Frequently Asked Questions
All the answers to the questions that you are likely to have when thinking about getting your little one started at preschool.
1Do you offer the 20 Hours ECE subsidy?
Yes we do! We offer the 20 Hours ECE provided by the Ministry of Education for all 3 and 4 year old children. Please get in touch about the options that will suit your family.
2What are your session times?
Morning session: 8.30am—12.30pm (Mon—Fri)
Afternoon session: 12.30—3.30pm (Mon, Wed, Fri)
All day sessions are available.
We also offer extension sessions on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons for our four year old children.
3What age does my child need to be to start?
Huntly Early Childhood Centre Inc. is licensed to take children from two years of age up to six years of age.
4Do you provide snacks and lunch?
Morning session:
Morning tea, consisting of a biscuit or sandwich and a piece of fruit is provided by the centre. Donations of fruit and a packet of biscuits (preferably round wine biscuits) each term will be greatly appreciated.
Children are required to bring a packed lunch in a named lunch box that will be eaten at lunch time. Please send your child with a named drink bottle each day.
Afternoon session:
Please provide your child with a healthy snack for afternoon tea.
5My child has asthma or allergies - can they still attend?
Yes! Our staff have experience in dealing with a range of issues effecting children and successfully manage the needs of children with asthma and allergies.
If your child has asthma, allergies or any special dietary or medical requirements, please discuss these with the Centre Supervisor when enrolling your child and together we will devise a suitable plan.
Matthew and Laurie
We have watched our two very shy children turn into confident little people with the love and guidance of the beautiful staff at HECC. Each and every child at the preschool is nurtured, loved and encouraged at their own pace in this positive environment and it is amazing to watch them blossom and grow. The extension classes for four year olds were invaluable in preparing our son Grayson for his transition to school. There is a reason why parents drive many miles to bring their children to HECC - it is the best head start in our children's lives that we could have ever asked for. We feel so fortunate to have this centre in Huntly providing the best preschool education for our town.
Sharee
Preschool was a major adjustment for our son, who, at the age of 3.5 years, had only ever been in the care of his parents. I spent a lot of time at HECC while he settled in, and I saw every teacher ensure they formed a nurturing and trusting relationship with him. In just 3 terms, we watched as he transformed from a quiet observer to a well adjusted and confident child who looks forward to spending time with his friends at preschool. Each day he attends HECC, we are confident that our child is happy and reaching his full potential through all the activities they do. It is lovely to see that all the teachers genuinely care for the well being and education of our son, and we are truly inspired to continue that learning back at home. Thank-you HECC; the learning, friendships and sense of belonging to a wider community is invaluable.