We offer flexible care options to best meet your needs
Need to get childcare sorted at short notice or for one-off occasions?
At Elm St Early Learning Centre, we know that life doesn’t always stick to a schedule. That’s why we now offer casual care days, a flexible option for families who aren’t permanently enrolled with us but need short-term support.
Whether you're working a shift, attending an appointment or just need a bit of breathing space, our casual days are designed to help.
Bookings for casual care days will give your child the chance to experience our preschool environment, meet new friends and enjoy our play-based learning program, even if your child is not enrolled on a permanent basis.
Available in our preschool room for 3-6 year olds, bookings for casual care days can be made as half or full days on an as-needed basis and without needing any ongoing commitment. Bookings for a half day can be made for either a morning session (pick-up prior to 12pm) or an afternoon session (drop-off after 1pm).
Your child gets the same warm, high-quality care and homecooked food we're known for. Bookings are subject to availability and require a brief enrolment process.
Special intro offer:
Upfront registration fees are currently waived*
*For a limited time only. If this offer no longer applies at time of booking we will let you know.
What is a casual day?
A casual care day lets families book childcare on an as-needed basis with no ongoing commitment required. It’s ideal for:
Parents who need last-minute or short-term care for work or personal commitments
Parents who need some respite during school holidays
Parents needing emergency back-up care if usual childcare arrangements are not available
Families waiting for a permanent spot to become available
Children who benefit from more social time or a change of scenery in a warm, safe environment
Parents looking to gently transition your child to an early learning setting or otherwise in preparation for school
Casual care days are available in our preschool room and can be booked for a half day (morning or afternoon) or a full day, depending on availability.
We are licensed for 20 children in our preschool room and the number of casual care places available is variable and dependent on how many permanently enrolled children attend on a particular day.
Children attending on a casual care day booking will enjoy all the same homemade nutritious meals that are prepared for our permanently enrolled children. All you need to do is pack a pre-filled water bottle for your child and then you're ready to go for childcare drop-off.
How do I book?
Booking is simple, just give us a call!
Call Elm St to check availability on (02) 9745 1141
Our team will confirm whether a spot is available. Feel free to call as late as 8:30am on the day and we’ll try to fit your child in depending on attendance. Please note that all casual bookings are subject to staff ratios and licensing requirements.
Before your first visit, you’ll need to complete a short enrolment and orientation so we can get to know your child’s needs.
Our centre's opening hours are 7.15am to 5.45pm every Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays and end-of year shutdown period).
How casual care days work at Elm St
Bookings for casual care can be made over the phone (02 9745 1141) in advance or up to 8.30am on the day that care is required.
Spaces are limited and offered based on availability and staff ratios.
Casual care day* are for the preschool room only (3-6 year olds) and can be booked as:
Half day (7.15am-12pm or 1pm-5.45pm*)
Full day (7.15am-5.45pm*)
Child Care Subsidy (CCS) may apply—check your eligibility through MyGov.
You’ll need to complete a quick enrolment and orientation to ensure your child’s safety and wellbeing.
Payment is by direct debit and set up when you enrol.
*Late pick-up fees may apply
Please note that the following cancellation fees apply:
Cancellation is free if cancelled more than 24 hours ahead of the booking
50% charge if cancelled within 24 hours
75% charge if cancelled on the day
Please get in touch with us
Casual care is a wonderful way to get to know our centre before making a long-term commitment. If you’ve been thinking about enrolling your child or just need quality care for a day, we’d love to welcome your child to Elm St.
📞 Call to book: 02 9745 1141
Have a question or want to learn more?
Fill out our enquiry form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.