Child minding is provided free of cost to Marxism conference attendees.

The child minding for babies and pre-school aged children is coordinated by Christine Taylor, a qualified childcare professional of more than 20 years' experience. Christine is assisted by a number of experienced volunteers, ensuring an appropriate ratio of carers to children is maintained at all times.

Registration for child minding is essential! To register your child or children, please read the information below and then complete the online registration form available here. If you have any question about the service, please contact Seb on 0401 366 001 or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

What will my child be doing while in child minding?

Outdoor play whenever the weather permits. The VCA has open areas for ball games and running around . Christine has a particular interest in art and drawing, so your child will also enjoy drawing, painting, pasting playdough and other visual art activities.

Is child minding available throughout the whole conference?

Childcare is available during the formal conference sessions and meal times. You will need to collect your child at the end of the day at least 15 minutes before the service closes.
The service hours are:
Friday 9:30am-6pm
Saturday 9:30am-6pm
Sunday 9:30am-6pm

What is required of me if I wish to make use of the child minding service?

Pre-registration

• Submit the registration form at least one week prior to the conference. Indicate on the form what days and times you will be using the service

Preparation and arrival

• Pack everything your child needs for a full day out (see the full list below)
• Come 15 minutes early on the first day that your child attends the service. This will allow time to settle in before you leave for conference sessions (if they need a last cuddle, feed, nappy change, trip to the toilet etc.)
• Introduce yourself and your child to the carers and make them aware of your child's routine and any special issues affecting them that day.
• Check your child's nappy on arrival. As a courtesy to our staff and volunteers, it would be appreciated if you could deal with a soiled nappy before you leave.

Changes, illness & cancellations

• Let us know if you are running late or decide not to bring the kids (call Alex on 0422196011). Failure to notify us of changes can cause unnecessary disruptions to the service.
• If your child is coming down with a cold, running a fever or suffering from vomiting or diarrhoea, please do not bring them to the child minding service.

During the conference

• Use the sign in/sign out sheet. We use a sign-in/sign-out sheet, so you will need to personally drop off and pick up your child at the service. Only parents/carers nominated on the registration form will be permitted to collect children from the service.
• Keep your phone with you on vibrate during the conference. We need to be able to contact you in case of emergencies or if you have a baby who we are unable to settle.
• If your child requires medication during their time at the child-minding service, you will need to administer this yourself. Please be aware that we cannot cater in any specialised way for children with life-threatening conditions such as anaphylaxis or asthma.

What do I need to pack in my child's bag?

Above all, make sure everything you pack is clearly labelled!

• A sunsafe hat which covers your child's face, neck and ears
• A warm coat or shirt (Melbourne's weather is changeable)
• Change of clothes (when involved with hands-on play-based learning, your child may get a little messy!)
• A bib or two
• Comfort item (if required), such as a toy or blanket
• Toys and craft supplies that your child likes to play with and is happy to share with others (preferably labelled, or listed on the registration form)
• Dummy in a sealed, named container (if required)
• Sleeping sheet set or blanket for nap time
• All food and drinks that your child will need, including snacks.
• Bottles with expressed milk or formula (if required)
• Nappies, wipes and cream clearly organised in a bag. Additional plastic bags for disposing of dirty nappies would be appreciated.
• Water bottle with a lid or a sippy cup
• Any medications –if your child requires medication during their time at the child-minding service, you will need to administer this yourself. Please be aware that we cannot cater in any specialised way for children with life-threatening conditions such as anaphylaxis or asthma.
• Stroller or pram for your baby to sleep in (if applicable)

Do I need to pack food?
Yes. As this is a free service we do not provide food. You will need to provide all food and drinks that your child will need, including snacks. (Tap water is available but please provide a drink bottle.)

Do I need to pack sunscreen?
The Marxism child minding service provides child-safe sunscreen as we are committed to being a sunsafe organisation. However, if your child has sensitive skin, please feel free to pack your own preferred brand.

What if my child requires medications?
If your child requires medication during their time at the child-minding service, you will need to administer this yourself. Please be aware that we cannot cater in any specialised way for children with life-threatening conditions such as anaphylaxis or asthma.

What do I do if my child is sick?
If your child is coming down with a cold, running a fever or suffering from vomiting or diarrhea, please do not bring them to the child minding service. It's best for your child, other children and care staff to keep them at home if they're sick. Please call us on 0422196011 to let us know they are not coming in.

What if the child carers are not able to settle my baby?
Christine and the other carers will do their utmost to settle your baby, but if s/he has been crying and distressed for longer than about 30 mins, we will need to call you to come back and feed/settle/cuddle him/her – so please keep your mobile with you on vibrate mode while attending the conference. A fretful, distressed baby is very demanding to deal with, which affects the care available to other children using the service. Additionally, we want all children to have a positive, happy experience while they are with us, so that they look forward to coming back the next day or to future conferences.

Registration form

To register, please email the completed Registration form to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
For further inquiries and booking, contact Seb on 0401 366 001 or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

See also Kids Program