Frequently Asked Questions

First Connections Academy for Kids has purpose-built early learning centres in:

• Schofields
• Edmondson Park

Each centre offers warm, welcoming learning environments designed to feel like a second home, where children feel safe, inspired and supported every day.
Visit our Centres page to learn more or Book a Tour.

Enrolling is easy.

Simply complete our Enrolment Enquiry Form or contact your preferred centre to arrange a tour.

Once you’re ready to enrol, our team will guide you through the online enrolment process and explain the information and documents you’ll need, including your child’s immunisation record, Medicare details and Customer Reference Number (CRN) for Child Care Subsidy purposes.

Absolutely.
We encourage every family to visit before enrolling.
A tour is a great opportunity to:

• Meet our educators
• Explore our learning environments
• Learn about our educational programs
• See our indoor and outdoor play spaces
• Ask any questions about your child’s care and development

Our team would love to show you around.

Availability varies depending on your preferred centre, your child’s age and the days you require.

If your preferred days aren’t immediately available, we’ll happily discuss your options and place your child on our waitlist where appropriate.

Our centres are open Monday to Friday from 7:00am to 6:00pm, excluding public holidays.

These extended hours help support busy working families while providing children with a full day of engaging learning and care.

Yes.

First Connections Academy for Kids is an approved Child Care Subsidy (CCS) provider.

The Child Care Subsidy helps eligible Australian families reduce their out-of-pocket childcare costs. Your subsidy is based on factors including:

• Combined family income
• Hours of recognised activity (such as work or study)
• Type of care and hours attended

If you need help understanding your eligibility or estimating your subsidy, our team is happy to assist and can point you towards the relevant Services Australia resources.

Our daily fee is designed to include many of the everyday essentials your child needs while attending care.

Depending on your child’s age, inclusions include:

• Nutritious breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and late supper
• Baby puree and cow’s milk for younger children
• Nappies, wipes and pull-ups
• Bedding for rest time
• Sunscreen
• Wide-brim First Connections hat
• First Connections backpack
• Extra-curricular programs (where applicable)

For current fees and inclusions, please contact your preferred centre.

Our educational program is guided by Australia’s Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and National Quality Standards. Through play-based learning and intentional teaching, children develop confidence, creativity, communication, resilience, independence and problem-solving skills. Every learning experience is planned around each child’s interests, strengths and stage of development, creating meaningful opportunities for learning every day.

Our School Readiness Program helps children transition confidently into primary school academically, socially and emotionally.

Delivered by Diploma-qualified educators and Early Childhood Teachers in small groups, the program focuses on:

• Early literacy and numeracy
• Emotional regulation
• Confidence and resilience
• Independence and self-help skills
• Positive social relationships
• Following routines and instructions
• Curiosity, creativity and a love of learning

Children also build practical independence through experiences like Lunch Box Week and benefit from our connections with local primary schools to support a smooth transition to school.

Our passionate educators are the heart of First Connections.

Each centre is led by a qualified Centre Director and Nominated Supervisor, supported by an Educational Leader who mentors educators and guides curriculum planning.

Our collaborative team includes qualified Early Childhood Teachers, Diploma-qualified educators, Certificate III educators and trainees who exceed the minimum educator-to-child staffing ratios, providing children with individual attention and meaningful relationships.

Children enjoy nutritious, culturally inclusive meals and snacks throughout the day.

Our menus are approved through the NSW Health Munch & Move program and support healthy eating habits from an early age.

If your child has allergies or dietary requirements, we’ll work closely with your family to ensure their needs are safely met.

One of the things families love about First Connections is that we provide many everyday essentials.

Generally, children only need:

• A change of clothes
• Any medications or comfort items if required

We’ll provide your child’s hat, bedding, sunscreen, nappies (where applicable), meals and many other daily essentials. Our team will let you know if anything additional is required before your child’s first day.

Yes. Disposable nappies, wipes and pull-ups are provided, making life a little easier for families. Our centres also provide bedding, sunscreen and other everyday essentials to help children feel comfortable throughout the day.

We believe strong partnerships with families are essential.

Throughout the day you’ll stay connected through our dedicated parent app, where you’ll receive:

• Photos
• Daily updates
• Learning experiences
• Check-ins
• Important announcements

Children also have individual learning journals that document their development, interests and progress over time.

To keep families informed about what’s happening across the centre, we also send a monthly newsletter featuring upcoming events, important reminders, centre news, learning highlights and helpful parenting information.

Our educators also welcome regular conversations with families to ensure we’re working together to support every child’s learning, wellbeing and development.

We understand that starting childcare is a big milestone for both children and families.

Our calm, welcoming environments are designed to help children feel secure and develop a strong sense of belonging from their very first day.

We work closely with families to understand each child’s routines, interests and individual needs so they can settle into care at their own pace.

Children’s health and wellbeing are our highest priority.

We work closely with families to develop individual medical management plans where required and follow strict procedures for allergies, asthma, anaphylaxis and other medical conditions.

Please let us know about any medical or dietary requirements during the enrolment process so we can provide the best possible care.

Children’s safety and wellbeing underpin everything we do.

Our centres promote healthy lifestyles through the NSW Health Munch & Move program and follow the Cancer Council’s SunSmart guidelines for outdoor play.

We also maintain secure learning environments, comprehensive health and safety procedures and educator practices that support children’s wellbeing every day.

At First Connections, we do more than care for children—we help shape confident, capable young learners who feel safe, inspired and supported.

Families choose us because of our:

• Warm, home-like learning environments
• Highly qualified and passionate educators
• Strong relationships with children and families
• Play-based curriculum guided by the EYLF
• School Readiness Program
• Strong connections with local primary schools
• Inclusive philosophy that celebrates every child
• Long opening hours to support working families

We believe every child deserves a champion—someone who supports, encourages and celebrates them every day. That philosophy guides everything we do.