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Enrolment
To enrol at the centre parents are asked to undertake the following process:
Contact the centre to arrange a visit to familiarize yourself with the centre and to meet the staff.
Complete all the details on the Enrolment Record
Arrange Child Care Benefit. Application forms are available from reception or any Centrelink or Medicare Office.
Read the Parent Guide and Operational Manual.
Phone to confirm booking arrangements and orientation days.
The content of Enrolment Records are kept strictly confidential in accordance with the centre's policy and Privacy Act . A child may not commence care unless these forms have been completed. The form includes the immunization record, medical contacts and the names of at least two authorized people who can be contacted in the event of an emergency.
We request that parents allow time to settle their child into the centre. Some children will need shorter settling in periods than others and we will be able to tailor the process to meet the individual needs of your family. The primary care-giver, who looks after the child, particularly during the initial settling in phase, will communicate information to you concerning how well your child has settled during their first care experience.
We recommend, in order to make a smooth transition, parents together with your child make several short visits during the week before your child is due to start at the centre. This allows children the opportunity to become familiar with the staff, other children and their surroundings. Parents are requested to reassure their child that they will be back to collect them in a short time.
Communication with Families
At Minnows we understand that it is a good working relationship with the families that underpins our service. It is this warm and caring relationship between the parents and staff that is fundamental to the process of providing high quality care.
We are accepting, receptive and appreciative of families in their relationship with our centre.
Our "open door" policy allows families to feel welcome during any part of the day.
We foster open lines of communication by mutual sharing information about your child at arrival and departure times.
Parental participation in the centre's programs, planning and implementation is encouraged.
Information is made available to families in a variety of ways including personal appointments, noticeboards, regular newsletters, the centre's operational manual and library.
The Australian Government has initiated the Quality Improvement and Accreditation System, the purpose of which is to improve, through self assessment processes, the quality of care for children in child care services.
Minnows Early Learning Centre supports this initiative and welcomes the involvement of parents and staff in examining our policies and procedures. We value any comments or feedback on the principles that affect the quality of care we provide for the children. It is a continual and ongoing process where as a community service we will examine each of the principles underpinning our policies and procedures including Health and Safety, Programs and Staff Development.
Through feedback from staff, parents and children we are able to make ongoing assessments about what we do. Input that is constructive and places emphasis on co-operation produces a quality program and an environment that continually grows in excellence.
Nutrition
A child's development, growth and activity level are influenced by their nutrition intake therefore it is vital that children have the opportunity to establish good eating and nutrition habits from a very young age. At Minnows we will provide 50-80% of children's food intake, proportionate to their time spent in care. It will be provided through a healthy, balanced diet that is low in fat, salt and sugar and high in fibre, and where possible, free from artificial flavours, colours and preservatives.
Meal Times
Meal times are a very social occasion at Minnows that allows staff and children a time to come together in small groups and share food as well as conversation in a relaxed, happy atmosphere. To ensure a mealtime is enjoyed by all we undertake the following guidelines throughout the centre:
Meals are timed to meet the needs of the children.
All food is stored, prepared and served according to the principles of safe food handling. This includes everyone washing their hands before eating, serving or preparing food.
Independence and social skills in children are encouraged through serving, choosing and where appropriate preparing their own food.
We encourage children to try new or different food whilst respecting their choice.
Staff use meal times as an occasion for nutrition and cultural education.
Food is attractive and well presented.
The environment in which children may eat varies from indoors to outdoors or maybe at the table or in a small group on a mat picnic style.
A record of you child's food intake is available in their room.
Rest/Sleep
Incorporated into our daily routine is a quiet time for children that is flexible and meets the particular needs of individual children.
Babies have their own cots to sleep in. We provide individual sheets and blankets.
Toddlers and children under 4 years have a mattress to sleep on. These children also have their own individual sheets, which we provide and launder weekly.
Children over three may not wish to sleep during the middle of the day. We do; however, encourage children to have a quiet time where they spend some time by themselves undertaking an activity of their choice.
Positive Guidance
At Minnows our positive approach to guidance focuses on a child's strengths and understands that each child develops at their own pace. Staff are supportive and respectful of each child's stage of development and the expectations of their age. All children need to develop self confidence, initiative, self esteem and a feeling of well being to cope more easily with today's society. Our staff will endeavour to create a happy, relaxed tone in the centre.
It is essential that children arrive for the day in clothing that is suitable for play. Clothing that is comfortable and easy fitting, washable and durable. We ask that parents consider the following:
Bring a spare change of clothes just in case. Children in the process of toilet training may need a few changes of clothes.
We will endeavour to protect children's clothes with smock during messy play but it is not possible for children to always remain clean during their busy day.
Consider the weather and include a coat and beanie for cooler days, a sun hat and lightweight clothes that cover sun exposed skin for sunny days. Staff will monitor each child for their clothing suitability and changing weather.
Shoes need to be good fitting and solid. Thongs are not suitable for children at the centre. Ill fitting footwear can make children more susceptible to injury and impede normal development of their feet.
The Program
An overview is displayed in the foyer and is detailed in each of the play rooms.
Different learning styles are recognised, respected and diversity is encouraged where appropriate.
The major areas of early childhood development are catered for in each room and are individually age appropriate:-
-Cognitive Learning
-Gross Motor Skills
-Fine Motor Skills
-Sensory/Art Experiences
Child Protection
Children have the right to safety and security. Child physical and sexual abuse has a long term impact on children. Any belief of suspicion of sexual or physical abuse or neglect must be reported by law. This process is known as mandatory reporting and applies not only to childcare workers but also to school teachers and healthcare workers. Staff members must consult with management on any concern they may have about a child. Management will then contact the regional Child Protection Services officer from the Department of Human Services.
Once reported the child care staff are no longer involved in the proceedings.
When a child is left in care at Minnows an authorized person must sign the child in on the Attendance Book in the foyer entrance. Likewise an authorized person must sign the child out before departure. This process is a requirement under Victorian regulations governing childcare and is for the safety of your child.
An authorized person is one whose name is stated on the Enrolment Record .
When alternative arrangement need to be made for the delivery or collection of children, an authority must be given by the parent in writing. Identification will be required at the time of collection.
It is of the vital importance that parents sign children in and out in the Attendance Book as this document is used in the case of an emergency and is crucial to your child's safety.
Parents must accompany children into the centre and hand over care directly to a staff member. At the end of their period of care, a parent must inform the staff that their child is leaving.
Feel welcome to spend time with your child on arrival while they settle and at departure times.
If unavoidably detained and you need to change your arrival or departure time please notify the centre.
Fees
Fee payment arrangements must be made with management prior to commencement of care.
Fee payments are calculated using the rate set out in the Fee Schedule (displayed a reception) and based on a families care requirements in days.
If the Family Assistance Office (CCB) contributes to part of your payment then your benefit details must be forwarded to management during the enrolment process and prior to care.
Child Care Benefit (CCB)
Child Care Benefit is available to all families. This subsidy is paid according to a means test and the assessment is carried out by the Family Assistance Office (Centrelink).
Higher levels of CCB are available when more than one child is in care, even if the sibling is at another centre, or is in out of school hours care.
Emergency Situations
The safety of children and the staff is our first priority.
Fire and emergency procedures are practiced regularly to ensure prompt and safe evacuation from the building.
The Attendance Book is taken to be an accurate record of the children who are present. It is essential that your child's first name and surname is in the Attendance Book on each day of attendance.
Should an emergency arise where we have to leave the property, staff will evacuate the children to the exterior gates of their respective yards and then to the centre car park and if the situation requires it to the community centre next door. Parents would be contacted and pick their child up from this location. Children must be signed out in the usual manner.
A Final Word
It is our intention to work cooperatively with staff, parents and children here at Minnows. We are always interested in learning more about the service we offer families as we take our role as carers and educators very seriously. Please feel free to tell us how we are doing, you can approach us on any matter about the service. We hope you enjoy your stay with us.
