BELMONT INFORMATION BOOKLET

Transcription

1 BELMONT INFORMATION BOOKLET Page1

2 Contents Introduction Page 3 Centre Details Page 4 Hours of Operation Page 4 Fees and Payments Page 5 Centrelink Information Page 7 Emergencies / Accidents / Illnesses Page 8 The Staff Page 10 Enrolments Page 12 Attendance Page 13 Educational Program Page 15 Observing and Documenting Page 16 Parent/Carer Involvement Page 16 Policies and Procedures Page 17 Philosophy Page 21 Community Information Page 24 Conclusion Page 24 Page2

3 Introduction Welcome to Kinda Kapers Belmont! Kinda Kapers strives to provide a loving, safe, home-like environment. Play based programs in our purpose built buildings and outdoor environments allow children to become confident independent learners with a natural sense of wonder, curiosity and creativity. We aim to provide all children with a loving, safe and home-like environment. All our programs are educational and based on the Early Years Learning Framework, developed for the group s developmental stage and individual children s strengths and needs, by educators in their room. Quality Assurance Kinda Kapers Long Day Care strives to meet best practice and provide high quality service in all areas. Being an organisation that works directly with children we must adhere to a range of legislation, regulations, and guidelines. Our three main regulatory bodies are: Department of Education and Communities Early Childhood Education and Care (Education and Care Services Regulations 2011) - Kinda Kapers undergoes monitoring and licencing visits from Compliance Officers to ensure our compliance with these regulations. You can find out more information on their website or by calling Australian Children s Education and Care Quality Authority - National Quality Framework National Quality Standards - In 2012 the National Quality Framework was introduced including the Regulations and the National Quality Standards. Centres nation-wide are assessed against the Standards by Assessment and Rating Officers from the Department of Education and Communities. Centres develop a Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) which highlights their strengths and provides for areas to improve in all areas of the Standards. The Department of Education - Kinda Kapers is subject to regular audits from in relation to care arrangements and Child Care Benefit through the Child Care Management System. For more information go to Page3

4 Centre Details Kinda Kapers Belmont 40 George Street BELMONT 2280 Postal Address: PO BOX 5126, Kahibah 2290 Ph Fax Address Website Address The Centre Kinda Kapers Belmont is a privately run centre, catering for 36 children a day. The centre consists of two rooms and can cater for children aged 2 6 years old. Hours of Operation The Centre is open for approximately 51 weeks of the year, closing for a short time over the Christmas period and on all public holidays. We are open from: 7.30am to 6.00pm Monday to Friday Early Arrivals - Due to our licensing requirements we are not permitted to open the doors before 7.30am. This is when 2 educators have been rostered to start work. Staff arrive at the Centre early to set up for the day and will not open the doors before this time. Late Departures - As part of our licensing requirements we are not permitted to have children on the premises after 6.00pm. Please aim to arrive at the centre with plenty of time to collect your child, sign out, collect belongings and discuss your child s day with their educators before 6.00pm. If you know you are going to be late please notify the Centre as soon as you can. We do understand that emergencies may occur. A late fee of $15 will be charged for every 15 minutes or part thereof. Page4

5 Fees and Payments A NON REFUNDABLE equipment levy is to be paid when enrolling and when re-enrolling for the following year. Your child cannot be guaranteed a position until this amount is paid. On the child s first day of attendance you are also required to pay a 2-week full fee bond along with your first week s fees. Fees will be reviewed twice a year. Please contact the centre directly for the current fee structure. Fees are to be paid on the child s first day of attendance for the week. Payments can be made by internet transfer, manual debit, or EFT-POS. NO CASH PLEASE. KINDA KAPERS CHARGES A $20 CASH HANDLING FEE. If using internet transfer, please make sure you put your child s name on the transaction. This is so we can easily identify whose account to credit the money to. Our bank details are as follows- Account Name: Kinda Belmont Bank: National Australia Bank BSB: Account No: All internet transfers are receipted each Monday for the previous week s transactions. Internet transfers must be received into our account prior to your child s first day of attendance each week. As a result we ask that families pay an extra weeks fees in advance so as the families fee account is always maintained at a zero balance. If you choose to pay by manual debit a form can be completed with your credit card details to be processed manually by the centre staff every week. A receipt will be issued for all fees paid, and can be collected from your child s pocket at the end of each day. Fee Bond - Each child pays a 2-week full fee bond at the beginning of their enrolment. This bond is calculated on the age of your child, and the number of days your child attends. If your child s attendance changes throughout the year, your fee bond may need to be adjusted accordingly. Bonds can be carried over from previous years, and if all other monies are paid at the termination of care, the bond will be refunded to you. Withdrawal of your Child from the Centre Policy - When withdrawing your child from enrolment at the Centre, two weeks written notice is required. Should your child not physically attend the centre during your notice period, full fees will be charged from the last day of actual attendance until the notice period is complete, as CCB / CCR may not be payable if your child does not attend. Please ensure all fees are paid up to date before leaving. Any credit and bond will be refunded to you a minimum of two weeks after the cessation of care. This is to ensure that all internet transfers have been finalised and terminated, and ensures CCB / CCR entitlements are allocated correctly. Page5

6 Signing In / Signing Out - All parents / carers must sign their child / children in and out of the centre each day together with arrival and departure times. You are also required to fill out who will be collecting your child, ensuring that they are listed on your child s enrolment form. When signing in your child each day, please make sure that their full name is written in along with the collector s full name (first and last name). This is a regulatory requirement. Additionally please indicate in the appropriate column whether your child is having medication that day with a yes or no, this helps staff easily identify whether medication is due or not, especially with staff on later shifts, and the time your child had sunscreen applied that morning. There should be sunscreen available near the sign-in book if you forgot to apply at home. If your child is absent on any day, this will be noted in red in the sign-in book. It is important all absences are signed by a parent the next time they attend day care. Holidays, Sick Days, Occasional Days - Normal fees must still be paid for sick days and occasional days of care as they occur, or if your child is absent throughout the year. Public holidays are also charged for, although the Centre will be closed. Absence from care falls into two categories absence days and additional absence days. If your child is absent from care on any booked day, you will be liable to pay the child care fees. Each child has an absence allotment of 42 days. These absences can be taken for any reason and do not require supporting documentation. Public holidays will be counted as an absence day for CCB if: The service provides care to the absent child on the normal operating days immediately before and immediately after the public holiday and The child would normally have attended the service on the day if it were not a public holiday and Fees are charged in respect of the absent child for the day Once the first 42 absence days have been used, CCB is payable for any absences where: The absence relates to a day on which care would have otherwise been provided if the child was not absent and The absence is one taken for an additional absence reason and Your service obtains and keeps the required documentation and You meet the requirements for recording attendance and absences and Childcare fees are charged For further information please see or the CCMS Child Care Service Handbook. The Centre shuts down for a short time over the Christmas period. Fees are not payable for this shutdown period. Buying and Selling Days - If we have 100% occupancy, the Centre provides you with the opportunity to sell your days when your child is absent. It is important that you notify the Centre by filling out an absent notification form when you are aware that your child will be absent, so that we can advertise the day. If you wish to sell a day your account must be at a zero balance (ie pay for the day beforehand). If your child s day is sold your account will be credited for each day sold. We also allow you to buy days. If you are looking for extra days and we have been notified we have a child absent on that day, then you may be offered the opportunity to buy that day, if your account is at a zero balance. Please inform the centre if you are looking for extra days as soon as you can. Staff do everything Page6

7 they can to accommodate you where possible, but there are many factors to consider even when there is an absence, including the child s age and group size. We appreciate your understanding. Overdue Fees (from Payment of Fees Policy) st week non-payment - / Personal Contact families will be reminded of their obligation to maintain their fee account at a zero balance 2. 2 nd week non-payment Phone Call / Personal Contact immediate payment will be requested families will be reminded of their obligation to maintain their fee account at a zero balance. Families will be reminded that non-payment will be putting their child s position at risk as a third week of non-payment will result in care being withdrawn 3. 3 rd week non-payment Phone Call / Personal Contact the family will be informed that their child s position is being withdrawn and will no longer be able to attend unless account is immediately paid and a zero balance is achieved, or an agreement is reached with the Managing Director / General Manager. More than three Step 2 reminders (2 nd week non-payments) in one calendar year will result in formalised payment arrangements. This will involve either manual debit forms or proof of payment (internet banking receipt) to be presented each week before the child can attend. This will also incur a $20 administration fee. Centrelink Fee Relief The Centre has fee relief for parents through Centrelink. There are two options for fee relief, Child Care Benefit and Child Care Rebate. Child Care Benefit (CCB) - The percentage of subsidy to which you may be entitled to is dependent on your GROSS income. If you wish to receive the subsidy you will need to contact Centrelink / Family Assistance Office and pass the income test. Your child will need to be fully immunised or have the appropriate documentation stating why they are not immunised. One parent and the child you are enrolling will require a Customer Reference Number (CRN) to access the subsidy. As soon as we have a record of these numbers along with your enrolment form we can link your child to the system electronically. You can contact Centrelink on and can also access some of the services online at or using the Express Plus Mobile App. Once Centrelink has informed the Centre of your child s percentage rate, we will convert that percentage into a dollar value and deduct that from the standard Kinda Kapers fee. Full fees will be charged until your CCB percentage has been received at the Centre. It is your responsibility to notify Centrelink of any changes to your circumstances as soon as possible. The Child Care Benefit dollar value is reassessed by the Federal Government every year in July. Page7

8 Child Care Rebate (CCR) - Child Care Rebate is made available to those who meet Centrelink criteria as working, studying or training parents. CCR is not means tested. This means you can claim 50% of your out of pocket child care expenses of up to $7,500 per child each financial year. This rebate can be paid fortnightly, quarterly or annually. You can have the payment made to yourself, or directly to Kinda Kapers as a fee reduction. If you choose this option, Centrelink will withhold 15% to cover any deficit at tax time. Families must speak to Centrelink in order to be eligible to receive the CCR, and also be claiming CCB (even if it is at 0%), and to nominate the method of payment for their CCR. You can only choose one method of payment each financial year. The Centre may charge families if they require Statements of Attendance. If you are linked to the Centre through Centrelink, your details will be automatically available to your Accountant, as long as you inform them that you pay for childcare. Eligible Hours of Care - CCB will only be paid where children attend care for some part of a session for which a fee is charged (excluding allowable and approved absences). Eligible hours are based on either 24 or 50 hours per week (ie if Centrelink allows you 24 hours per week, and your child attends three days, you will not be able to claim CCB for the third day). In some circumstances where a child physically attends the centre for more than 50 hours per week, 50 to 55 hours of care may be approved. Emergencies / Accidents / Illness No child should be brought into the centre unless they are well enough to be able to cope adequately with the normal routines and activities. If a child is so sick that he/she sleeps at unusual times; has a fever of 38.5 or above; is crying constantly as a result of discomfort due to illness; is reacting badly to medication; is in need of constant 1 to 1 care or has an illness that requires exclusion, the child s parents / carers will be called to take their child home, as the centre does not have the resources to adequately care for the child in these conditions. If a parent is not contactable the Authorised Nominees on the child s enrolment form will be contacted. In the event of sickness / illness / allergy at the centre - A Sickness / Illness / Allergy Form will be completed and signed by a staff member. It will be at the Centre Leader s discretion as to whether to call the Parent to come and collect the child. In the event of a Parent not being contactable an Authorised Nominee will be called. In the event of a Parent / Authorised Nominee not being contactable, an ambulance may be called. In the event of an accident - An Injury Form will be completed and signed by a staff member and Parents will be notified by phone if necessary, and will be required to sign the Injury Form at the end of the day. In the event of a serious accident - An Emergency Incident Form will be completed and signed by a staff member and Parents will be asked to sign this document. Parents will be contacted as soon as is possible. If the child s general well being is compromised an ambulance will be called immediately. Page8

9 At all times the physical well being and safety of the child will take precedence over documentation. All documentation will be completed when the child is safely cared for and is in no danger whatsoever. Infectious Diseases/Childhood Illness - If a child contracts an infectious disease, an exclusion period may be enforced. Please ask staff about the length of exclusion or ask to view the Recommended Minimum Exclusion Periods Policy. You may also need to provide a doctor s certificate stating that your child is well enough to come back to the centre and is not contagious. Please note all fees will still need to be kept up to date while the child is excluded. Families will be notified of infectious / serious illness within the centre via a note in the parent area / main door. Immunisation - Upon enrolling your child at Kinda Kapers, Parents must provide a Medicare copy of your child s immunisation record. Each subsequent time your child is immunised a new Medicare copy will be required, to keep your child s records up to date. This is a legislative requirement. In NSW we cannot enrol a child who is not fully immunised or who does not hold the appropriate legal documentation as to why they are not immunised. We are required to report each child s immunisation to Centrelink along with our enrolment information. If your child s immunisation records are not up to date we may be required to refuse care, and your CCB entitlements may be terminated. In the event of an outbreak of a vaccine preventable disease, it is staff s responsibility to report this to the NSW Department of Health. Parents of non-immunised children will be informed and the children will be excluded from the centre for the duration of the outbreak. In the event of this occurring, ALL fees will still need to be paid. Safety Procedures - Evacuation plans are located throughout the building to ensure all Staff / Parents / Visitors can identify where the evacuation / meeting points are located if needed in an emergency. Educators organise regular evacuation and lockdown drills to practise emergency evacuation and lockdown of the building. These drills are evaluated and staff discuss the best way to overcome any problems. Many of our Educators have been trained as Evacuation Emergency Officers (EEO). The training includes effective evacuation procedures and practical use of fire extinguishers from a reputable Fire Awareness company. Page9

10 The Staff Service Management Michelle Peden Managing Director Masters of Early Childhood Education Bachelor of Education (Infants) Bachelor of Educational Studies Certificate IV in Leadership and Management Certificate IV Workplace Training and Assessment Jann MacKay Senior Manager Diploma Infants / Primary Diploma Early Childhood Education Post Graduate Diploma Education Studies Diploma Management Gina Faith Senior Manager Diploma Children s Services Bachelor Teaching 0 5yrs Dianne Worth Senior Manager Bachelor of Teaching / Bachelor of Early Childhood Managing Director - The Managing Director is responsible for the overall management and quality of the service of Kinda Kapers, with the support of the Senior Managers and the Kinda Kapers Management Team. The Managing Director maintains and supports the delivery of professional and quality standards across all Kinda Kapers Centres in relation to staff, children, families, and the outside community, as well as ensuring regulation and legislation compliance. Senior Managers - Senior Managers work in consultation with the Managing Director to ensure licensing requirements and regulation standards are met; in relation to Human Resources across all Kinda Kapers Centres; to ensure consistent educational program delivery in reference to the Early Years Learning Framework and to support educators. Senior Managers will assist all Kinda Kapers families with any enquires or concerns they may have. Page10

11 Kinda Kapers Management Team Cherry shirt employees - The Management Team aims to ensure that staff within the Centre are providing quality care for all children. They are responsible for maintaining professional standards and making sure that the Centre is complying with Education and Care Services Regulations, National Quality Standards, centre policies, procedures and workplace systems. Staff - All staff will participate in ongoing professional development training while working for Kinda Kapers. Staff are required to hold a current First Aid Certificate, Manual Handling Certificate, Safe Food Handling Certificate and Child Protection Certificate, as well as current Asthma and Anaphylaxis certificates. All staff, volunteers, and students must undergo a Working with Children Check, conducted by NSW Commission for Children and Young People. This is to ensure the safety of the children who attend the centre and the suitability of the staff that the children have contact with. Staff are familiar with the Centre s philosophy, policies, and procedures and are required to implement these in the workplace. Supervisory Staff Royal Blue shirt employees - Supervisors are trained and have their Diplomas or Degrees. They are responsible for the smooth daily running of their room. They maintain the developmental records for the children within their room, and plan activities and routines accordingly. They are also responsible for the supervision of other staff working in their room / area. Assistants and Trainees Light Blue shirt employees - These educators have at least a Certificate III in Children s Services or are studying towards it or another qualification. They assist the Supervisors by interacting with and supervising small groups of children, and assisting in documenting the children s development. Trainees Existing - All of our Existing Worker Trainees are employed as Assistant Child Care Workers. These staff already hold their Certificate III in Children s Services, and are on a 24 month contract to complete their Diploma in Children s Services. They work towards completing their Diploma in their own time. New Entrant - New Entrant Trainees are employed on a 12-16month contract. They are a regular staff member and are under supervision at all times. Full-time trainees are given allocated study time every week towards their study commitments. New Entrant Trainees are working towards completing a Certificate III in Children s Services. Students - Students may be from TAFE, University, or any other registered training organisation (RTO). Students are under the direct supervision of one educator at all times, and are required to complete set tasks during their time at the Centre. Page11

12 Enrolments All sections of the enrolment form must be completed prior to your child starting at the Centre. Your enrolment details must include a current address, a landline number and a minimum of two emergency contact numbers. You will also need to bring in a Justice of the Peace certified copy of your child s birth certificate and any court orders / parental plans in place which affect the custody of your child. Immunisation records must be provided or appropriate legal documentation explaining why our child is not immunised. To update your contact details you are required to complete a summarised enrolment form at the beginning of each year. Enrolment Policy - If a position becomes available during the year it will be filled according to the following criteria. The position will be offered in the following order: 1. A child who has been forced to relinquish a day due to change in status and who now requires an extra day because status has changed again 2. A child already enrolled seeking an extra day 3. A family with a child enrolled seeking a position for a sibling 4. A family wishing to transfer from another Kinda Kapers service 5. A child from the waiting list according to the Department of Education and Care Early Childhood Education and Care priority of access guidelines. Priority of Access Guidelines - Priority of Access means that care will be offered to children according to their priority. These are guidelines we must adhere to from the Government. Priorities are as follows:- Priority One - A child at risk of serious abuse or neglect Priority Two - A child whose parents are actively seeking work, are currently working or studying for future employment Priority Three - Any other child on the waiting list There are also several subcategories for priority of access. Kinda Kapers may require a Priority 3 child to vacate a place to make room for a child with a higher priority. If this was to happen we would need to ensure that you: are notified when your child first entered care that your service follows this policy are given at least 14 days notice of the need for your child to vacate. Page12

13 Attendance Once your child is enrolled at the Centre, your child is expected to attend on the enrolled days. If your child is going to be absent or you are going to arrive later than usual, please ensure you notify the Centre as soon as you can. All fees will still need to be paid for each day your child is booked to attend. Please note that your child is able to attend the hours which are convenient to you within our opening hours but we do encourage all children to be present during the structured part of our day. This is 9am 3.30pm. This maximises the benefit to your child. Authorised Collection of Children - Persons other than Parents / Guardians who are to collect your child from day care must be an Authorised Nominee. This means that their name, address and phone numbers must be documented on your child s enrolment form. Photo identification matched to the enrolment form of who they are is required before they are permitted to enter the building. Please inform your Authorised Nominees that they may need to show ID on subsequent visits, if staff do not recognise them. Authorised Nominees will only be allowed to pick up if their name is written in the sign-in book to collect, or in the event of an emergency if we are notified by a parent by phone. Greet Staff - Kinda Kapers staff pride themselves on being approachable for all families. Staff will greet families each morning. It is also important that you make contact with and talk to a staff member when dropping off and collecting your child. This is so that staff are aware that your child has arrived and who has collected them at the end of the day. The Children Starting at the Centre is a significant learning experience. It is the time a child learns to leave the family and develop a sense of trust in others outside the family. Our Centre believes in making this transition from home a positive, caring and supportive experience. This process is individual to each child. Children may become distressed when separating from their Parents. Generally the child will settle down within 5 minutes of the Parent leaving. All Parents are welcome to stay as long as they wish or to ring at anytime during the day to ensure that their child has settled. It is recommended to make the morning separation as smooth as possible. Your child will learn that you will return. Say goodbye to your child when you are leaving. Always notify an educator when you are leaving so they can comfort / cuddle your child when you leave. Please be guided by the educators. On some occasions an educator may believe it is in the best interest of the child for you to leave sooner rather than later so they can settle into the environment and engage with their peers and educators. Page13

14 Daily Requirements - Each child is allocated their own locker. Please look at the locker roster to find out your child s locker. Please make sure all of your child s clothing eg. socks, hat, clothes, blanket etc are clearly labelled with your child s name. This will prevent lost property and confusion at the end of the day. On each day that your child attends you are required to bring:- Spare clothes (extra for toilet trainers) Wide brim hat For those in nappies: Disposable nappies large packet Thick wipes in a box Nappy sacks One fitted cot sheet, one flat cot sheet and a blanket for rest time Water Bottle to be filled with water only Children s Belongings - Toys and items of value should remain at home. We cannot take responsibility for the items your child brings to the Centre. Children may bring a soft toy to the Centre eg: teddy, blanket etc and keep it with them only as a comforter at rest time or if they are distressed. Toys with small parts and / or superhero toys should be left at home. These toys can be a choking hazard, and often result in inappropriate and / or unsafe play. As we are fostering independence, please do not send your child in overalls or belts. They are too difficult for children to undo. Dress-ups should only be brought in to the Centre for news time or during Centre events such as Crazy Week. Sometimes costumes can frighten or intimidate other children, and will often promote inappropriate play. Necessities - At the start of the year and half way through the year, Parents are required to bring in the following items:- A large box of tissues Six pack of toilet rolls A small bottle of liquid dishwashing detergent Liquid hand soap A large packet of wet wipes A packet of nappy sacks (those children in nappies only Page14

15 Manual Handling Educators will not take a struggling child or a child who is having a tantrum from you. This becomes a manual handling issue for the educator, and generally children will tantrum for a very short period of time and are best left alone on the floor under staff supervision. Open communications between yourself and educators will make this separation adjustment easier for you, your child and staff - so please communicate with staff. Behavioural Expectations - When parents are on the premises during drop-off and pick-up times they are ultimately responsible for their child s whereabouts and behaviour. Please strictly supervise your children, including school-aged siblings or friends, whilst you are on the premises. Toilet Training - Staff will communicate with families when starting basic toileting experiences which will occur with children approximately 18 months. Staff will devise with families regular toileting routines when the child is 2 years of age. Kinda Kapers staff believe that for the routine to be most successful, staff will need to implement the routine whilst in care and families will need to implement the routine in the home environment. Staff will respect children s varying levels of readiness as a normal part of development and be respectful of children s toileting accidents. Staff encourage families to pack spare clean clothes in their child s bag each day whilst children are learning and understand that toilet training is like other areas of self-help and independence and adds dignity to the child s daily routine. Educational Program Kinda Kapers believes that development and learning in young children takes place within solid mutually respectful relationships. As children participate in every element of their learning program they develop interests and construct their own identities and understandings of the world. Educators plan developmentally appropriate educational programs based on the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) which aims to extend and enrich children s learning through practical hands on activities, giving the children the opportunity to investigate, explore, hypothesise, experiment and think critically. Planned experiences are combined with child initiated, spontaneous events. Literacy and Numeracy concepts are incorporated into the daily program, exposing the children to print and numbers around them. Through our programs we strive for the highest expectations of our children aiming to achieve the 5 Learning Outcomes of the EYLF. Page15

16 Early Years Learning Framework The EYLF is a document that has been provided for the early childhood industry across Australia. It has a foundation of Belonging, Being & Becoming and provides the framework for programming across the centre. As part of the document are 5 Learning Outcomes which provide a basis for all learning in the programs and portfolios. You may hear educators reference the EYLF or the Learning Outcomes in many aspects of your child s time at Kinda Kapers. Please look in your child s room for a display which details the Learning Outcomes. Observing and Documenting Each child s learning and development is observed and assessed as part of an ongoing cycle of planning, documenting and evaluating. We use portfolios to document each child s progress and record their achievements against the outcomes of the EYLF. Through these observations we can ascertain each child s level of development, their current interests and strengths and also help to recognise their areas for improvement. The portfolios remain at Kinda Kapers as a personal record of your child s learning experience, and are then transferred onto a USB at the end of the year for families to take home. Parent Involvement Parents, carers and grandparents are welcome visitors at any time at Kinda Kapers. You can spend as much time as you like with your child. We encourage parents to share in cultural activities with children such as craft, cooking and musical experiences. Special activities are arranged during the year to encourage family members to participate in the daily routine such as Parent s Day and Grandparent s Day. Parent involvement also includes reading newsletters, notices and attending parent nights, reading a story, sharing your hobbies or occupation with the children. Page16

17 Policies and Procedures On our website can be found many of our policies should you wish to read them, or ask staff to show you from our policy manual. Open Doors Policy - What does open doors stand for? O Our centre is open at all times for parental inspection P Please come to see how we help your child s development E Entry by you at any time is your guarantee of the continuing quality of our working practices and protection for staff and managements reputation N Never use a service where you are not welcome D Don t hesitate to visit us O Our centre is proud of the quality of the care we provide O Our staff are qualified, trained, experienced and talented R Rather than take our word for this S See for yourselves! Healthy Eating - Kinda Kapers is dedicated to providing children with healthy and nutritious meals throughout their day. Following the Australian Healthy Food Guidelines we do not give children foods that are high in sugars, fats, artificial flavours / colours, preservatives or salt. If you have any suggestions for healthy and nutritious meals or snacks please notify office staff or our cooks. Remember we are egg and nut free! Food - Kinda Kapers provides Morning Tea, Lunch and Afternoon Tea for all children. Food is provided by a qualified cook and is based on the Education and Care Services Regulations 2011 to ensure that children are provided with a nutritionally balanced and appetising diet while in the centre. The cost for Kinda Kapers to provide food is factored into your child s daily fee. If you want to provide your own food for your child, you are free to do so but your daily fee will remain unchanged. You must also adhere to Australian Healthy Eating Guidelines and the Kinda Kapers Nutrition / Food / Beverages / Dietary Requirements Policy, with no eggs or nut products. If you would like your child to have breakfast at the service you must arrive prior to 8am and use our kitchen facilities to prepare your child s breakfast. Weetbix, porridge or toast with vegemite, yoghurt and fresh fruit and milk are the only breakfast items to be offered to the children. These options are quick and healthy and comply with all our current policies and procedures. Please note that between 7.30am 8.00am, staff are happy to supervise breakfast but ratios do not permit staff to prepare food during this time. Page17

18 Special Occasions - Birthdays On your child s birthday, a birthday cake may be ordered at a cost of $5.00 and provided from the Kinda Kapers kitchen. Children will sing Happy Birthday and the cake will be shared among the children. Please complete a birthday cake order form if you wish to order a cake and the cost will be added to your fees. Unfortunately due to children with Egg and Peanut allergies in the centre, birthday cakes are not permitted to be made at home or purchased from the shop and brought into the centre. Please Note - we are an EGG & PEANUT FREE ZONE. Easter At Easter time the Centre has Easter Egg Hunts for the children. Children are allowed to eat the eggs as they find them. If your child has allergies we will be happy to discuss alternatives for your child. Christmas The last week of the year is traditionally our party week. Special seasonal fruits are ordered for morning tea, and for afternoon tea children are offered chips, lollies, iceblocks etc to participate in the festive lead-up to Christmas. More information and your permission requested for your child to participate will be given before this occurs. These are the only times that cakes, chocolate and other party foods will be given to the children. Medication Policy - Medication may be administered at day care but must have a prescription label on it stating: Child s name (this must be the same as on the child s enrolment form) Dosage Doctor s name Medication name Date made Current use by date Parents are required to fill in a medication form on arrival each morning the medication is required. Please ensure you hand the completed medication form and medication to a staff member. Please indicate YES on your child s sign-in sheet that they are having medication today. When a doctor has prescribed antibiotics or asthma medication to a child they should be kept at home for a minimum of 24 hrs from the commencement of the medication. Medication will only be administered for one prescription unless you have a letter from your doctor stating that the medication is to be administered for longer than this time. Paracetamol The Centre will not administer paracetamol regularly. If your child becomes unwell through the day, staff will make every attempt to contact the Parent or the Authorised Nominees. You are then Page18

19 required to come and collect your child. The only occasion that paracetamol can be administered are if a doctor has prescribed it for a specific purpose. We will then require a letter from a doctor on letterhead that clearly states the required dosage and dosage schedule for administration. Administration of homeopathic, naturopathic, over the counter or non-prescription medications also needs to meet the same label requirements as prescription medication and a Medication Authority Form will need to be fully completed and signed by a Parent / Authorised Nominee. If the medication does not display a pharmaceutical label, a doctor s letter outlining the child s name, name of medication, expiry date of medication, dosage amounts and times to be administered will be required before medication will be administered. Please note this includes teething gels, powder etc. Nappy creams may be applied if they have a chemist s label attached clearly listing the above information. Sun Protection Policy - It is recommended that 30+ sunscreen be applied 20 mins before children play outside; this is to ensure children have maximum protection against the sun. You are required to apply sunscreen before you bring your child to the Centre. Staff regularly re-apply sunscreen throughout the day. Children are required to have a wide brimmed hat that covers their face, neck and shoulders. Please ensure that your child has a wide brimmed hat in their locker each day and that it is clearly labelled. Please send your child in clothes with sleeves and collars to protect them from sunburn. Smoke, Drug and Alcohol Policy - Kinda Kapers is a smoke, drug and alcohol free zone. Please do not smoke in the car park or in the vicinity of the Centre. This is a health issue for your child and other children. Comforter Policy - Kinda Kapers Policy states that children over 12 months will not be routinely given dummies or bottles. Educators will work with you to wean your child off their dummy or bottle if required. Dummies are not generally needed after this point as children learn to self soothe, and can be a health concern if other children suck on your child s dummy. Kinda Kapers has sippy cups (or you can provide your own) and we encourage children to drink from a sippy cup instead of a bottle from 12 months. Parent / Carer Grievance and Constructive Feedback Policy - Kinda Kapers has a Parent / Carer Grievance and Constructive Feedback Policy and Procedure. We welcome and encourage grievances / constructive feedback at all levels. Often your opinion / feedback can lead to a positive change in the Centre. Suggestions and grievances are welcome as we strive to provide you, your child / children or your family with high quality services. Please let us know if you have suggestions for improvements. Page19

20 Below are a few steps that you can follow if you have any grievances or constructive feedback. 1. Talk to a Supervisory employee (Royal Blue shirt) 2. They will listen to and acknowledge grievance / constructive feedback respectfully and will respond to your concern If you are not satisfied with the response please refer to a Senior Manager 3. Notify a Senior Manager - Jann MacKay on , Dianne Worth on or Gina Faith on Senior Manager will listen to and acknowledge grievance / constructive feedback respectfully and will respond to your concern 5. Make an appointment to meet with Senior Manager If you are not satisfied with the response please refer to the Licensee (Michelle Peden) 6. Notify Licensee (Michelle Peden) on Formalise your grievance / constructive feedback by putting it in writing to: - MICHELLE PEDEN PO BOX 5126 KAHIBAH Make an appointment to meet with the Licensee (If your grievance / constructive feedback breaches regulations or the Centre s policies, this will be documented. Staff will require parent / carer to document concern on a Formal Grievance / Constructive Feedback Form) If unresolved by the Licensee, please use the following contact numbers: Department of Education and Communities (Early Childhood Education and Care) Information and Enquiries Team Department of Fair Trading NSW Ombudsman s Office Page20

21 PHILOSOPHY Developed January 2015 Excellence in Advocating, Caring for and Supervising Children At Kinda Kapers centres we pride ourselves on our ability to provide the highest level of education and care in a respectful, nurturing and safe environment, encapsulating the elements of the National Quality Standards in all areas of practice. In keeping with the EYLF we believe in fostering in children a sense of belonging, being and becoming. We do this by working in conjunction with families, support agencies and communities to achieve positive outcomes for children. Kinda Kapers respects differences in ability, interests, culture and capability. We strive to create mutually respectful and reciprocal relationships between educators and children as well as with families. All children have the right to have their culture, identity, strengths, interests and capabilities acknowledged and valued Children need warm respectful and reciprocal relationships, coupled with consistent, compassionate, caring and quality interactions to develop a sense of security and belonging By working in partnership with families, support agencies and communities through respectful discussions, sharing ideas, and reaching agreements we consistently work towards positive outcomes for children Children construct understanding of cultural and social diversity through the way we interact with them and how their culture is represented in the learning environment What we believe affects what we do - what we do affects what we believe therefore we constantly reflect on what we believe and how we act Each child s confidence and positive self-image is promoted by providing them with a supportive, secure and safe environment Excellence in Education Kinda Kapers educators continually reflect on our practices to improve on learning experiences and achieve learning outcomes. We believe that children are competent individuals who demonstrate the ability to contribute to decisions that affect their lives and learning. Kinda Kapers are committed to making changes to the learning environment in order to enable each child to build on their individual capabilities and skills. Page21

22 We consistently endeavour to create welcoming and inviting learning spaces that enrich children s lives. We recognise the children s capacity to have input into programs and the Kinda Kapers family community. Planning, learning and assessment consistently reflects the children s voice. All children deserve to experience learning that is engaging and builds success for life Children are competent and resourceful individuals who have the inherent right and capacity to contribute to decisions that affect their lives and learning Educators continually seek to find equitable and effective ways of ensuring all children have opportunities to achieve learning outcomes by working in partnerships with families Educators reflection on practice must have a transformative impact on pedagogy and philosophy Assessment should be ethical, dynamic, forward thinking and child oriented Educational programs seek to move children into their individual zone of proximal development through quality pedagogical skill implementation Daily routines and transition times are learning experiences and are utilised to extend on children s knowledge and understanding through interactions and conversations Programs are planned and implemented which foster children s sense of belonging Learning opportunities, scaffolding of learning and exploring intentional teaching opportunities occur naturally throughout the course of every day Children benefit from support to participate in group experiences as well as solitary play Engage and Build Relationships with Families and Children At Kinda Kapers we provide a warm, welcoming, unbiased environment to all families. We endeavour to develop mutually respectful and collaborative relationships with families and recognise and value each person s contribution to their child s life and learning. Kinda Kapers staff understand, respect and support cultural diversity in families by inviting input, supporting cultural perspectives and valuing family goals. Warm, welcoming environments, free of judgement and responsive to family needs, support and enrich the relationships built with each family. Families and staff can then feel comfortable, valued, respected and supported Families and staff benefit from relationships that value each other s contribution to roles in the child s life Each family deserves the right to privacy and confidentiality Cultural diversity in families is respected by increasing understanding of family perspectives, supporting family aspirations and planning for equitable outcomes Programs and educators recognise and honour children s rights as active learners and citizens with the capacity to participate in family community and social life The integrity of children s voice is honoured throughout the planning learning and assessment process Page22

23 Learning and assessment guides planning and future experiences. Information is shared with families on an ongoing basis and provides a holistic approach to learning and developing partnerships to benefit each child Working as a Team At Kinda Kapers we believe that everyone deserves the right to be treated respectfully and honestly in the workplace. We encourage and support active mentoring and continually reflect on our performance as professionals. Staff support one another to create a safe, respectful and enjoyable workplace. Everyone deserves to be treated respectfully and honestly in the workplace Educators share in decision making and obtain experience and knowledge from one another, ensuring a high level of trust and support and an enjoyable and healthy workplace Active mentoring supports professional reflection and continual learning to provide the best care for children Positive reinforcement recognises the contributions and achievements of staff Constructive communication involving active listening encourages staff to express their thoughts and ideas clearly and honestly with respect for others and for the work of the team, and to absorb, understand, and consider ideas and points of view from other team members Problem solving creates solutions that lead to effective outcomes Positivity and ongoing professional development are supported and encouraged to build a happy and productive place of work Links to sources: Early Years Learning Framework National Quality Standards Education and Care National Regulations Previous Kinda Kapers Philosophy Page23

24 Community Information There are many organisations in our community who offer a range of services for families. Some of the following may be useful to your family at some time! Child Protection Helpline Domestic Violence Line Department of Family and Community Services Health Direct registered nurses providing 24 hour medical advice Hunter Area Health Service Wallsend First Steps Parenting Centre Kaleidoscope Children s Health Network Paediatricians, Speech Pathology, Immunisation Outreach Clinics, Health Fact Sheets - Kidsafe - safety advice for around the house NSW Family Services Inc. Supporting families undergoing stress, mental health or external issues Pregnancy, Birth & Baby Helpline Raising Children Network parenting newborns to teens - Tresillian sleep and parenting advice Conclusion If you would like to know any more information, please don t hesitate to ask a staff member, or access the Kinda Kapers website at If you have any suggestions that you would like to put forward please feel free to approach a staff member or write it down and drop it into the office. We are looking forward to caring for your child and welcome your family into the Centre! We hope we can develop a friendly and trusting relationship with both you and your family. Page24