TAFE NSW Shellharbour Children’s Centre

At Shellharbour Children’s Centre, we put families first. We work with you to create a welcoming environment where your child feels safe, supported and at home.

We know how important it is to feel comfortable with your child's early education journey. Many childcare centres have fixed drop-off and pick-up routines. By contrast, we offer a more flexible experience to suit your family's needs. For example, you might choose to take your child home for lunch and bring them back later in the day.

We're committed to family involvement and take the time to get to know you and your child. We see ourselves as part of your support team.

Children learn in one of two age-based rooms. Our babies and toddlers' room caters for children aged 0–3 years. Our preschoolers' room is for children aged 3–6 years.

Location

E Block 11 College Avenue,
Oak Flats NSW 2529

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Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 5:30 pm, open 48 weeks per year
Ages: 6 weeks to 6 years
Number of children: Up to 46 per day
National Quality Standard (NQS) rating: Meeting

At Shellharbour Children’s Centre, children learn through play, friendships and new experiences. As part of the TAFE NSW campus community, they can explore nature, join play sessions and visit the nearby library.

We know every child is different. Our educators support your child’s social and emotional development. They take the time to understand how your child learns best. We know that every child is unique, and celebrate different learning styles.

Through play and fun activities, children build confidence, independence and social skills. We encourage them to try new things and take age-appropriate risks. This helps children learn, grow and become more confident.

If you want flexibility, affordability and a strong focus on family and your child's growth, we’re the centre for you. We can’t wait to welcome you and your child into our community.

Our daily routines are flexible and child-led. We do our best to follow your child's routine from home, especially for babies.

Each morning, we offer activities such as story time, music and creative play. Children can choose what they would like to do. Some may want to play first, while others may prefer to eat. We adjust our day to suit their needs.

We work closely with families to follow home routines where possible. For example, if your child is used to eating or sleeping at a certain time, we’ll make sure to accommodate that.

Older children are encouraged to help with simple daily tasks. They might set up activities, wipe tables, fold laundry or help tidy up. There is no pressure to join in, but many children enjoy helping and being part of the team.

While every day is different, our goal is always the same. We provide a warm and supportive environment where children feel safe, valued and free to learn at their own pace.

What you will need to bring each day

For babies, please bring:

• formula, if needed
• milk bottles
• nappies
• spare clothes

For older children, please bring:

• a water bottle
• morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea
• a hat for outdoor play
• nappies or underwear
• spare clothes

If your child usually sleeps during the day, please also bring bed sheets for their rest time.

"We are extremely grateful for the high level of care and education that TAFE NSW Shellharbour Children’s Centre has provided to our daughter over the last 12+ months. The educators work hard to make a genuine and meaningful connection with our daughter and we can clearly see her growth and her learning, which is widely thanks to the safe and nurturing environment that the centre provides. Returning to work after maternity leave is an anxiety-driven time, but we felt so reassured and have been kept well informed ever since her first day. We cannot praise the centre enough and have had such a fantastic experience so far."

Parent of a toddler

"From the moment we toured the centre, we knew it was the perfect place for our family. Our son started at 11 months old and is now 4 and a half. He has always felt happy, safe and genuinely cared for. He has built beautiful friendships, and the educators have created such a warm, nurturing environment. We will be so sad to see him finish at Shellharbour TAFE Children’s centre, but we’ll always be grateful for the wonderful start they’ve given him."

Parent of a preschooler

You don’t need to be a TAFE NSW employee or student to enrol your child at our centre. We are open to all families.

To enrol your child at Shellharbour Children’s Centre, fill out an Application for Care Form [PDF, 1.7 MB] and email it to us. Or, you can call us on 02 7921 6737 to make an enquiry.

If there’s a spot for your child, we’ll invite you to an orientation session so your child can spend time in their new environment.

You’re welcome to visit the centre with your child before their first day, so they can get to know their educators and the new environment.

To submit your application, you will need to provide:

• Birth certificate
• Medicare card
• Health care/Pension card (if you have one)
• Immunisation record (must be through Medicare, blue books are not accepted).

Please note: Children must meet government immunisation requirements or have an approved exemption to be eligible for Child Care Subsidy (CCS).

There are five steps to complete enrolment:

1. Apply for Child Care Subsidy (if eligible) - To be confirmed between the Early Childhood Director (ECD) and parents/guardians.
2. Agree on care arrangements - The ECD and parent/guardian confirm the child’s care details.
3. Submit enrolment - The ECD submits an enrolment notice to Centrelink via HubHello.
4. Confirm enrolment - The parents/guardians verify the enrolment with Centrelink.
5. Secure enrolment - If you accept an offer, we’ll send a formal letter detailing the next steps. This includes submitting a birth certificate, proof of immunisation and a security deposit to secure your childcare placement.

Once the enrolment is completed and approved your entitlements can be calculated, and payments made. If there are no vacancies, we can add you to the waiting list.

Under Family Assistance Law, all children attending an early learning centre must have an enrolment notice, regardless of CCS eligibility. For eligible families, Centrelink/Services Australia can only process CCS claims once the correct enrolment is in place.

For any questions, please email us or call us on 02 7921 6737.

We’d love to hear from you. If you have any questions about our centre, please contact us, either by phone on02 7921 6737 or byemailing us by clicking the enquire now button below.