Children's Services

Child Care

Child care services offer full-time, part-time and occasional care for children up to school entry age. Qualified staff and safe, positive learning environments ensure the needs of all children are met.

Some centres also offer a funded four year old kindergarten program. 

All Child Care Centres need to comply with legislation and regulations of the Department of Education and Training.

• Darebin Child Care Guide
• Darebin Community Directory
• My Child Website: www.mychild.gov.au
• Early Childhood Education and Care Services in City of Darebin 
• Child Care in Darebin Map. 2019

There are different types of child care and it’s important to explore all options available.  The different types of care offered are:

Occasional Care: Is a centre-based form of child care, responsive to the needs of the general community and provide flexible care which allows parents to meet their work-related and non-work related commitments.

Long Day Care: Is provided in a specifically created building for use as a child care service. Services are typically open from 7.30am to 6pm and offer educational programs specific to your child’s interest and needs abiding by the National Quality Frameworks.

Family Day Care: Is flexible home-based education and care for children via a network of Family Day Care Educators in their home. Information about Family Day Care in Darebin contact Family Day Care Victoria. www.familydaycare.org.au

Child Care Registration System

Darebin City Council take registrations on behalf of eight participating community managed services in the municipality. These services are operated by a Committee of Management or Early Years Management organisation. These services are listed on the Child Care Registration Form. For all other centres in Darebin, please contact them directly for enrolment.

Families are able to apply to the child care waiting list after the birth of their child. It’s important to contact and visit centres to understand their individual service models, fees and policies. 

Note: Completion of the application form does not guarantee placement and we recommend you explore all child care options in the area.

Child Care Frequently Asked Questions

Priority of Access Guidelines for allocating places

Childcare places are made in line with the Australian Government Priority of Access Guidelines, which all services are required to comply with.

Families who live in the City of Darebin are also given priority on the waiting list. This is in addition to the criteria set by the Commonwealth Government Priority of Access Guidelines. 

Registration Fees:
A registration fee of $27.00 applies, with a concession rate available for eligible families
Payments types accepted: Credit card (online), cheque or money order for $27.00 registration fee
Fees are still payable for children who have siblings already attending the nominated centres.

Perry Street Childcare Centre and Elizabeth Gorman Memorial Kindergarten (Perry St CC) have advised Council that from 1 June 2020 they will be managing their own child care registration system. This change will allow Perry St CC to better meet their business needs. Families can register directly with Perry St CC from 1 June 2020

How to Register:
1. Online registration Portal link
https://darebincentralenrolments.councilonline.com.au/Public/Login.aspx

2. For centres still participating in the Darebin Registration System, please download forms here: Child Care Registration Form

Post forms to PO BOX 91 PRESTON VIC 3072
Lodge forms at the following Customer Service Centres:
Preston open 8.30 - 5.00 pm - closed 12.00pm - 1.00pm
Reservoir  open 10.00 am - 5.00pm - closed 1.00pm - 2.00pm
Please Include any documents to support your registration along with receipt of payment.

Payments can be made by following the instructions How to Pay 

Children with additional needs are encouraged to participate in Council’s events and activities including:

• Long Day Care
• Vacation Care
• Outside School Hours Care
• Occasional Care
• Kindergarten/Pre-School

Preschool Field Officer Program

This program is provided by Darebin City Council and is funded by the Department of Education and Training. The program provides support to children with additional needs attending a government-funded kindergarten program.

The Preschool Field Officers are highly qualified early childhood education professionals with further experience in special education. This service is provided at no cost to families or kindergarten staff.

Further Information:

Families Youth and Children 

Ph: 8470 8114

Pre School Field Officer Referral Form 2019

Update: Darebin City Council Immunisation Program during Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Last updated: 18/02/2021

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak some of Council’s immunisation sessions have been moved to alternate locations.
Please find the Immunisation Program schedule for February and March 2021 in the table below. 

Social distancing and infection control guidelines will be strongly adhered to at immunisation sessions.

When attending immunisation sessions:

• Only one parent can accompany a child receiving immunisation
• A mask must be worn
• Scan QR code upon entry
• Take a Ticket
• Wash your hands
  

We recommend that you bring your pram with you as there is plenty of space and ramp access at the Council Halls.
If you are feeling unwell or are awaiting COVID-19 test results (or are in contact with someone who is awaiting test results) you must not attend. 

We do not take bookings for any of the sessions listed below.  These are drop in only.
Bring your Medicare Card (if you have one), Child Health Record Book or any other immunisation history documents with you when you attend. 
You do not need a Medicare Card to receive free immunisations.

Please note that photography and video photography is not permitted at Immunisation sessions.

Open Sessions (no appointment needed) are held at the Preston City Hall/Shire Hall on the dates listed in the table below:

Childhood vaccines, secondary school vaccines and adult immunisations including flu are available at all sessions.

PRESTON CITY HALL/SHIRE HALL
284-286 Gower Street, Preston

DATE	DAY	TIME
FEBRUARY
24/02/2021	Wednesday	9.30-10.30am
27/02/2021	Saturday	9.30-11am
MARCH
02/03/2021	Tuesday	9.30-10.30am
03/03/2021	Wednesday	2-3pm
10/03/2021	Wednesday	9.30-10.30am
11/03/2021	Thursday	5.30-7pm
12/03/2021	Friday	9.30-10.30am
13/03/2021	Saturday	9.30-11am
16/03/2021	Tuesday	5.30-7pm
24/03/2021	Wednesday	9.30-10.30am
25/03/2021	Thursday	5.30-7pm
27/03/2021	Saturday	9.30-11am
31/03/2021	Wednesday	5-7pm

Appointment Clinics

Appointment clinics are currently available at the following venues.  Please telephone 8470 8562 to make a booking.
**Please note that the Darebin North East Hub Clinic is temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

CLINIC LOCATIONS

CLINIC NAME	ADDRESS	SUBURB
Fairfield Maternal Child Health Centre (morning and evening)	84 Arthur Street	FAIRFIELD

2021 seasonal influenza (flu) vaccines Stock Availability
Prior to attending any session please check the table below to confirm we have vaccines available.

Category	Supply Available?
Children 6 months to < 5 years of age	NOT YET AVAILABLE
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over	NOT YET AVAILABLE
Pregnant women during any stage of pregnancy	NOT YET AVAILABLE
People over 65 years of age	NOT YET AVAILABLE
People from 5 years up to <65 years (Fee paying/$20 per person)	NOT YET AVAILABLE

Prior to attending an immunisation session and to save you time when you visit, you can print your 2021 Influenza Consent Form and bring it to the session with you. Children 6 months to 4 years of age are government funded for the Influenza vaccine and they do not need to fill in an Influenza Consent form.

Children under 5 do not need to complete a flu form.  Please bring their Maternal & Child Health Record book with you. Children under 9 years of age being immunised against flu for the first time should receive 2 doses in this season - spaced at least 4 weeks apart.

Payments: EFTPOS facilities are available at all sessions.

Overseas Travel

When planning overseas travel additional vaccines may be recommended depending on the country you are visiting.  It is recommended to consult with a travel doctor 6-8 weeks prior to departure.

The following link provides a list of travel clinics registered to administer the BCG (Tuberculosis) vaccine.  A GP is not able to administer the BCG vaccine. 

BCG Travel Clinics June 2020

Measles

Measles remains a common illness in many destinations popular with Australian travellers.

Measles is highly contagious. 2 doses of measles vaccine can give you lifelong protection.  The Government funds 2 doses of measles containing vaccine for all persons born since 1966 including women with low or negative rubella antibody levels. 

Infants travelling overseas can have a free MMR vaccine from 6 months up to 11 months via their GP or travel clinic.  The scheduled 12 and 18 months MMR containing vaccines are still required. 

If you're unsure of your vaccination record, it's safe to have another dose.

For more information visit: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/measles 

Meningococcal ACWY Vaccine 

Meningococcal ACWY Vaccine is administered to children at 12 months of age on the National Immunisation Program. 

The Meningococcal ACWY vaccine can be administered earlier to babies and children from 6 weeks of age. The scheduled 12 month Meningococcal ACWY Vaccine is Government funded. 

The vaccine cost for Meningococcal ACWY is $70 per dose. You do not require a script from your GP.

Meningococcal B Vaccine 

Meningococcal B vaccine (Bexsero) is available to purchase from 6 weeks of age (commencing 1 July 2020)*.  Children under 4 are recommended to receive paracetamol with every dose of Meningococcal B.  This is because of the increased risk of fever associated with receiving Meningococcal B.

• Give the first dose of paracetamol within 30 minutes before, or as soon as practicable after receiving the vaccine.
• This is followed by 2 more doses of paracetamol given 4-6 hours apart, regardless of whether the child has a fever.

It is important that parents buy paracetamol prior to receiving the Meningococcal B immunisation.

The vaccine cost for Meningococcal B is $130 per dose*.  You DO NOT require a script from your GP.  We have the vaccine available to purchase at all sessions.

* The Meningococcal B vaccine is funded for Aborignal and Torres Strait Islander children aged under 2 years.

No Jab, No Play

From 1 January 2016, all parents/guardians seeking to enrol their child at an early childhood service in Victoria must provide evidence that their child is:

• fully immunised for their age; or
• on a vaccination catch-up program; or 
• unable to be fully immunised for medical reasons.

The No Jab, No Play legislation will apply to all early childhood education and care services in Victoria that provide long day care, kindergarten, occasional care and family day care.

From 1 January 2016 only parents of children (less than 20 years of age) who are:

• fully immunised; or
• on a recognised catch-up schedule

can receive the Child Care Benefit, the Child Care Rebate and the Family Tax Benefit Part A end of year supplement.

Immunisation Status Certificates

From 28 February 2018, an Immunisation History Statement from the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) will be the only documentation accepted by early childhood education and care services (long day care, kindergarten - 3 & 4 year old) for the purposes of confirming a child's enrolment in their service.   Documents produced by GPs or other immunisation providers (including Council) will no longer be acceptable as proof of immunisation. 

Please telephone 1800 653 809 for an Immunisation History Statement or login to your www.my.gov.au account to download your statement.

Overseas Immunisation Records

If your child was immunised overseas please contact our office on 8470 8562 prior to attending an immunisation session. We can review your child's history, update the Australian Immunisation Register and recommend catch up immunisation if required.  If your child is under 20 years of age and requires catch up immunisation, they are provided free.

Secondary School Immunisations

YEAR 7 IMMUNISATIONS

 

Darebin Immunisation Service will be visiting Year 7 students during term 1 and 2 in 2021.

There are 2 Goverment funded vaccines:

• HPV Gardasil (2 dose course given 6 months apart)
• DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Whooping Cough) booster.

YEAR 10 IMMUNISATION

 

Darebin Immunisation Service will be visiting Year 10 students in term 2 and 3 in 2021.

There is 1 Government funded vaccine: 

• Meningococcal ACWY

OVERDUE SECONDARY SCHOOL VACCINES - 2020 SCHOOL YEAR

Students who have not completed their year 7 or year 10 vaccines in 2020 can attend any Darebin Council session to catch up. 

Your child's information will be on our system when you attend.  Session times and dates are available at the following link:

www.darebin.vic.gov.au/immunisation

  

Adult Immunisations 

Council also offers adult immunisations according to the National Immunisation Program.  

For more information regarding adult immunisations visit the Better Health Channel to check your immunisation Halo.

Workplace Vaccinations

The service visits workplaces to provide staff with flu and other vaccines specific to your workplace.

The benefits of offering workplace immunisations to your employees are:

• Reduction of absenteeism in your business
• Increased safety in the workplace – illness can slow reaction times by 20-40%
• Compliance with Occupational Health & Safety Regulations
• Protection against vaccine preventable diseases and unnecessary outbreaks
• Increased staff morale by taking an interest in employee health and wellbeing

To discuss a workplace visit, contact Lynne Ryan on 0419 765 230 or email lryan@darebin.vic.gov.au.

You can read our Fighting Flu in the Workplace 2020 

Historical Immunisation Records

Your child's immunisation records may be available on the Australian Immunisation Register.  Create a profile or login to your existing profile at www.my.gov.au or download the Express Plus Medicare Mobile App. or telephone 1800 653 809.

Council also keeps hard copy records for residents born prior to 1996.

Before we can provide you with your immunisation history, an Application Form for Accessing Immunisation Records must be completed.

When returning the form please also attach either a Drivers Licence or other photo identification. 

There is no fee associated with retrieval of immunisation records. 

Please email your Application Form for Accessing Immunisation Records to immunise@darebin.vic.gov.au with your name, date of birth and contact telephone number. Retrieval of records from archives takes 5 working days. We will contact you once your records become available. We will email or mail a copy of your immunisation records. Records are held for 25 years only. 

Further Information

Phone: (03) 8470 8562 
Fax: (03) 9261 4883
Email: immunise@darebin.vic.gov.au

Darebin has an Immunisation Nurse on call for immunisation related medical enquiries only. 
Monday - Friday 
9am - 5pm 
Phone: 0419 765 230 

Related Links

Immunise Australia Program
Immunisation Fact Sheets in Your Language
Victorian Government Health Information 
Better Health Channel
HPV Register
Immune Hero

All about Kindergarten
Kindergarten improves children’s health and wellbeing, helps them to develop strong social skills and encourages a love of learning. A play-based learning environment promotes healthy development during your child’s most formative years. 
Kindergarten can provide the foundation that shapes children's future health, happiness, growth, development and learning achievement at school, in the family, community, and in life in general.
Children who go to kindergarten are more independent and confident and are more likely to make a smooth transition to primary school (Department of Education, Benefits of Kindergarten 2019)
Kindergartens are governed by either volunteer committees, not-for-profit early years managers or private organisations. Kindergartens can also operate in long day care centres.

Tips for starting Kindergarten https://www.education.vic.gov.au/parents/child-care-kindergarten/Pages/tips-starting-kindergarten.aspx

Enrolling in Kindergarten - things to know https://www.education.vic.gov.au/parents/child-care-kindergarten/Pages/enrol-in-kindergarten.aspx 

 

Free Kinder in 2021
Kindergarten programs for four-year-olds and eligible three-year-old children in some of the Victorian Government funded services will be free in 2021 
as part of a $169.6 million investment in early childhood education in the 2020/21 Victorian State Budget. Contact your local service to see if they are involved.
For more information: https://www.education.vic.gov.au/childhood/providers/funding/Pages/freekinder2021.aspx

 

Key Dates:

Kindergarten and Prekindergarten 2022 registration is now open. 

1st round are registrations received between 1 February and 30 June

Kindergarten (4yo)
Week starting 19 July – 1st round offers for 4 yo sent via email
Week starting 2 August - 2nd round offers for 4 yo sent via email
Prekindergarten (3yo)
Week starting 9 August – 1st round offers for 3 yo sent via email
Week starting 23 August- 2nd round offers for 3 yo sent via email

 

Four-year-old kindergarten (also known as Funded Kindergarten)

Four-year-old kindergarten is an early childhood education program delivered by a Bachelor qualified educator for children who have turned four years of age by the 30 April in the year of attendance. In Victoria, children attend kindergarten the year prior to staring school and can only attend one funded kindergarten program at a time.
Four-year old Kindergarten programs receive funding to support children to attend 15 hours per week, during school terms. 
Kindergarten programs can be offered in a variety of settings including long day care centres, sessional kindergartens, independent schools or government schools.
Kindergarten timetables, group sizes and annual fees are set by individual services and can vary from year to year.

Sessional Kindergarten Programs is defined as a kindergarten operating daily from a purpose-built building. It is generally a program where all children follow the same structure, and experience the same educational program at the same rostered time each week. Services can offer programs in a variety of ways including, five hours over three days or 7.5 hours over two days.

Integrated Kindergarten Programs are offered in long day care services, where families have access to a kindergarten program and long day care program within the one service. Programs are also delivered by a Bachelor qualified teacher. Fee structures will be different, when accessing an integrated kindergarten program, it is essential you discuss this with your service. Priority of place is often given to families currently attending the service. 

Three-year-old kindergarten (also known as pre-kindergarten)
Three-year-old kindergarten is an early childhood education program delivered by a Bachelor qualified educator for children who have turned three years of age by 30 April in the year of attendance. Children cannot attend a three-year-old kindergarten program until their third birthday.
Families may also need to pay Term 1 fees to hold their place. Contact your preferred three -year- old program in advance to confirm their enrolment policy.
Three-year-old kindergarten is not currently funded, although this is anticipated to be provided in Darebin in 2022.

Sessional three-year-old pre-kindergarten is defined as a kindergarten operating daily from a purpose-built building. It is generally a program where all children follow the same structure, and experience the same educational program at the same rostered time. Services can offer programs in a variety of ways for example, five hours over one session or split hours over two days.

Integrated three-year-old pre-kindergarten  are offered in long day care services, where families have access to a kindergarten program and long day care program within the one service. Programs are delivered by a Bachelor qualified teachers. Fee structures will be different when accessing an integrated kindergarten program, therefore, it is essential you discuss this with your service. Priority of place is often given to families currently attending the service.
Darebin City Council do not manage or operate Kindergartens or Long Day Care services. Speak to your Kindergarten regarding their timetables, group sizes and annual fees. 
Early Childhood Education and Care Services in City of Darebin. 

Early Start Kindergarten (ESK)
Early Start Kindergarten provides free or low-cost kindergarten for two years before starting school to eligible three-year-old children where programs are offered by a qualified teacher. Some services will be able to offer your child a place in a four-year-old kindergarten program, or a mixed age group program.

To be eligible, your child must be three by 30 April in the year they start kindergarten and:
- identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, or
- your family has had contact with Child Protection or been referred to the Orange Door or Child FIRST, or
- your child holds or has a parent or guardian who holds one of the following:   
• Refugee visa (subclass 200)In-country Special Humanitarian visa (subclass 201)
• Global Special Humanitarian visa (subclass 202)
• Emergency Rescue Visa (subclass 203)
• Woman at Risk visa (subclass 204)
• Humanitarian Stay visa (subclass 449)
• Temporary Protection visa (subclass 785)
• Temporary (Humanitarian Concern) visa (subclass 786)
• Safe Haven Enterprise visa (subclass 790)
• Protection visa (subclass 866)
• Bridging visas for any of the above Refugee or Asylum Seeker visas

You can enrol your child by contacting 
- a kindergarten near you and asking to access early start kindergarten. 
- your Child FIRST or Child Protection worker 
- a Koorie Engagement Support Officer (KESO) in your nearest Department of Education & Training office
- register using the online form.

For more information about Early Start Kindergarten, visit Early Start Programs   

Immunisation - (NO JAB NO PLAY Legislation)
For your child's enrolment at kindergarten to be confirmed, you will need to provide the Kindergarten with evidence of your child’s up to date immunisation statement. The statement must show your child is up to date with all vaccinations that are due for their age. 
The immunisation history statement from the Australian Immunisation Register is the only document accepted. Letters from GPs or local councils are not accepted.
Darebin Immunisation Service is able to support your families immunisation status: immunise@darebin.vic.gov.au or 8470 8562 or www.darebin.vic.gov.au/immunisation.
You can find out more about the No Jab No Play legislation on the Better Health Channel or Australian Department of Human Services

 

Service Closures

The following services will not be running a three-year-old pre-kindergarten programs in 2021:
Darebin Child Care and Kindergarten in Preston  
St Andrews Uniting Church Kindergarten (Fairfield)

The following service will not be running a four-year-old kindergarten program in 2021:
St Andrews Uniting Church Kindergarten (Fairfield)Kindergarten Registration

Darebin City Council operate a centralised registration system for a number of services operating across the municipality. 
Completion of a registration form does not guarantee a kindergarten placement.

Registration 
To register for Kindergarten you need to provide the following 
- your child’s proof of birth documents (birth certificate or passport) attached with your registration
- a current immunisation history statement 
- documentation required to support your registration
- receipt of administration fee payment
Incomplete registrations will not be processed and returned to the family for completion. 

How to Register for Kindergarten through the Darebin Registration System

There are two ways you can register for  kindergarten using the Darebin Registration System.

1. Online registration Portal link
https://darebincentralenrolments.councilonline.com.au/Public/Login.aspx                        

2. Paper Registration

The below registration forms have been revised, you can use one form for either the 2022 year  or the 2021 year. 

Kindergarten Registration Form for 2022 and 2021

Prekindergarten Registration Forms for 2022 and 2021

 

The below 2 services will be operating a Prekindergarten program in 2022

Blake Street Kindergarten - 109 Blake St Reservoir
Oakhill Kindergarten - 12 Acheron Avenue Reservoir

 

Paper registration forms are available from

• Maternal and Child Health Centres
• Darebin Customer Service Centres
• Kindergartens
• Long Day Care Services
• Libraries.

 

Administration Fee
A one off administration fee is charged for the registration of each child.
Administration fees are waived for eligible Australian Government concession cards holders. Follow these instructions to make payment 

 

Forms can be returned:

- By mail:
PO Box 91 Preston Victoria 3072
- In Person:
Preston Customer Service Centre - 8.30 - 5.00pm - closed 12.00 pm to 1.00 pm
Reservoir Customer Service Centre -10.00 am - 5.00pm - closed 1.00pm - 2.00pm

Feedback
Darebin City Council welcomes your feedback and you can contact us through a variety of ways.
Registration Team: 
Ph 8470 8825 
Email: registration.kindergartenchildcare@darebin.vic.gov.au
Customer Services: 
ph 8470 88888
Mail: 
PO Box 91, Preston, Vic 3072
Fax: 8470 8877
E:mailbox@darebin.vic.gov.au

UPDATE: Darebin City Council Maternal Child Health Service during coronavirus (COVID-19)

Last updated 19/01/2021

Sleep and Settling sessions:  Darebin Maternal and Child Health Service is running free sleep and settling sessions for parents and carers of new born babies to toddlers (1-3 years). These sessions will include; information on understanding baby's normal age appropriate sleep, the functions of sleep, understanding the signs of sleep, and helping parents and carers establish appropriate sleep patterns for their baby. There are 3 age groups to choose from, please use the links below to book a session. (More session dates will be added throughout the year).

BOOKINGS FOR SLEEP AND SETTLING SESSIONS:
0-6 months
6-12 months
Toddlers (1-3 years) 

*(Please note when booking choose a location option first. Sessions begin in February, session dates will be highlighted on the calendar). 

..........................................

Darebin Maternal and Child Health is back to offering full service from November 2. Face to Face consults are available to all children from birth to 3.5years. Parents are asked to wear masks, as per COVID-19 guidelines. 

New Parent Groups will be commencing at suitable venues for social distancing for groups up to 10 parents including babies.

Telehealth consults are still available for those that request this service.

In addition you can download the free MCH app for trusted information matched to the age of your child, at your fingertips! The app can also track your child’s growth and remind you about upcoming MCH appointments or immunisations. More information is available on the Better Health Channel website. 

There is also the confidential, 24-hour Maternal and Child Health Line you can call to get free information and advice about the care and health of your child (from birth to school age). The number is 13 22 29.

..............................................

About Maternal and Child Health

Maternal and Child Health Nurses are registered general nurses, with postgraduate qualifications in both midwifery and child health.  The service is free and strict confidentiality is maintained.

We provide 10 Key Ages and Stages consultations, including:

• A Home Visit
• Centre consultations at two weeks, one month, two months, four months, eight months, twelve months and eighteen months
• Centre consultations at two years of age
• Centre consultations and three and a half years of age.
• Darebin also provides an additional Maternal health check at 3 months.

At each consultation you are given the chance to discuss your concerns, talk about parenting experiences and learn how to improve your child’s health, growth and development, and provides counselling and emotional support to families.

Maternal & Child Health Centres

Health Checks and Health Education

Maternal and Child Health Nurses will assess your child’s health, development and wellbeing by regular screening.  They will discuss parental health issues as they arise, i.e. post-natal depression, family planning and other parental health concerns.   They also provide guidance, emotional support and education on childhood illnesses, child behaviour, child safety, use of car restraints and other childhood issues.

New Parents Groups

New Parent Groups are offered by MS Teams during COVID-19 restrictions. These sessions are offered to first time parents when baby is about 6 weeks of age - please speak to your nurse or email mchappointments@darebin.vic.gov.au

 

Breastfeeding Support Service

Your MCH Nurse can assist in breastfeeding or other feeding issues. Additional breastfeeding support will be available for mothers of infants 0 to 4 weeks of age. We offer Breastfeeding Support Sessions on one to one individualised appointments for mothers with additional needs. Please discuss with your MCH Nurse which is the most suitable for you.

Bookings:

MCH Booking Office

Ph: 8470 8298

Email: mchappointments@darebin.vic.gov.au

Enhanced Maternal and Child Health

We provide additional support for families experiencing significant early parenting difficulties Referrals are made through your Nurse.

Appointment Bookings

Appointments for any of the Darebin Maternal & Child Health Centres can be made by phone or email. If you are new to the area, please phone to make an appointment for your child.

Further Information:

MCH Booking Office

Ph: 8470 8298

Email: mchappointments@darebin.vic.gov.au 

Maternal and Child Health Brochure 

First Aid For New Parents 

Darebin Maternal & Child Health recommends new parents attend a First Aid Course.  Knowing what to do in an emergency situation could save your child’s life.

We can provide information about where to access First Aid courses within the Municipality.  Please telephone the administration office 8470 8648 for more information.

Understanding Your Baby’s Needs

The Australian Childhood Foundation has released a booklet "I Need you A-Z Understanding your Baby’s Needs" to assist parents with Raising children. 

Raising Children’s Network

The Raising Children's Network is a complete Australian resource for parenting newborn to teens.

The MCH App

 

A free MCH App is available which provides a modern digital solution and a resource families can use every day for trusted information on child and maternal health. Time saving features include information on popular child health and development topics; click-to-call emergency contacts; prompts for upcoming MCH consultations and regular updates and messages.

This free app can be personalised and is available for all Apple and Android smartphones.

 

 

Further Information

Maternal and Child Health

Ph (03) 8470 8648

Email: mchappointments@darebin.vic.gov.au

Outside school hours care (OSHC)

OSHC is an education and care service that supports children to:

  engage in play and leisure activities
  learn new skills to further their development
  build relationships with educators in a community that is connected to, 
  but separate from, the school community

Locations

OSHC locations are usually located at or close to primary schools.

They may also be offered in locations such as:
  community centres
  halls
  neighbourhood houses, or
  recreation centres

Hours

Hours will vary depending on community needs, generally operating on weekdays as:
   before school care, 7.00am–8.45am (or until school start time)
   after school care (including early school finish), 3.30pm–6.00pm (or from school finish time)
   vacation care (during school holidays), 7.00am–6.00pm.

For more information 
www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/management/OSHC/Pages/about.aspx 

OSHC Locations can be found at this link  
www.startingblocks.gov.au/find-child-care

Due to the changing nature of the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) issue, 
it is essential that families contact DET for the most up to date information.
www.education.vic.gov.au/about/department/Pages/coronavirus.aspx 

Families, Youth and Children 
OSHC Resource Officer for Darebin Services
Phone: (03) 84708106

Three toys can be borrowed for each child with a family membership, and six toys for a group membership. The borrowing period is four weeks and loans can be extended via email or phone. Toys and equipment are to be cleaned prior to return.

For current session times and locations see the hours of operation listed below. You can also sign up to the What's on for Families eNewsletter for details on local activities and seminars suitable for families.

Toy Library Update (25 January 2021)    

Darebin Toy Library is being prepared for re-opening of an appointment-based service at the Northcote site.  All requests for service including borrowing and returns of toys can be organised with the Toy Library Officer on a pre-arranged appointment basis. 

The Toy Library service is currently being reviewed to identify business efficiencies and service delivery improvements.  The experience of Toy Library members and the views of community members is important to us, hence, the review will consult with current and future service users. We appreciate your continued support of the Darebin Toy Library and we look forward to exploring and implementing improvements to this service in 2021.

All enquiries regarding the Darebin Toy Library can be directed to the Toy Library Officer at toylibrary@darebin.vic.gov.au.

Hours of Operation  (Toy library is closed until further notice)

Day	Time	Location
Friday	10.00am -  12noon	Northcote Family Centre 185 High Street, Northcote (Corner James and High Streets)

(Closed during public holidays)

Annual Membership Fees:

Family : $47.00
Concession : $6.50
Group : $67.00
Student: $11.50
Grandparent: $11.50
Additional toy (small): $2.60
Additional toy (large): $5.60
Note: Overdue fees apply, and prices as at 1 January 2018.

To join the Toy Library: ! Please Note Membership registrations are currently closed until further notice.

1. Complete the Toy Library Online Form - Online Membership applications have been postponed until further notice.
2. Make your payment online via credit card or a PayPal account

Note: Printed forms are also available from all Toy Library sites, and payment can be made at any Darebin Customer Service Centre. (! Please Note Membership registrations are currently closed until further notice).

Click here for Toy Library brochure >

Further Information
Phone: 0427 787 061
Email: toylibrary@darebin.vic.gov.au