Keiki Early Learning – FAQ

Ideally, you want to start looking as early as possible. Some of our schools have a waiting list, so it’s best to express your interest early, even if you’re not yet sure when you want to commence care. If you’re pregnant, you can enter your due date as an expected birth date.

We do not have a minimum booking – you can book one day per week to full time – we aim to meet your families’ needs.

We are fortunate to employ a highly qualified team. Some of the qualifications our educators boast are Masters Degree in Education, Graduate Diploma of Education (Early Childhood Studies), Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) Children and Family Studies, Degree in Early Childhood Teaching, Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care, Certificate IV in Early Childhood Education and Care and Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.

Educators have successfully gained a Working With Children’s Check and hold formal certification in First Aid and Asthma Management & Anaphylaxis.

Our cooks are experienced and passionate with providing children with nutritious and delicious food. All menus are developed with balance and children’s daily dietary requirements in mind. Please see our food and nutrition page for a sample menu and more information.

Our centres differ slightly on inclusions so depending on the service location, you may need to pack a lunch or snack for your child. This usually applies to our Vacation Care, One-Plus and Three-Plus locations. For services catering to ages 0-5 and providing all meals, Morning Tea, Lunch and Afternoon Tea are offered, as well as a small snack in the evening for children who attend later than 5pm. Dietary, cultural and medical needs are also catered for at the centres. We encourage families to discuss their child’s individual needs during the orientation process. All rooms have a copy of the child’s dietary requirements and food allergies.

Keiki Early Learning schools follow flexible routines. This ensures we are meeting every child’s individual needs.

Children in the baby’s room follow their individual home routine. As they progress to the Toddler’s room, we begin to blend this routine with a more general routine that follows regular mealtimes and sleep patterns. Pre-Kindy and Kindy children have a routine that encourages self-regulation and independence through self serving. Routines enhance a sense of security and help children become prepared for a school environment.

We’ve made it easy for you and have direct debit implemented via bank account or credit card. All you need to do is fill out an Ezidebit form or provide your details within Xplor, our dedicated and secure app. Payments are made fortnightly in advance at the Early Learning schools and the Three Plus School Readiness Program, while the Outside School Hours Care’s payments are made weekly. All payments and statements are easily accessible via Xplor.

At Keiki Early Learning schools, we believe education begins at birth. We follow the Early Years Learning Framework at all Early Learning schools, along with our proven Keiki Preschool program. The Outside School Hours Care services follow the My Time, Our Place Framework for school aged children. We believe in play-based learning which ensures that our curriculum is a balance of child led and educator intentional teaching. This offers children the opportunity to participate in active learning whilst having the support and challenge they need from educators. We incorporate elements of the Reggio Emilia approach into our learning to ensure that children have the opportunity to immerse themselves in learning that is rich in creativity whilst offering depth, appropriate challenge and fun. Our secure online portfolio gives you 24/7 access to information on your child’s learning and play.

Yes, we do. All early learning services provide our unique Keiki Preschool Program to help prepare your child for school. Even if your child has not attended a centre in their younger years, they can be enrolled in our program for pre-kindy aged children. The Preschool program is led by a qualified Early Childhood Teacher and designed to give your child the foundation skills, social skills and confidence to transition successfully into formal schooling.

Each room offers information about your child’s care and learning for the day in various formats. The curriculum displayed at your centre forms part of the planning cycle and documents the activities of the room for that day. Educators will also take the time to chat in person with you at collection and drop off times every day. We use Xplor as a secure online portfolio giving you 24/7 access to information on your child’s learning and play. We hope you enjoy these as much as we do!

Children’s safety is of utmost importance, which is why we follow a year round sun protection policy. We spend a lot of time outdoors, so families are asked to bring in a sun hat for their child each day and to apply sunscreen before they arrive at the centre. Sunscreen is reapplied regularly throughout the day. Clothing covering shoulders is required, as is a water bottle.

All families are asked to provide a few spare sets of clothes; children are encouraged to enjoy messy play and sometimes there are spillages or accidents. A sunhat and drink bottle filled with water must be provided each day. If your child has sensitive skin or allergies, we ask that families bring their own sunscreen and/or nappy cream. If your child wears nappies these will need to be provided, and babies will also require their own bottle/s including the required amount of formula or breast milk per day, if applicable. Please check with your centre if a packed lunch is required as this varies by service.

We recommend a minimum of two orientation sessions. These sessions will allow your child and you to get to know the educators, the routine and the children in the room before commencing care. Children may attend as many orientation sessions or playdates as they require to help them transition into care.

Yes, Keiki Early Learning offers part-time enrolment options at all centres. Families can choose the specific days of care that suit their needs, providing flexibility for work, study, or other commitments.  

When submitting an enquiry or booking a tour at our childcare centres, you can specify your preferred days of attendance. Keiki Early Learning’s team will work with you to accommodate your schedule, subject to availability.  

To explore part-time enrolment options or to book a tour, visit Enrolment Page. 

If you already know you’d like to join the waitlist or enrol at Keiki Early Learning – or you’d simply prefer to wait until closer to your start date to take a tour – you are welcome to do so. While we always love meeting families in person, a tour of our centres located across Perth isn’t required to get started. Just fill out our online application form and a member of our team will be in touch to walk you through the next steps.   

To submit an enrolment application or join the waitlist, visit our Enrolment Page.

Absolutely! We encourage all families to book a tour so you can explore the centre, meet our team, and get a feel for our learning environments before making a decision. It’s a great way to see how we operate and ask any questions you may have, and we encourage you to bring your children so they can be involved in the decision too. Tours are relaxed, informative, and tailored to your needs.  

To find a tour timeslot that works for you, visit our Enrolment Page.

At Keiki Early Learning, we offer flexible enrolment options across all our childcare centres across Perth to suit the needs of each family – there is no minimum number of sessions required to enrol. Whether you need one day or five, we’ll work with you to find a schedule that fits your routine and supports your child’s transition into care. As a recommendation, we’ve found that attending at least two sessions per week helps children settle more smoothly into the routines, build strong connections with their educators, and feel a greater sense of belonging in their environment.  

When you come for a tour at a Keiki centre you’ll be warmly welcomed by our team and given the chance to explore our purpose-built early learning environments and meet some of our passionate educators, who are always happy to chat about your child’s needs, your goals for care, and how we can work together to support their learning and development.   

Tours are relaxed, informative and tailored to you – so you can feel confident and comfortable when making the right choice for your family. To book a tour, just visit our Book a Tour page.

Yes, we do. Keiki Early Learning provides a supportive orientation process designed to help both children and families feel confident and comfortable before commencing care. Families are invited to attend two complimentary orientation sessions at their chosen centre. During these visits, children can explore their room, meet their educators, and become familiar with the environment at their own pace, with a parent or guardian present. These sessions are a chance for us to get to know your child’s unique interests, routines, and personality, and to start building strong relationships from day one.  

If your child is school-age and already comfortable in an OSHC setting, you are welcome to begin care without attending the orientation sessions. The transition into care is entirely flexible and based on what works best for your family.

Absolutely! We are committed to providing safe and inclusive care for every child, including those with food allergies or special dietary needs. Our childcare services are allergy-aware, and we have strict food safety and nutrition policies in place to ensure the well-being of all children. All staff handling food are required to complete mandatory food safety training, and mealtimes are always supervised by educators.   

We cater to all dietary, cultural, and medical needs, and all of our rooms follow dietary and food allergy requirements. If your child has specific dietary requirements or allergies, please discuss these with your services management team during the orientation process. This allows us to create an individual health plan in consultation with you, ensuring all educators are aware of your child’s needs.   

For more detailed information or to discuss your child’s specific needs, we recommend contacting your preferred Keiki service directly.  

Yes, all Keiki Early Learning services are equipped to administer medication to children when necessary. However, this is done in strict accordance with our policies to ensure the safety and well-being of all children.  

Only qualified educators with a current senior first aid certificate are authorised to administer medication. Additionally, the administration must be witnessed by another staff member, and all relevant records are meticulously maintained.   

If your child requires medication during their time at Keiki we kindly ask that you provide all necessary documentation and discuss your child’s specific needs with the service’s management team. This ensures we can accommodate your child’s requirements safely and effectively.  

At Keiki, we value the involvement of families in their children’s learning journey. While our early learning and childcare services are designed to provide a nurturing and stimulating environment for children, we understand that some parents may wish to participate more actively.  

If you’re interested in contributing your time or skills, we recommend discussing potential opportunities with your centre’s management team. They can provide guidance on how you might be able to engage with the service in a meaningful way. Please note that any involvement would be subject to our policies and procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of all children.  

For more information or to explore ways you can be involved, please contact your preferred Keiki Early Learning centre directly.

At Keiki Early Learning, children with additional needs receive tailored support through close collaboration with families and personalised learning plans. Educators are specially trained to provide inclusive, play-based learning in environments designed to accommodate diverse needs. Keiki is committed to working with families to ensure every child thrives in a nurturing and supportive setting.  

We understand that life can sometimes cause delays. If you’re running late for pick-up, please contact your child’s care service as soon as possible to inform them of your situation. Our team will ensure your child remains safe and comfortable until you arrive.  

While we strive to be accommodating, it’s important to note that our services have regulatory approval for specific operating hours. Repeated late pick-ups after closing time are not acceptable and may be subject to additional charges to cover staffing and operational costs. For detailed information on our policies, please refer to your centre’s Parent Handbook or reach out directly to your centre. 

At Keiki Early Learning, we value open communication and encourage daily conversations between educators and families to keep you informed and involved in your child’s experience.   

In addition to these face-to-face interactions, the Xplor app provides a convenient way to stay connected throughout the day. Educators regularly share photos, learning stories, and updates via the app, offering insights into your child’s activities, development, and achievements while in our care for the day. This ensures you remain engaged and informed, no matter where you are.  

If you have any questions or would like further information, our educators are always happy to assist.  

Our centres have an ‘open door’ policy for families who are welcome to visit their child during the day. If you would like to arrange a visit, please speak with your child’s educators so that we can plan the visit to the centre in a way that supports your child’s routine and does not disrupt the flow of the day.

At Keiki, we understand that family needs can change, and we aim to support you through those transitions. If you wish to change or end your child’s enrolment days at your centre, we kindly ask for a two-week written notice at OSHC services, or four weeks’ notice at Keiki daycare or Preschool services. This notice period allows us to manage staffing and resources effectively, ensuring a smooth experience for all children and families.  

To initiate changes to your enrolment, please speak directly with your centre’s management team. They will guide you through the process and provide any necessary forms or information.  

All Keiki services are closed on public holidays to allow our staff to spend time with their families. Additionally, we close for a small period during the Christmas to New Year week to give our team a well-deserved break. We understand the importance of planning ahead, so we encourage families to check our holiday closure dates and make any necessary arrangements in advance. If you have any questions or need assistance with holiday planning, please don’t hesitate to contact your local service.  

We understand the importance of rest in supporting children’s growth and development. Each Keiki daycare and Preschool service provides a nurturing environment tailored to meet the sleep needs of each child.   

In our Baby Rooms, we follow each child’s individual sleep routine, ensuring they have a safe and comfortable space to rest. Cots are situated in dedicated cot rooms with open-view windows and strict procedures in place to check children regularly as they sleep. Cots may be moved out to rooms or even outdoors under shade when weather permits.   

As children transition to Toddler Room, we blend their home sleep patterns with a more structured routine that includes regular mealtimes and sleep times. This approach helps children adapt to group care while maintaining their comfort and security. Our Toddler children enjoy the process of preparing their own beds within their room with their special Keiki sheets and often enjoy sleeping outside under the trees when the weather permits. Kindy or Preschool children are given the opportunity to nap on beds or comfy cushions, if they still require sleep during the day.  

Our educators are trained to support each child’s sleep needs, providing a calm and soothing environment to promote restful sleep. We also incorporate quiet time experiences for those children who no longer nap during the day, allowing for a chance to relax and unwind between play.    

For more detailed information about the sleep arrangements at your chosen Keiki, we recommend contacting the centre’s management team directly.

At Keiki, we’re proud to consistently roster above the educator-to-child ratios required by Western Australian regulations to ensure every child’s safety and well-being. These ratios vary according to the age group, with younger children receiving more focused attention due to their greater needs.   

According to the Education and Care Services National Regulations, the required educator-to-child ratios for centre-based services in Western Australia are as follows:  

• Baby room: 1 educator to 4 children  

• Toddler room: 1 educator to 5 children  

• Kindy room & Preschool: 1 educator to 10 children  

• Before, After School and Vacation Care: 1 Educator to 10 children  

Our dedicated and qualified educators are passionate about creating a warm, supportive, and engaging environment where every child can thrive. For more detailed information about the educator-to-child ratios at Keiki Early Learning, we recommend contacting your service directly.   

At Keiki Early Learning centres, we embrace a nurturing and child-centred approach to early education. Our early years and school age curriculum is grounded in the National Quality Frameworks set by the Australian Government. These are called the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and the My Time, Our Place Framework for School-Age Children. Both frameworks emphasise play-based leaning and help to guide educators to create engaging, responsive and developmentally appropriate learning environments.   

In addition to these frameworks, we integrate elements of the Reggio Emilia approach, an educational philosophy that values the child as a capable and active participant in their learning. This approach encourages exploration, creativity, and collaboration, allowing children to express themselves in multiple ways and engage deeply with their interests.  

Our curriculum is further enriched by our unique Keiki Preschool Program, designed to prepare children for the transition to formal schooling. Led by a qualified early childhood teacher, this program focuses on developing foundational skills, social competencies, and confidence through play.  

Through this integrated approach, Keiki provides a holistic and supportive educational experience that nurtures each child’s growth and curiosity.  

For babies or young children not yet using the toilet, families are kindly requested to provide all nappies required for their child’s day at their daycare service to ensure consistency and comfort with familiar products. Keiki Early Learning supplies wipes throughout the day, so families do not need to bring these unless your child has product sensitivities, and you would prefer they use their own brand of wipes. If you have any further questions regarding what to bring, please don’t hesitate to contact your Keiki service.  

Your child’s progress is tracked using individual learning trajectories that focus on their unique development. Educators observe and document developmental milestones and skills across different areas of learning, tailoring experiences to support each child’s growth. The Xplor app plays a key role in this process by recording observations, photos, and learning stories, allowing families to easily see and engage with their child’s ongoing development. At the end of the year you will also see a Learning Summary for your child from their educators. This approach ensures a personalised and meaningful learning journey that reflects your child’s strengths and emerging skills.   

Room routines at Keiki are designed to balance structure and flexibility, supporting each child’s individual needs and rhythms. Educators follow age-appropriate schedules that include time for play, meals, rest, and learning experiences. For younger children, routines are tailored to match their home patterns to provide consistency and comfort, while older children follow a more general daily flow that encourages independence and social development. Throughout the day, educators remain responsive to each child’s cues to create a supportive and engaging environment.  

While we strive to support families with additional care when needed, flexibility in bookings at Keiki Early Learning centres cannot be guaranteed. This is due to strict child-to-educator ratio requirements, which are essential for maintaining a safe and well-supervised environment. Variability in attendance makes it challenging to plan and staff rooms appropriately. 

If you require an extra day of care, we encourage you to contact the Centre Coordinator. Our team will make every effort to accommodate your request wherever possible.