Welcome to Hillcrest Preschool Kindergarten
About Us
Your home away from home
We have been serving our community for over 40 years. Family owned and operated, our long serving educators and homely feel of the centre is the ideal environment for the children to learn, play, experience and grow.
As parents ourselves, we know the amount of effort, care and love that we shower our own children with. All children deserve the same attention and care and that's what we aim to do here at Hillcrest Preschool Kindergarten.
We focus on the interactions and experiences of each child. All activities are designed to adequately nurture the emotional and intellectual growth of our kids so that they are ready for the transition to school.
Our Mission
Supporting strong relationships
At Hillcrest Preschool Kindergarten, we support each other. We support our educators, our children, their families and ensure that the relationships we have with them are long lasting. Building a supportive environment where our staff and children feel safe to be who they are is our goal.
By providing this safe and supportive environment, our children have the foundation to to expand their cognitive, social, emotional, language and physical development. We respect each child as unique individuals, with their own individual beliefs, interests and ideas. We believe that your child's early experiences are vital for building a strong foundation for their future learning.
Helpful Information
Where can you find us?
We are located on the ground floor at 11 Hillcrest Avenue, Winston Hills, NSW 2153 directly opposite Winston Hills Public School.
Please take the footpath on the left which will lead you directly to the Preschool entrance.
How many weeks of the year do we operate?
We are open 49 weeks of the year. We are closed during the Christmas school holidays and all Public Holidays.
Our hours of operation are 7.30am - 4.00pm, Monday to Friday.
What ages do we enrol?
We enrol children from 3 - 5 years of age. We ask that your child turns 3 years old by the time they commence with us.
What do parents need to provide?
1. One piece of fruit for morning tea and a bottle of water for your child
2. A fresh, nutritious lunch in a cooler bag or thermos. No nut products, lollies, chips or chocolates of any kind are to be brought.
3. Small blanket and a fitted sheet for a rest time.
4. A change of clothing
5. A wide brimmed hat for outdoor play
All items must be clearly marked or labelled with your child's name.
How does the Child Care Subsidy work?
The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is a payment made by the Australian Government to help families with the cost of quality child care and early education. This is paid directly to the service to reduce your weekly fees. How much you receive depends on your individual circumstances. For more information about your eligibility and applying for the childcare subsidy, please see the link below.
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/child-care-subsidy
How does the Start Strong Affordable Preschool Fee Relief work?
From 2024, the NSW government has provided additional fee relief funding, based on $2,110 per eligible 4 year old child attending a preschool program within a long day care service. This funding is applied as a weekly credit to the gap fee after CCS has been applied or to full fees where a family does not receive CCS. The Start Strong fee relief will not impact CCS entitlements.
If your child is 3 years old and not yet 4 years old on, or before 31 July 2024 and enrolled at an eligible long day care service, you will receive up to $500 in fee relief.
Start Strong fee relief funding is for children who are 4 years old on or before 31 July 2024, and can only be accessed in one service. This could either be in a community preschool or long day care service. If you have a child who may be eligible, please discuss this with us.
The NSW Department of Education requires parents to sign the ‘Fee Relief Declaration and Consent’ form at the time of enrolment. Your eligibility for Start Strong fee relief Funding is conditional upon signing this form.
Is there a minimum number of days?
We recommend a two day minimum attendance requirement. This enables the children to build stronger relationships with the educators and other children, as well as develop their social skills in preparation for school.
Do the children need to be toilet trained?
Yes, children must be toilet trained. We do not have any nappy-changing facilities so no nappies or pull-ups are allowed.
