF) for each age group, and our qualified educators provide close, responsive care. Smaller group sizes in our Nursery and Toddler rooms mean your child receives plenty of individual attention. We are happy to talk through the ratios for your child’s specific room during a tour.
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How do you keep children safe?
Child safety is our highest priority. Our Hoppers Crossing centre has secure entry and sign-in procedures, CCTV monitoring, and all educators hold a current Working with Children Check. We follow the Child Safe Standards and clear child protection policies, and our health, hygiene and supervision practices keep children safe throughout the day. You can read more on our Safety, Health and Wellbeing page.
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Are you open during school holidays?
Yes. As a long day care centre, we are open all year round, Monday to Friday from 7:00am to 6:30pm, including throughout the school holidays and closing only on public holidays. This gives working families in Hoppers Crossing and surrounding suburbs consistent care, unlike sessional council kindergartens that follow school terms.
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What is the difference between 3-Year-Old and 4-Year-Old Kinder?
Both are funded kindergarten programs led by a qualified early childhood teacher. 3-Year-Old Kinder is the first year, focusing on early social skills, confidence and a love of learning through play in our Pre-Kinder Room. 4-Year-Old Kinder is the year before school and builds directly on this, with a stronger focus on school readiness, independence, early literacy and numeracy in our Kinder Room. Eligible children can access both years through VIC Free Kinder at Lili’s.
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What should my child bring each day?
We keep it simple for families. Because nappies, wipes, meals, sunscreen and cot linen are included in the daily fee, your child only needs a few personal items: a sun hat, a spare change of clothes, a water bottle, and any comfort item that helps them feel settled. Please label everything with your child’s name. Our educators will let you know if anything specific is needed for your child’s room.