FAQ's
Have Questions?
Our Centres
How do I enrol my child at Perfect Start Early Education?
If you’re considering enrolment, we invite you to book a tour at the Perfect Start Early Education centre closest to you. Families are encouraged to explore as many of our centres as they’d like to find the ideal environment, team, and facilities to support their child’s growth.
During your visit, you’ll have the chance to meet our Centre Manager, gain insights into our educational programs, and ask any questions about our unique approach or facilities. We aim to give families a clear sense of what makes our philosophy and practices so special.
If you’re ready to begin your journey with us, the Centre Manager will provide an Enrolment Pack or place you on the Waiting List, depending on your preferred start date and availability. Following your tour, a member of our management team will be in touch to answer any additional questions and guide you through the next steps.
Families on the Waiting List receive regular updates about their child’s placement status and helpful information about the centre and learning resources from Perfect Start Early Education.
You Can Visit Our Parent Resources Page for Additional Information.
Can I schedule a tour of the centre, and can my child join me before starting care?
Absolutely! You’re warmly invited to book a complimentary tour at any of our centres. During the visit, a team member will guide you through, giving you an in-depth look at our facilities and approach.
Once you’re ready to enrol, we’re happy to arrange a ‘stay and play’ session for your child so they can experience the environment firsthand. For these sessions, we ask that parents remain present to ensure comfort and familiarity for your little one.
How does the waiting list work, and when can I expect an offer for my child’s place?
Perfect Start’s waiting list considers each child’s age group, preferred days, and attendance schedule.
When spaces become available, we will contact families as soon as possible to inform them about current vacancies and enrolment options. Once notified, families have a few days to accept the offered position.
For January/February starts, offers may be made as early as September of the previous year, after reviewing graduates and classroom transitions within our existing community.
Do you have a minimum number of days my child has to attend?
What do I need to bring on my child’s first day?
Your child will need a spare change of clothes, bedding (a sheet and pillow), and a water bottle, with the exception of nursery children, for whom we provide bedding. Families with little ones in the nursery should bring bottles and formula or breast milk. If your child has a comfort item, such as a pacifier, blanket, or soft toy, please feel free to bring it along.
If you’d like to talk about enrolling your child, don’t hesitate to reach out to us anytime.
How does Child Care Subsidy work?
Child Care Subsidy is available to help families cover the cost of childcare if they meet the eligibility requirements. To apply, families can set up or access their Centre Link online account and submit a claim for the subsidy through myGov.
The amount of subsidised care you receive each fortnight is based on your income and the combined hours of work, training, study, or other recognised activities. This information will be sent directly to Centre Link.
Before starting care, you’ll need to establish a “Complying Written Arrangement” with Pefect Start Early Education. This agreement outlines your child’s care requirements. Once this is set up, an enrolment notice will be created for your child, which you’ll need to confirm before the subsidy can be applied. If you need to make changes to your agreement, you can do this through your myGov account.
Child Care Subsidy payments are made directly to your provider after attendance reports are submitted. A standard 5% of the subsidy is withheld to help prevent debts at the end of the financial year. If needed, you can choose to have this withheld amount increased.
For more information about the Child Care Subsidy and the Additional Child Care Subsidy, visit the Department of Human Services website at www.education.gov.au/ChildCarePackage. You can also call Centre Link at 13 61 50, Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 8 pm.
Remember, it’s your responsibility to keep your Child Care Subsidy eligibility up to date. If your eligibility expires, you’ll need to pay full fees until it’s reinstated.
When are my fees due?
Fees are payable on the Friday of your child’s first week of care via a direct debit. Fees are payable one week in advance, so in your child’s first week of care, two weeks’ fees will be debited.
What to expect when starting at Perfect Start Centres?
We understand that settling into childcare can be an emotional time for both children and their parents. It may be the child’s first experience or your child may be transitioning to a new room in the centre. At times children have difficulty separating from their families and each child’s reactions and length of time they take to settle into their environment depends on the child, their previous experiences and their age.
Families can assist their child by
- Spending time at the centre with their child before and as they settle into care. Families are welcome to visit the service by making prior arrangements with the Director.
- Show confidence about your decision for your child to attend the service. Displaying trust in us will send the message of reassurance to your child.
- Ensure you have informed educators about your child’s likes, dislikes, routines and individual preferences for food and drink.
- Seek out a preferred educator that your child can be left with when you drop them off for the day.
- Allow time for drop off as often children do not cope when it is rushed.
- Contact the service during your child’s first days to check how your child is settling.
Our Management Team will assist your child by
- Ensuring that each family has participated in the enrolment and orientation process.
- Allowing the orientation process to be flexible to meet the needs of all families.
- Ensuring that there are effective procedures for moving to a new room.
- Rostering educators allowing for consistency for new children and families.
Our Educators will
- Be aware of new enrolments, their commencement day, their background information their interests and needs.
- Encourage a separation routine, does the child need to wave at the window, or the gate or do they need to become involved in a favourite activity?
- Encourage the parent to let you know approximately what time they will collect their child as this will allow educators to honestly tell a child whether it will be soon or later.
- Immediately let children know where they can toilet, and keep their bag or lunch box. Discuss with the child how they will receive their meals. All children need to know their basic needs will be met.
- Buddy new children with long term children. This will ensure that children feel welcome and accepted.
- Make the day fun filled and wonderful, so children leave and want to come back!!
- Children will often feel that their family is not ever going to return. A picture book made of photos of the centre routine can be compiled and discussed. This will reassure the child that at a specific time their parents will come back.
- A photo of the child’s parents laminated may also comfort a child.
- Encourage the family to ring and check on their child’s progress and provide honest feedback.
Joining Our Team
What makes Perfect Start Early Education a great place to work?
At Perfect Start, you’re not just an educator — you’re a valued member of a close-knit team that genuinely loves what it does. We are a Queensland-owned group with a strong sense of community, where your ideas are heard, your professional growth is supported, and the work you do each day makes a real difference in children’s lives. Our Reggio Emilia-inspired philosophy means you’ll work in a creative, reflective, and collaborative environment that’s as enriching for educators as it is for children.
What positions do you typically recruit for?
We recruit across a range of roles including Early Childhood Teachers (ECTs), Diploma-qualified Educators, Certificate III Educators, Room Leaders, and Trainees. We welcome applications from passionate individuals at all stages of their career, from recent graduates to experienced professionals.
Qualifications & Experience
What qualifications do I need to work at Perfect Start?
Requirements vary by role.
For Early Childhood Teacher positions, an approved Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) or equivalent is required.
Diploma-level educators need an approved Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, and Certificate III roles require the relevant Certificate III qualification.
If you’re currently studying, we’d still love to hear from you, we value enthusiasm and a genuine love of working with children.
Do I need prior experience in a childcare setting?
Experience is valued but not always essential, particularly for entry-level roles. What matters most to us is a genuine passion for early childhood education, a warm and nurturing nature, and a willingness to grow. We provide thorough onboarding and ongoing mentorship to set every team member up for success.
How to Apply
How do I apply for a position at Perfect Start?
You can apply through the Careers page on our website by submitting your resume and a brief cover letter telling us a little about yourself and why you’d love to join our team. We review all applications carefully and will be in touch to let you know next steps.
What does the recruitment process look like?
Our process typically involves an initial application review, followed by a phone or video screening, and then an in-person interview at the centre. We want to get to know you as a person, not just your resume, so come ready to share what drives your passion for early childhood education.
Can I apply even if there are no current vacancies listed?
Absolutely. We’re always growing and love hearing from talented people who share our values. Send us an expression of interest and we’ll keep your details on file for when the right opportunity arises.
Working with children & Compliance
Do I need a Blue Card to work at Perfect Start?
Yes. All team members working with children in Queensland are required to hold a current Blue Card (Working with Children Check) issued by the Blue Card Services. If you don’t yet have one, you can apply through the Queensland Government website. We can guide you through this process if needed.
Are there any other compliance requirements?
Yes, you’ll also need a current First Aid certificate including CPR, Asthma, and Anaphylaxis training. Depending on your role, additional compliance requirements may apply. Don’t worry if you’re not fully up to date… we’ll work with you to ensure everything is in order before you start.
Pay, Benefits & Conditions
What are the pay and conditions like?
We pay in accordance with the Children’s Services Award and recognise qualifications and experience appropriately. We are committed to fair, transparent remuneration and to ensuring our team feels genuinely valued.
Will I have opportunities to grow my career at Perfect Start?
Yes, we are deeply invested in the professional journeys of our team. Whether you’re working toward your next qualification, stepping into a leadership role, or deepening your practice through ongoing professional development, we will support you every step of the way. Many of our Room Leaders and senior educators have grown from within our centres.
Do you support further study?
We actively encourage continuing education and professional growth. We aim to create flexible arrangements where possible to support team members who are studying alongside their role, and we celebrate qualifications milestones as a team.
What does professional development look like at Perfect Start?
Our educators participate in regular team planning sessions, reflective practice, and centre-based professional development aligned with the EYLF and our Reggio-inspired philosophy. We also support access to external training, conferences, and industry events to keep our team inspired and informed.
Career Growth & Training
Will I have opportunities to grow my career at Perfect Start?
Yes, we are deeply invested in the professional journeys of our team. Whether you’re working toward your next qualification, stepping into a leadership role, or deepening your practice through ongoing professional development, we will support you every step of the way. Many of our Room Leaders and senior educators have grown from within our centres.
What benefits do you offer educators?
Beyond your salary, working at Perfect Start comes with a range of benefits including:
- Funded professional development and training opportunities
- Supportive leadership and regular reflective practice sessions
- A collaborative, positive team culture
- Meaningful work in beautifully designed learning environments
- The joy of watching children grow every single day
How do I enroll
How do I enrol my child at Perfect Start Early Education?
If you’re considering enrolment, we invite you to book a tour at the Perfect Start Early Education centre closest to you. Families are encouraged to explore as many of our centres as they’d like to find the ideal environment, team, and facilities to support their child’s growth.
During your visit, you’ll have the chance to meet our Centre Manager, gain insights into our educational programs, and ask any questions about our unique approach or facilities. We aim to give families a clear sense of what makes our philosophy and practices so special.
If you’re ready to begin your journey with us, the Centre Manager will provide an Enrolment Pack or place you on the Waiting List, depending on your preferred start date and availability. Following your tour, a member of our management team will be in touch to answer any additional questions and guide you through the next steps.
Families on the Waiting List receive regular updates about their child’s placement status and helpful information about the centre and learning resources from Perfect Start Early Education.
You Can Visit Our Parent Resources Page for Additional Information.
Can I schedule a tour of the centre, and can my child join me before starting care?
Absolutely! You’re warmly invited to book a complimentary tour at any of our centres. During the visit, a team member will guide you through, giving you an in-depth look at our facilities and approach.
Once you’re ready to enrol, we’re happy to arrange a ‘stay and play’ session for your child so they can experience the environment firsthand. For these sessions, we ask that parents remain present to ensure comfort and familiarity for your little one.
How does the waiting list work, and when can I expect an offer for my child’s place?
Perfect Start’s waiting list considers each child’s age group, preferred days, and attendance schedule.
When spaces become available, we will contact families as soon as possible to inform them about current vacancies and enrolment options. Once notified, families have a few days to accept the offered position.
For January/February starts, offers may be made as early as September of the previous year, after reviewing graduates and classroom transitions within our existing community.
Do you have a minimum number of days my child has to attend?
What do I need to bring on my child’s first day?
Your child will need a spare change of clothes, bedding (a sheet and pillow), and a water bottle, with the exception of nursery children, for whom we provide bedding. Families with little ones in the nursery should bring bottles and formula or breast milk. If your child has a comfort item, such as a pacifier, blanket, or soft toy, please feel free to bring it along.
If you’d like to talk about enrolling your child, don’t hesitate to reach out to us anytime.
How does Child Care Subsidy work?
Child Care Subsidy is available to help families cover the cost of childcare if they meet the eligibility requirements. To apply, families can set up or access their Centre Link online account and submit a claim for the subsidy through myGov.
The amount of subsidised care you receive each fortnight is based on your income and the combined hours of work, training, study, or other recognised activities. This information will be sent directly to Centre Link.
Before starting care, you’ll need to establish a “Complying Written Arrangement” with Pefect Start Early Education. This agreement outlines your child’s care requirements. Once this is set up, an enrolment notice will be created for your child, which you’ll need to confirm before the subsidy can be applied. If you need to make changes to your agreement, you can do this through your myGov account.
Child Care Subsidy payments are made directly to your provider after attendance reports are submitted. A standard 5% of the subsidy is withheld to help prevent debts at the end of the financial year. If needed, you can choose to have this withheld amount increased.
For more information about the Child Care Subsidy and the Additional Child Care Subsidy, visit the Department of Human Services website at www.education.gov.au/ChildCarePackage. You can also call Centre Link at 13 61 50, Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 8 pm.
Remember, it’s your responsibility to keep your Child Care Subsidy eligibility up to date. If your eligibility expires, you’ll need to pay full fees until it’s reinstated.
When are my fees due?
Fees are payable on the Friday of your child’s first week of care via a direct debit. Fees are payable one week in advance, so in your child’s first week of care, two weeks’ fees will be debited.
What to expect when starting at Perfect Start Centres?
We understand that settling into childcare can be an emotional time for both children and their parents. It may be the child’s first experience or your child may be transitioning to a new room in the centre. At times children have difficulty separating from their families and each child’s reactions and length of time they take to settle into their environment depends on the child, their previous experiences and their age.
Families can assist their child by
- Spending time at the centre with their child before and as they settle into care. Families are welcome to visit the service by making prior arrangements with the Director.
- Show confidence about your decision for your child to attend the service. Displaying trust in us will send the message of reassurance to your child.
- Ensure you have informed educators about your child’s likes, dislikes, routines and individual preferences for food and drink.
- Seek out a preferred educator that your child can be left with when you drop them off for the day.
- Allow time for drop off as often children do not cope when it is rushed.
- Contact the service during your child’s first days to check how your child is settling.
Our Management Team will assist your child by
- Ensuring that each family has participated in the enrolment and orientation process.
- Allowing the orientation process to be flexible to meet the needs of all families.
- Ensuring that there are effective procedures for moving to a new room.
- Rostering educators allowing for consistency for new children and families.
Our Educators will
- Be aware of new enrolments, their commencement day, their background information their interests and needs.
- Encourage a separation routine, does the child need to wave at the window, or the gate or do they need to become involved in a favourite activity?
- Encourage the parent to let you know approximately what time they will collect their child as this will allow educators to honestly tell a child whether it will be soon or later.
- Immediately let children know where they can toilet, and keep their bag or lunch box. Discuss with the child how they will receive their meals. All children need to know their basic needs will be met.
- Buddy new children with long term children. This will ensure that children feel welcome and accepted.
- Make the day fun filled and wonderful, so children leave and want to come back!!
- Children will often feel that their family is not ever going to return. A picture book made of photos of the centre routine can be compiled and discussed. This will reassure the child that at a specific time their parents will come back.
- A photo of the child’s parents laminated may also comfort a child.
- Encourage the family to ring and check on their child’s progress and provide honest feedback.
Nurturing Unique Early Learning Journeys
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