Our Centres
(03) 9899 9404
Choklits and current COVID-19 Updates
Choklits Owner Jade is continually updating our community throughout the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Below is the latest information we have, we will post further information as it comes to hand.
15.1.22 Update: Covid-19 Isolation and Child Care Fee Information.
Good afternoon Choklits Community,
As we experience more cases of Covid-19 right across Australia, some changes are now in place for the child care sector who, by extension, have also experienced an increase in cases too.
Choklits remains open and you are able to attend as you normally would if you do not have any Covid-19 symptoms.
The following information and explanations all come from the Department of Education, which we must and do follow.
From Friday 7 January, education contacts who:
- do not have any symptoms can continue to attend their ECEC site (Choklits). It is strongly encouraged that a rapid antigen (RA) test is taken each day for 5 days following notification of a COVID-19 exposure in an educational setting (which Choklits does via email).
- have symptoms must undertake a RA test or a PCR test and quarantine until they receive a negative result. Contacts are to stay home if unwell.
As above, if your child has NO symptoms you are able to attend Choklits.
If you return a positive test you are required to contact us and let us know.
We kindly ask if your child is showing symptoms of Covid-19 please keep them home and get tested. If you return a negative test and your child is symptom free you are welcome to return.
If your child or someone in your family tests positive for Covid-19 we will need to obtain a copy of your child’s negative day 6 test prior to their return.
- they, or a member of their immediate household, must isolate due to COVID-19
- the service, or a room at the service, is closed due to COVID-19 on written advice from the state or territory government authority
- The state or territory has restricted access to child care in a region due to COVID-19.
Stay safe, thanks,
Jade
As always, please –
Call us 98795888
Email us kids@choklits.com.au
Please also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news.
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24.10.21 Update: We are ready open up for everyone!
Good afternoon Choklits Community,
In more good news announced today, child care will re-open to everyone from 6pm Friday October 29th.
Effectively, this means the date all families can return to Choklits moves from Friday the 5th of November to Monday the 1st of November.
Please remember to email us kids@choklits.com.au to let us know on which date you intend to return to Choklits.
We hope to see you all on Monday November 1st!
Thanks in advance for your help!
Stay safe, thanks,
Jade
As always, please –
Call us 98795888
Email us kids@choklits.com.au
Please also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news.
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19.10.21 Update: We are ready to see you on Friday!
Good afternoon Choklits Community,
We can confirm we have many families returning to Choklits on Friday and are very much looking forward to seeing everyone!
Thank you to all those who’ve already emailed through their return dates and details.
We now have the official advice from the Department of Education on how we need to verify vaccination status of parents now that children of fully vaccinated parents can return to child care this Friday.
Simply email us your vaccination certificate/s along with your return date and we’ll take care of everything else.
For those returning on Friday, a reminder that we still have our drop off and pick up procedures at the front door in operation as we are not currently allowing visitors into Choklits. There are some busy pick up periods towards the end of the day but we will continue to make picks as smooth as possible.
A further confirmation that if you have been attending Choklits under the permitted worker permit arrangement then there is no need to take any action at all, you can continue to attend Choklits under the current arrangement.
Please remember to email us kids@choklits.com.au to let us know on which date you intend to return to Choklits.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Stay safe, thanks,
Jade
As always, please –
Call us 98795888
Email us kids@choklits.com.au
Please also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news.
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17.10.21 Update: We are back!
Good afternoon Choklits Community,
We are back from this Friday for all children of vaccinated parents!
Today the Victorian government announced some easing of restrictions which come into effect from 11:59pm this Thursday night. That means we are back this coming Friday which is very exciting!
Children of fully vaccinated parents can return to child care on Friday and child care will reopen to everyone from the 5th of November.
We are currently waiting for confirmation of how parents need to prove vaccination from the Department of Education and and will let everyone know the process asap.
In the meantime and to help our team get ready, could you please do us a huge favour and email us kids@choklits.com.au to let us know on which date you intend to return to Choklits.
Note; if you hold a permitted worker permit and are currently attending Choklits then you don’t need to take any action at all.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Stay safe, thanks,
Jade
As always, please –
Call us 98795888
Email us kids@choklits.com.au
Please also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news.
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13.10.21 Update: We are getting really, really close!
Hello Choklits Community,
We are now only 13 days from opening and welcoming many of you back to Choklits which is super exciting. We’ve missed you all and there’s many youngsters here who are missing their friends!
Inline with the government’s plan we are preparing to reopen and want to make sure we are ready for everyone to return.
From the 26th of October children of fully vaccinated parents can return to child care and child care will reopen to everyone from the 5th of November.
We are currently waiting for confirmation of how parents need to prove vaccination from the Department of Education and and will let everyone know the process asap.
In the meantime and to help our team get ready, could you please do us a huge favour and email us kids@choklits.com.au to let us know on which date you intend to return to Choklits.
Note; if you hold a permitted worker permit and are currently attending Choklits then you don’t need to take any action at all.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Stay safe, thanks,
Jade
As always, please –
Call us 98795888
Email us kids@choklits.com.au
Please also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news.
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19.9.21 Update: Victorian road map key dates for child care
Hello Choklits Community,
Following todays press conference and announcements we can confirm there are no changes for families who are currently allowed to attend child care.
We do, however, have some further insight as to when more families can come back to Choklits with the announcement of two key dates, the dates being:
- 26th of October, when children of fully vaccinated parents can return to child care and join those currently attending, and
- 5th of November, when child care reopens to everyone.
These dates, like all on the road map, are not confirmed and as the premier announced, could change.
Not the news we were hoping for at Choklits as we are really missing you all but we all have stick with it.
Below are the details of who is currently allowed to attend child care, please call either Sue or I in the office if you have any questions or need to discuss your situation.
Stay safe, thanks,
Jade
As always, please –
Call us 98795888
Email us kids@choklits.com.au
Please also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news.
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8.9.21 Update: child care restrictions eased
Hello Choklits Community,
Great news!!
An easing of the restrictions on who can and cannot attend child care has just been announced!
From Friday, children of single parents are now able to attend Child Care.
All the Choklits educators and myself are pretty excited to being seeing more of our community back again.
Choklits also remains open to vulnerable children, the children of authorised workers, and now to children of single parents too.
If you are uncertain if you fit into the above categories or want to discuss returning to Choklits please give either Sue or myself a call in the office. We are happy to go through any questions you have.
Please stay safe and let us know if we can be of any help. We are hoping for further restrictions soon as we really do miss you all!
Stay safe, thanks,
Jade
As always, please –
Call us 98795888
Email us kids@choklits.com.au
Please also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news.
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23.8.21 Update: fee confirmation
Good afternoon Choklits Community,
Just confirming that, although not a requirement, Choklits will be waiving the gap fee during this period for everyone who cannot attend Choklits due to the current lockdown and you will not loose your current place.
To answer the many questions and emails we’ve received about fees if you cannot attend, you do not have to pay the gap fee to keep your current place, as is the case elsewhere.
We will reassess as the situation changes and as more information is available from the government but at this stage the normal daily fee will remain in place for all those that do attend Choklits.
Please come back to this page often as these requirements continue to change frequently.
Stay safe, thanks,
Jade
As always, please –
Call us 98795888
Email us kids@choklits.com.au
Please also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news.
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23.8.21 Update: authorised worker permits
Good morning Choklits Community,
The government website wording has been updated to allow parents until tonight to get their worker permit to attend child care.
So to clarify, Choklits is closed but open to authorised workers who have until tonight to get their authorised worker permit.
Please come back to this page often as these requirements continue to change frequently.
Stay safe, thanks,
Jade
As always, please –
Call us 98795888
Email us kids@choklits.com.au
Please also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news.
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21.8.21 Update: official wording
Hello again Choklits Community,
Here is the offical wording on who can attend Choklits on Monday.
Choklits is closed but open to vulnerable children, and the children of authorised workers if they cannot be supervised at home.
If you intend to keep your child/ren at home you don’t need to do anything.
If you do intend to send your child/ren to Choklits on Monday we need to have a copy of your authorised worker permit before you attend, just like we did during the extended lockdown last year.
If you are eligible to send your child/ren to Choklits please email a copy of your authorised permit to kids@choklits.com.au asap.
If we don’t receive your authorised worker permit we will assume you are keeping your child/ren home.
We will announce how our closure will impact your fees on Monday, after we receive further information from the government.
Please read this post in conjunction with todays earlier post about new our drop off and pick-up procedures below.
I know none of us want to be in lockdown but we have to do everything we can and follow the governments orders as instructed. Please reach out if we can be of any assistance to you or your family. I’m thinking of every one of you and already sad we cannot be together for the next little while.
Stay safe, thanks,
Jade
As always, please –
Call us 98795888
Email us kids@choklits.com.au
Please also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news.
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21.8.21 Update: only children of authorised workers can attended child care and new drop-off and pick-up procedures
Hello Choklits Community,
There’s lots happening in the child care space today and the government announcements this morning have significant impact on who can attend Choklits on Monday.
We are currently waiting on the offical details from the Victorian government but it appears only children’s who’s parents who hold authorised worker permits will be able to attend Choklits on Monday.
We also believe vulnerable children will be allowed to attend Choklits.
We will update this page as soon as we have the offical communication, hopefully later today.
In addition to the above changes, we will reinstate our covid-safe drop-off and pick-up procedures we had in place last year. From Monday, only the Choklits Educators and our enrolled children will be able to enter Choklits.
New drop-off procedure
- Please bring your child/ren to the front door where we will have extra Choklits Educators waiting for you.
- Our Educators will check your child/ren temperature/s.
- The sign in kiosk (iPad) is being moved to outside the front door so you can sign your child in as you normally would.
- You will be asked to nominate a pick-up time (so we can have your child/ren ready when you arrive).
- A dedicated Choklits Educator will escort your child/ren and their belongings to theirs room/s and get them settled for the day.
New pick-up procedure
- If you are arriving at your nominated pick-up time, please come to the Choklits front door.
- We aim to have your child/ren ready for you collect so you can sign-out as you normally would.
- If you are arriving more than 10 minutes either side of your nominated pick-up time, please send us a message via your Xplor app or call us on 9879 5888 so we can adjust your child/rens routine.
Please be patient while our wonderful Choklits Educators get back into the swing of these procedures. If you do find yourself waiting a minute of two at either end of the day, please remember to maintain social distancing while doing so.
We have set ourselves the aim of making drop-offs and pick-ups easier and quicker for everyone but we will probably need a little practice to get going.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact us via email, kids@choklits.com.au.
Thank you again for your patience and understanding, we really hope these changes are only for a very short period.
Stay safe, thanks,
Jade
As always, please –
Call us 98795888
Email us kids@choklits.com.au
Please also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news.
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19.8.21 Update: Lockdown 6.0 extended, again,
Good morning Choklits Community,
As just announced, lockdown 6.0 has been extended for a further 7 days.
Not much changes for us at Choklits so if you need assistance or we can help in any way, please get in touch.
Stay safe,
Jade
As always, please –
Call us 98795888
Email us kids@choklits.com.au
Please also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news.
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16.8.21 Update: Lockdown 6.0 extended.
Good morning Choklits Community,
As just announced, lockdown 6.0 has been extended for a further 14 days.
Not much changes for us at Choklits so if you need assistance or we can help in any way, please get in touch.
Stay safe,
Jade
As always, please –
Call us 98795888
Email us kids@choklits.com.au
Please also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news.
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11.8.21 Update: Lockdown 6.0 extended.
Good morning Choklits Community,
As just announced, lockdown 6.0 has been extended for a further 7 days.
Not much changes for us at Choklits so if you need assistance or we can help in any way, please get in touch.
Stay safe,
Jade
As always, please –
Call us 98795888
Email us kids@choklits.com.au
Please also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news.
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5.8.21 Update: Our 6th lockdown begins.
Good afternoon Choklits Community,
Just confirming that we are set to begin lockdown 6 from 8pm tonight. Choklits will remain open and we are looking forward to seeing you tomorrow!
Masks are still required so please make sure you wear yours to Choklits and you use the QR code to check in at drop off and pick up.
If you need assistance or we can help in any way, please get in touch.
Stay safe,
Jade
As always, please –
Call us 98795888
Email us kids@choklits.com.au
Please also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news.
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27.7.21 Update: lockdown 5 to end tonight.
Good morning Choklits Community,
Great news, lockdown ends tonight!
We all need to stay across the latest information, in particular the exposure sites which can be found here but we are all very happy at Choklits to be exiting lockdown number 5.
Great work Victoria!
If you need assistance or we can help in any way, please get in touch.
Stay safe,
Jade
As always, please –
Call us 98795888
Email us kids@choklits.com.au
Please also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news.
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20.7.21 Update: restrictions extended.
Good afternoon Choklits Community,
Today, the Victorian government extended our current lockdown for another 7 days.
Not much changes really, we continue on and stay on top of the listed expose sites, found at this site.
If you need assistance or we can help in any way, please get in touch.
Stay safe,
Jade
As always, please –
Call us 98795888
Email us kids@choklits.com.au
Please also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news.
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19.7.21 Update: North Ringwood IGA listed as a Tier 1 Covid exposure site.
Good evening Choklits Community,
Today, the North Ringwood Richies IGA Supermarket was listed as a Tier 1 Covid site, more information can be found here.
If you have visited a Covid exposure site there are a number of requirements you must follow including getting tested and quarantining. Please check this site regularly for updates, changes, advice and the requirements for each exposure site.
If you need assistance or we can help in any way, please get in touch.
Stay safe,
Jade
As always, please –
Call us 98795888
Email us kids@choklits.com.au
Please also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news.
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15.7.21 Update: Our 5th lockdown begins.
Good evening Choklits Community,
Just confirming that although we will wake up to another lockdown tomorrow Choklits will remain open and we are looking forward to seeing you!
Masks are back so please make sure you wear yours to Choklits and you use the QR code to check in at drop off and pick up.
If you need assistance or we can help in any way, please get in touch.
Stay safe,
Jade
As always, please –
Call us 98795888
Email us kids@choklits.com.au
Please also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news.
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17.6.21 Update: Victorian restrictions update.
Good afternoon Choklits Community,
More great news! Masks are no longer needed outdoors from tonight!
We do need to continue to wear masks while inside but the latest ease in restrictions is a good indication we are on the right path.
You will have noticed we now have the government QR code system in place at Choklits so please remember to scan in when you drop off and pick up.
If you need assistance or we can help in any way, please get in touch.
Stay safe,
Jade
As always, please –
Call us 98795888
Email us kids@choklits.com.au
Please also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news.
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10.6.21 Update: Victorian lockdown ends tonight.
Good morning Choklits Community,
Great news! Lockdown in Victoria ends tonight!
There aren’t any major changes effecting child care or Choklits though so please remember to wear your mask when visiting Choklits and follow all the COVID-19 safe practices we have in place.
Thank you all for your help and understanding throughout this lockdown period, we really appreciate it.
If you need assistance or we can help in any way, please get in touch.
Stay safe,
Jade
As always, please –
Call us 98795888
Email us kids@choklits.com.au
Please also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news.
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2.6.21 Update: Victorian lockdown extended.
Good afternoon Choklits Community,
I’m sure we all know by now that lockdown has been extended in Victoria for another 7 days.
Although some restrictions have eased for some industries in some locations, none effect Choklits so we will continue as we have since lockdown started.
Fingers crossed we are in the position to return to normal on Friday, June 11th.
Just a reminder to please ensure you wear a mask when you enter Choklits and follow all the COVID-19 safe practices we have in place.
If you need assistance or we can help in any way, please get in touch.
Stay safe,
Jade
As always, please –
Call us 98795888
Email us kids@choklits.com.au
Please also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news.
—
27.5.21 Update: Victoria back into lockdown from tonight.
Good afternoon Choklits Community,
In light of today’s announcement from the Victorian Premier, we can confirm that Choklits will remain open for everyone for the lockdown which starts tonight.
We have had to cancel our incursions and excursions planned for the next 7 days but hope to re-schedule as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, Farmer Kevin isn’t able to come to Choklits tomorrow.
Please click here for a copy of the restrictions and detail on authorised workplaces. We will continue with to comply with all COVIDsafe health and safety guidelines.
Please ensure you wear a mask when you enter Choklits and follow all the COVID-19 safe practices we have in place.
If you need assistance or we can help in any way, please get in touch.
Stay safe and see you in the morning,
Jade
As always, please –
Call us 98795888
Email us kids@choklits.com.au
Please also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news.
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17.2.21 Update: we are back, again.
Good afternoon Choklits Community,
We will return to our normal covid safe operations tomorrow after the premier confirmed Victoria’s 5 day lockdown will end tonight.
Please ensure you continue to wear a mask when you enter Choklits and follow all the COVID-19 safe practices we have in place.
See you all tomorrow!
Stay safe,
Jade
As always, please –
Call us 98795888
Email us kids@choklits.com.au
Please also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news.
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12.2.21 Update: Victoria back into lockdown from tonight.
Good afternoon Choklits Community,
I’m sure you’ve all heard that Daniel Andrews has now announced that all of Victoria is going into a 5 day stage 4 lockdown as of 11:59pm tonight to 11:59pm Wednesday Night.
As an essential business, Choklits will remain open and operating our normal hours 7am-6pm next week for those who require care.
If you would like more information please refer to the government website.
Please ensure you wear a mask when you enter Choklits and follow all the COVID-19 safe practices we have in place.
Stay safe,
Jade
As always, please –
Call us 98795888
Email us kids@choklits.com.au
Please also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news.
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27.9.20 Update: child care reopens tomorrow, no permit required.
Happy Sunday Choklits Community,
It’s with great joy we can confirmed that we’re back!
Child Care Centres can reopen tomorrow September 28th to everyone as permitted worker permits are no longer required.
If you are returning to Choklits tomorrow please remember that our strict and swift COVIDsafe drop-off procedure remains in place and (unfortunately) no parents or carers can enter our building. We encourage you to discuss our COVIDsafe drop-off procedure with your child/ren before tomorrow morning so they are aware you will kiss and go at the front door rather than take them to their room. Our Choklits Educators will escort your child/ren the their room.
We are all super excited and look forward to seeing you in the morning!!
Stay safe,
Jade
As always, please –
Call us 98795888
Email us kids@choklits.com.au
Please also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news.
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6.9.20 Update: children can return to child care from September 28th.
Happy Father’s Day Choklits Community,
Some fantastic new today…
The Premier announced that all Victorian families will be able to return to child care from September 28th.
The permitted worker forms and status will NO LONGER BE REQUIRED to access care from September 28th.
We look forward to seeing you all return, we’ve really missed all your smiling faces!!
Thank you all for your understanding and support throughout the past few months. We have a little way to go as a community and before we return to a completely normal, but as far access to child care goes we have our fingers, arms, legs and toes crossed in the hope this is the last time we need to update this page!
Stay safe,
Jade
As always, please –
Call us 98795888
Email us kids@choklits.com.au
Please also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news.
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9.8.20 Update: child care rules relaxed, with only one parent required to be a permitted worker.
Happy Sunday Choklits Community,
In addition to yesterday’s update, we can confirm the rules to access child care have been relaxed and the official information including the new criteria has now been posted on the government websites.
The key points are…
Permitted workers are able to access onsite childcare and kinder if there is no one else in their household who is able to supervise their child/ren. For example, a permitted worker in a single parent household may access childcare and kinder.
If there is another carer in the household, permitted workers can still access onsite childcare if the other parent/carer cannot supervise the child/ren. This could be for a number of reasons – for example, their partner or co-parent:
- has a medical condition, or chronic illness which prevents them from caring for the child
- has a disability
- is completing full time study and must attend onsite
- works from home, but in a role that means they cannot supervise the child/ren – resulting in the permitted worker not being able to do their job
Both carers do not have to be permitted workers to access childcare.
The above information and more can be found here.
If the relaxed rules mean you can now access child care and would like to return to Choklits please email us your intention to do so asap, kids@choklits.com.au, and include your properly completed Permitted-Worker-Scheme-Template-childcare-addition or your Access-to-Childcare-Scheme-Template.
Thank you for your understanding and if you have any questions please get in touch.
Stay safe,
Jade
As always, please –
Call us 98795888
Email us kids@choklits.com.au
Please also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news.
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8.8.20 Update: child care rules to be relaxed, with only one parent required to be a permitted worker.
Happy weekend Choklits Community,
Here we go again…
Late yesterday it was reported that the Victorian government relaxed the eligibility requirements to access child care. And, due to the changes it is expected that many more families will now be able to go back to using child care services.
The following is an extract from this news article.
Now, in a two-parent household, only one needs to be a Permitted Worker for the family to be eligible for childcare.
The family will only be required to show the other parent is unable to care for the children.
Valid reasons include working from home in a non-permitted industry, a disability or full-time study.
The government webpage the above article references can be found here, but is yet to be updated to reflect the latest changes.
We will make a further update when the information appears on government websites.
Thank you for your understanding and if you have any questions please get in touch.
Stay safe,
Jade
As always, please –
Call us 98795888
Email us kids@choklits.com.au
Please also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news.
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5.8.20 Update: evening (PM) news, including required forms for attending child care.
Good Evening Choklits Community,
Thank you all once again for your understanding through this time. It’s been extremely confusing to say the very least.
Firstly, we want to thank and send our very best wishes to all our families who won’t be at Choklits for the next 6 weeks. Please stay safe and look after your families. Your additional 30 absent days will cover the 6 week period and you will not loose your enrolment at Choklits.
For all the families wishing to attend Choklits, it’s important you read and understand all the eligibility guidelines and requirements for attending child care. Please read and ensure you meet the government requirements detailed on this web page.
To attend Choklits you will need to satisfy the requirements as detailed at the above link and send either your properly completed Permitted Worker Scheme Template, Permitted-Worker-Scheme-Template-childcare-addition or your Access-to-Childcare-Scheme-Template to us via email, kids@choklits.com.au.
Please note, and as detailed on this page; if you have already sent us you Permitted Worker Permit you are NOT required to complete a Permitted Worker Scheme Child Care addition as well.
We will assume that if email us your Permitted Worker Permit or your Access to Child Care and Kindergarten Form to us via email you meet all the relevant eligibility requirements as detailed here.
Choklits takes no responsibility if these forms have been falsified in anyway or are completed outside their intended spirt.
Thank you for your understanding and if you have any questions please get in touch.
Stay safe,
Jade
As always, please –
Call us 98795888
Email us kids@choklits.com.au
Please also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news.
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5.8.20 Update: noon news
Hello Choklits Community,
As we all know and due to stage 4 restrictions Choklits will be closed from tonight at 11.59 pm, except for the children of permitted workers and vulnerable children who can’t be cared for at home.
The Premier has just announced that parents will require a special permit to access child care over the next 6 weeks.
We will let you know as soon as the permit application process opens up later today. Please note; the child care permit is in addition to the Permitted Work Permit and we believe it needs to be signed by your employer.
We are awaiting the offical communication but we believe we will be open for the following reasons, only:
- if both parents/careers are permitted workers and there is no other care option
- for any children that are registered with Choklits as a vulnerable child, plus children with a disability
- if you are a permitted worker and there is no one in your house that is capable of looking after your children
We have already contacted all families we believe will be eligible. If we haven’t contacted you but you believe you may be eligible, please email us immediately to ensure we allocate a place for you kids@chokilts.com.au.
You will required a permit and we will let you know as soon as the permit application process opens up later today. You will need to provide a copy of the permit to Choklits before you can attend.
Families who are not attending Choklits will NOT loose their enrolment places and will be given an additional 30 absent days to cover the 6 week period. We have decided we will waive the gap fee for families who are not attending Choklits. The standard daily fees will apply for those who are attending Choklits.
Thanks for your patience and understanding, we are doing everything we can to get further details to you asap.
More to come…
Stay safe,
Jade
As always, please –
Call us 98795888
Email us kids@choklits.com.au
Please also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news.
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5.8.20 Update: morning (AM) news
Good Morning Choklits Community,
Federal Education Minister Dan Tehan has released initial details on a new child care support package to ensure child care centres can remain open.
Details of who can attend child care for the next 6 weeks is still to come.
Thanks for your patience and understanding, we are doing everything we can to get further details to you asap.
Stay safe,
Jade
As always, please –
Call us 98795888
Email us kids@choklits.com.au
Please also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news.
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4.8.20 Update: stage 4 closure
Good Afternoon Choklits Community,
A quick update on our pending closure tomorrow (Wednesday) night.
Unfortunately, the Premier didn’t share any further information about child care in his press conference we’ve just watched live. The specific details on which centres may close and who will be able to attend child care during stage 4 restrictions remains unclear.
We are awaiting official information from the department of Education and relevant bodies.
Please hold tight, we will publish the information as soon as the government makes it available and be in contact with you all.
Thanks for your patience and understanding, we are doing everything we can to get further details to you asap.
Stay safe,
Jade
As always, please –
Call us 98795888
Email us kids@choklits.com.au
Please also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news.
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1.8.20 Update: stage 4
Hello Choklits Community,
The roller coaster ride that is 2020 rolls on!
Victoria is moving to stage 4 restrictions which will effect child care for the first time.
Child care and kindergarten’s will be closed from Wednesday at 11.59pm, except for the children of permitted workers and vulnerable children who can’t learn from home.
The Premier has said that he will be making further announcements tomorrow regarding workplaces, child care and who is deemed an essential worker. We will provide the entire Choklits Community with a detailed update as soon as this is known.
Please be aware of today’s further restrictions on travel and social activity already announced.
Statement On Changes To Melbourne’s Restrictions
Statement On Changes To Regional Restrictions
The Choklits Community has already proved we are a strong and resilient bunch. I’m one hundred percent certain that we will get through this next period together and will all be stronger on the other side.
We will be open tomorrow and will continue with to comply with all COVID safe health and safety guidelines.
Stay safe and see you in the morning,
Jade
As always, please –
Call us 98795888
Email us kids@choklits.com.au
Please also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news.
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22.7.20 Update: face masks
For information about masks and child care please visit https://www.choklits.com.au/child-care-face-masks
As always, please –
Call us 98795888
Email us kids@choklits.com.au
Please also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news.
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21.7.20 Update: new drop-off and pick-up procedures
Hello Choklits Community,
Well 2020 continues to be an interesting year for us all!
I really wanted to thank you all for your ongoing understanding and support as we navigate our way through this period.
Our children’s safety has always been our first priority at Choklits and with the further restrictions coming into effect in Victoria we’ve made the difficult decision to further restrict who enters the Choklits building and grounds.
From Monday, only the Choklits Educators and our enrolled children will be able to enter Choklits.
New drop-off procedure
- Please bring your child/ren to the front door where we will have extra Choklits Educators waiting for you.
- Our Educators will check your child/ren temperature/s.
- The sign in kiosk (iPad) is being moved to outside the front door so you can sign your child in as you normally would.
- You will be asked to nominate a pick-up time (so we can have your child/ren ready when you arrive).
- A dedicated Choklits Educator will escort your child/ren and their belongings to theirs room/s and get them settled for the day.
New pick-up procedure
- If you are arriving at your nominated pick-up time, please come to the Choklits front door.
- We aim to have your child/ren ready for you collect so you can sign-out as you normally would.
- If you are arriving more than 10 minutes either side of your nominated pick-up time, please send us a message via your StoryPark app or call us on 9879 5888 so we can adjust your child/rens routine.
Please be patient while our wonderful Choklits Educators get into the swing of our new procedure. If you do find yourself waiting a minute of two at either end of the day, please remember to maintain social distancing while doing so.
We have set ourselves the aim of making drop-offs and pick-ups easier and quicker for everyone but we will probably need a little practice to get going.
If you have any questions or concerns please respond to this email.
Thank you again for your patience and understanding, we really hope these changes are only for a very short period.
Stay safe, thanks,
Jade
As always, please –
Call us 98795888
Email us kids@choklits.com.au
Please also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news.
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1.7.20 Update: temperature checks
Hello Choklits Community,
We hope you are all keeping well and safe. We would like to inform you all that from this afternoon we will be taking the temperature of everyone who enters the building. This is in line with the Department of Health and Government guidelines.
Please note the process and procedure for temperature checks will be as follows until Victorian restrictions are lifted.
1. Before entering everyone’s temperature will be taken by a member of the Choklits staff.
2. 36.5° C – 37.4 Normal- Entrance to the centre can be given.
3. 37.5° C or Over is a High Temperature, you will not be able to enter the building.
4. Temperatures need to be 37.4° C or below for at least 24 hours prior to returning to the centre.
5. Please note if you or your child are not well please do not enter the centre.
6. Remember to apply hand sanitizer and maintain 1.5M from all staff and other children.
Thank you for keeping everyone safe,
Jade and the Choklits Team.
If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us.
Call us 98795888
Email us kids@choklits.com.au
Please also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news.
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24.4.20 Update
24.4.20 update: Message from Choklits Child Care Owner Jade.
Useful Link: DHHS.vic.gov.au/Coronavirus
Call us 98795888
Email us kids@choklits.com.au
Please also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news.
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8.4.20 Update
8.4.20 update: Message from Choklits Child Care Owner Jade. You can find all the current changes at https://www.choklits.com.au/83days/
Useful Link: DHHS.vic.gov.au/Coronavirus
Call us 98795888
Email us kids@choklits.com.au
Please also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news.
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5.4.20 Update
5.4.20 update: Message from Choklits Child Care Owner Jade. Link mentioned in video https://www.choklits.com.au/83days/
Useful Link: DHHS.vic.gov.au/Coronavirus
Call us 98795888
Email us kids@choklits.com.au
Please also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news.
—
3.4.20 Update
3.4.20 update: Message from Choklits Child Care Owner Jade.
Useful Link: DHHS.vic.gov.au/Coronavirus
Call us 98795888
Email us kids@choklits.com.au
Please also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news.
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27.3.20 Update
27.3.20 update: This week, due to the rapidly changing COVID-19 situation, Choklits Owner Jade is sharing our regular Friday Reflections Vlog which is ordinarily reserved just for the Choklits Educators with the wider Choklits Community. Enjoy, stay safe and healthy everyone!
Useful Link: DHHS.vic.gov.au/Coronavirus
Call us 98795888
Email us kids@choklits.com.au
Please also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news.
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25.3.20 Update
25.3.20 video transcribed: Good morning everybody, here I am again! I’m starting to feel like the PM and know what he goes through with all these press conferences. Every time he does one I feel like I need to do one to keep updating you! So, for those of you that didn’t get across last nights updates, Choklits and child care are still open! We’ll all be at the centre today and for as long as we still can to help support you and the community. So all the educators are there to get onboard and keep looking after your children and supporting you so you can go to work or do whatever you need to do in this crazy, crazy time. We are here, we are open and I just wanted to say have a great day, I’ve worn some pink to hopefully brighten up everyones day and have a smile so we can keep moving forward, one foot in front of the other. Any question or concerns, please let us know we’ll all be in the office today and on email. kids@choklits.com.au if you can’t get to the phone and we’l try and answer anything that we can. Have a great day and I’m sure I’ll see you again very soon!
Useful Link: DHHS.vic.gov.au/Coronavirus
Call us 98795888
Email us kids@choklits.com.au
Please also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news.
—
24.3.20 Update
24.3.20 video transcribed: Hello everyone it’s Jade from Choklits here. I thought I’d jump on and say hello, I hope everyone is doing OK. I know that there are a lot of mixed feeling going around at the moment and there is a lot of uncertainty. I just wanted to give you an update on what I know. What I do know is that obviously the department have upped some of their expectations that we are now complying by in relation to one of which is limiting our visitors into the centre so we have made the sad decision but a very smart one I think to now finish all of our incursions, they all finished as of Thursday last week and all of our excursions in addition to that so we are limiting the amount of people coming into the centre. Additionally we are dealing with lots and lots of requests from you all, I know that there’s a lot of different circumstances and lots of different information that you need and want from us. All I ask is that you be patient, we are working through them all. Our admin load (as I’m sure you can all appreciate) has increased significantly so we are doing our best to work through those one by one and addressing them all with you to hopefully get the best outcome for all. We are here for you all, family, staff, community. We can do our best in supporting each other. From a walk into the centre perspective, all of the staff are there to help and support you and obviously al of the children. We are practicing safe hygiene practices, we are teaching the children as best we can about social distancing. Obviously our younger children don’t quite understand that, particularly our babies and toddlers and why should they? So we are doing our best to ensure they are also safe. We are washing hands and ensuring that everything is inline with our normal business practices, that we are clean and tidy and on top of everything. If you do have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact us and I’ll endeavour to answer your questions. Like many of you I wait for the information we get for the department so I’m providing the most up-to-date, relevant, current and correct information to you all. Come to us with any questions and we’ll go away and try to find the answer for you. Please stay safe, stay well and once again please support each other and be kind to each other. Thanks to all of the Choklits Community for rally together in a really tough time. I’ll talk to you again really soon, thanks!
Useful Link: DHHS.vic.gov.au/Coronavirus
Call us 98795888
Email us kids@choklits.com.au
Please also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news.
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18.3.20 Update
18.3.20 video transcribed: Good morning Choklits Community, I wanted to get on again this morning to check in and provide you with an update in relation to the information that we have from the department of health and education which is business as usual. The update hasn’t changed, they are updating us when new information comes in and I’m keeping on top of that hour by hour. There’s a lot of conflicting information out in the Community so the best thing we can doing is to follow the direct source which is from the Government directly to us. Their advice is business as usual which we are doing. So, if yesterday was anything to go by the children are really happy and the curriculum is going as planned. All our incursions are going ahead and the excursions I mentioned the other day have been canceled. Our excursion to the aged care facility has been cancelled for the health and safety of everyone involved. We also had an incursion planned tomorrow for Harmony Day which we have postponed until later in the year to ensure that any external visitors that we haven’t dealt with before aren’t coming into the centre. We are reviewing each of our incursions and program day-by-day with all the information we have at hand. If you have any questions or concerns please down hesitate to come in and see us at Choklits, call us or email us. There is a lot of information on the department of health website and we can provide that to you if you require it or want to discuss anything. This is a rurally confusing and crazy time, we are doing our best to rally together, support each other and be kind. Thanks for listening, if you have any questions please let me know, say safe!
Useful Link: DHHS.vic.gov.au/Coronavirus
Call us 98795888
Email us kids@choklits.com.au
Please also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news.
