Welcome To Lutheran Childcare Centre FAMILY HANDBOOK

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1 Welcome To Lutheran Childcare Centre FAMILY HANDBOOK 14A Trower Road P.O. Box Nightcliff Casuarina. Darwin Darwin N. T N.T Ph Fax Provider Number (CCB) S 1 P a g e

2 STAFFING DIRECTOR Zoe Rose Studying Advanced Diploma Children s Services Nominated Supervisor Diploma of Children s Services Educational Leader Supervisor Certificate NQS-QECNT Certificate IV Training and Assessment Fire Awareness Certificate Asthma/ TEACHING STAFF GRACE LIDDY Certified Supervisor WENDY HILL Educational Leader Support ELOISA SKOV Associate Diploma of Education (Early Childhood) Supervisor Certificate-NQS-QECNT. Asthma/ Fire Awareness Certificate. Diploma in Community Services (Child Care) Certificate IV Training and Assessment Diploma in Counselling Asthma/ Certificate III in Children s Services Fire Awareness Certificate.. THELMA WOLSEY Fire Awareness Certificate Currently completing Diploma Children s Services Casual IRMA VAN ECK Diploma of Community Services Certified Supervisor (Children s Services) Educational Leader Support Supervisor Certificate-NQS-QECNT ASSISTANTS BETTY LAM NHINZY KHAING Fire Awareness Certificate 2 P a g e

3 COOK OLIVE ASIS Studying Certificate 3 Children s Services Bachelor of Science in Development Communication (Philipines) RELIEF COOK SHIRLEY AHMAT Experience Daisy Yamirr Hostel and Naganji Ba Hostel ASSISTANTS BETTY LAM NHINZY KHAING Fire Awareness Certificate RELIEF ASSISTANTS COURTNEY ELMS Currently completing Bachelor Early Childhood Teaching JEANINE EGAN Office Administration MARIA SANTOS LOIDA GARNER FATHYA ABDELMOULA 6 years experience working and caring for children Studying Certificate 3 Children s Services Certificate 3 in Business Bachelor of Elementary Education (Home Economics - Philipines) Equivalency- Advanced Diploma Australia Studying Certificate 3 Children s Services Diploma Children s Services (Centre-Based Care) Studying Certificate 3 Children s Services Asthma/ 3 P a g e

4 The Lutheran Child Care Centre is operated by the Approved Provider St Andrew Lutheran Church Darwin Inc. - PR Representatives: Chairperson Ann Buckley Secretary Helen Graetz Treasurer Rick Hansen Contact details are displayed in the Centre foyer. MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE The Centre is managed by a Committee of Management, which comprises of annually elected members from St Andrew Lutheran Church as well as the Director and a parent representative. CURRENT COMMITTEE. CHAIRPERSON Currently Vacant TREASURER DIANNE TESSMAN PASTOR GEOFF KUCHEL MINUTES SECRETARY KAREN PRENZLER COMMITTEE MEMBERS GABRIELLE KAOUSTOS PARENT REPRESENTATIVE HANNAH ROE DIRECTOR ZOE ROSE PHILOSOPHY AND BROAD GOALS OF OUR CENTRE The St Andrew Lutheran Child Care Centre philosophy is based on Christian values of honesty, trust, respect, responsibility, accountability, caring and compassion that supports creating a safe, warm, friendly, trusting and respectful environment where children, families, educators and visitors sense a feeling of acceptance and belonging. Our aim is for all children who attend the centre to experience a play-based learning program that is centred on the Early Years Learning Framework EYLF, embracing the national vision of Belonging, Being and Becoming. The program endeavours to engage and build on a child s capabilities, while intentionally extending their experiences through play, so they continue to become confident learners within their environment. We believe children develop at their own pace, and we have a responsibility, in partnership with families, to provide a variety of opportunities for children to develop a healthy self-esteem, confidence and resilience that will enable each child to reach their full potential for the future. As a community, we value and appreciate the diversity of cultures that is reflected in our centre and encourage the sharing of knowledge, experiences and skills that enriches all our lives. 4 P a g e

5 We aim to: Provide positive role models through staff. Offer the highest possible standard of care for the least possible weekly cost to parents. Create strong carer/parent relationships and encourage family involvement. Support the family unit. All children, parents and staff are treated in a kind, respectful manner and are actively listened to. Ensure equipment and play areas are safe and age appropriate. Encourage children and staff to use proficient hand washing procedures and safe hygiene practices. Provide and educate children about healthy foods. Provide resources for Christian education eg, through books, songs, grace and visits from the Pastor. Be flexible with our daily routine to ensure children receive the benefits of their hard work at play. Allow time for children to practice skills. Encourage children to discover concepts and skills for themselves. Provide creative opportunities for children to express themselves, focusing on the experience and process rather than the end product. Give praise, encouragement and support to children as they learn. Ensure that all child progress records are current and programs reflect the children s individual needs and interests. Educate parents and the wider community about the service we provide and encourage their input. Show respect to all children and people regardless of gender, culture, religious affiliation, socioeconomic background or physical ability. Provide resources, activities, languages and foods from different cultures. Supporting staff training. Dear Parents, Guardians and Caregivers, St Andrew Lutheran Childcare Centre is a community childcare centre that caters for children from the age of six months to five years, and is licensed for a maximum of 38 children. We incorporate the Christian philosophy into our daily programme, i.e. Bible stories, songs and grace. St Andrew Lutheran Childcare Centre aims to provide a loving, caring Christian childcare environment for children, at the highest possible standard for the least possible weekly cost to parents. Children are encouraged to reach their maximum potential socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually, through experiences based on values of love, respect and the nurturing of the individual and accommodating personal needs. The Centre is approved as a service to provide Education and Care to 38 children. Approvals issued by the Quality Education and Care Northern Territory regulatory authority, under section 15 Provider Approval PR Section 48 - Service Approval, Education and Care National Law. HOURS: HOLIDAYS: 7.30AM TO 5.30PM. Monday to Friday (Penalty rates of $1 per minute per child apply outside these hours) If children are not collected by 6.15pm and all reasonable attempts by staff to contact parents/guardians have failed, the police will be notified. The centre is closed for approx. 3 days over the Christmas/New Year period. The centre is closed for all public holidays. CENTRE FEES: Fees are paid weekly/ fortnightly in advance or daily. Payments may be made in cash, cheque or via electronic payment, for further details regarding this please see the Director. Payments must be kept up to date or you may lose your child s place. Your invoice is posted each Monday/Tuesday into your child s newsletter pocket. 5 P a g e

6 All overdue accounts will be placed in the hands of debt collectors. You are then liable for all costs incurred for this service and listed on the default registry. Please Note: We are looking to have no cash on premises for the safety of children, staff and families. FEE SCHEDULE Fees are charged for booked hours and any time over those agreed hours. Fees are payable on family holidays, public holidays, and during sickness. If your child will be away on holidays please notify the Director or staff of your expected absence. Two weeks notice needs to be given if you are cancelling or reducing the care for your child. Full Time Care $ per week for children under 2 years (As at 2 nd September 2013) $ per week for 2 3 years Butterflies (As at 2 nd September 2013) $ per week for over 3 years Dolphins (As at 2 nd September 2013) Full Day Care $90 per day Preschool drop offs and pickups $13 per week during school terms CHILDCARE BENEFIT A childcare benefit is available from the Family Assistance Office to assist parents with childcare fees. The level of benefit depends on family income. To obtain more information about this benefit and link your child to link to our service, please phone the Family Assistance Office on Our Provider Number is S. BSB: Account Number: Account Name: Lutheran Child Care Centre Provide reference to identify: J Bloggs All Families are entitled to the 50% Child Care Rebate which is not means tested - CCR NEW ENROLMENTS Once you complete an enrolment form, you will be required to pay one week fees in advance as a holding fee deposit, this is then deducted from your first weeks fees. If your child fails to commence on the day nominated you will forfeit any monies paid. TWO WEEKS NOTICE is required prior to your child leaving the centre or changing their booking. (Bookings subject to availability). PRIORITY OF ACCESS GUIDELINES First Priority : A child at risk of serious abuse or neglect. Second Priority : A child of a single parent who satisfies, or of parents who both satisfy, the work/training/study test under the section 14 of the Family Assistance Act, Third Priority: any other child Within these main categories priority should be also given to the following children: Children in Aboriginal and Torres Strait families Children in families which include a disabled person Children in families with low income Children in socially isolated families and single parents. We may require a priority 3 child to vacate a place to make room for a child with a higher priority. You will be given at least 14 days notice of your child/ren need to vacate the centre. 6 P a g e

7 WHAT TO BRING A spare set of named clothes in your child s bag helps prevent accidental loss. Suitable clothing for fun activities like paint, glue, water, needs to be provided. Children are encouraged to wear aprons but accidents do happen. We have a sun safety policy, which requires all children to wear sunscreen and broad brimmed sunhats outside. Parents are requested to apply sunscreen in the mornings before they leave the centre. The Centre will provide sunscreen but you need to provide your child with a NAMED broad brimmed sunhat. Parents are also required to provide adequate nappies for the day. The Centre provides morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea. The weekly menu is displayed near the kitchen. Breakfast is NOT provided, but if brought to the centre will be supervised. Water is always available and juice or milk is given at mealtimes, but bottles and formula milk (already made up) should be brought in for babies if still required. A dummy or other comforter is encouraged if needed. THE POLICIES/PROCEDURES/OPERATING PLAN The Policies and Procedures/Operating Plan is available in the 2-5 years room. You are encouraged to read them. They contain valuable information on how the Centre is managed and run. Our helpful staff can also explain any procedures or policies of the Centre if preferred. COMMUNICATIONS BOOK AND ACCIDENT REGISTER SIGN-IN BOOK This sign-in attendance sheets can be found on the front bench in the foyer, before you enter the coded entrance door to the centre. It is important that parents sign in and out each day to ensure the safety of your children (this is used as a roll during an emergency) and so that Childcare Benefit can be rebated. The communication books, accident/incident folders and medication folders are located in each room. The communication book and folders are there for your use to make any notations or confirm verbal requests about your child. MEDICATION BOOK The medication book must be filled out each time you require the staff to administer any prescribed medication to your child. It must doctor prescribed and state the name of medication, dose, time and instructions on how to administer and MUST BE SIGNED by the parent/caregiver in the beginning and end of the day. We require doctor signed Medical, Anaphylaxis and/or Asthma Plans to be completed for child/ren with an ongoing medical conditions, allergies anaphylactic and asthma. In the event that staff administer paracetamol to your child for a fever, the Director will first try and obtain verbal consent via the phone. If a parent is unavailable to give consent and all other efforts to reduce the temperature have failed, then paracetamol will be give as per instructions on the bottle. The temperature of the child and the dose and time paracetamol is given will be recorded in the medication book. The parent will be informed as soon as possible and asked to sign the medication book on collection of their child. It is recommended that children with a temperature over 37.5c are not to stay at the Centre. SICKNESS If your child has been unwell, please advise staff. As a preventative measure we regret that children must have 24 hours away from the centre if they have had diarrhoea or vomiting. If they are sick during the day, we will advise you by phone if they need to be taken home. Children should not attend the Centre if they have a temperature of 37.5c or higher. Please advise staff if your child or other family members have contagious illness e.g. chickenpox, conjunctivitis etc. 7 P a g e

8 IMMUNISATIONS It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to ensure their child s immunisations are up to date as recommended by Family Assistance Office. A copy of your child s record is required for file upon enrolment. Children who do not have a complete immunisation record on file at the Centre will be treated as un-immunised and be sent home if an outbreak occurs. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES This centre has an Emergency plan for the protection and care of children and staff in the event of emergencies that could affect the Centre, such as cyclones, earthquakes or fires. We need you to ensure your contact details are always up to date as well as sign your child in and out each day. A fire evacuation plan, first aid action plan and an in the event of an emergency plan are undertaken quarterly so as to familiarise the children with procedures and for review and update purposes. Cyclone Warnings In the event of a Cyclone Warning before 7.30 am, the centre will remain closed. If a Cyclone Warning is issued during Centre hours, and the forecast indicates 12 hours or less, or the N.T Counter Disaster Controller requests parents to collect their children, you will be contacted and asked to collect your child immediately. Children not collected within 6 hours of the Cyclone will be taken to a safe place for shelter. Emergency Services will be notified of their whereabouts and also a notice placed on the Centre s door. BEHAVIOUR GUIDANCE Staff use positive reinforcement principles to guide the children s behaviour, we offer choices where applicable and do not allow corporal punishment. Parents are requested not to smack their child in the Centre environment. Some ways to guide behaviour: Suggest rather than direct. Use praise and encouragement for acceptable behaviour instead of drawing attention to inappropriate behaviour. Give suggestions in a positive form e.g. rather than saying, no, don t hit try saying hitting hurts, try and use your words. Avoid comparisons with other children. Understanding the children s development levels. When limits are set these should be clearly explained and maintained. Try to change behaviour through strategies that esteem the child. Give guidance when frustration could create a problem. Give minimal instructions in order to complete a task. Give choices (not threats) that have the same end result e.g. can you do it yourself or do you want me to help. Children s health and safety are of primary concern at all times. Program incorporates values of Be Helpful, Be Careful, Be Respectful, Be Responsible and Be Patient. 8 P a g e

9 PARENTS AND FAMILY PARTICIPATION We welcome parent/family involvement and hope you will contribute in some way to the running of the Centre Helping on trips Collecting resources Joining a committee Fundraising Programme suggestions Making or caring for equipment Sharing a special talent eg musical, craft, workplace related Our aim is to work in partnership with parents and to create a homely atmosphere. IN CONCLUSION Helping during working bees Feedback for policies and procedures Recipes the kids love from home Info about the children s development and interests Photos of interests at home or holidays Please don t hesitate to contact the Director or any member of the staff or committee should there be any matter you may wish to discuss. We trust that your involvement with Lutheran Child Care Centre will be mutually rewarding and that your child s experiences are happy ones that can be looked back upon with fondness. PLEASE PLACE ON YOUR FRIDGE/NOTICEBOARD AS A REMINDER YOUR JUNK IS OUR TREASURE!!!!!!!!!!! Thank You 9 P a g e