Our Policies and Information

Our Service caters for children aged 6 weeksto 12 years. We are open from 7.00am to 6.00pm Monday to Friday and closed on public holiday.

We have daycare, before and afterschool care and also vacation care available for your little person.

We have three rooms, Baby room, Toddler room and Kindy room. Although we spend time in our own spaces we also spend time together as a community.
This enables siblings to spend time together and encourageslots of interactive play amongst all our age groups. This promotes a feeling of community and cohesiveness in the centre. It also creates opportunities for children to learn patience, understanding and compassion.
Our sign in and sign out books are in the foyer of the main area. There is a separate one for babies, toddlers and kindy’s. Please ensure you sign in an out everyday. If the kindy book is not in the main foyer, it has been taken up to the kindy room.

Fees

Our fee is $95.00 a day before CCB or CCR has been applied. Please call us with your CCB percentage and number ofeligible hours and we can work out your fee.

On enrolment we will needyour CRN for yourself and your child so we can register attendance and ensure that youare receiving the maximum entitlement.

Holiday fee

You will be charged at 50% of your gap fee (the difference between your CCB and CCR allowance and our actual fee) when you and your family are on holiday. We require notice 2 weeks prior in order for the discount to be activated (an email is fine)

If you cease attending the centre for any reason, we require two weeks written notice. Fees will also be charged over this two week period.

Service Closing Time and Late Fees

Please be aware we close at6:00pm sharp. A late fee is incurred for children collected after 6.00pm. The fee is $15 per child for every 10 minutes or part thereof and willbe added to your next account. The late fee is strictly adhered to, as two staff membersare required to remain at the centre until all children are collected.If we are unable to contact either the parent or a person nominated by the parent on the enrolment form to arrange collection of the child/children within an hour of the Service closing,then we will contact Department of Education and Communities and the Police to takeresponsibility of your child.
This is because it is a legal requirement of the Department of Human Services.

The platform for our programming, curriculum and learning experiences

We believe in working collaboratively with children, families and each other to encourage your little person’s journey of enjoyment and discovery about themselves and the world around them.

EYLF (EarlyYears Learning framework)

This is a framework created by the Government to ensure that your little person receives a high quality learning experience. It describes childhood as a time of Belonging, Being and Becoming.

Belongingis the basis for living a fulfilling life which is integral to a child’s sense of self. It acknowledges belonging to afamily, community and culture. It is the foundation of relationships and acceptance.

Being is allowing the children to be in the present – toconcentrate on the here and now. It’s allowing them time to investigate, attach to people,environments and experiences. It acknowledges that childhood is a special time in life.

Becoming acknowledges change. There is no time in life that has more rapid change than inthe years of early childhood. Becoming recognises the skills that are necessary to thrivethrough change and how experiences and circumstances create skills, expectations,understandings and relationships. It allows flexibility for a child to learn and grow.

This framework assists educators to focus on establishing the following outcomes for your little person.

We also actively embrace and implement Reggio Emilia principles here at the centre. Reggio Emilia. is a philosophy of education which takes its name from its place of origin, Reggio Emilia in Northern Italy. Inspired by the demand by the local workforce for quality childcare, and based on the teachings of philosopher Loris Malaguzzi, this education system has developed into a unique and inspiring way of learning which has been adopted by childcare centres and schools all over the world.
The Reggio Emilia philosophy is based on the following set of principles

Research definitively demonstrates play as an essential part your little person’s learning process and journey of discovery about the world. We actively encourage play, using natural, open ended materials. Items such as wooden blocks, pine cones, clay, sand, water, everyday kitchen utensils, dress up costumes and home corner items are marvellous resources for encouraging emotional and physical development in your little person.

Art and creative expression is also actively promoted and encouraged by all educators at the centre. All children have access to numerous resources and ways in which they can express and enjoy their creativity.
We also utiliseintentional teaching in our programming and learning experiences. This does not mean we encourage children to learn by rote or in a classroom type manner. We believe in providing children with encouragement, support and scaffolding for their journey of discovery. We engage in teaching that is purposeful, thoughtful and deliberate. It may range from the careful way in which we arrange the materials in our art area to modellingproblem solving and creative thinking through role play and collective discussions about” how we can fly to the moon” or “what is the colour red?”

How do I know what my little person is doing during the day?

Each child has a portfolio which educators update monthly. They are available for you to access at anytime and we actively encourage you and your little person to read and look at them together.

There is alsoa documentation and planning book clearly displayed in each room ((ask your educator if you are unsure anywhere it is) which is filled out daily. It has our activities for the day as well as planned activities documented.

We also communicate with you via email as little or as often as you like.

All babies are given an individual communication book on enrolment which is filled out by the educator’s and sent home each day for you to read.
There are whiteboards in the kindy and toddler rooms which details each child’s daily activities (sleep time, amount of lunch eaten etc.)

Please feel free to call us at any time of the day to see what your little person is doing and ask any questions you may have about what they are doing.

Please talk to us when you pick up or drop off your child. We love to let you know what is happening during the day and what we have been up to.

The Service has an Open Door Policy and actively seeks and encourages families to beas involved in the Service as they wish.This can range from evaluating and adding input toyour child’s program and observations, volunteering within the Service and sharing skills &experiences that the children and the program will benefit from.
We have social gatherings for parents and children throughout the year. It is a great opportunity for parents and children to get together and enjoy each other company. Other siblings and grandparents are also welcome to attend.

How to prepare your child for our environment

Orientation is an important start for your child and family to connect to our service. Weencourage each child to attend the Service in the company of a family member three (3) timesbefore they start permanently with us. This gives you and your child the opportunity to gain anunderstanding of our program, the lay out of the room, where to find things, provide Educators with additional information about your child and how we can best support theirtransition and settling period.

If your child is reluctant to attend, please discuss this with their assigned Educator so that they can develop strategies with you to support the transitionfrom home to the Service. You are welcome to take photos of your child in our environment to showand discuss at home. Some children like to take a book from our library to read at homeand return on the next visit.
We are happy to email you photos of the centre and educator so you can discuss them with your little person and they will become familiar with faces and places.

“When Mama comes home tonight” by Eileen Spinelli, and “Will you come back for me”by Ann Torpet are books about starting day-care which we have found can be helpful for parents to read to their children leading up to their first day.
Communication between home and the service must be open, and happen often, tobest support your little person during this time. There may be tears and extra tight.

hugs whensaying goodbye for the first few weeks but there are always cuddles, reassurance and genuine care from us for both the children and their families. Sometimes thisexperience is upsetting more for the family, not the child.We understand this and offer supportthrough phone calls during the day, emailing photos and open communication. Remember that we are professionally trained and completely committed to ensuring that your family has a positive experience during your time with us.

Saying goodbye

Ideally, your child will be settled at an activity before you leave, however some childrenfind it hard to settle until their parents have gone.What works best is a set routine. Being well organised and avoiding a rush also helps in establishing a calm start to the day.

Mostchildren will want to have a look around to see who else has arrived and to look atwhat activities are available.Please tell your child when you are leaving as they may become upset if they haven’t had the opportunity to say goodbye. This gains trust from the child, not only in you but in the Educator who isreassuring your child about their day and when you will return.

What to bring to the Service

A bag or back pack is required, a water bottle, a hat and a change of clothes should be packed.Please label everything

Nappies are also required if you little person is not toilet trained. You may pack some each day or leave a pack at the centre which will be labelled with your little person’s name.

Clothing

Please dress your little person are dressed in non- restrictive, serviceable, easy to washclothes so that they feel free to join in all the activities and to develop independence.We ask that all t-shirts have sleeves, no midriff tops and that clothes be loose and non-restrictive if possible.

Please do not dress you child in their best clothes. We spend a lot of time painting, playing in sand and mud and gardening. Whilst we do our best to ensure that the paint, clay, and other material we use are washable we suggest that it is better that your little person does not attend the centre wearing their (or your) favourite clothes.

If you are toilet training please pack at least three changes of clothes.
Shoes should be comfortable, well-fitting and easy to put on and take off. We would prefer that thongs or gumboots are not worn to the centre. If your little person insists on wearing dress up shoes when you are getting ready in the morning please make sure that an appropriate pair are in their bag.

Sunhat: A sun protective, broad brimmed hat must be worn every day when playing outside for protectionagainst the sun. Please make sure to include it in your child’s bag every day regardless ofthe weather conditions.

Toys

The Service has an abundance of toys and we ask that children do not bring in toysfrom home. This eliminates toys getting lost, broken, disappointment for other children.

Birthdays and other celebrations

It is very exciting for a child to be having a birthday or other significant celebration. The mostappropriate way to celebrate withus is to bring a cake. Small cup cakes are great –we have a celebration box with decorations, hats and candles if you would like usto use them.

Please ensure a written list of ingredients is placed with the cupcakes so we can arrange alternative snacks for those children who may be allergic to particular ingredients. If we do not have a list of ingredients we cannot serve your beautiful culinary efforts!

Sun Smart

Children and Educators will wear hats and appropriate clothing when outside. Staff willencourage children, including by way of modelling behaviour, to avoid excessive exposureto the sun and to wear suitable sunscreen (at least SPF 15+), which is reapplied according tothe manufacturers recommendations. We ask that children come to the Service withsunscreen already applied so they are able to participate in outdoor play immediately andnot have to wait the 20 minutes after application. Please note that we continually apply sunscreen as necessary throughout the day.

What’s for lunch, morning and afternoon tea?

We prepare lunch, morning and afternoon tea here at the centre. We also provide a late snack for children and fruit and water is available for children at any time of the day.

We believe it is important that children are provided with healthy, nutritious and delicious food. We have our menu assessed by a qualified nutritionist to ensure that your little person’s dietary requirements are being met.

We use freerange produce where possible and keep all processed foods to an absolute minimum. We believe that children should be offered a wide range of food and that it should be presented in an attractive manner.

Please do not bring juice, fizzy drinks or cordial in your little person’s water bottle to the centre. We strictly enforce water or milk only policy here at the Service and encourage families to do the same.

This service supports breastfeeding. Families that are breastfeeding should speak to one of our baby room educators to be aware of our policies on storing and serving breast milk. Families that are formula feeding should also consult our educators to be aware on how we need the formula prepared and stored.

When should I not send my child to the Service?

To prevent the spread ofdisease, please monitor your child’s health and watch for:

Please do not bring your child to the Service if they display any of the above symptoms.If a child becomes ill whilst at the Service the child’s parents or person responsible for thechild will be contacted to organise collection of the child. If the child is unable to becollected, that child will be kept away from other children and given the opportunity to restor play with a quiet washable activity whilst remaining within adult supervision.

When the child is collected, the family will have the following information made available tothem to present to their doctor: symptoms, date of onset, general behaviour of the childleading up to the illness and any action taken.

In some instances a Doctors certificate may be required prior to returning to the Service. If your child has been away due to illness, please check with us as to whether or not you will need a certificate before your child returns.

If your child has nits (and do not be embarrassed – it happens to all parents eventually) please ensure that you treat your child with an appropriate natural or chemical treatment and inform your educator.

If there has been a diagnosis of an infectious illness at the centre, we willinform you via a notice in the foyer of the centre as well as in each room. A note will also be placed in your little person’s bag if we think it is required.

Medication

Educators can only administer medication prescribed by a doctor. They cannot administernon-prescription drugs or dietary supplements unless the service is provided with writtenauthorisation by a doctor.Medication can only be administered to a child by Educators from its original packaging. (Complete with pharmacy instruction sticker).

On arrival at the Service families must give medication to Educators for safe storage andcomplete a medication authorisation form. Under no circumstances should medication beleft in children’s bags.

Allergies or Asthma

Please submit any allergies or asthma on the Enrolment Form and also bring it to the notice ofour Director on enrolment or as it is diagnosed by your Doctor. The Service has a procedure the staff follow to minimise allergic reactions.

The Service requires anAction Plan filled in by your Doctor to assist in managing your child’s needs. The Action Plan is tobe updated every 6 months.

Immunisation Policy

We only take children who have not been immunised for medical reasons.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to call the office on 92473491 and speak with a staff member or arrange a time to pop in and see us.