Information for New Families | Childcare in Point Cook, Thornhill Park & Shepparton
Starting your child at an early learning centre is one of the biggest milestones your family will experience — and we know it comes with questions, emotions, and more than a few things to figure out. At Creative Hands Early Learning Centre, we want to make that journey as smooth and reassuring as possible. Whether you’re enrolling a newborn in our nursery or transitioning a toddler into kindergarten, this guide covers everything new families need to know before their first day.
What to expect when you’re new to childcare
For many families, starting childcare is brand new territory. The process can feel complex — from understanding session types and fees to navigating government subsidies and settling-in routines. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be complicated, and our team at Creative Hands is here to walk you through every step.
We have centres in Point Cook, Thornhill Park, and Shepparton, each with a warm, experienced team ready to welcome your family. No matter which location you’re joining, the experience starts the same way — with a conversation and a tour.
Booking your first tour
The best way to get started is to come in and see the centre for yourself. A tour gives you the chance to explore our learning spaces, meet our educators, ask questions about your child’s age group and needs, and get a real feel for whether Creative Hands is the right fit for your family.
Tours are available now across all three of our centres. Book a tour online or call us directly and we’ll find a time that suits you. Bring your child along — we love meeting them early.
Understanding your childcare options
Creative Hands offers programs for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years across the following age groups:
- Nursery (6 weeks to 18 months) — a calm, nurturing environment built around the individual needs and rhythms of babies, with consistent educators who get to know your child deeply.
- Toddlers (18 months to 3 years) — a play-rich environment that supports growing independence, language development, and social connection.
- Kindergarten (3 to 5 years) — a funded kindergarten program delivered by qualified early childhood teachers, focused on school readiness, curiosity, and confident learning.
We offer flexible session options to suit different family schedules, including extended hours and the ability to adapt bookings as your needs change. Speak to our team about what’s available at your preferred centre.
How the Child Care Subsidy works
Most families using an approved childcare provider in Australia are eligible for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) through Services Australia. The subsidy is means-tested and activity-tested, meaning the amount you receive depends on your family’s income and the hours of recognised activity each parent undertakes.
Creative Hands is an approved CCS provider, which means the subsidy is applied directly to your fees — you only pay the gap. To access CCS, you’ll need a myGov account linked to Centrelink, your child’s enrolment details confirmed, and a completed subsidy application. Our team can guide you through this and answer any questions about what you’re likely to receive.
What to bring on your child’s first day
Once you’re enrolled, here’s what to have ready for your child’s first day at Creative Hands:
- A clearly labelled bag with a spare change of clothes
- Any comfort items your child relies on — a dummy, a soft toy, or a familiar blanket
- Sunscreen (we apply it, but you’re welcome to bring your child’s preferred brand)
- A water bottle labelled with your child’s name
You don’t need to bring food or nappies — Creative Hands provides chef-prepared meals with halal, vegetarian, and allergy-aware options, and nappies and wipes are included in your fees.
Settling your child into a new environment
It’s completely normal for children — and parents — to find the first few days at childcare an emotional adjustment. Our educators are experienced at supporting settling-in, and we follow each child’s lead rather than rushing the process.
We recommend a gradual transition where possible — starting with shorter sessions and building up over the first week or two. Our team will keep you updated throughout the day with photos and observations so you know exactly how your child is going. We also encourage families to stay and settle for as long as they need in those early days — there’s no rush, and we want everyone to feel comfortable.
How we communicate with families every day
Once your child is settled, staying connected to their day is easy at Creative Hands. Our educators share daily photos and observations, and our team is always available for a face-to-face conversation at drop-off and pick-up. We believe open, honest communication is one of the most important things we offer — you’ll never feel out of the loop.
If you ever have a question or concern between visits, our centre teams are available by phone during operating hours. We want every family to feel supported and informed, every single day.
Our approach to early learning
At Creative Hands, we’re guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) — the national framework for early childhood education in Australia. Our programs are play-based, child-led, and intentionally designed to support development across five key learning outcomes: identity, community, wellbeing, learning, and communication.
You can read more about how we bring this to life each day on our Our Program and Curriculum pages.
Funded kindergarten at Creative Hands
If your child is turning 4 before 30 April in the year they attend, they may be eligible for Victoria’s funded kindergarten program. Creative Hands delivers a funded kindergarten program at our Point Cook, Thornhill Park, and Shepparton centres, giving your child access to a qualified early childhood teacher and a structured program designed to prepare them for school.
Visit our Kindergarten Program page to learn more about eligibility and what the program involves, or speak to our team when you come in for your tour.
Ready to get started?
If you’re a new family looking for childcare in Point Cook, Thornhill Park, or Shepparton, we’d love to welcome you to Creative Hands. We currently have places available across age groups and are enrolling now for immediate starts as well as 2027 enrolments.
Book a tour today and come and meet our team. You can also visit our How to Enrol page for a step-by-step guide to getting your child’s place secured, or contact us with any questions — we’re always happy to help.
Frequently asked questions for new families
What age groups does Creative Hands Early Learning Centre cater for?
Creative Hands caters for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years across nursery, toddler, and kindergarten programs at our Point Cook, Thornhill Park, and Shepparton centres.
How do I enrol my child at Creative Hands?
The first step is booking a tour at your nearest centre. Our team will then guide you through the enrolment process, including session options, fees, and Child Care Subsidy eligibility. Visit our How to Enrol page or call us directly to get started.
Does Creative Hands have immediate availability?
Yes. We currently have places available across age groups at our Point Cook, Thornhill Park, and Shepparton centres. Contact us as soon as possible to secure your child’s spot.
What is included in the fees at Creative Hands?
Our fees include chef-prepared meals with halal, vegetarian, and allergy-aware options, as well as nappies and wipes. We also offer extended hours and flexible booking options to suit busy families.
How does the Child Care Subsidy work?
The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is a government subsidy applied directly to your childcare fees through Services Australia. Eligibility is based on family income and activity levels. Creative Hands is an approved CCS provider, meaning the subsidy is applied at the source and you only pay the gap.
Does Creative Hands offer a funded kindergarten program?
Yes. Creative Hands delivers Victoria’s funded kindergarten program at our Point Cook, Thornhill Park, and Shepparton centres for children turning 4 before 30 April in the year of attendance. Visit our Kindergarten Program page to learn more.
How do you help children settle into childcare?
We follow each child’s lead and recommend a gradual transition, starting with shorter sessions and building up over the first week or two. Our educators provide daily photos and observations so families stay connected throughout the day.
What should my child bring on their first day?
A labelled bag with a spare change of clothes, any comfort items, sunscreen, and a labelled water bottle. You don’t need to bring food or nappies — these are all provided at Creative Hands.
