Opening 11 January 2027 in Lidcombe
0437 501 952steamela49@gmail.com

For families

A supported start for your whole family.

Starting somewhere new is a big step. Our approach is gentle, personalised and guided by trust, comfort, communication and connection.

Care and settlingHow we support your child and keep you connectedFees & CCSEstimate your daily gap and see what is included

Your child's journey with us

Five gentle stages of settling in.

Every child is unique. We follow their lead and work closely with you at every stage.

1

Getting to know you

We learn about your child’s routines, interests and needs so we can plan a calm, supportive start.

2

Familiarisation visits

Visit the room together, meet your child’s educator and begin building familiarity.

3

Supported settling in

We begin with short, flexible sessions. You are welcome to stay while confidence grows.

4

Building independence

We gently support your child to join play, routines and relationships at their own pace.

5

Confidence & connection

Once your child feels secure, we keep nurturing learning, belonging and growth each day.

Dedicated care from day one

Two familiar people, one secure start.

A Primary Carer gets to know your child and family, supported by a Secondary Carer for consistency and connection.

Meet our approach to dedicated care

Your child’s wellbeing comes first

Care you can see. People you can trust.

Our family handbook sets out the everyday care and child-safety practices behind our promise.

Familiar, respectful care

Primary and secondary educators know your child’s routines, comfort cues and family preferences. Feeding, changing and settling are unhurried moments of connection, with privacy and dignity respected.

Health needs understood

Educators know each child’s dietary, allergy and medical requirements. Allergy and dietary plans guide care, while handwashing, personal hygiene and SunSmart habits are part of everyday learning.

Child safety in practice

Working with Children Checks are verified and monitored. Our handbook requires open, visible spaces and supervised interactions. Children are listened to, and families can raise concerns with the Nominated Supervisor.

On your tour, ask us to walk you through cleaning routines, safe sleep, supervision and authorised collection. We want you to understand how your child will be cared for.

Learning shaped around your child

Every child will have an individualised learning plan.

Your child’s educator works with you to understand their strengths, interests, needs and next steps. The plan guides tailored experiences, extra support and further challenge, and is reviewed with your family as your child grows.

During key learning moments, we commit to an extra educator above the required staffing minimum. Smaller groups give children more attention, targeted support and challenge when ready.

You won't miss a moment

Communication that keeps you close.

On your child's first day, we call to let you know how settling is going. Photos and posts help you share the special moments, while the OWNA app provides real-time care updates.

Welcome phone callPhotos & postsOWNA updates

Live care updates in the OWNA app

Receive live updates and app notifications as educators record your child’s care throughout the day:

Sleep and restToileting and nappy changesMeals and snacksHow much your child ateActivities and learningBottles and care routines

Fees & Child Care Subsidy

2026–27 CCS estimates

See your estimated daily gap payment.

2026–27 rates, effective 6 July 2026. Care is available from 7:00am to 6:00pm (11 hours).

Estimate your family’s gap payment

For one or two CCS-eligible children at STEAM, aged 6 weeks to 5 years and not yet attending school. Enter every eligible child aged 5 or under in your family here; this simple estimate assumes no other children in care.

Child 1

Use the hours in your Centrelink assessment. Estimates use your child’s age today and exclude the 5% CCS withholding. The table below also excludes withholding. Each booked day is an 11-hour session; fewer subsidised hours increase the average gap payment. The younger child receives the higher sibling rate when eligible.

Calculations stay in your browser. Dates of birth and income are not submitted or stored.

Official 2026–27 CCS rates

Our fee guide shows estimates by combined family income, age group and whether your child is the eldest or a second or younger child in care.

View the full income and gap-payment table
Estimated daily gap payments (AUD)
Combined family incomeUnder 3 yearsAges 3–5 years
Standard child (1st/eldest child)2nd & younger children in careStandard child (1st/eldest child)2nd & younger children in care
$85,000$34.62$26.26$24.62$16.26
$90,000$35.11$26.26$25.11$16.26
$95,000$36.78$26.26$26.78$16.26
$100,000$38.46$26.26$28.46$16.26
$105,000$40.13$26.26$30.13$16.26
$110,000$41.80$26.26$31.80$16.26
$115,000$43.47$26.26$33.47$16.26
$120,000$45.14$26.26$35.14$16.26
$125,000$46.81$26.26$36.81$16.26
$130,000$48.48$26.26$38.48$16.26
$135,000$50.15$26.26$40.15$16.26
$140,000$51.82$26.26$41.82$16.26
$145,000$53.49$26.26$43.49$16.26
$150,000$55.16$28.25$45.16$18.25
$160,000$58.51$33.82$48.51$23.82
$170,000$61.85$39.39$51.85$29.39
$180,000$65.19$44.96$55.19$34.96
$190,000$68.53$50.53$58.53$40.53
$200,000$71.87$51.33$61.87$41.33
$220,000$78.56$51.33$68.56$41.33
$240,000$85.24$51.33$75.24$41.33
$260,000$91.92$51.33$81.92$41.33
$280,000$98.61$56.49$88.61$46.49
$300,000$105.29$67.63$95.29$57.63
$320,000$111.97$78.77$101.97$68.77
$340,000$118.66$89.91$108.66$79.91
$360,000$125.34$101.05$115.34$91.05
$370,000$128.68$101.45$118.68$91.45

The table assumes a fully subsidised 11-hour day and excludes CCS withholding. Actual payments depend on eligibility, subsidised hours, withholding and family circumstances.

Daily fees, with the essentials included.

Under 3 years

$185 per day

Ages 3–5 years

$175 per day

Your daily fee includes

  • 11 hours of care, from 7:00am to 6:00pm
  • Five meals, freshly prepared on site by our chef
  • Nappies for all ages and sunscreen throughout the day
  • High-quality learning resources
  • STEAM, Montessori, creative arts, language, music and outdoor play
  • A safe, caring environment led by qualified educators

Join our waitlist

Stay close to future availability.

If our rooms are at capacity, joining the waitlist keeps your child in consideration when a suitable place becomes available.

Register your detailsTell us how to contact you and share your child's information.

Priority placementOur team will discuss availability, care preferences and the enrolment process with your family.

Stay informedWe will keep you updated and contact you when a suitable opening becomes available.

Come and see us

Meet the people who will care for your child.

Discuss your child’s needs, preferred days and fees. We will contact you to confirm your tour; an enquiry does not commit you to enrol.

Book a tour