Lightning Reef Early Learning Centre Parent Information Booklet Holmes Road Bendigo Open 7am-6pm daily Phone

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1 Lightning Reef Early Learning Centre Parent Information Booklet Holmes Road Bendigo Open 7am-6pm daily Phone Welcome to the Lightning Reef Early Learning Centre.

2 We hope this information will help you to have a better understanding of our service & the wonderful world of child care! The Lightning Reef Early Learning Centre is managed by the Bendigo Regional YMCA, a not for profit community based organisation. The Lightning Reef Early Learning Centre provides a fully integrated service catering for children aged 4 months to Kinder and also offers access to a range of other early childhood services on site including Maternal Child Health. We welcome all parents and families to come in and visit with their child/ren, meet the staff and to see your child s room and how the centre functions with the other children present. The centre is open from Monday to Friday, from 7.00am to 6.00pm. We close for 2 weeks over the Christmas period. You are not charged for these times. We offer full day sessions as per the above operating hours. All hours set must be strictly followed as non compliance can affect our licence and the staff s ability to provide the best quality of care. As it costs extra to keep staff over their rostered hours, it may become necessary to charge a fee. A late fee policy is included in our policy booklet. Enrolment and Eligibility In order to enrol your child, an enrolment form must be completed, signed & returned, together with a copy of your child s immunisations records & any recent child health checks. This must be done prior to your child commencing care at the Lightning Reef Early Learning Centre Childcare is available for children aged 4 months to 6 years. We follow the priority of access guidelines as set out by the Commonwealth Government, which states eligibility for care is based on the following order: Priority 1 a child at risk of serious abuse or neglect Priority 2 a child of a single parent who satisfies, or of parents who both satisfy the work/training/study test under section 14 of the A New Tax System (Family Assistance) Act Priority 3 any other child (socialization) Non-working parents may be asked, at times, to forfeit their position for the day (no fee will be charged), or to change days of care, to allow another priority child to have the position. Parents/Guardians are required to be flexible about changing their booked days if required. There is also a restriction to 24 hours of care per week for social children (you are responsible to give the Family Assistance Office this correct information). Children s places are open for review if circumstances change. Enrolment forms are available to download from our website Fees Fees are to be paid at least 2 weeks in advance & can be made at the Lightning Reef Early Learning Centre or at the Peter Krenz Leisure Centre. Payments can be made by cash, cheque, credit card, EFTPOS and over the phone. For all permanent care bookings, fees must be paid in advance regardless of absences and public holidays. There will be no charge when we are closed over the Christmas Holidays.

3 Parents accessing care at the Lightning Reef Early Learning Centre may be eligible for Childcare Benefits (through the Family Assistance Office) which will reduce fees. Please contact the Family Assistance Office regarding your Childcare Benefit and to notify them that your child will be starting care at the Lightning Reef Early Learning Centre. You must register to obtain a rebate for childcare. Until we have received your rebate percentage, you will be required to pay full fees!!!!!!! For more information regarding CCB please contact your nearest Family Assistance Office or You can also go online to and find out more information about your entitlements and obligations as a parent. Please see below for Bendigo Regional YMCA Banking details if you wish to pay online: Bank: Bendigo Bank Account Name: Bendigo Regional YMCA BSB: Account Number: Reference Name: LR (Your Family name) Lightning Reef Early Learning Centre Holmes Road, Bendigo, 3550 Phone Open: Mon- Fri 7am 6pm Peter Krenz Leisure Centre Napier Street, Eaglehawk, 3556 Phone Open 7 Days

4 Settling your child in Sometimes children take time to be comfortable with you leaving them in their new surroundings! We like to have a transition period for the new children which may take 2, 3 or even more visits, depending on the child. This is done by gradually increasing their period of stay, usually one routine at a time. Your child s Educator will guide you through. It is recommended that you spend time settling your child into an activity. When you have to go, give them a hug and kiss goodbye, say you are going and that you will be back later, then leave. Your child may cry (you probably will too) and want to go with you, but be strong! If you keep coming back it makes it more difficult for the child and the Educator to settle them. We do not like children who are distressed any more than you do. If they do not settle within a short time which they usually do then we will contact you. It may be hard for you but please trust that we will call only if necessary. You are always welcome to call and inquire how your child is feeling and whether they have settled in. What to Bring Your child will need a bag or backpack. Everything is to be clearly named. We ask that you bring at least two full sets of clothes down to the socks, shoes and knickers/jocks. Messy activities and accidents do happen. We go outside most days, so send along appropriate outside wear; warm coats & hats for the winter, then sunsmart hats & sunsmart (sleeved) clothes for the summer. We do not go outside during inclement weather or between 11am 3pm in summer. In warm weather, sunscreen is applied 20 minutes prior to going outside. If your child has sensitive skin and needs his or her own sunscreen, we are happy to use it if brought in and our staff notified. Children in nappies need to have enough nappies that will get them through the day (usually 4-5). We also supply sheets and blankets for sleep-time in all rooms. If your child has a dummy, bottle or favourite toy for comfort or sleep /rest time, please send it along & make staff aware of this. We prefer the children not to wear thongs, as they can be dangerous for children when they are trying to climb and run, so please ensure proper footwear is worn. Your child should be dressed in clothes that allow them to join in all activities eg climbing, running, dancing, so please leave the good clothes for other occasions. Sleeveless tops and dresses are also not appropriate or sunsmart. If your child/ren have toys they wish to bring please try and label them. The staff will endeavor to keep track of any toys but just remember they may go missing. Toy weapons (guns, swords, and knives) are not permitted in the centre.

5 Lightning Reef Menu Children are supplied with a freshly prepared, nutritious lunch. This is listed on the menu board in the front entry area. Morning Tea consists of toast, muffins, pita bread, cereal, savoury platters, raisin toast etc. Afternoon tea is substantial and includes muffins, scones, pizza, various types of cakes, dips with veggies & biscuit. A selection of fresh fruits is available throughout the day from our fruit bowl for the children to choose when they like. Water & Milk is served with each meal. If you have any special menu requests or ideas, please see our cook to discuss these further. If your child is having a birthday you are welcome to bring a cake in for your child/ren to celebrate with their friends at Lightning Reef (due to health regulations this must be a purchased cake, not homemade). You are able to purchase a freshly made cake here for a small fee which will be decorated for your child. Structure of care Lightning Reef provides a care and educational environment where our experiences provide opportunities for children to explore through open ended play, based on the individual needs and interests of children and families. The centre caters for children in the following rooms, with staff that are qualified and experienced with all regulations and accreditation guidelines. Jarra 4 months 1 years 12 Children Mount Alexander 1 years - 2 years 12 Children Castleton 2 years - 3 years 30 Children Sandhurst 3 years - 5 years 30 Children Bendigo Kinder 30 Children Program and planning Our fully qualified Childcare Educators plan weekly for children using the EYLDF (Early Years Learning Development Framework). Educators plan for all children taking daily observations of both individuals and the group as a whole. The Program aims to provide ongoing experiences that enhance the children s learning and development. A number of components make up the complete picture of our program planning. Based on interests, needs & development with reference to the EYLDF. Plans for individual children. Written Group & Individual evaluated plans. Verbal & Practical experiences Parental involvement-surveys, discussions, information sheets, communication books etc

6 Guidance and discipline Educators are not permitted to physically or verbally abuse, intimidate or deprive any child for any reason in accordance with The Children s Services Regulations Children are encouraged to develop social skills that help resolve conflicts and have needs met without the use of aggressive or destructive behaviours. Expectations of behavior will be clearly expressed in positive terms and reinforced consistently in a developmentally appropriate way. Staff will demonstrate acceptable behaviors as outlined in the Code of Conduct. Please read our policy book for further information on this policy. Curriculum Curriculum describes everything that happens in the centre that impacts your child s learning, development and wellbeing. Our curriculum is based on the early years learning framework for Australia and covers activities children initiate themselves, daily rituals and routines that occur in the centre, and learning experiences that our educators plan. Principles Curriculum principles that we adhere to: - Activities should be carefully matched to the development stage and abilities each individual child has reached. - Children are central decision-makers and initiators, constructing their own knowledge through active learning. - The people (adults and children) with whom the child interacts are of central importance. - We focus on what the child can do (not what they cannot do). - The imagination is a critical part of a child s inner structure. Under the right conditions it will emerge. - A child s success is rewarded with encouragement and specific praise. - Children need time away from adults so they can create world of their own. - Parents are the child s first and main educators in the early years. - Everything interlinks- learning is not compartmentalised. - Children should be helped to review their own learning. Practice What does this mean in practice for your child? - Children learn with and alongside others. - They should feel good about who they are. - Learning includes developing a sense of belonging and independence. - Physical abilities need to be developed. - Creative abilities such as art, musical dance and movement are also important. - Acceptable boundaries and limits are respected. - Children are helped to develop language and listening skills. - Learning to look after yourself, others, belongings and the environment are fundamental skills. - Encouraging problems solving, negotiation skills and the resilience to challenge themselves. - Developing the confidence to assert themselves honestly with guidance. - Having fun in an enjoyable environment.

7 Parents and Family Parents and family are a critical part of every child s learning, therefore at Lightning Reef Early Learning Centre, communication with you is one of the most important things we can do. We will keep you informed every step of the way, through newsletters, Daily Reflections, your child s portfolios and of course our staff. Communication There are pockets located outside the rooms in the hallway for every family. These pockets contain important information including newsletters, accounts, parent sheets, surveys and fundraising information among other forms of communication. Parents need to ensure their family pocket is checked on a regular basis. Each room also has individual communication boards/books for the use of both staff & parents. Please check the notice board in the entrance way & hallway for updates from the YMCA, the Lightning Reef Early Learning Centre & other Community organisations. The above information covers some key areas but further information is available in our Policy Booklet, from our Childcare Educators and/or Centre coordinator. The Centre Philosophy, Grievance Procedures, Health, Sickness & Exclusion, Fees are incorporated in this information booklet Collection of your child/ren A person with lawful authority of your child can authorise other adults to collect your child from the centre. If an unauthorized person is coming to pick up your child, you must contact the centre with their names and details. Staff will ask them for identification such as a driver s license when collecting your child. Please read our late collection policy for guidelines. In the event that the child is not collected from the centre by 6pm and with the parents, guardians or collection persons unable to be contacted, we will, after 30 minutes then contact the local police. This is to firstly identify if there has been an accident and then establish the next option with consultation of the Coordinator & the Department of Education & Early Childhood Development. Remember, late collection of children means late fees, not to mention an inconvenience to the staff, so please read late collection policy for procedures. Leaving and collecting children When leaving and collecting your child from the centre, you will need to fill out and sign the attendance book (located in each room). This is a Department of Education & Early Childhood Development requirement & Family Assistance requirement. Failure to do so may cause non compliances with both services, and your CCB entitlements will not be paid. The following details are required Time of arrival and signature of person bringing the child to care. Expected pick-up time. If you re going to be late, please call ahead of time Expected pick up person (name of person, (not mum or dad) this is not accepted with DEECD) You MUST sign in & out everyday your child is in care to receive your CCB entitlements. Any medications MUST BE written up in a separate medication folder ----the staff will guide you through this.

8 If there is any change to the expected pick up time, even by 10 or 15 minutes, or person picking up parents are requested to contact the centre. This is vital to all concerned & can prevent a child from becoming upset late in the day. Absent days The Coordinator will inform parents of the amount of absences used in any financial year by the invoice/receipt method. Centrelink provide 42 absences for each child per financial year, these absences can be taken for any reason with no evidence required. CCB is also paid for additional absences for certain reasons, there is no limit on these days but supporting documentation will be required, e.g. medical certificate or signed RDO document. Please ensure your child is well before returning to the Centre after illness. Your child should be able to cope in a group situation. Please refer to our illness policy. Excursions We have periodical excursions needing your written permission to take your child out of the centre. You will be asked to fill in a parent authorisation form each time; it will explain where we are going, how we are getting there and when we will return. We have child/parent ratio when we do, so supervision with adult volunteers are always welcome. Safety and emergency procedures We have regular fire drills, evacuating the building by indicating to the children the nearest exits; the fire officer elected determines where the fire would be, in practice. We group along the fence line of the Webster Street lane, so that we have control of all children, we then do a role call from the sign in sheets to determine that we have in our presence all staff & children booked & signed in that day. This is why it is important & essential that you sign your child in every day they are in the centre. Posted in the rooms & hallway are fire & safety procedures for your perusal.