policies, regulations and procedures - general

General | Health | Getting started at the Centre

 

Equal Opportunity:

The centre is committed to the principles of equal opportunity in relation to community access to the centre and the appointment of staff. Individuals will be treated with respect, regardless of their gender, race, religion, age, impairment, marital status, political conviction, pregnancy, family responsibility or family status.

 

Programming Policy:

The centre aims to create an atmosphere where children are stimulated and secure. We recognise the importance of monitoring and evaluating children’s development and interests. This is carried out through the use of high quality programming and observational techniques and commitment from staff. Key aspects of programming include:

1. Individual observations.

2. Extension work. (Providing excursions to places of current interest to the children).

3. The program covers:

• Mathematical and Logical intelligence
• Musical Intelligence
• Intrapersonal and Interpersonal Intelligence
• Bodily and Kinesthetic Intelligence
• Linguistic Intelligence
• Existential Intelligence
• Naturalist Intelligence
• Spatial Intelligence

4. Spontaneous ideas from children and staff.

5. Input from all staff and parents is encouraged and welcomed. All full-time staff are involved in the recording and collecting of observations for the program. This ensures a comprehensive view of the child’s progress.

6. The program is evaluated on a weekly basis by way of the parents weekly journal.

7. The program covers multicultural experiences. It is neither stereotypical or gender based and provides for specific needs in various age groups.

8. The program is displayed in the centre foyer.

9. Parents will be encouraged periodically to be involved in the program either by offering suggestions or sharing an experience with the children. The weekly note will inform parents of this or staff will contact family members directly.

 

CC News:

Parents can access their child’s experience at Como Children via CC News. CC News is a secure web portal that allows parents to view photos, documentation and video footage taken for educational purposes at the centre. The Centre has obtained permission from the Licensing Standards Unit for this to occur. Parents must sign a consent form to be able to use this program. Ask staff for more information.

 

Behaviour Guidance:

Our Behaviour Guidance policy is to use ‘positive reinforcement’ as the primary means to helping children accept and follow rules and boundaries that have been set to ensure children of all ages are safe, feel secure and enjoy being at the centre. Children are encouraged with praise and non-material privileges for behaving appropriately and in accordance with the particular area in the centre or while participating in an activity. Children are also encouraged to set their own boundaries, resolve their own conflicts and observe common courtesies towards teachers and one another.

 

Children are always given opportunities to make a better choice, rectify unacceptable behaviour and show empathy to another who has been hurt or disrupted by their wrong action. When helped to see the error of their behaviour most children discover the pleasure of helping rather than hindering and being cooperative and will feel remorse and consequently empathy towards their peers. They are creating their own morality and it is our hope that it will be this that will form the foundation of their life.

 

While we look for and emphasise the good in children, there are times when certain behaviour must be shown to be unacceptable. Each incident is dealt with on its own merit, with consideration given to the children involved and the surrounding circumstances. A discussion and verbal reminder is often all that is required. As is appropriate to the age a child is invited to offer their own solution towards a positive outcome. Children may then be redirected to other areas of interest in the centre to give the child the time to distance themselves from the altercation. Children who continue with unacceptable behaviour will be asked to assist a teacher for a short period of time.

 

The ambiance of Como is precious to us and we know that it is only in an atmosphere of good will, justice and love that we can create and maintain an environment of quality. If we feel it is necessary, due to the severity or repetition of behaviour that is detrimental to the well being of other children and therefore the harmony of the centre, teachers will ask the parents of the child or children involved to meet with them to discuss the situation and create a way that we can work together to resolve it. If the behaviour continues the family or child in question will be asked to leave the centre.

 

As the owner and teachers of the centre we are guarding the right for children to be safe and enjoy their early, life-shaping years. We model, courteous, positive behaviour and all behaviour guidance is offered in a caring and understanding manner with a view to preparing the child for an intelligent life.

 

Families from different cultures:

We welcome families from different cultures and believe they enrich our Centre. If a child has difficulty with English we have access to Childcare support services that assist us to ensure a smooth transition into the centre. Senior staff need to be informed if a child requires a meal different to that of the planned menu. We will endeavor to adapt the menu to meet cultural needs.

 

Clothing:

Parents are asked to dress their child in clothing appropriate to the weather conditions and that is safe for play. This is generally loose fitting T-shirts in Summer and long sleeved T-shirts in Winter.

 

As children’s clothing does get soiled, it is best to dress them in clothing that can be stained.

PLEASE DON’T SEND YOUR CHILD IN GOOD CLOTHING, THEY NEED THE FREEDOM TO GET DIRTY! Children must have a change of clothing in their bag at all times in case of soiling. Layered clothing is encouraged so that children can add or subtract clothing during changes of weather. Singlets are discouraged in Summer as the sun is very damaging even when sunscreen is applied.

 

At rest time the children are encouraged to remove their shoes and socks and other clothing (i.e. jumper) depending on the weather. Children are encouraged to be responsible for their own clothing.

 

All clothing must be clearly labeled with your child’s name even shoes.

Parents are asked to regularly check the ‘lost property’ box (at the right hand side of the Centre entrance) for any items of lost clothing. Unlabelled clothing in the lost property box will be given to a charity at the end of every quarter.

 

Excursions:

The centre desires to take all children sometimes together, or in smaller groups. Excursions to places of special interest i.e. the Museum, Art Gallery, Zoo or park or on short walks around the neighbourhood. Staff will notify parents of the excursion via the weekly note near the front door of the centre the week before the intended excursion. Please speak to a senior staff member if you would like more information regarding excursions.

Staff require parents to sign the ‘excursion book’ confirming consent for the child to attend, also an emergency contact phone number for that day is required.

There will be an additional charge for most excursions. The child/carer ratio is 4:1 on excursions and staff will take all necessary safety measures required by childcare licensing. In addition, small groups of children are taken on mini excursions. This is dependent on parental consent and projects children are involved in. Parents are welcome to attend excursions.

 

Confidentiality Policy:

It is recognised that staff will be given and will need access to information about children and family situations that are private and confidential but necessary for the care of children. All staff will maintain and preserve this confidentiality at all times.

 

Observations and information that is collected for the purpose of the program and enrolment will be kept confidential and available by request to parents. The address and phone number of any family will not be disclosed to anyone under any circumstances unless it relates to specific statutory situations. Please ensure these details are up to date.

 

Where families wish to contact their child’s friend’s family, staff can at the parent’s request, contact another family and relay a message and contact number. The ‘Sign in’ book is also a way of communicating to other parents. The Centre does not assume to know with whom or what information families will feel comfortable sharing.

 

Keeping of records:

The Centre maintains records in accordance with those required by current Childcare regulations. All current records are kept in the locked office area.

 

Staffing:

Childcare Licensing determines staff child ratios at the centre. For children aged 2-3 years there is 1 staff person to 5 children and for children aged 3-6 years there is 1 staff member to every 10 children.

 

All staff are encouraged to hold a first aid qualification, and at least one staff member on duty shall hold a first aid qualification at all times. All staff are involved in extra studies whether they be Certificate lll in Children’s Services and/or in-house training in a variety childhood related topics. All staff must have a Working with Children Check and current Medical certificate.

 

The Supervising officer and Licensee is Katie Pitchford. The person to act in place of (PAPO) the Supervising Officer is Co - ordinator Sarah Briotti. Qualified staff members at Como Children are: Katie Pitchford Sarah Briotti, Bella Mona, Ann-Marie Stockley, Linda Richardson, Catherine Puglisi, Debbie Thompson, Gillian Harrison and Helena Swan.

 

Enrolment Requirements:

At Enrolment the centre must site the birth Certificate or Birth Extract of the enrolling child.

A copy of the child’s most recent immunization status is also required in order to receive Childcare Benefit.

A new enrolment form for each enrolled child must be completed or updated each calendar year.

 

Fees:

Fees are payable a week in advance, and are payable from the initial start date nominated by the parent. If fees are regularly behind the centre has the right to cease care for the family in question.

 

An annual materials fee is charged at commencement of care or at the beginning of each calendar year. This fee is $150.00 per family.

 

Daily fee: $95 Weekly Fee: $380.00

Fees are reviewed in June annually and any increase will take effect July.

Fees are payable for all absences and public holidays.

Parents may pay by direct deposit only. Statements of monies owing will be placed in parent’s sign-in sheets.

 

Childcare Benefit:

The centre is accredited and therefore able to offer childcare benefit. Applications for Childcare Benefit can be obtained over the phone by calling Centrelink between the hours of 8am to 8pm on 136150. This assessment is made by Centrelink and most parents are eligible. The benefit can be obtained by reducing the childcare fee or by claiming it as a lump sum at the end of the financial year. Parents may also be eligible for the 50% rebate that is paid through Centrelink quarterly. Please phone 136150 for more information.

The centre will then require the following information:

-          CRN numbers for both the enroling parent and the child.

-          Date’s of birth for both the enroling parent and the child.

For more information visit the family assistance website on www.familyassist.gov.au

Please inform the centre immediately if your child is attending more than one service.

 

Withdrawal of a child:

Two weeks notice of intended withdrawal from the centre is required. In the event of such notice not being given one week of full fees is to be paid.

 

Do you have a complaint?

All complaints and concerns are to be made directly to the senior staff member on duty, the co-ordinator or owner. Once informed, staff will try and resolve the issue in a prompt, confidential and professional manner. All complaints about the service will be documented and reflected upon in a timely manner and parents will be informed of action taken.

 

The coordinator (Sarah Briotti) will address staff performance issues in private or generally in staff meetings. Even small issues matter to us, we aim to make you and your child’s experience with us a positive one.

 

The centre welcomes any questions or issues relating to centre practice, philosophy and policies and is open to discuss these at any time.

 

Serious complaints can also be lodged with

Childcare Licensing

1st floor,  111 Wellington Street, East Perth

Phone:  6210 3333.

 

Hours of Operation:

The centre is open from 7:30am to 5pm Monday to Friday, all year round except for public holidays.

Morning Sessions: 7:30am – 12.30pm

 

The pick-up time for children in the morning session is 12.30pm. A full day rate will be charged for children picked up after 1pm.

 

The centre closes at 5pm. A late fee may be incurred for children picked up after this time.

We understand that for unforeseen circumstances parents may be late in picking up their child, however, if this is a regular occurrence a fee of $5.00 for every 5minutes past 5pm will be incurred. Parents are encouraged to contact staff if they will be late in picking up their child. If parents or emergency contacts cannot be reached crisis care will be contacted.

 

Arrivals and departures:

On arrival all children must be signed in by the person dropping them off.

If the child is to be picked up by anyone other than the parents or guardian, this person is nominated on the enrolment form. In the case of an emergency, a telephone call to the manager will suffice and the caller must be identified. Written consent by e-mail, parent diary or fax is accepted and ID is required if staff do not know the individual.

 

Privacy:

All private information collected by centre staff and management will be treated as confidential and stored in a secure manner. Parents will be advised of the reason for the collection of information and it’s use. All information that is no longer required in accordance with centre policy will be destroyed.

All staff must be aware of the responsibilities in releasing a child.

Staff cannot allow any child to leave the centre without this authority.

At departure children must be signed out of the centre.