Preschool Childcare Centre 'Wombats' Parent Handbook
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Preschool Childcare Centre ‘Wombats’
Parent Handbook
CRICOS No. 02041G
The ESSINGTON SCHOOL
PRESCHOOL CHILD CARE CENTRE PHILOSOPHY
We are at the start of the life-long journey of learning.
We value the learning process and believe in providing children with time to experience the
magic of childhood and install a love of learning.
To strive…
We celebrate success, in its many forms, every day.
We come together harmoniously to share our cultural diversity, from within the Australian
community and throughout the world, in a caring environment where everyone belongs.
We believe in freedom with discipline to promote self-regulation.
We believe, as educators, that ongoing personal and collaborative reflection is vital to drive
improvement.
In our service every voice will be heard.
We value strong relationships with our families.
To seek…
We are guided by Modern Montessori Principles and Practices of learning which encourage
independence, and develop confidence and respect, all whilst guiding and nurturing the
individual child.
We are committed to life-long learning.
We believe that “Play is the work of the child”, therefore learning through play is highly valued.
We learn in an aesthetically pleasing and prepared environment.
We balance explicit instruction with self-exploration and discovery. We nurture curiosity,
imagination and creativity. We discover together, learning at our own pace, building upon
strengths and following interests. We celebrate individuality and uniqueness. Our children are
engaged and our learning environment is calm.
We believe, as is overwhelmingly supported by international educational research, that Early
Childhood is not to be rushed and children achieve greater success, socially, emotionally and
academically, when they are developmentally ready.
To find…
We believe in the rights of the child and encourage taking responsibility for our own choices.
We foster a developing sense of agency and help build resilience.
We value mistakes as part of the learning process, as we learn from them and they help us
grow.
We believe in explicitly teaching social and emotional learning skills and in role modeling
mutually respectful relationships, encompassing compassion, empathy and care.
We always choose kindness as we listen, share, play and help each other learn, together.
In the words of Dr. Maria Montessori, we feel honored to be entrusted with “The child … both the
hope and promise of mankind … our most precious treasure.”
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INTRODUCTION
Our aim is to create a partnership with your family in providing a warm,
caring, and enriching environment for all of our children.
We understand that beginning care is a transition time for both parents
and children, and we want to support all our families in ensuring that
this step is a positive experience.
This booklet is designed to assist your family in learning about our
Wombats Long Day Care program and to answer some, or all, of the
questions you may have.
Our service has been assessed and recognised with an ‘Exceeding’
National Quality Standards rating and is licensed with The Northern
Territory Government, through Quality Education and Care NT.
ORGANISATION OF THE LONG DAY CARE
Centre Details
Our long day care operates in collaboration with our Preschool and Pre-Transition Programs.
We are open Monday to Friday from 7:30am to 5:30pm. Our service is operational for 50 weeks
of the year. We are closed during the period between Christmas and New Year, and on all
Northern Territory Public Holidays.
Please ensure that your child is collected by 5:30pm. If you are unavoidably late, please contact
the Centre so your child can be cared for appropriately until you arrive. Please note that a late
fee will apply at $2 per minute if your child is not collected by 5:30pm. This late fee covers the
cost of paying two staff members overtime to stay back to care for your child.
Age Groups
Our Centre caters for children 3 to 5 years of age and is licensed for 79 children. Our educator to
child ratio is 1:11.
Rooms
We have two separate rooms in our Long Day Care Program. Our main location/room is the
‘Wombats’ room. This is located on site at our Preschool Childcare Centre. Our secondary room
is for children who attend Pre-Transition and is called ‘Explorers’. This room is located in the Pre-
Transition/Transition area in the T5 classroom. The Explorers room was created after observing
our students and understanding that having their own environment to investigate and explore
was important to them. This room and program have been highly successful. Children who
attend Explorers return to the Wombats classroom each afternoon at 4pm.
Settling Children
We highly recommend a settling period before your child commences care with us. Perhaps
one or two short visits with you before extending the care hours. If your child sees that you feel
comfortable and relaxed with us it will assist your child to settle. You can attend an orientation
visit and there is no charge, however, you are required to prearrange your visit with our Long
Day Care Coordinators and a parent is required to stay. Please email
childcare@essington.nt.edu.au to organize a visit.
When you begin care, please feel free to call the staff at any time to enquire about your child.
We understand that it may be difficult to farewell your child and that it may take time, and
understanding, for your child to adjust to the separation.
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You can assist your child to settle in by being positive and showing them that you are confident
that they will have an enjoyable day. Please make sure that you say goodbye to your child
before leaving, even if they are upset by this. It is important that your child knows that you are
leaving and will return, rather than find you have `disappeared’.
What do children need to bring each day?
The following personal items provide children with a sense of comfort and are sent home at the
end of each week to be washed:
• A broad-brimmed hat (with child’s name clearly labeled)
• Closed footwear
• 1-2 sets of spare clothes
• A named water bottle
• Comfort/stuffed toy/blanket (only if required)
Signing your child in and out of care
Please note that you are required to electronically sign
your child in and out of Wombats using the iPad to
access our online system, Xplor. If you are collecting
your child direct from Preschool you will not need to
sign your child out of Wombats as the educators have
already signed your child out between our programs.
Any changes to enrolment, emergency care bookings,
notification of leave, and changes to personal details
must be entered through Xplor.
Staffing
We are proud of the strength in our staff qualifications and all educators are working towards, or
currently hold, a minimum Certificate 111, Diploma or Bachelor of Education. We actively support
and encourage our educators in their ongoing journey in life-long learning.
All staff hold current Working with Children (Ochre) Cards.
The Centre aims to provide high quality childcare services that foster the development of
positive relationships between carers, children and their families, while providing experiences
that develop children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical skills. We recognise that a safe,
secure and caring environment is essential for children to feel happy, ready to explore and
develop skills at their own pace.
Our service aims to work closely with parents and the local community to meet the needs of our
children. We are therefore committed to providing staff with opportunities for developing their
professional skills to best cater for the children in their care.
OUR PROGRAM
We endeavor to provide an environment that enhances the development of the whole child.
This is achieved through offering concrete, hands-on experiences that are real and relevant to
the lives of children. We encourage the ability to make choices in open-ended activities.
Children require a physically safe and emotionally secure setting to provide them with
opportunities to build their confidence. Our warm and nurturing atmosphere promotes
physical, emotional, intellectual, creative and social growth.
Our programs respond to, and are inspired by your child’s observations and interests. Our
programs are developed, together with the Preschool program, in line with the Early Years’
Learning Framework (EYLF) and our Modern-Montessori philosophy. Our program is on display
outside the Wombats’ room.
G:/_BROCHURES…/2021/Handbooks/Wombats…Modern-Montessori Inspired Educational Programs
Our programs are inspired by Modern-Montessori educational
programs. The Principles of Modern-Montessori education
includes the following:
• That the focus is to be on the individual child who is
central to what is planned, implemented and
evaluated. Each child is unique and should be valued
for the individual that they are.
• That education should seek the release of human
potential.
• That a holistic view of the child must be taken.
• That children need to experience success.
• That children develop self-discipline (being independent and responsible for his/her own
actions).
• That it is important to build within children a positive self-esteem.
ENROLMENT
Full-day permanent enrolment and casual care is available. If you require emergency care at
any stage please book in via our online platform, Xplor, with at least 24 hours’ notice. If you are
unable to provide 24 hours’ notice we request families phone Miss Cassie via 89850185 and also
email childcare@essington.nt.edu.au
Permanent enrolment changes may not be possible unless vacancies occur. To change the
permanent days your child attends care please email childcare@essington.nt.edu.au.
Please note that normal fees apply to all days of booked care including public holidays, sick days
and annual leave days. Public holidays are not able to be substituted for alternative days as the
Centre maintains only permanent bookings.
Fees
Long Day Care Fees (as per fee schedule)
Full day during school term: $70.00
Full day during school holiday program (outside of school term): $110.00
Please note fees are subject to change.
Payment of Fees
Upon enrolling your child, we will provide you with a schedule of fees. Fees are invoiced
fortnightly, one week in advance, outlining the Wombats sessions in which your child has been
booked. Before paying please ensure that the booking details are correct. In addition the invoice
will include an estimate of the childcare subsidy (CCS) to be received through Centrelink.
Invoices will be emailed to all families. If you have any queries please email
childcare@essington.nt.edu.au.
It is a condition of enrolment that you agree to keep payments up to date at all times. An
administrative charge is payable on any amount due, but which is not paid within 30 days after
its due date. The default charge is calculated at a rate of 5% per month on the balance owing, or
$100 whichever is the greater amount, from the due date (subject to change as per the schools
terms of business).
Payments may be made electronically by Credit Card or EFTPOS. Alternatively, you may set up
direct debit through your Xplor account. Cash and cheque payments are also accepted. Please
call our Finance department on 8985 0105 for payments and any enquires.
If your child is going to be absent for an extended period of time please ensure you email
childcare@essington.nt.edu.au to inform our staff. Similarly, if your child is sick a Medical
Certificate may need to be provided on their return. Please note that if your child is absent due
G:/_BROCHURES…/2021/Handbooks/Wombats…to planned holidays or illness during the school term you will still be charged full fees during this
period to cover staffing and operational costs.
Childcare Subsidy
Childcare Subsidy is a government initiative to reduce the cost of childcare to families. The
Childcare Subsidy is a means-tested subsidy and paid directly to the school and passed on to
families as a fee reduction. Your exact entitlement is calculated through Centrelink. Please ring
Centrelink on 13 61 50 for more information. Once Centrelink has determined your eligibility we
will be notified and your fees will be adjusted accordingly.
Holiday Care Program
During school holidays the centre operates on a ‘user pay’ basis, whereby families nominate the
days they wish their child to attend and pay only for the days selected (i.e. permanent bookings
do not apply). Please submit bookings for the Holiday Care Program through Xplor. Families will
be invoiced in advance with any Childcare Subsidy (CCS) deducted.
POLICIES
Medical Policy
Parents must notify the service of any medical conditions their child may have at the time of
enrolment or as soon as possible if a condition should develop following enrolment.
Following notification of a medical condition a relevant Risk Minimisation Plan and Medical
Management Plan must be developed between staff and parents, and any Action Plans and
Prescribed Medication provided to the service by the parents as per the child’s medical
practitioner.
Health (Illness/Injury)
The following information should be noted in the interest and welfare of all children enrolled at
the Centre.
Immunisation
For the safety of all children attending the Centre, parents are encouraged to have their
children immunised against these childhood
diseases. Parents are to keep the Centre updated
regarding immunisations.
All causes of illness or injury and any medication that
has been prescribed must be passed on to the
particular staff attending your child so necessary
care can be given.
Parents are asked to remember that we have the
welfare, safety, and responsibility of all the children
in our care and therefore cannot receive a sick child
into the Centre.
The Centre is required under NT Government Legislation to refuse admission of a child with an
infectious disease and to exclude non-immunised children when there is an outbreak of
Whooping Cough or Measles.
If your child becomes sick whilst at the Centre, you will be notified and expected to collect
him/her promptly. If you are unsure about whether to bring your child or not, please ring and
discuss it with staff.
Ailments
Children with the following ailments will not be admitted in the Centre.
Campylobacter: Exclude until diarrhoea has ceased.
G:/_BROCHURES…/2021/Handbooks/Wombats…Chicken Pox: Exclude until fully recovered, at least five days after the eruption appears. Some scabs are not a reason for continued exclusion. Any children with an immune deficiency (i.e. leukemia) or receiving chemotherapy should be excluded for their own protection. Conjunctivitis: Exclude until discharge from eye ceases. Appropriate treatment commenced. Diphtheria: Exclude until Medical Certificate of recovery is received following at least two negative throat swabs; the first not less than 24 hours after finishing a course of antibiotics and the other 48 hours later. Also exclude family / household contacts until cleared to return by an appropriate health authority. Diarrhoea: Exclude until diarrhoea has ceased. Glandular Fever (Mononucleosis) - No exclusion. Hepatitis A: Exclude until a Medical Certificate of recovery is received, but not before seven days after the onset of jaundice or illness. Hepatitis B: No exclusion is necessary. HIV Aids Virus: Exclusion is not necessary unless the child has a secondary infection. Impetigo (Contagious skin disease) Exclude until appropriate treatment has commenced. Sores on exposed surfaces must be covered with a watertight dressing. Leprosy: Exclude until approval to return has been given by an appropriate health authority. Measles: Exclude for at least four days after onset of rash. Non-immunised contacts should be excluded until 14 days after the first day of appearance of the rash in the last case. If non- immunised contacts are vaccinated within 72 hours of their contact with the first case they may return. Meningitis (bacterial): Exclude until well. Meningococcal Infection: Exclude until well. Mumps: Exclude for nine days or until swelling goes down. Poliomyelitis: Exclude for at least 14 days from onset. Re-admit after receiving Medical Certificate of recovery. Ringworm, Scabies, Pediculosis (Lice), Trachoma: Exclude until antibiotic treatment has commenced, and for a further 24 hours and child feels well. Rubella (German Measles): Exclude until fully recovered or for at least four days after the onset of rash. Streptococcal Infection (including Scarlet Fever): Exclude until antibiotic treatment has commenced and for a further 24 hours and child feels well. Tuberculosis: Exclude until Medical Certificate from an appropriate health authority is received. Whooping Cough: Exclude for five days after starting antibiotic treatment. Also exclude non- immunised household contacts aged less than 7 years old for 14 days after the last exposure to infection or until they have taken five days of a fourteen day course of antibiotics. Exclude close contacts until they have commenced antibiotics. Asthma If your child is a diagnosed Asthmatic, you must provide the Centre with a complete copy of your child’s Asthma Plan as provided by their Doctor and their accompanying Asthma medication. Diabetes The Centre will follow the guidelines set down by Diabetes Australia and that prescribed by the child’s doctor. All medication must be provided each day to the Centre. Anaphylaxis Parents are required to provide an Anaphylaxis Action Plan and prescribed medication to the Centre. Educators will be informed on the recommended procedures involved in treating the specific reactions your child may inhibit given their specific trigger(s) and allergies. Please note the medication must be in date and parents will be notified when a new Epipen is required. Children with anaphylaxis cannot attend without in-date medication. G:/_BROCHURES…/2021/Handbooks/Wombats…
Medications Only prescribed medicines will be administered to a child. All medications must be handed directly to an educator. The dosage and times are to be written onto the medication form (available in Wombats). Educators will double sign when they are given. If a child has had Panadol or paracetamol administered within the previous 12 hours we request that families keep the child at home to reduce the spread of illness. The only exception to this is children who have received their immunizations in the previous 48 hours. The parent must fill in the Medication form giving authority to staff to administer any medication required. Emergency Contact Details Parents are urged to keep their emergency contact details current, and to notify the Centre immediately of a change of address, telephone number or work situation. Any update to personal details can be made via the Xplor App. Collecting Children A child will not be permitted to leave the service with any person other than a parent or guardian, unless written permission is obtained beforehand. Persons under the age of 18 are will not be given access to the child. Parents can add, update, and remove any person/s permitted to collect their child through the ‘HubGuests’ section in Xplor. Please also email childcare@essington.nt.edu.au to notify of any changes to this information. Should you have a court order detailing custody and access matters a copy must be provided to the Coordinator who will ensure that his document in placed on our student file. We are unable to refuse access to a parent unless we have a court order directing us to do so. A parent or guardian must bring a child into the Centre, ensuring all gates are securely closed behind them. Please ensure our educators know when you arrive and leave as we would like to say hello and goodbye. Nutrition/Meals The Centre supplies all food. We try to limit the use of foods that are high in saturated fat and sugar. We provide a well-balanced, nutritional diet based on the five main food groups and includes food from diverse communities: • Grains, Cereals and Bread • Meat, Chicken, Fish and Eggs • Dairy, Cheese, Milk and Yoghurts • Fruit and Vegetables • Butter, Oil and Margarine The children are provided a two-course lunch, morning tea and afternoon tea, which include fruit (fresh and dried), crackers, sandwiches, fruit muffins, etc. Milk and water is also provided. We proudly use FeedAustralia at our service, which is a world leading, nutritional education and preventative health initiative. It links our menus with Australian Dietary Guidelines and ensures we are providing nutritionally balanced meals for our children. The menu is displayed outside the Wombats Room, and updated weekly for your information. If your child has any special requirements please inform the Coordinator. G:/_BROCHURES…/2021/Handbooks/Wombats…
Clothing/Sun Protection
We request that children attending the Childcare Centre are
dressed in comfortable play clothes, with sleeves, and closed
footwear (please no thongs).
All children’s clothing, including hats and shoes, must be clearly
marked. It is inevitable when teaching children to be
independent and responsible for their personal belongings that
things will get mixed up. This may cause unnecessary distress
amongst the children when similar items are disputed.
Please send along two extra changes of clothing.
The Childcare Centre has a strict Yes hat, Yes play policy. Please
ensure that your child comes to the service with a broad-
brimmed hat at all times.
Sunscreen is provided before being exposed to sun. We ask that all children have sunscreen
applied before their arrival in the morning.
Personal Belongings
Children love to bring special items from home, either to share with their friends or for comfort.
It can be very distressing for all concerned when favourite toys become lost so we ask your
cooperation in keeping them at home. Comfort items can be brought in to help children settle
in to our program and for sleep times.
If your child requires a change of clothes due to a toileting accident the soiled clothing will be
placed in a sterile container located in the Wombat’s bathroom. Educators will notify parents
upon pick-up if they are required to collect clothing.
Incident, Illness and Injury Forms and Notifications
If in the unlikely event your child is injured or unwell during the day an educator will complete
an incident, illness, injury and accident form and ask parents/guardians to sign upon pick up.
This provides families with details surrounding any illness or injury and also is a legal
requirement for our service.
BEHAVIOUR GUIDANCE
Our Behaviour Guidance Policy encourages children to co-operate, to use their social skills
appropriately, and to enhance their self-esteem. All children have different needs so the ability
to interact and express one’s self individually should be assisted, guided and monitored by the
teacher. When managing difficult behaviour all expectations are based on a thorough
understanding of developmentally appropriate behaviour patterns. We set reasonable limits
and explain our reasons for doing so.
Our beliefs and aims are:
• Positive reinforcement for appropriate behaviour.
• Self-discipline – which allows children ‘thinking time’ to realise actions.
• Self-expression – allows children to explain what has happened.
• Safety – explaining to the children the safety aspects.
• Young children sometimes do not have the language skills to express their emotions. This
inability is then expressed in negative social behaviour. It is our aim to enable the child to
learn to demonstrate feelings.
• Consistency is maintained in the manner in which behaviour guidance strategies are
employed in the classroom.
• Communicating with parents, forming a partnership in relationship to behaviour
management.
• Staff will provide a well-planned developmental and age-appropriate program to satisfy
children’s needs to create and explore.
G:/_BROCHURES…/2021/Handbooks/Wombats…• The Remind / Warn / Act strategy is employed, allowing children three opportunities to
modify their behaviour.
Biting
For the safety of all children at our service we take incidents of biting very seriously. Therefore if
a child bites, parents of the child who has bitten will be immediately notified. In cases of a severe
bite we reserve the right to ask that families come and pick up their child at the time and
discuss the incident with them.
Working with Families
We believe that it is very important that behaviour guidance and modification techniques are
supported by those used at home. Educators will keep families informed as to their child’s
progress and it is hoped that parents will provide similar feedback to staff.
EXCURSIONS/INCURSIONS
Our service often takes part in incursion (visitors to our service / school) and excursion activities.
Parents are given notice regarding incursion/excursion details, dates, times, and any incurred
costs. A permission form will be distributed to parents. Excursions usually highlight an interest
area that the childcare group has been working on.
CONCLUSION
Our Long Day Care is committed to providing high quality education and care. We sincerely
hope that your association with our Centre is positive and enjoyable, and we look forward to
working with you in close partnership to provide the best possible care for your child.
G:/_BROCHURES…/2021/Handbooks/Wombats…You can also read
