Parent Information

Your child’s first day

Commencing childcare can be such an emotional experience – for both child and parent!

We understand that letting go of their little hand and saying goodbye may induce a few tears, but we can promise you that your child will be well cared for in a nurturing environment and kept occupied with lots fun activities with their new little friends!

You are more than welcome to visit the centre with your child in the lead up to their first day so that everyone becomes familiar with our educators, surroundings and programs. Each child is unique, and our educators will be happy to spend time with you to discuss any individual needs. During the transition period from home to childcare, a primary caregiver will oversee your child settling into their new environment and will encourage social interactions and friendships within their group and centre.

Once enrolment forms and iDebitPro forms are completed, a checklist of items to bring to childcare include:

• Backpack (labelled)
• Hat
• Change of clothes /underwear/socks
• Dummy (if required)
• Comfort Items
• Drink bottle
• Sheet linen & blanket (for above 2-year-olds)
• Appropriate footwear
• Bottles & formula (pre-measured)

Signing your child in and out of the centre is a legal requirement. On arrival and departure each day, you must present yourself to the educator and document the time, sign and print your name on the forms provided. Any persons collecting your child must be known to us and be nominated on their enrolment form. We will not release a child under any other circumstances and may ask for photo identification to prove they are authorised to collect your child.

Our educators will speak with you daily about your child’s day and will keep you informed of any issues should they arise or any achievements. A portfolio of their work will be compiled and presented to you at various times. We encourage open communication between our educators and parents and hope that relationships will be built on mutual trust and respect.

Our rooms

Daily routines are flexible and cater to the individual needs of each child. Family grouping in the mornings and afternoons is a great time for siblings to interact together. Our purpose-built rooms cater for the following –

A typical day will vary dependent on age, but will encompass:

• Free play time
• Sleep & relaxation times
• Social interaction
• Sensory play
• Music and art
• Outdoor and indoor play
• Pre-literacy & numeracy programs

Our Kitchen

Children are provided with healthy nutritious meals, and we promote the importance of a balanced diet by way of our playground to plate program. We encourage children to get their hands dirty in the vegetable garden and enjoy watching them harvest their fruit and vegetables to give to the kitchen for their meals. Fresh seasonal menus are prepared daily by our cook and nutritionist and menus will be on display for parents to view. We have a “No Nut” policy and will take any other allergy or dietary request into consideration.

Policies and Procedures

Our Policies & Procedures are comprehensive and available at all times for you to review. Please don’t hesitate to ask the Nominated Supervisor should you wish to do so. It is imperative that we adhere to the strictest procedures in the following areas:

• Emergency Evacuation
• Immunisation
• Medication
• Accident & Incidents
• Health & Hygiene
• Sun Protection
• Clothing
• Nutrition
• Infection Control

Fee Structure

Payment for childcare must be paid for through iDebitPro, and this form is to be completed as part of the enrolment process. One week’s fees are required to be paid in advance to secure your booking, with all payments to be made weekly. All booked days must be paid for, regardless of the absence or public holidays and we will charge a late fee should your child remain at the centre after closing times.

Holidays are taken into consideration, and we’ll offer a 25% discount for up to 2 weeks each financial year. However, the holiday application form (available from our office) must be completed and handed in 2 weeks before your holiday.

Most families are eligible for the 50% Childcare Rebate, and most would nominate to have the rebate paid directly to the centre so that your fees are reduced up front. If you have not already done so, please call the Department of Human Services (through Centrelink) on 136 150 to discuss your entitlements.

Enrolment

Each child will receive a hat and drawstring bag on their first day of attendance.