--- title: "Childcare Empire Bay" url: https://www.communitykids.com.au/our-centres/childcare-empire-bay description: "Get the best start to early learning with our child care and preschool programs at Community Kids Empire Bay. Enquire today to secure a place." type: page date: 2024-08-01 modified: 2026-05-22 --- # Childcare Empire Bay ## Community Kids Empire Bay Places available [433 Wards Hill Road Empire Bay NSW 2257](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=433+Wards+Hill+Road+Empire+Bay+NSW+2257) [1800 411 604](tel:1800%20411%20604) [empirebay@communitykids.com.au](mailto:empirebay@communitykids.com.au) Monday - Friday 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Daily fees before CCS Nursery $162.00 Toddler $157.65 Preschool $156.05 [Calculate your out-of-pocket cost](.g8-centre-fees) [5 /5 12 reviews](.g8-google-reviews) ## Enrolment availability The information below gives an indication of current availability at the centre. - Monday - Tuesday - Wednesday - Thursday - Friday Green – Places available now Orange – Limited availability   Availability can change quickly. For the most up-to-date information and advice, please contact our Family Support Team. [Book a tour](/book-a-tour?centre=community-kids-empire-bay) [Enquire now](/enquire-now?centre=community-kids-empire-bay) ## Childcare and Preschool in Empire Bay, NSW Community Kids Empire Bay offers long day care and a Preschool program for children aged 6 weeks to school age, conveniently located for families in Empire Bay, Bensville and Killcare Heights on the Central Coast. #### Spacious outdoor environments Children enjoy our ourdoor area with a performance stage, undercover sandpit, bike track, balancing beams and climbing equipment. We also have a mud kitchen, worm farm, garden beds, water play and imaginative play resources. #### Inspiring indoor spaces Our indoor learning spaces include books, creative materials and open-ended resources that encourage curiosity. #### Experienced team of educators We have a highly-qualified and experienced team of educators, who work closely with children and families to create a supportive and welcoming environment. Each child has an Individual Learning Plan tailored to their needs. #### Government-approved Preschool program Our Preschool program is delivered by a Bachelor-qualified teacher, including a dedicated transition program with an early literacy focus. #### Fresh meals prepared daily Nutritious meals and snacks are prepared fresh each day, with options to cater for allergies and dietary requirements. #### Supporting families each day Nappies, wipes and essentials are provided for your child’s care. Stay connected with updates and photos through our app. ## Secure your place today Book a tour to experience the centre and confirm availability for your child. [Book a tour](/book-a-tour?centre=community-kids-empire-bay) [Enquire now](/enquire-now?centre=community-kids-empire-bay) ## Meet our Centre Manager Briony ### - * Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care "I believe it is important to support children through both the highs and challenges, so they always feel safe, supported and understood." I began my career in early childhood education in 2015, completing my traineeship at Community Kids Empire Bay before returning in September 2025. I have progressed from Assistant Educator to Lead Educator, Assistant Centre Manager, and now Centre Manager. Being around children and supporting their learning and growth is incredibly rewarding. I enjoy seeing the world through a child’s eyes and sharing in their joy, curiosity and laughter each day. Through my experience, I have learned that every child is an individual learner who needs connection and a strong sense of belonging. This guides my approach by ensuring our educators adapt their teaching to meet each child’s unique needs, creating supportive and inclusive learning environments. I believe it is important to support children through both the highs and challenges, so they always feel safe, supported and understood. When children feel secure and cared for, they are more confident to explore, learn and enjoy their learning journey. When speaking with families, I emphasise the importance of children building relationships beyond the home. In a centre environment, children develop confidence, independence and a strong sense of belonging. They also learn important social and emotional skills alongside foundational learning skills, helping prepare them for school and beyond. Our team is long-standing, caring and compassionate, with a strong focus on teamwork and building lasting relationships with families. Together, we create a nurturing and inclusive environment where every child feels supported. Building strong relationships with families is a key part of my role. I take the time to understand each family’s needs and work collaboratively with them to ensure they feel safe, supported and part of our centre community. Read moreless ## Our innovative early learning programs At our early learning centre in Empire Bay, our play-based curriculum is guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), supporting children to learn through play, exploration and discovery. #### Sustainability We focus on water and light conservation, recycling, and maintaining a worm farm. Children participate in planting seeds and using recycled materials in art, play, and construction. Through age-appropriate activities, we teach the importance of recycling, reusing, and reducing waste, fostering environmental responsibility from an early age. #### Community engagement We welcome visits from community services, including firefighters and police, and coordinate centre-based events and excursions that align with the children's interests. These activities enrich their learning experiences and help them connect with the wider community. #### Exploration and problem solving Educators introduce open-ended materials and invitations to explore, such as building, measuring and experimenting. Through shared conversations and investigation, children develop curiosity, problem-solving and critical thinking skills. #### Social and emotional learning Children develop a strong sense of identity as they feel safe, secure and supported, building confidence, resilience and a positive sense of self. Through group activities, conversations and play, children learn to interact with others with care, empathy and respect, building positive relationships and friendships. ##### Book a tour to experience our centre today [Book a tour](/book-a-tour?centre=community-kids-empire-bay) ## Age-appropriate Early Learning We provide learning experiences tailored to each stage of your child’s development. Our programs are guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and designed to support children’s wellbeing, confidence and growing independence. ### 6 weeks – 2 years Lorikeets ### Lorikeets 6 weeks – 2 years In our nursery environment, educators focus on building strong, secure and respectful relationships so babies feel safe, settled and supported as they explore the world around them. The primary goals for this room include fostering relationships with educators to ease drop-off, encouraging self-settling at sleep time, and supporting developmental milestones such as gazing, crawling, walking, and self-feeding. We also focus on helping children engage in group experiences. Our nursery has two cot rooms, a dedicated meals room, a bottle warmer, a fridge for storing teething rings and breast milk, and a parent chair for breastfeeding. [Our nursery rooms](https://www.communitykids.com.au/childcare-and-early-education/nursery) ### 2 – 3 years Magpies ### Magpies 2 – 3 years Our toddler program encourages curiosity, independence and early social skills as children begin exploring the world with growing confidence. Within the curriculum framework, our main learning goals for this room focus on developing self-help skills, including dressing, putting on shoes, applying sunscreen, toilet training, emotional self-regulation, turn-taking, and sharing. It also creates the perfect environment to socialise and form friendships. Our activities enhance language skills and promote collaborative group play, laying a strong foundation for their future learning experiences. [Our toddler rooms](https://www.communitykids.com.au/childcare-and-early-education/toddlers) ### 3 - 5 years Kookaburras and Emus ### Kookaburras and Emus 3 - 5 years In our Preschool rooms, our curriculum is tailored to accommodate your child’s individual learning and development needs, boosting their enthusiasm, motivation, and willingness to learn. The main goals include fostering socialisation, encouraging cooperative and collaborative play, teaching children to look after their belongings, developing emotional regulation, following two-step instructions, promoting school readiness, and nurturing the qualities of being a good friend. Through structured learning experiences, our Bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teachers are committed to supporting your child in gaining the necessary skills for a successful transition into school and beyond. [Our preschool rooms](https://www.communitykids.com.au/childcare-and-early-education/kindergarten-preschool) ## Healthy, nutritious meals each day At our Empire Bay child care centre, we provide healthy, freshly made meals prepared daily by our in-house cooks. Our meals cater to all dietary requirements and feature a rotating weekly menu reviewed regularly by nutritionists. As an egg and nut-free centre, we ensure the safety of all children. All our educators hold ‘Food Handling’ qualifications to maintain the highest standards of health and safety. ## What a typical day looks like for your child ### Arrival at the centre Your child will be welcomed by our team of educators, who will ensure the morning transition from home to centre goes as smoothly as possible. On arrival, share information about your child’s specific needs for the day.   Next: Mealtimes ### Mealtimes Our centre chefs prepare a nutritious menu for your child to sit down and eat. This is a great time for everyone to share stories from the day. Educators model healthy eating practices, social behaviours and support children’s growing independence with mealtime routines. Previous: Arrival at the centre Next: Infant care ### Infant care If you have an infant, we spend one-on-one time with them to establish a connection. Educators talk gently and respond to babies’ cues. We use songs, games, and conversations to strengthen relationships and build language skills. Previous: Mealtimes Next: Play-based learning ### Play-based learning Your child is naturally curious. They want to learn and explore, which is why we teach through play-based learning. It supports language, motor skills, memory, emotions and social relationships. Educators plan play-based learning experiences based on children’s interests and goals. Previous: Infant care Next: Sleep, rest and relaxation ### Sleep, rest and relaxation We match routines to your child’s individual needs. Opportunities for rest and relaxation help make them feel safe. Play-based learning experiences are provided for older children who no longer don’t sleep in centre. Previous: Play-based learning Next: Heading home ### Heading home As your child prepares to head home, this is your opportunity to speak with our friendly educators about your child’s day and everything they learnt. We look forward to welcoming you back tomorrow. Previous: Sleep, rest and relaxation   ## Fees The Child Care Subsidy can reduce your daily out-of-pocket fee by up to 95% depending on your family’s entitlements. Nursery 0 - 2 years $162.00/day Toddler 2 - 4 years $157.65/day Preschool 4 - 5 years $156.05/day Step 1: Family Information & Financial State ### Child Care Subsidy Estimator Discover how much child care subsidy you may be entitled to by entering the fields below. #### 2026 3-Day Guarantee From 5th January 2026, based on the information you have entered, here's an estimate of your CCS entitlements and your out-of-pocket costs. Total Fees $0.00 Estimated CCS Fee Subsidy $0.00 Preschool/Preschool Subsidy $0.00 Out of Pocket Cost (what you pay) $0.00 ##### Matrix Out of Pocket Cost Is your CCS working for you? Check the out-of-pocket cost matrix per child against session lengths and weekly days below. Please note: The table in the matrix only shows out-of-pocket costs after CCS (Child Care Subsidy). Child 1 1 Day 2 Days 3 Days 4 Days 5 Days *Kindergarten/preschool subsidy applied: **$0.00** *This estimator provides an estimate only and is based on the following assumptions: - Accuracy and currency of family income information entered. - Family CCS entitlements include 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight. Please note your family may be entitled to less than 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight – if you are unsure we recommend you use the comprehensive CCS estimator in the link below. - Where 1-4 days of care is selected, full day sessions apply (being full operational hours of the centre, which can vary between centres). - Where 5 days of care is selected, 10-hour per day sessions apply (ie, 50 hours p/w to optimise 100 hours of CCS subsidised care across the fortnight). - Where a family’s CCS entitlements include less than 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight, please use the comprehensive CCS calculator as a guide. - NSW Preschool Fee Relief is effective from 1st January 2026.   Kindergarten/preschool subsidy is subject to State Government specific requirements including child age eligibility criteria and the delivery of the funded program by an Early Childhood Teacher on the day the subsidy is claimed by the family. Calculations herein are based on the assumption all eligibility criteria is met. Please contact your centre for detailed information. Read more Book a tour ### Send your results by email Enter your email address and we’ll send you a copy of your calculation results. ## What our families say 5.0(12 reviews) Source: Google Business Profile. Reviews are correct at the time of accessing this webpage. ### Samantha Palmer I highly recommend Community Kids Empire Bay! The highly trained team do an amazing job for my boy aged 3yrs. He is always greeted with a big smile when he walks in the door. He always comes home with a smile on his face and has plenty to tell me.... **See more** I highly recommend Community Kids Empire Bay! The highly trained team do an amazing job for my boy aged 3yrs. He is always greeted with a big smile when he walks in the door. He always comes home with a smile on his face and has plenty to tell me about his exciting day. My son’s room, the preschool room provides him with so many activities to do. he loves all his teachers especially his favourite Miss Alex. The outdoor area is large, spacious and had plenty of equipment. The kitchen staff provide a healthy varied meal plan that he loves to eat. Once again thank you for everything you do Empire Bay, you and your staff are amazing and very professional at your job. ### Scott Palmer Ursula and the team at Community Kids, Empire Bay are fantastic - our son enjoys his time in the environment and has done since he started several months ago. We would gladly endorse the preschool to anyone wanting a brilliant atmosphere where they.... **See more** Ursula and the team at Community Kids, Empire Bay are fantastic - our son enjoys his time in the environment and has done since he started several months ago. We would gladly endorse the preschool to anyone wanting a brilliant atmosphere where they can see their children flourish from babies into fully fledged youngsters, armed with great values and ready to tackle the world of school and beyond. ### Anne Robson Both of my children have been enrolled in Community Kids Empire Bay. For the last 3.5 years, the team there have become our second family. We adore the centre and will definitely recommend to other families :) ### Megan Jones My boys (4 & 18m) love going here. All carers are so lovely and supportive. We love the Chickens, guinea pigs, insects, growing veggies etc. The big kids go on excursions to the library or nursery. Highly recommend ### Samantha Sevil-Fraser As the Centre Manager I can state I have incredible staff and the families of the local area are so community minded. We have fun in a centre with old fashioned ideas of what preschool was and should be. Excursions Chickens Guinea pigs Leaf Insects.... **See more** As the Centre Manager I can state I have incredible staff and the families of the local area are so community minded. We have fun in a centre with old fashioned ideas of what preschool was and should be. Excursions Chickens Guinea pigs Leaf Insects and lots of gardens to dig and experience. We teach all those curriculum concepts along with a healthy dose of socialisation skills, ethics all done through play, respect and acceptance of all our differences. Come vist us and stay for some fun Samantha Sevil-Fraser 02 43696776 ### Source: Google Business Profile G8 Education does not control or endorse the content of individual reviews. We encourage families to contact the centre directly for the most up-to-date information. ## Explore nearby G8 Education centres Looking for other great childcare, kindergarten or preschool options? Discover more G8 Education centres near you! - [Kindy Patch West Gosford 10.13km](https://www.kindypatch.com.au/our-centres/childcare-west-gosford) - [Great Beginnings Kariong 10.52km](https://www.greatbeginnings.com.au/our-centres/childcare-kariong) - [First Grammar Wyoming 11.74km](https://www.firstgrammar.com.au/our-centres/childcare-wyoming) ## Frequently asked questions ## A centre tour is a convenient way to experience the childcare centre of your choice and meet with our qualified educators at a time that is suitable for your family’s schedule. [Click here to book a tour online.](/book-a-tour) On the day of the tour, you can observe practices and interactions within the centre environment. You’ll be able to see all the rooms and playgrounds, ask the team members any questions you have in mind, and get all the information you need to make the best decision for your child. ## Enrolling is simple, and our Family Support Team will guide you through each step. First, find your local centre and book a tour so you can meet the team and explore the learning environment. If the centre is the right fit and a place is available, you’ll receive an enrolment offer for your child. If a place is not currently available in your child’s age group, we can add your child to the waitlist and keep you updated. To finalise your enrolment, you’ll complete an online enrolment form through a secure link sent by our Family Support Team. You’ll also need to provide key details and documents, including your child’s birth certificate, Medicare details, immunisation history statement and, if eligible, your Child Care Subsidy details. Before your child’s first day, you may be invited to attend a Stay and Play session. This gives your child time to explore the centre, meet their educators, and start feeling comfortable in their new environment. Once your paperwork is complete, your child is ready to start their early learning journey with us. [Read our step-by-step guide on how to enrol here.](/family-information/how-to-enrol) ## Starting child care is a big milestone, and a little preparation can help your child feel more comfortable and confident. Before your child’s first day, you can talk positively about their new centre, explain what their day might look like, and practise small routines such as packing their bag, saying goodbye, washing hands and sitting down for meals. You may also like to visit the centre with your child, meet their educators and ask our team about what to bring on the first day. When your child starts, our educators will take the time to get to know your child’s routine, interests, comfort items and individual needs. Settling in looks different for every child, so we work closely with families to help children feel safe, supported and ready to learn. [Learn more about our Settling-in Program.](/family-information/settling-in-program) ## Most of our child care and early education centres offer nappies and wipes, sunscreen and hats, as well as nutritious meals prepared by our in-house cook. Some centres also provide sheets and formula, so you may not need to remember to pack them. For nursery children, be sure to bring: nappy rash cream, dummies, bottles and teats, comfort toys or blankets, three spare outfits and spare socks. For toddlers and preschool or kindergarten-aged children, it’s best to bring: spare underwear, water bottle or sippy cup, sun hat, closed-toe shoes, two spare outfits and spare socks. Plus, anything else your individual child may need, such as breast milk, a sleeping bag, a comforter or medication. It’s best to speak to your centre of choice for a full list of everything included. ## Community Kids uses Xplor Home as our [family communication app](/family-information/family-communication). It is the best and easiest way to keep track of your child’s day. After you enrol your child with the centre, you can utilise Xplor Home to book child care days, manage your account, receive the photographs that capture your child’s learning, learn about your child’s progress, as well as keep up-to-date with upcoming centre events and important information. ## If your child shows signs of an infectious illness when they arrive at the centre or becomes sick during the day, you may be notified that you need to make alternative arrangements or pick up your child from the centre and keep them home until they are no longer infectious. While we understand that this can be inconvenient, Community Kids is committed to maintaining a healthy environment and reducing the risk of infection for all children. Under the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), families are allowed 42 absence days per child, per financial year. These can be taken for any reason, including public holidays and when children are sick, without requiring families to provide documentation. ## Contact us We look forward to welcoming your family. [Book a tour](/book-a-tour?centre=community-kids-empire-bay) [Enquire now](/enquire-now?centre=community-kids-empire-bay)