Contact Us

Frequently asked questions

• What ages does Small Steps care for?+

  Small Steps cares for children in two age groups: a Babies & Toddlers room for our youngest children, and a Pre-School program for children aged 3 to 6 years. Both run a play-based program built around each child’s interests and stage of development.

• What programs do you offer?+

  We offer two play-based programs: a Babies & Toddlers program that nurtures early physical, social, emotional, cognitive and language development, and a Pre-School program for 3 to 6 year olds covering early literacy, numeracy, social development and school readiness.

• What learning framework do you follow?+

  Our programs are guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), the national framework within Australia’s National Quality Framework. It is built on play-based learning and the themes of Belonging, Being and Becoming, working towards the five EYLF learning outcomes for every child.

• Where is Small Steps located and which suburbs do you serve?+

  Small Steps Educational Childcare is at 126 Thorney Road, Fairfield West NSW 2165. We welcome families from Fairfield West and the surrounding suburbs of Fairfield, Smithfield and Canley Vale.

• Who owns and runs Small Steps?+

  Small Steps is a family-run centre owned by Samia Ghandour, who holds a Diploma of Children’s Services and has over 20 years’ experience in children’s services. A mother of four, she opened the centre with the help of her family.

• How do I enrol my child?+

  You can call us on (02) 9757 1519, book a tour, or send an enquiry through our contact page and our team will guide you through the next steps.

• How do I book a tour or visit the centre?+

  We’d love to show you around. Call us on (02) 9757 1519 or send an enquiry through our contact page and we’ll arrange a time for you to visit, meet our educators and see our rooms.

• How do you help children settle in?+

  We work in partnership with families to help every child feel secure. Our educators get to know your child and build on their interests, providing a safe, warm environment so your child can build confidence and feel settled, secure and loved.

• What is the Child Care Subsidy and how do I apply?+

  The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is an Australian Government payment that helps eligible families with the cost of child care. Families apply through their myGov account linked to Centrelink, and the amount depends on family income and activity. Contact us and we’ll help you understand what it could mean for your family.

• What are your opening hours?+

  We’re open Monday to Friday for a full long day, built around the needs of working families. Please contact us for our current opening and closing times — we’ll make sure the hours work for your drop-off and pick-up.

• What are your fees, and what will I pay after the Child Care Subsidy?+

  Your out-of-pocket cost depends on the daily fee and your assessed Child Care Subsidy (CCS). Most local families qualify for a high rate of CCS, and we help you claim it so you only pay the gap. Contact us for our current daily fee and a Child Care Subsidy estimate for your family.

• Are meals provided?+

  Mealtimes are a warm, social part of every day. We provide nutritious meals and snacks, planned with children’s growth and energy in mind, and we’re mindful of the dietary needs and cultural backgrounds of our families. Please tell us about any allergies or specific requirements so we can cater for your child.

• What is your National Quality Standard (NQS) rating?+

  Small Steps is committed to meeting the National Quality Standard (NQS) and is assessed under the National Quality Framework across all seven quality areas. You can view our current rating any time on the national registers at startingblocks.gov.au and acecqa.gov.au, and we’re always happy to talk you through our approach to quality and safety.

• What should my child bring each day?+

  To help your child feel at home, please pack a sun hat, a change of clothes (a couple of spares for our youngest children), any comfort item, and a labelled drink bottle. For babies, we’ll chat with you about bottles, formula and nappies. We’ll always let you know if there’s anything else your child’s room needs.

• What languages are spoken at the centre?+

  We’re proud to care for families from Fairfield West’s many cultural communities, including Vietnamese, Assyrian and Chinese families and many more. We value the languages and traditions children bring from home and weave them into everyday care. Please talk with us about your family’s language and cultural needs.

• Do you have vacancies?+

  Places change through the year across our age groups. The best way to find out what’s available is to contact us — we’ll let you know what’s open now, help you join our waitlist if needed, and arrange a time for you to visit.

• What is the 3 Day Guarantee?+

  From January 2026 the Australian Government’s 3 Day Guarantee gives eligible families access to at least three days of subsidised early childhood education and care each fortnight, regardless of work or study. It means more local families are now eligible for the Child Care Subsidy. Contact us and we’ll help you understand what it could mean for your family.