Family Handbook
WELCOME
Our Family Handbook provides important information you need to know to ensure the best possible start to quality education and care at Green Street Preschool
We strongly recommend you read the provided information and ask questions to confirm your understanding of how our service operates. You will be required to sign and return the form on the last page of the handbook to confirm you have read and understand the information you have been given in your enrolment pack.
We have an open-door policy and you and your family are welcome to visit our Service at any time.
Service Philosophy
NQS: Quality Area 7 Governance and leadership
We believe that each child is unique and brings a unique culture to the centre. By valuing this uniqueness, children will feel valued and confident to learn in a manner that is supportive of each child. We are committed to developing positive and inclusive relationships with peers, families, the community, and the environment to establish a collaborative learning process. We believe in holding high expectations for children’s learning and development in an environment without fear of judgment and bias that supports active participation in learning through play. We believe that children can master new learning when provided with a nurturing, stimulating and supportive environment. Therefore, we are committed to developing a curriculum that stems from the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and current program initiatives. We recognise the importance of children being exposed to natural environments being free to be messy, and take risks as they learn and develop an awareness and appreciation for the world; they live in. When children are provided with opportunities to learn about and participate in sustainability, we build a greener future for our community.
Service Information
Our Service caters for children aged 2-6 years We are open from 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday, 50 weeks of the year and closed on NSW public holidays. Notice will be given in our newsletters when these days occur.
We have 3 Learning Groups:
2-3-year-old – Possums
3-4-year-old – Koalas
4-6-year-old – Crocodiles (School Readiness)
SERVICE TYPE: We are a privately owned Long Day-care Centre (LDC) that has been providing quality care and education to local families in our community since 1994
Contact Information
- (02) 44555597
- office@greenstreetpreschool.com.au
- bookings@greenstreetpreschool.com.au
- www.greenstreetpreschool.com
Management Structure
Approved Provider: Tracy Tuke
Nominated Supervisor: Haylee Dale
Educational Leader & ECT: Amanda Telley
Responsible Persons in day-to-day charge of the service:
- Alessandra Eliades
- Lacey Andriske
- Kayla Dickinson
Meet The Green Street Team
Tracy Tuke
Approved Provider
Haylee Dale
Nominated Supervisor
Amanda Telley
Educational Leader
Alessandra Eliades
Educator
Cheryl Clarke
Educator
Lacey Andriske
Educator
Karlie Bashford
Educator
Kasey Adams
Educator
Kayla Dickinson
Educator
Our Commitment to Child Safety
Our Service is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children is maintained at all times whilst being educated and cared for by educators and staff at Green Street Preschool. We promote a child safe environment that minimises the risk to all children in our care from all types of abuse, harm and neglect. We understand our responsibilities and statutory duty of care to adopt and comply with the National Principles of Child Safe Organisations and the Reportable Conduct Scheme to build our capacity as an organisation to prevent and respond to allegations of child abuse.
Our staff carry out their responsibilities as mandatory reporters as required by law under the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection Act 1998) and maintain up to date with knowledge of child protection law and child protection training.
Our staff are recruited through an extensive screening process to ensure they display the right personal qualities and experiences to provide high quality supervision and care to child in addition to holding a validated Working With Children Check.
We have a zero tolerance for inappropriate behaviour towards children and any breach of child protection law. Any allegation or concern will be responded to promptly by management. We request that you contact our Nominated Supervisor if you have any concerns. 02 44 55 55 97 or 0402 750 190
Code of Conduct
The Code of Conduct establishes the standards for all employees of our Service. Employees are committed to adhere to the ethical responsibilities of early childhood professionals outlined in the Early Childhood Australia’s Code of Ethics. The values that underpin our work ethic include equality, respect, integrity and responsibility.
Our educators and staff
Our Service is made up of a team of high-quality professional educators who are committed to and passionate about early childhood education and care. Our staff promote the human rights, safety and wellbeing of all children and consider and respect the diverse backgrounds and needs of children.
We create an environment that promotes and enables children’s participation and is welcoming, culturally safe and inclusive for all children and their families.
Our educators are continually evaluating how our curriculum meets the educational needs of our children and reflecting on ways to improve children’s learning and development and are supported by a team of highly qualified professionals. Our educational leader and early childhood teachers guide our educators in providing quality, research based educational programs.
Our educators take into account children’s learning styles, abilities, interests, linguistic and cultural diversity and family circumstances when planning and implementing learning programs. We support and respect the history and backgrounds of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and aim to foster each child’s sense of identity.
All staff are encouraged and supported to attend professional training and development to further their knowledge and skills.
All staff hold valid Working with Children Checks/Cards and all Responsible Persons (placed in charge of the day-to-day running of the service) have current ACECQA approved First Aid, Emergency Asthma and Anaphylaxis qualifications.
For further details on the qualifications of the educators, please see our Nominated Supervisor.
National Quality Framework
Our Service complies with the Australian Government’s National Quality Framework (NQF) which consists of the legislative framework of the Education and Care Services National Law and National Regulations, the National Quality Standard and a rigorous assessment and rating system. Our educational program and curriculum are based on the Australian Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). We regularly self-assess our practices against the National Quality Standard and strive for continuous improvement through our Quality Improvement Plan (QIP). The QIP assists our service to identify quality aspects of care we are already providing and assists in developing future goals for further improvement. Families are welcome to provide feedback and suggestions for improvement.
Additional information about the NQF can be found at ACECQA/NQS/about
Regulatory Authorities
Our Service is regulated by the national body for early education and care – the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) as well as the state licensing department in our State. To contact our Regulatory Authority, please refer to the contact details below:
Educator to child ratios (NSW)
We comply with the National Regulations for educator to child ratios across our Service to ensure adequate supervision is provided for all children. Ratios are calculated across the service (not by individual rooms). This provides us with flexibility to respond to children’s interests and needs at different times during the day.
AGE OF CHILDREN | EDUCATOR TO CHILD RATIOS |
|---|---|
Birth to 24 months | 1:4 |
Over 24 months and less than 36 months | 1:5 |
36 months up to and including preschool age | 1:10 |
Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)
The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) was developed to ensure all children in early childhood education and care settings across Australia, experience quality teaching and learning through play-based, holistic learning. The EYLF is made up of learning outcomes, principles and practices which educators use in their documentation of children’s learning and in their reflection and planning. Fundamental to the EYLF is a view of children’s lives as characterised by belonging, being and becoming.
From before birth children are connected to family, community, culture and place. Their earliest development and learning takes place through these relationships, particularly within families, who are children’s first and most influential educators. As children participate in everyday life, they develop interests and construct their own identities and understandings of the world.
BELONGING
Experiencing belonging – knowing where and with whom you belong – is integral to human existence. Children belong first to a family, a cultural group, a neighbourhood and a wider community. Belonging acknowledges children’s interdependence with others and the basis of relationships in defining identities. In early childhood, and throughout life, relationships are crucial to a sense of belonging. Belonging is central to being and becoming in that it shapes who children are and who they can become.
BEING
Childhood is a time to be, to seek and make meaning of the world. Being recognises the significance of the here and now in children’s lives. It is about the present and them knowing themselves, building and maintaining relationships with others, engaging with life’s joys and complexities, and meeting challenges in everyday life. The early childhood years are not solely preparation for the future but also about the present.
BECOMING
Children’s identities, knowledge, understandings, capacities, skills and relationships change during childhood. They are shaped by many different events and circumstances. Becoming reflects this process of rapid and significant change that occurs in the early years as young children learn and grow. It emphasises learning to participate fully and actively in society.
The framework conveys the highest expectations for children’s learning from birth to five years and through transitions to school. The expectations are communicated through the five overall learning outcomes.
Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity
- Children feel safe, secure and supported
- Children develop their emerging autonomy, interdependence, resilience and agency.
- Children develop knowledgeable, confident self-identities and a positive sense of self-worth.
- Children learn to interact in relation to others with care, empathy and respect.
Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world
- Children develop a sense of connectedness to groups and communities and an understanding of their reciprocal rights and responsibilities as active and informed citizens
- Children respond to diversity with respect
- Children become aware of fairness
- Children become socially responsible and show respect for the environment
Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
- Children become strong in their social, emotional and mental wellbeing
- Children become strong in their physical learning and mental wellbeing
- Children are aware of develop strategies to support their own mantal and physical health and personal safety
Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners
- Children develop a growth mindset and learning dispositions such as curiosity, cooperation, confidence, creativity, commitment, enthusiasim, persistence, imagination and reflexivity
- Children develop a range of learning and thinking skills and processes such as problem solving, inquiry, experimentation, hypothesising, researching and investigating.
- Children transfer and adapt what they have learned from one contaxt to another.
- Children resource their own learning through connecting with people, places, technologies and natural and processed materials.
Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators
- Children interact verbally and non-verbally with others for a range of purposes
- Children engage with a range of texts and gain meaning from these texts
- Children express ideas and make meaning using a range of media
- Children begin to understand how symbols and pattern systems work
- Children use information and communication technologies to access information, investigate ideas and represent their thinking
Educational Program
We are committed to providing a developmental and educational program which caters for each child’s individual needs, abilities and interests. Our educational program is delivered through an intentional, play-based pedagogy aligned to the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF).
Our program continues to develop as we use the relationships children have with their families and communities, working in partnership with parents, to ensure each child’s knowledge, ideas, culture, abilities and interests are the foundation of our programs.
We encourage children to be responsible for their own learning through choices in experiences, interests and routine. We use conversations, actions and play as the basis for teaching which involves the children being partners in teaching by seeking out ideas, opinions, thoughts and questions. We encourage children in promoting their independence and self-help skills by assisting within the routine and involving the children in interest-based projects to further enhance their learning and knowledge. We value children and family input and encourage family involvement in order to gather a comprehensive and holistic view of the child.
We know that children learn effectively through play and educators who are diligent in their responsiveness to each child support this. Applying strong intentional teaching practices provide the children with an authentic and meaningful learning environment that challenges, supports and nurtures a child’s development.
If we as educators have any areas of concern about your child’s development, we will inform you and share our observations and advise of follow up assistance e.g. speech therapy. We understand this may be a sensitive topic and it is always your decision to follow up intervention. Educators are willing to discuss any aspect of learning and development with parents and support discussions with allied health professionals.
Goals for your child at our Service
Educators’ practices and the relationships they form with children and families have a significant effect on children’s involvement and success in learning. Children thrive when families and educators work together in partnership to support young children’s learning. Children’s early learning influences their life success.
Wellbeing and a strong sense of connection, optimism and engagement enable children to develop a positive attitude to learning. (Early Years Learning Framework p.9).
We will create a range of short and long-term goals for your child that we will program to and observe on which will be based on the outcomes in the Early Years Learning Framework and include:
- mutual respect and empathy
- concern and responsibility for self and others
- a sense of self-worth
- social awareness
- importance of sustainability
- self-discipline and self-regulation
- habits of initiative and persistence
- creative intelligence and imagination
- self-confidence as an independent learner
- a love of learning.
We strongly encourage communication between families and educators to ensure continuity in what we are delivering to your child and acknowledge that the role of the educator is to work in partnership with families, children’s first, and most influential educators.
Documentation of Learning/ Portfolios
Educators observe children and facilitate their learning to provide each child with a personal, confidential digital and hard copy portfolio by documenting their learning throughout the year. Our Service uses a variety of documentation to demonstrate learning which may include:
- your child’s profile
- goals from families and educators
- observations- learning stories, captioned photos
- objectives for further development
- work samples- drawings, photos, recorded video
- checklists and transition statements.
The individual child’s portfolio is maintained and used as a direct tool for evaluation and future planning within the Service’s program. This makes the program reflect the value of individuality and is not be used as a means of comparison between peers or stereotypes. You will be given your child’s portfolio at the end of the school year or as they finish at the Service. The portfolio will be used in parent/educator meetings throughout the year and is always available for you to review at your convenience.
Communication
We work in partnership with you and your family. We support and encourage communication with your child’s educators about your child’s unique needs and their general enjoyment of their day at our Service. Everybody has a preferred time and method of communication. Sometimes, mornings and afternoons can be a little rushed, and not the best time to discuss your child’s progress. You are encouraged to talk to our Nominated Supervisor to arrange to meet your child’s educator at a mutually convenient time.
Our Service uses the ‘Xplor Home’ app to provide real time updates about your child.
We have many types of communication we use for families, including:
- Regular posts on Xplor
- Phone calls
- Emails
- Letters
- Face to face
- Day Book Post
- Family weekend forms
- Formal meetings
- Report development and correspondence with professional support services and local primary schools on behalf of families.
Enrolment Information
Prior to your child commencing at our Service, you’ll be required to complete an enrolment form, provide documentation and pay the booking fee.
Enrolment Form
If you require assistance completing the enrolment form, please contact our Nominated Supervisor or Educators for assistance.
We will require a copy of your child’s birth certificate and immunisation history statement from the Australian Immunisation Register. This must show that your child is up to date with vaccinations for their age OR your child is on a recognised vaccine catch up schedule OR has a medical condition preventing them from being fully vaccinated.
Please note, the names written on the enrolment form must match the names on your child’s birth certificate to meet legal requirements.
Family law and access
Our Service will uphold any responsibilities or obligations in relation to Family Law and access to the service. We require certified copies of any court order, parenting orders or parenting plans, relating to your child and request that if situations change, a copy of the Court Order is provided to our Service. We will only allow children to leave the Service with the written permission of the custodial parent/guardian. Without a Court Order we cannot stop a parent collecting a child.
Authorised Nominees
You will be requested to provide information about authorised nominees on your child’s enrolment form. These are persons that you provide permission to:
- collect your child from the Service
- provide consent for medical treatment for your child from a medical practitioner, hospital or ambulance service
- provide consent for the transportation of your child by an ambulance service
- provide consent to go on an excursion.
Please understand that it is essential we have up-to-date information on your child’s enrolment record in case of an emergency. It is important that you notify the Nominated Supervisor (or Responsible Person) of any changes to enrolment information including
- your residential address
- health of your child
- telephone/mobile numbers
- contact details for any parent or authorised nominee
- family changes (parenting orders)
- emergency contact information details etc.
Authorisations
The enrolment form will include additional authorisations for our Service to seek medical treatment and emergency transportation for your child if required. Authorisations will also be requested for application of sun cream, permission to administer emergency medication to your child in the case of an asthma or anaphylaxis emergency. (Ventolin or Epi-pen), permission for an educator with current first aid to administer paracetamol in an emergency and permission to access medical treatment and transport in case of an emergency.Photographs, social media, promotion
As part of the enrolment process, we will also ask for your permission to take photographs and video of your child during normal activities and excursions for sharing with our parent community through social media and/or to promote our Service to the community through marketing and promotional materials. Photographs and video may also be used as part of our observation and programming process.
Excursions/ Incursions / Regular Outings
Excursions are an important and valuable part of learning in early education. They expose a child to a range of different experiences and help them to observe and understand the world around them. For any excursion or regular outing in our community, we will complete comprehensive risk assessments
to minimise any identified risks as part of our planning for excursions, incursions and outings. We provide parents with information about the excursion in advance and require written authorisation for each child to participate on an excursion or regular outing.
Medical conditions- Allergies, Asthma, Diabetes or Epilepsy
It is vital that we are aware of any medical condition including diabetes, epilepsy, allergies, eczema, asthma, risks of anaphylaxis of your child including any potential triggers. Families are required to indicate any allergy or asthma on the enrolment form.
Our Service requires a Medical Management Plan or Asthma/Anaphylaxis Action Plan to be completed by your General Practitioner to assist in managing your child’s needs. This needs to be provided prior to your child’s commencement at the Service. In consultation with the Nominated Supervisor, you will be asked to develop a Risk Minimisation Plan and Communication Plan to assist our educators and staff. Any prescribed medication that your child may require must be provided each day they attend our Service.
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of your child, please update your child’s Medical Management Plan/ Action Plan every 12-18 months or whenever a change in their medication or treatment occurs. (Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy) (ASCIA).
Diagnosed disability
If your child has a diagnosed disability, please speak to our Nominated Supervisor prior to enrolment.
We provide a supportive and inclusive environment that allows each child to fully participate in quality education and care. We aim to develop and sustain supportive relationships with families and encourage discussions about how we can support your child to have equitable access to resources and participation. If your child has a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) package, we may need your consent to make contact with services and/or therapists who are working with your child to seek information regarding their learning plan to support continuity of learning.
Our Service may be able to apply for additional support through the Inclusion Support Program (SIP) to assist your child’s access.
Fees, Rebates and Attendance
Fees
Our daily fee is: $104.00 per day (children aged 3-6) and $108.00 per day (children aged 2 years) before Child Care Subsidy (CCS) has been applied.
Fees must always be paid one (1) week in advance.
Statement of fees
Each week we will send you a statement via email before your weekly debit. Please check these statements to ensure all details are correct and accurate. If there is any discrepancy, please contact the Nominated Supervisor as soon as possible. You can also view/pay your statement via the Xplor Home app.
Booking Fee
Other Fees & Charges:
Annual Booking fee – ($100.00) this fee is automatically added to your child’s account during the original and annual processing of your child’s enrolment and booking allocation. If your child is returning after the Christmas break and only attending the first 4-weeks of January before primary education you will still be required to pay the $100.00 booking fee.
Excursion and Incursions – Green Street Preschool offers many events that supplement the educational program each year, most of which are paid for by the service. The cost of your child’s participation in some events will be added to your account where consent to participate is given.
Start Strong Funding (SSF)
The 2024 Start Strong for Long Day Care program provides funding to deliver affordable quality preschool education to children aged three and above who are enrolled in eligible long day care services in NSW.
Funding is provided for children in the two years before school and incentivises enrolments of 600 hours per year. Evidence shows that this level of participation in a quality early childhood education program in the two years before school is associated with better outcomes for children.
Child Care Subsidy (CCS)
Child Care Subsidy offers assistance to families to help with the cost of child care aged 0-13 years. There are 3 factors that will determine a family’s level of Child Care Subsidy, which include:
- Combined annual family income
- Multiple children enrolled
- Activity test – the activity level of both parents
- Service type – type of child care service and whether the child attends school
Families who wish to receive Child Care Subsidy as reduced fees must apply through the MyGov website. This includes completing the Child Care Subsidy activity test. Child Care Subsidy is paid directly to our Service to be passed on to families as a fee reduction. Families will contribute to their childcare fees and pay the difference between the fee charged by our Service and the subsidy amount received. This is called the ‘gap fee’.
On enrolment we will need the Customer Reference Number (CRN) of the person linked with the child, along with the child’s CRN so we can confirm the attendance and ensure that you are receiving the appropriate subsidy. Please note it may take up to six weeks to be approved for Child Care Subsidy. Please apply for the subsidy at your earliest opportunity before enrolling your child. The Child Care Subsidy will only be backdated 28 days and any days of care prior to the approved Child Care Subsidy will be charged at the full rate.
Complying Written Agreement (CWA)
A Complying Written Agreement (CWA) is an agreement between our Service and a parent or guardian to provide childcare in exchange for fees. The CWA includes information about your child’s enrolment including your child’s full name and date of birth, the date the arrangement is effective from, session details and details of the fees to be charged. Before Child Care Subsidy can be paid, you must:
– Ensure you have completed your Centrelink Claim and Activity Test in MyGov.
– Approve your CWA via the Xplor Home app.
How to: https://support.ourxplor.com/hc/en-us/articles/360015429272-Parent-Steps-CWA-Approval-and-CCS-Enrolment-Confirmation once approved enrolment should appear in your MyGov
– Confirm the enrolment information within the CWA via the MyGov website.
Absences
We encourage families to notify the Service as soon as possible if your child will be absent for any day or session you have booked. It is recommended that absences are notified to the Service by email or phone. You can leave a voice/email message or speak to us on: 44555597 or Bookings@greenstreetpreschool.com.au
Child Care Subsidy will be paid for any absence from an approved child care service your child attends for up to 42 days per child per financial year. Additional absences beyond 42 days may be approved for specific reasons with supporting documentation. Please talk to us about additional absences.
You can access your child’s absence record on your online statement by selecting ‘View Child Care Details and Payments‘ on your Centrelink online account. You can also do this using the Express plus Families mobile app
Public holidays will be counted as an absence if your child would normally have attended the Service on that weekday, and fees have been charged for that day for your child.
If your child has not attended our Service for 14 continuous weeks, your child’s enrolment will be cancelled, and Centrelink will stop paying your CCS subsidy. You will be expected to pay the full rate for these absence days.
Fees in arrears/ Financial Support
If fees are outstanding after two weeks, you will be issued a reminder notice to make a full payment of the outstanding amount.
Should fees still be outstanding after three weeks, a debt recovery process will be implemented. Green Street Preschool reserves the right to suspend/withdraw your child’s enrolment if your account is overdue after four weeks. Any fees incurred through the debt collection and legal processes will be absolved by you.
If you are experiencing financial hardship, please speak to the Nominated Supervisor or Director. Additional Child Care Subsidy (ACCS) may be available to support your family. We may be able to organise a payment plan before your fees go into arrears.
Withdrawal from care/Reducing Enrolment Days
We require 2 weeks written notice to withdraw and/or reduce enrolment days for your child/ren from any permanent booking. Please see the Nominated Supervisor to obtain the required form to complete. Children are not able to attract CCS for any days after the last day your child physically attends our Service. There are some circumstances where CCS can be paid after the last day your child physically attends with an approved reason.
Service Closing Time and Late Collection Fees
Please be aware our Service and program closes at 6:00pm. In accordance with National Regulations and licensing, we are not permitted to have children in the service after 6:00pm. A late fee is incurred for children collected after 5.30pm.
The fee is $15 per child for every 15 minutes or part thereof and will be added to your next account. The late fee is strictly adhered to, as two staff members are required to remain at the Service 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, we may need to contact the Police or other authorities to take responsibility of your child.
Permanent and Casual Bookings
Permanent bookings are an ongoing booking that:
- remains the same from one week to the next
- must remain unchanged for a minimum of 3 weeks
- are chargeable regardless of attendance
Casual bookings are one off booking that:
- can be booked at the last minute for emergency care. This is provided that we have vacancies. If there is no vacancy, we will put your child on a casual waiting list and will contact you if a vacancy becomes available
- are designed to support families taking on casual work and shift work
- can be cancelled at no cost, provided 24-hour notice via email is given
Waiting list
Casual waiting list: We will create a casual waiting list for casual bookings that have been requested for a session that we are at capacity. If positions become available, we will allocate them in order of application whilst adhering to recommendations of Priority of Access.
Permanent waiting list: If you would like to increase your child/ren’s permanent sessions but there are no permanent vacancies, your child/ren will be placed on a waiting list until a position becomes available. Positions will be allocated in order of application, whilst adhering to our Priority of Access process.
Priority of Access
Our Service aims to assist families who are most in need and may prioritise filling vacancies with children who are:
– at risk of serious abuse or neglect
– a child of a sole parent who satisfies, or parents who both satisfy, the activity test through paid employment.
Make-up Days
Green Street Preschool does not provide make-up days if a child is absent.
Our service operates at full capacity and therefore providing you with make-up days of your choice is unmanageable
Service Policies and Procedures
You will find a copy of our Service policies and procedures on the family information shelf. We expect our staff and families to adhere to our policies and procedures at all times to ensure we maintain compliance and abide by the National Law and National Regulations.
Educators cannot make exceptions for individuals unless the Nominated Supervisor or Management do so on account of serious and/or unusual circumstances.
We are constantly reviewing our policies and procedures and ask for staff and family participation to ensure our policies and procedures adhere to the needs of our families and meet required regulations. Your involvement helps us to improve our Service and may lead us to change our policies and procedures.
Orientation-Preparing for your child’s first day
Orientation is an important start for your child and family to connect to our Service. We encourage each child to attend our Service in the company of a family member before they start their first day with us. This gives you and your child the opportunity to gain an understanding of our program, the lay out of the room, where to put your child’s belongings, provide educators with additional information about your child and how we can best support their transition and settling in period. The Nominated Supervisor will contact you to arrange suitable times and days for visits.
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 transition from home to the Service. You are welcome to take photos of your child in our environment to show and discuss at home with them (Please ensure other children are not in the photos.) Some children like to take a book from our library to read at home and return on the next visit.
Arrival and Departure
Each day, you must sign your child in upon arrival and sign out upon departure and note the date and times. This is done digitally on an iPad using the Xplor app. We are required by legislation to maintain our attendance record at all times. This record may be used in the event of an emergency situation at the Service.
Our staff have a duty of care to your child and will only allow your child to be released into the care of either a parent, guardian or an authorised nominee as listed on your child’s enrolment record. If your child needs to be collected by another person for some reason, an authority to collect form must be provided in writing to the Nominated Supervisor. Our staff may ask to view photo identification of the adult collecting your child from care to confirm their identity.
Covid Safety
On arrival and departure, you are required to follow service COVID-19 protocols. COVID updates are shared with families through displays and posts on the Xplor Home app. Mandatory COVID-19 safe requirements are based on health advice and Public Health Orders. Key regulatory requirements for services include:- Vaccination of staff and visitors (From 8 November)
- Masks and face coverings
- Physical distancing
- NSW Health Check-in (QR Code)
- COVID safe strategies for arrival and departure.
The first day/week
Saying goodbye
Ideally, your child will be settled at an activity before you leave, however some children find it hard to settle until their parents have gone. What works best is a set routine so try to establish the care routine from the orientation process. Being well organised and avoiding a rush usually results in a calm start to the day.
Most children will want to have a look around first to see who else has arrived and to look at what 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. Keeping goodbyes short and positive are the most effective ways to support your child. This will gain trust from the child, not only in you but in the educator, who is reassuring your child about their day and when you will return. Rest assured, we’ll contact you if your child becomes distressed.
Having a set routine on arrival supports children with consistency and allows them to feel confident in predicting what is going to happen. Allowing your child to contribute to the routine gives them a sense of ownership and belonging. When you arrive at the centre encourage your child to locate their face card and place it on their selected locker. They can store their bag in the locker and place their lunchbox and drink bottle in the allocated trolley’s before moving off to play.
What you need to bring
BACKPACK
For independence, we work towards all children being able to recognise and open their own bag. You can help by allowing them to be involved in selecting their bag and taking ownership of it. Please ensure it is large enough to hold all their belongings and is clearly labelled. On arrival your child can choose a locker to place their bag in.SPARE CLOTHING
At Green Street Preschool we do lots of water and messy play and every now and then, accidents occur, and it may be necessary for your child to get changed into a fresh set of clothes. Please include a complete change of clothes every day which can stay in your child’s bag…just in case! Having a jumper or shorts and shirt packed will also mean that our child is comfortable no matter the weather.DRINK BOTTLE
A labelled drink bottle is required every day for water. Children are able to refill their drink bottle, when necessary, throughout the day. We always provide water and cups, but a drink bottle is a great start to school readiness. Your child’s drink bottle can be placed on our drink trolley on arrival.
If your toddler still requires a bottle for rest/sleep during the day please notify educators and place your child’s bottle in the bottle basket near the entrance. Bottles are to be collected each day for thorough cleaning and sanitisation.
If your you child requires a dummy for rest/sleep times please bring them to the service in a sealed and labelled container with your child’s name. Dummy’s are also required to be taken home each day for sterilisation.
MORNING TEA AND AFTERNOON TEA
We ask that you provide your child with a piece of fruit or vegetable each day. Your child’s fruit or vegetable can be placed in the fruit ad vegetable basket near the food trolley on arrival. This is then prepared by educators and served to the children as a mixed platter with additional healthy snacks or cereals. (Please see service menu for more information.)
Children are asked to bring their lunch in a plastic/metal lunch box with a lid that they can open, as all lunches must be placed into the fridge. We ask you clearly mark your child’s name on the bottom of the box and lid.
If your child’s lunch is placed in a cooler bag, we ask that you use the brown paper bags provided to place any cold or unpackaged items (sandwiches, fruit etc.) to be refrigerated, please also label the paper bag with your child’s name using the provided marker. We also ask that you think about your child’ ability to unwrap their lunch and open such things as muesli bars. Educators can provide tips to make this easier for your child.
We try to encourage healthy food choices at the Service and request that you provide sandwiches or wraps with nutritious fillings. Sprinkles & chocolate spreads are discouraged. Celery and carrot sticks or a salad are good additions to your child’s lunch. See the following Information on the nutrition requirements recommended for 0-5year old children.
What food to pack your child for a busy day at our Service
RECOMMENDED DAILY INTAKES
It is expected that your child’s lunch box supports them to consume 50% of the RDI at our Service. Recommended average number of standard serves per day in accordance with Nutrition Australia.Toddlers | Vegetables & legumes | Fruit | Grains (cereal) | Lean meat, fish, poultry, eggs, nuts, seeds, legumes, beans | Milk, yoghurt, cheese & alternatives | Allowance for additional serves from any food group* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GIRLS AND BOYS 1–2 YEARS | 2-3 | 0.5 | 4 | 1 | 1-1.5 | 0 |
GIRLS AND BOYS 2-3 YEARS | 2.5 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 1.5 | 0-1 |
Toddlers | Vegetables & legumes | Fruit | Grains (cereal) | Lean meat, fish, poultry, eggs, nuts, seeds, legumes, beans | Milk, yoghurt, cheese & alternatives | Allowance for additional serves from any food group* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GIRLS 4-8 YEARS | 4.5 | 1.5 | 4 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 0-1 |
GIRLS 9-11 YEARS | 5 | 2 | 4 | 2.5 | 3 | 0-3 |
GIRLS 9-11 YEARS | 4.5 | 1.5 | 4 | 1.5 | 2 | 0-2.5 |
BOYS 9-11 YEARS | 5 | 2 | 5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 0-3 |
Reference: Nutrition Australia
LUNCH BOX EXAMPLE
For lunchbox examples, please see the Get Up and Grow brochure at the back of this handbook. Please do not send chips, lollies/chocolates, highly processed foods, chocolate custards or desserts, pizzas, sausage rolls, pies, flavoured milk, roll ups or other high sugar bars, biscuits or cakes. These items will remain in your child’s lunch box for home time. A healthy lunch box environment is a group effort by all families and staff. Please place your child’s lunchbox, clearly labelled with your child’s name on our lunch trolley on arrival so educators can ensure it is placed in the fridge.Breastfeeding
We are a breastfeeding friendly service. Mothers who are breastfeeding are welcome to attend the Service during the day to feed their infant. We have a private, clean and quiet area for mothers to breastfeed their infants or express breastmilk.
Families that are breastfeeding should speak to the Nominated Supervisor or Responsible Person to be aware of our policies on storing and serving breast milk.
Families that are formula feeding should also consult our Nominated Supervisor or Responsible Person to be aware on how we need the formula prepared and stored. Regular communication is encouraged to ensure your infant’s needs are met as they grow.
Please refer to our Breastfeeding Policy.
Clothing
It is helpful to your child if they are dressed in non- restrictive, serviceable and easy to wash clothes so that they feel free to join in all the activities and to develop independence. Shoes also, need to allow children freedom to run, climb, hop and jump as well as being easy for the child to take off and put on by themselves. Joggers and sandals are appropriate shoes to wear.
Thongs, slippers and gumboots are not suitable, and we prefer that these are NOT worn to the Service. Also, please consider clothing that enables the child to move around easily and allows children to be independent in dressing. Clothing such as long dresses, overalls, braces, belts and stiff buttons can prove a problem for children who need to go to the toilet. We require all t-shirts to have sleeves (no mid-drift tops or singlets) hats broad brimmed are essential for effective sun safety are provided.
Toys
The Service has an abundance of toys and we ask that children do not bring in toys from home. This eliminates toys getting lost, broken, disappointment for other children and responsibility on educators to track numerous toys throughout the day.
Behaviour Guidance
We encourage children to engage in cooperative and pro-social behaviour. We give children the opportunity to self-regulate their behaviours during play to develop their confidence and self-esteem. Educators follow a Behaviour Guidance Policy that extends across the whole Service giving consistency of expectation in all rooms. We use a positive approach to guiding children’s behaviour to help them develop a respect for others, for property and respect for self. If you require further information on this policy, please ask educators and refer to our Policy manual.
Wellbeing
Wellbeing is more than just feeling happy, it is about our overall health- physical, social, emotional and mental. We provide opportunities for your child to develop a strong sense of wellbeing through dance, movement (FMS), yoga, mindfulness, music and relaxation.
Physical Play
Physical play includes activities that use physical movements to allow children to use their energy, enhance their concentration, motivation, learning and wellbeing. We feel physical play is a vital part of everyday life. We believe in providing children with a range of physical activities and experiences on a daily occurrence for them to challenge their large and small muscles, allowing them to gain increasing control over their bodies as they learn the importance of physical play.
Physical play provides children with the opportunity to:
- develop strong bones and muscles
- improve strength and balance
- develop Flexibility and coordination
- develop Fundamental Movement Skills
- develop spatial awareness
- develop mathematical concepts
- be confident as they learn to control their bodies and understand their limits
- learn to cooperate and share with others
- promote healthy growth and development
Rest and Sleep
Rest and sleep routines vary according to individual needs. We aim to make rest time a relaxed, pleasant time for all children. We provide beds for children and play soft music in the background. Your child may wish to bring a security item to have at rest time. Please feel free to discuss your child’s rest or sleep needs with educators. Each day we provide information about the times your child rested or slept.
Quiet activities, such as puzzles and books are available for those children who do not sleep.
Birthdays
It is very exciting for a child to be having a birthday. If a cake is required for a child’s birthday it is recommended that cupcakes be provided as this reduces the major allergy risks associated with most other cakes and helps us to provide a hygienic celebration. Families are required discuss cake options with educators prior to the celebration as we monitor food and treats to ensure the safety of all children and staff. For further information, please see our Celebration Policy.
Family Wall
We have a Family Wall in our room. This is a strong and valuable tool in our environment for your child to connect to, feel that they and their family are valued and that their family is as much a part of the Service, even if they are not always there. If you would like to bring in a photo, or a couple of photos that represent your family, we would love to add it to our wall.
Sun Safety
Our Service implements a combination of sun protection measures to ensure the health and safety of your child at all times. We monitor the UV index levels daily and schedule outdoor activities when levels are safe. Our outdoor environment provides shade for play experiences and we conduct regular risk assessments to ensure the play space and equipment is safe for children.
Children and educators must wear hats and appropriate clothing, including footwear when outside. Educators will encourage children, including by way of modelling behaviour, to avoid excessive exposure to the sun and to wear suitable sunscreen (at least SPF 30+), which is reapplied according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. We ask that children come to the Service with sunscreen already applied so they are able to participate in outdoor play immediately and not have to wait the 20 minutes after application. Consent to apply sunscreen is included in our enrolment form.
SUN HATS
Green street Preschool provides a protective sun hat for your child that must be worn every day when playing outside for protection against the sun. These hats are labelled with children’s pictures and names and are washed regularly. These hats must remain at the service.
Parent Participation and Feedback
Our Service has an Open-Door Policy and actively seeks and encourages families to be involved in the Service. This can range from evaluating and adding input to your child’s program and observations, volunteering within the Service and sharing skills and experiences that the children and the program will benefit from and providing feedback.
Your involvement can be as formal or active as you like as time permits. We respect that time is limited for most families and we ask that you inform us as to your preferred way of communication. We can arrange meetings with your child’s educator at a time that suits you throughout the year and offer email, daily information shared through ‘Xplor Home’ app, Newsletters, Daily Diary Journals and pride ourselves on strong verbal communication on a daily basis. We seek input from families on all aspects of the Service but in particular, your child’s goals, observations and program.
If, for any reason you question or do not understand any aspect of the Service or your child’s experience we have a Grievance Policy that supports all stakeholders in our community and like all policies, is available for families to consult and implement at any time. Copies of our policies are available in each room, the office and parent library. You are welcome to take a copy home and review at your leisure.
Family involvement
We welcome and encourage the involvement of all parents/families at our Service. Your ideas, experiences and skills are greatly valued and will enable us to extend each child’s interests, abilities and knowledge. There are many ways for your family to be involved. We understand that our busy lives can’t always afford the time, however any contribution no matter how big or small is much appreciated. Here are just a few ideas.
Your occupation or hobby
You are the most important person in their world. We welcome all parents to the Service to talk about their occupation or hobby (e.g. music, craft, cooking). Everything parents do interest children and these talks are the best educational resources you can provide for the Service.
We use information that has come from discussions about occupations and hobbies in our program and the ideas explored which can turn into interest projects providing valuable learning.
Your home culture
We aim to foster relationships among families and community and invite you to share aspects of your culture, history, language and celebrations with our Service. Your involvement greatly assists us to enrich the lives of all our families and children.Reading
Children love to be read to. If you or your parents have the time, please contact our educators to organise a day for reading. We love grandparents visiting our Service!
Recyclable items
We are always on the lookout for recyclable items for our room. Empty food containers, ribbons, wrapping paper, towel tubes (not toilet or egg or milk because of hygiene and allergy issues) paper or anything interesting from your work is much appreciated.
Special events
Our Service organises special events throughout the year. We will communicate these to families in a timely manner. We encourage parent input in all aspects of these events. Some of these include fundraising, celebrations and information sessions.
Suggestions
Parents are welcome to visit or call the Service at any time. If you have any suggestions or ideas on how we best can work together in the Service, please let us know. There is a fees and suggestion box on the wall next to the office if you would like to share your thoughts anonymously.
If you have any concerns, please see your child’s educator or the Nominated Supervisor. We have a grievance procedure if you would like to formally raise any concerns.
Community Information
We have a community notice board at the entry to our Service. This board is used to display relevant programs, menus, notices, updates and reminders for children and families. Please ensure you check this on a regular basis.
Our staff can also provide information for families about a range of topics including early intervention; supported playgroups; Child Care Subsidy; Aboriginal Child and Family centres; health clinics.
Health and Hygiene
Our Service has effective and systematic risk management systems in place to identify any possible risk of hazards to our learning environment and practices. All staff diligently practice and model personal hygiene measures such as hand washing, cough and sneeze etiquette and disposal of tissues. We request that all children and visitors to our service wash their hands or use the alcohol-based hand sanitiser upon arrival.
Our educators teach and model correct hand washing techniques to children and regularly clean and disinfect high touch objects throughout the service to reduce the spread of infection.
When should I not send my child to the Service?
Our Service is a busy and demanding day for the bodies and minds of our children. We are not equipped to care for sick children; however, we will do everything we can to comfort a child who has become sick whilst in our care. To minimise the spread of infections and diseases, and maintain a healthy environment for all children, educators and staff, we implement recommendations developed by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)- Staying Healthy in Childcare. Our policies and procedures for Sick Children and the Control of Infectious Diseases are available for all families to view. Please monitor your child’s health and do not bring your child to the Service if they are suffering from an infectious disease/illness or are generally unwell. If your child becomes ill whilst at the Service, we will contact you or an authorised nominee to collect your child. If your child is unable to be collected, educators will contact the child’s emergency contact for collection. When your child is collected, you will be provided with an Injury, Incident, Trauma and Illness Record completed by the educator which includes information about your child’s illness, their symptoms, general behaviour and any action taken. You will be requested to sign and acknowledge the details in this record. Your child should not attend the Service if they have had paracetamol within 24 hours for a temperature. Children who are on antibiotics are to be kept away from the Service for the first 24 hours to allow the child to rest and the risk of spreading the infection to decrease. If your child has been vomiting or had diarrhoea, they will be excluded for 48 hours. For certain illnesses, a medical clearance certificate may be required before your child returns. Please remember to notify us if your child will be away due to illness.Infectious Diseases
The National Health and Medical Research Council have supplied the following information regarding minimum exclusion period for children from an early childhood education and care service. Please inform staff if your child has any of the following so that we can notify the Public Health Unit and other families of any infectious disease/illness. (Confidentiality is always maintained). Recommended exclusion periods- Poster Staying Healthy: Preventing Infectious diseases in early childhood education and care servicesCONDITION | EXCLUSION |
|---|---|
Hand, foot and mouth disease | Until all blisters have dried |
HIB | Exclude until medical certificate of recovery is received |
Hepatitis A | Exclude until a medical certificate of recovery is received, but not before 7 days after the onset of jaundice or illness |
Herpes- Cold sores | Young children unable to comply with good hygiene practices should be excluded while the lesion is weeping. Lesions to be covered by dressing, where possible |
Influenzas and flu-like illnesses | Exclude until well |
Measles | Exclude for at least 4 days after onset of rash |
Meningitis (Bacterial) | Exclude until well |
Meningococcal Infection | Exclude until adequate carrier eradication therapy has been completed |
Mumps | Exclude for 9 days or until swelling goes down (whichever is sooner) |
Pertussis (Whooping Cough) | Exclude the child for 5 days after starting antibiotic treatment |
Rubella (German measles) | Exclude until fully recovered or for at least 4 days after the onset of rash |
Salmonella | Exclude until diarrhoea ceases |
Streptococcal Infection (including scarlet fever) | Exclude until the child has received antibiotic treatment for at least 24 hours and the child feels well |
Tuberculosis | Exclude until a medical certificate from an appropriate health authority is received |
Worms (intestinal) | Exclude if diarrhoea present |
If your child is unimmunised according to our records, then they will be excluded until the threat has passed and upon advice of the Public Health Unit
Immunisation
The Public Health Act 2010 requires all families to provide an Immunisation History Statement from the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) for their child prior to enrolment in an early childhood education and care service. The immunisation history statement must show that each enrolled child is up to date with immunisations for their age.
The relevant vaccinations are those under the National Immunisation Program (NIP), which covers the vaccines usually administered before age five. These vaccinations must be recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).
The only unimmunised children who can be enrolled in child care (after 1 January 2018) are those who are on a recognised catch-up schedule or those who are unimmunised due to medical reasons as described in the Australian Immunisation Handbook. Parents must provide an AIR Immunisation History Form or an AIR Immunisation Medical Exemption Form upon enrolment.
In the case of an outbreak of any vaccine preventable disease, management will contact families as soon as possible. We ask that families immediately inform our Service if someone in their family is diagnosed with an infectious disease to help minimise the risk to other children, families and educators.
We are legally required to notify the Public Health Unit of any cases of vaccine preventable diseases occurring at our Service. For an up-to-date immunisation schedule, please see attached at the end off Family Handbook.
Medication
If your child requires medication whilst at our Service, you must complete an Administration of Medication Record to give your consent for an educator to administer prescribed medication to your child. Medication must be given to directly to an educator for appropriate safe storage.
Educators can only administer medication that is:
- prescribed by a registered medical practitioner (with instructions attached to the medication or in written form from the medical practitioner)
- in its original packaging and have the original label clearly showing your child’s name
- before the expiry/use by date.
Upon collection of your child at the end of the day, you or an authorised person will be requested to sign the Administration of Medication Form.
Incidents, injury or trauma
We aim to minimise the risk of accidents and injury as much as possible however, through play, exploration and adventure, children sometimes have accidents. We always have an educator with a First Aid, emergency asthma, anaphylaxis management and CPR qualification on shift at all times we provide education and care to children. First Aid kits are located throughout the Service.
In the event of a minor injury, first aid will be provided as required. An Incident, Injury, Trauma and Illness Record will be completed and when you collect your child, you will be notified about the injury and asked to acknowledge and sign the record. If your child injures their head, even if it is a small bump, you will be contacted to advise you of the injury. Our educators will continue to monitor your child closely and advise if you should come and collect them.
If an injury or incident is serious and we believe urgent medical attention is required, the Nominated Supervisor will contact you immediately. If we cannot contact a parent or guardian, we will attempt to contact an authorised nominee for consent. Where you or your authorised nominee cannot be contacted, we may call an ambulance. If you are unable to meet the ambulance at the Service, we will send one of our educators/staff members to accompany your child in the ambulance.
Please note that Ambulance cover is the responsibility of each family.
An Incident, Injury, Trauma and Illness Record will be completed, and a parent will be required to acknowledge and sign this record. A copy of any documentation from the hospital or treating doctor will also be requested. Our Service will also be required to notify the Regulatory Authority in the event of any serious incident or injury. In these circumstances, you may be contacted by our Approved Provider and the Regulatory Authority to follow up the incident and actions taken by our Service.
Safety in our Service
Emergency and evacuation procedures
Our Service conducts risk assessments regularly and develops emergency management plans for a range of possible hazards. Throughout the year we follow our policies and procedures to carry out emergency and evacuation drills. These may occur at any given time throughout the day and week to ensure all children know what to do in case of an emergency. Emergency and evacuation drills are carried out in a well-organised and orderly manner and will simulate a range of possible emergency situations such as fire (bush fire), lock down or flood. Under regulations, we are required to practice emergency and evacuation drills every three months. Educators are trained to use the fire extinguishers that are in the Service. An emergency evacuation plan and lock down procedure are displayed in every room and exit locations are clearly indicated.Drop off and pick up time
Early childhood education and care services are busy places especially during the morning drop off and afternoon pickup. We ask that parents be extremely mindful of danger when arriving and departing from our Service.
- Please always hold your child’s hand in the carpark area
- Be alert of reversing drivers in the car park as it is very difficult to see small children
- Use the kerbside, rear passenger door when getting your child into and out of their restraint
- Never leave a child or infant in the car unattended
- Never leave the front entry door/gate open
- Always do a visual check around your vehicle before driving
- Please ensure children do not enter areas in the Service that are for adults/staff only.
- Always use the appropriate car restraints for your child
- Never expose your child to cigarette smoke in the car
Workplace Health and Safety
We are committed in providing an environment that is safe and healthy for every employee, volunteer, child, family and visitor. We have made every reasonable effort to minimise the risk of serious injury and request all persons to our Service to adhere to our policies regarding Workplace Health and Safety.
Each morning, our educators conduct daily safety checks of the indoor and outdoor environment and will alert management of any potential risk or hazard to children to ensure this is rectified before children use the equipment or area.
We welcome all feedback regarding the safety of our Service. If you see something that concerns you regarding safe work practices, the safety of building and equipment or general work health and safety issues, please contact the Nominated Supervisor immediately.
Social Media
We use social media to communicate, share information and celebrate what is happening in our Service with enrolled families and our service community.
We promote safety and wellbeing of all children and are committed to ensure safe online environments when engaging in digital technology including social media. Our social media accounts are managed by the Nominated Supervisor and we set the highest level of privacy and security settings on the accounts. Content is regularly scanned, and any offensive language or comments removed immediately, and these users blocked.
Photographs of your child will only be added if written authorisation has been provided on the enrolment form.
We maintain appropriate privacy of families, children and educators by not publishing any personal information online.
Privacy and Confidentiality
We are committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of children, individuals and families and have policies in place to ensure strict confidentiality is maintained.
To plan programs for your child/ren, we need to collect information from you. This information helps us to assess and plan programs in partnership with you. We do not disclose personal information about you or your child to other people or organisations without your consent, unless we are required to do so by law. We do not ask for personal information about you or your child from other professionals or organisations without your consent. You can look at the information in your child’s file at any time or request a copy of information in the file.
Our Privacy and Confidentiality Policy is available to view at any time. This policy sets out how we ensure our Service acts in accordance with the requirements of the Australian Privacy Principles and the Privacy Act 1988. We ensure all personal information is protected, records and documents are maintained and stored in accordance with Education and Care Services National Regulations and that all staff understand the requirements of the Notifiable Data Breaches (NDB) scheme. Any Privacy complaints will be managed promptly and in a consistent manner as outlined in our Grievance Policy.
Our Service is required to keep and maintain detailed records about children, parents and staff in accordance with relative legislation contained in the National Law and Regulations and Family Assistance Law. We ensure all records are stored in a secure and locked location. We must keep records for the prescribed periods of times as legislated related to child enrolment, attendance, medication records, incident, injury, trauma and illness records, child assessments and any relevant
Centre Routine
Summer - October to March | Winter - April to September
Sun protection is required at all times when outdoors. Extra sun protection is required between 11 am and 3 pm in summer
Indoor/Outdoor play
8.30amWelcome Group
8.30amChildren gather on the mat/deck to discuss the day and sing welcoming songs developing children’s sense of belonging and comfort within the centre. Welcome to country and yarning circle.Morning Tea
9.30amA mixed fruit and vegetable platter is provided to all children accompanied by an extra provision, milk and water. See centre menu for more information.Outdoor Play
10.00amOutdoor play is provided at this time if the morning has been wet, supporting children’s physical development.School Readiness Program
10.30amChildren participate in an intentional teaching program that focuses on the skills required for primary education this group is provided by the centre’s Teacher, Chloe.Group time – Possum /Koalas/Crocodiles
11.00amPlanned group experiences are provided based on children’s interest and developmental learning. Crocodile group also incorporates the ELLA program (Early Learning Language Australia) at this time.Lunch – Possums/Koalas
11.15 / 11.30amThis time can vary based on children’s needs on the day. Children are given their homemade lunches on personalised placemats/name cards, opportunities for healthy eating and recycling often take place between children and caregivers. Social skills are supported.Lunch – Crocodiles
11.15 / 11.30amChildren are provided with their packed lunchboxes, and are encouraged to open and select healthy foods first, empowering them to make healthy choices and be independent at school. Children are also educated on disposing of their waste responsibly. Conversation is encouraged strengthening social skills.Rest time for all children/quiet experiences
12-15pmSleep time is provided for Possums and some Koalas who require sleep. Other children take part in stories and quiet experiences on the mat or outside with caregivers.Indoor Play
1.00pmChildren are encouraged to take part in self-selecting experiences from a selection of learning areas provided by carers based on children’s interests.Large group story/discussion/FMS Program–
2.00pmStaff take this opportunity to hand out children’s craft and art from the day, discuss topics with children, share stories and songs. Our FMS (Fundamental Movement Skills) program supports children’s well-being through active participation, self-regulation practices and resilience building.Afternoon tea and outdoor play
2.30pmA mixed fruit and vegetable platter is provided to all children accompanied with an extra provision, milk and water. See centre menu for more information.Late afternoon tea and play
4.30pmChildren are invited to eat any food that is left in their lunch boxes, children are also provided with a healthy snack if required. Ongoing learning through play takes place inside or outside depending on permitting weather allowing children opportunities to extend on interests/experiences of the day.Centre closes
5.30pm
Parent Acknowledgement
Download “Family Handbook PDF Version” for parent acknowledgement.