Sandhills Early Childhood Centre
6 Gilmore Crescent
Byron Bay NSW 2481
Sandhills provides long day care for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years, and is licensed to accommodate up to 54 children per day. Hours of operation are 8am to 6pm and the centre is open throughout the year, closing only for approximately 2 weeks over the Christmas, New Year period.
The Centre complies with the Quality Improvement and Accreditation System and recently achieved an overall rating of “High Quality” which is the highest level obtainable.
Our Early Childhood Program
Sandhills promotes a flexible emergent program that follows careful observation and collaboration with all participants – children, families and colleagues. It reflects our view of children as being capable and resourceful contributors to their own learning. We build on children’s strengths and interests to engage them in play based learning, and are guided by the NSW Curriculum framework in our approach.
Our Place
The centre has four playrooms that are designed to provide learning spaces for children, from infants and toddlers through to preschoolers. Each space is a unique setting and has its own outdoor area. Groups of young children engage in play with their peers and are observed and guided by familiar, qualified staff. It is our role to nurture and support children’s curiosity, perceptions and emotions, and develop meaningful relationships with all participants. Family grouping is encouraged with the whole group coming together in the later part of the afternoon.
Our Team
Sandhills employs a range of qualified early childhood practitioners that includes Bachelor of Early Childhood teachers, Diploma of Children’s Services child care workers, Certificate III child care assistants and centre trained staff. Our team work collaboratively in a mutually supportive environment with a shared vision for the emergent curriculum and we are influenced by the work of teachers at the Reggio Emilia centres in Italy. As professionals, we aim to produce positive learning outcomes and keep moving forward with the new principles and research ideals of early childhood practice.
Fees
We believe our fees reflect value for money. It enables us to provide staff ratios in excess of legal requirements, three nutritionally balanced meals each day, hats for the 3-5 year olds, sun block and visiting entertainment.
Because we are community based and not-for-profit, all income goes back into operating the service to provide the best possible learning outcomes for children. Please contact the centre for the current fees and charges.
Waiting List
Childcare places at highly regarded services are often difficult to obtain, particularly for the 0-3 years age group. If you are planning on returning to work after the birth of your baby, it is important that you place them on the waiting list as soon as possible.
Waiting List forms can be downloaded and current fees are listed in the Family Handbook, both available in PDF format from this page. We suggest you visit us before making a decision about whether Sandhills is the right option for your family. Call the centre to make a time when someone will be available to show you around and provide the necessary information.
Parent Participation
Our centre is community based, and a Parent Committee provides input into policy development, social and fundraising activities. Parents are welcome to stay and play, or contribute to the program by reading stories, teaching new songs, music, dance or games. We see ourselves as a ‘community of learners’ partnering with parents in the care and education of children.
A Sustainable Future at Sandhills
The playgrounds at Sandhills are natural, with bark chips, mulch and some grass. We are phasing out the use of disposable nappies, and currently buy organic nappies that are washed daily and hung to dry.
We also have a herb garden that is fed with compost from our double chamber compost bin. We now regenerate all our food waste and the grounds are beginning to reap the benefits of this rich garden source. The children are very proud of their gardening efforts.
A 10,000 gallon water tank has been installed to collect water from the roof for use in the washing machine and toilets, and for a reticulated water course for play. The Centre has run a Water Wise education program and undertaken a waste audit.
We are excited at the opportunity to sow the seeds of sustainability in our children that may really impact on the future of our planet.
Contact Details
Phone: 02 6685 8118
Fax: 02 6685 8678
Email: sandhills@byron.nsw.gov.au