Our History
Toormina Community Preschool was established in 1976 by a group of dedicated families who wanted to create a nurturing, educational environment for local preschoolers.
​
The Preschool has grown significantly in its 45 year history, and to meet the needs of its growing population, has undertaken several renovations. We recently enhanced our indoor play space by extending the building to add another room. This room has provided opportunities for educators to work in smaller groups with children and to also increase our parent support programs.Our natural outdoor environment has also grown with us and we now have many established trees and gardens to create natural shade and play spaces. The children love to explore in the variety of outdoor areas which are continuously being enhanced. Currently it consists of a large sandpit, decking, river bed, worm farm, vegetable and bush tucker gardens and large climbing area.
​
We are proud to acknowledge the committed staff, committee members and families who have supported the Preschool over the years. During our 45 years of operation we have seen five dedicated Director’s, who have lead teams of educators in creating an environment of learning and fun. As a testament to our success we now welcome new generations of families who are returning with their children and grandchildren.
​
The Preschool continues to grow as we implement current practices and trends so that the children and families of Toormina/Sawtell and the surrounding suburbs receive the standard of high quality education and care they deserve.
Committee
Membership of the Association Toormina Community Preschool Inc is required to enrol your child in the Preschool.
Family and community members make up the volunteer Committee who oversee the long term management of the preschool. The Committee is an integral part of the preschool which provides an opportunity for members to be involved in decisions to support the preschools success.
Committee members meet monthly during term time to discuss preschool business and these meetings run for 1-2 hours, depending on the agenda.
Our AGM is held in March. At the AGM, interested Preschool Association members can nominate to become part of the Committee.
​
​
​
​
Our enrolment
​
Toormina Community Preschool takes enrolments at anytime throughout the year as vacancies arise. We encourage families to visit the preschool and observe the program, meet the educators and decide if this is the environment that best meets yours and your child’s needs.
​
We recommend families fill out a waitlist form and return to the preschool as soon as you have decided that you would like your child to attend to avoid disappointment.
During Term 2, around May and June, we finalise enrolments for the following year to ensure we give families ample notice as to availability and days.
Fees and hours
Our daily hours are 8.00am – 3.30pm during NSW School Terms
​
Our community based not for profit preschool is funded by the NSW State Government.
Children are funded to attend 2 days [15 hours] of preschool per week by the NSW State Government if:
-
The child is turning 4 or 5 by 31 July in the year of enrolment.
-
The child turns 3 years old prior to enrolment and
-
Is Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander or
-
Family holds a low income Health Care Card or equivalent or
-
Child is a participant of the NDIS with an approved plan
-
3 year old children not eligible above will receive partial funding by the NSW Department of Education and may enrol as/if vacancies allow.
​
​
Fee Relief in Community Preschools
​
Starting in 2023, the NSW Government is making a landmark investment of $1.3 billion over 4 years to provide fee-relief for families with children in preschool. At Toormina Community Preschool any eligible family who elect to receive fee-relief funding at our preschool will have all attendance fees and other fees and levies covered by the funding (except for extended hours fees or late collection fees which will still be charged).
​
​
​
Fees are still to be determined for 2024. As a guide, families who claim the Fee-Relief funding at another Community Preschool or child care service will be charged fees as follows.
​
4 yr old and 3 or 4 yr old equity children: $40 - $105 per week – 2 days attendance ##
3 yr old children (part-funded): $80 - $105 per week – 2 days attendance
##Discounted rates apply for aboriginal children, low income families and children on NDIS.
Plus - School Building Fund Contribution: $50 per term
​
For more information about fees and charges, or clarification of eligibility and funding please contact the preschool.
​
​
​
​
Waitlist form
Download our Waitlist Form
Privacy Statement
Download our privacy statement