There are a few differences over here with the little ones.

The immunisations here are different to Nz, usually if you have toddlers they will have to have extra shots. So make sure you bring the kids plunket book with you, if you dont have one get your Doctor to print out their immunisation history. One of the extra shots is Pneumococcal, Pneumococcal disease is a leading cause of serious illness and death among Australian children aged under five years. It can cause a range of Infections, for more info please refer to  http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Pneumococcal_disease?OpenDocument usually if they are under 2 they will require it.

They will also have to have a different type of meningococcal, and a Chickenpox vaccine which is something Nz should be doing by now anyway. They will most likely still get chickenpox at some point in their life but if they do, it will be a very minor dose! We actually paid $70 for our daughter to be immunised against chickenpox in Nz, so we were pretty happy when we learned our son would be immunised here for free! Also once you complete all their immunisations, OR provide medicare with a form of 'conscientious choice' if you have chosen not to have your child vaccinated for whatever reasons, be it allergic, religious or other health beliefs, if they are under 2, you will receive a payment of around $230. If you arrive in the country and your child is still under 2 but will be over 2 by the time they have completed all their extra immunisations, get your doctor to write a letter, stating your child is on a catch-up plan, and send it through to centrelink. Once they have had all their jabs you will receive the payment. If you child is over two and you have not lodged a letter there is no way you can get around it, unfortunately you miss out.

Childcare is basically the same set up, most centres are set up so they have to attend a full day, or if they dont attend a full day you still have to pay for a full day. It will cost about $55 - $75 per day without the rebate. But the Government is great over here and if you are earning around $44,000 for example, it will only cost you about $12 per day (you are usually only entitled to 24 hours worth of rebated care, after that you will have to pay the full amount, unless if you are working or studying you are entitled to 50 hours) and if you have more than 1 child attending your rebate will go up. If you are BOTH working, studying or doing voluntary work, you can claim 50% of your out-of-pocket childcare expenses at the end of the financial tax year, or quarterly, which is great !!

The child care centres here are great, some will cook the children meals for lunch and provide all their food, nappies and milk throughout the day.

Children start Prep the year they turn 5 years old. They must be 5 by the 30th of June in the year they enroll (obviously this is different in different states). They will start school at the BEGINNING of the year, not once they turn 5. for those who turn 5 after the 30th of June they will begin the following year. If your child is already in school when you move it may be worth discussing with their new school what year they will be in. This will depend on a few things, their age, your feelings and the schools feelings on the situation. Bringing school records is not essential, sometimes the new school may ask to take a look at them but otherwise they are not usually required unless there are specific behavioral or learning problems.

Thanks to Tory for these links...!

• Smileez Playhouse
  250 Olsen Ave, Parkwood
  Tel 07-5574 4491
• Abrakidazzle Jackman Centre, Jackman Street Southport 4215 Queensland Ph: 55283744 / 55283844
• Kel's Cubbyhouse Indoor Playcentre (a little small)
  3 Olympic Cct Southport
  Tel 07-5528 2110
• Boomerangs Plac Centre, Homeworld Helensvale - http://www.boomerangsplaycentre.com.au/

 
I have also mentioned in 'holidays' that there is an amazing free outdoor playground in southport, on the broadwater across from Australia fair. They have also added a new 'rock pool' section, which is a water play area and is great fun. Make sure you take the kids there at some stage, I promise you it wont be the only time you go! It is a great (and cheap!) day out for us.

Ikea also has a child minding service where the kids can play while you shop or eat in the cafe, I think from memory it was about $1 an hour.

If you feel like a day trip, head up to Brisbane to Southbank. On the weekends there is a gorgeous craft market (with extra cute Nz mirrors!! lol!) and a man made beach on the river side. It is called 'Streets beach' and my kids love it.