PARENT HANDBOOK CONTENTS.
(Reviewed November 2007).
SECTION. CONTENTS.
SECTION 1. WELCOME.
á The CentreŐs background
SECTION 2. PROGRAMS.
á Settling your child into care
á Daily routines
á Program Planning
á Socialisation and Behaviour Management
á Excursions
á Special Programs
SECTION 3. YOUR
CHILDŐS NEEDS.
á What to Bring
á Nappy Supply
á Food
á Toys
á Sunscreen
SECTION 4. ADMINISTRATION.
á Registration requirements
á Opening and closing times
á Signing in and out
á Centre closure
á Fee payments
á Association membership
á Wait List
á Deferral Fees
á Holding Fees
á Late Collection Fees
á Maintenance Fees
á Pigeon holes
á Newsletters
SECTION 5. CARE
ALLOCATION.
á Priority of access
á Movement within the Centre
á Extended absences
á Extra Days
á Credit Days
á Change of care days.
á Notification of absences
á Withdrawing from care
SECTION 6. HEALTH
AND SAFETY ISSUES.
á Emergency procedures
á Minor accidents
á Fire safety
á Sickness
á Illness records
á Medication
á Immunisation
SECTION 7. LEGAL
ISSUES.
á Insurances
á Interaction of parents with other children
á Court Orders
SECTION 8. STAFFING.
á Qualifications and staff teams
á Absences
á DirectorŐs role
á Administrative Officer
SECTION 9. PARENT
PARTICIPATION.
á Management committee
á Working Bees
á Maintenance Duties
á Suggestions
á Parent events
á Birthdays
á Policy guidelines
á Complaints
SECTION 10. OTHER.
á Finding further information
á Handbook and Conditions of Membership form
ATTACHMENTS.
á Vision and Philosophy
á Current staffing arrangements and qualifications
á Financial Information for New Families
á Fees Policy
á Emergency Evacuation Procedures
SECTION 1 - WELCOME.
Welcome to our Centre family.
We do hope you enjoy your time with us.
This booklet outlines issues
you will need to be aware of while you are a part of our Centre. It is
important that you read over this booklet and ask questions about matters you
do not understand. You will find a form at the back of this booklet which you
should sign and return to the Centre to indicate that you have read the
information in this booklet and in your enrolment pack.
á The CentreŐs Background.
Acton Early Childhood Centre
is a community based long day care centre which offers full time and part time
care to families of staff and students at the ANU and to members of the general
community.
The Centre has a long history
having been in operation for over 30 years. The building in which the Centre
operates is of heritage interest and lends itself well to the homely
environment which is so much a part of the CentreŐs vision and philosophy.
The Centre operates 50 weeks
of the year, closing for 2 weeks in December / January. The first day back at
the commencement of the year is a pupil free day allowing staff to prepare for
the year ahead.
The Centre is licensed for up
to 52 places, usually distributed as 22 Pre-School children (aged 3 to 5
years), 15 Toddlers (aged 2 to 3 years) and 15 Babies (aged 8 weeks to 2
years).
Full and part time care is
available from 8.15 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday. Part-time care is defined as
being up to and including four days a week, paid on a daily rate. A full-time
position provides care Monday to Friday inclusive, paid on a weekly rate.
The Centre is licensed by ACT
Office for Children, Youth and Family Support. A ChildrenŐs Services Adviser from
this department visits the Centre regularly as a part of the licensing
procedures.
Acton Early Childhood Centre
is accredited by the National Child Care Accreditation Council as a part of our
participation in the Quality Improvement and Accreditation System. The Centre
is currently accredited at a high level and this is reviewed on a regular basis
as part of the accreditation process.
SECTION 2 - PROGRAMS.
á Settling your child into care.
The introduction into long
day care can be difficult for children and parents. ChildrenŐs welfare and
happiness are the priority for staff when welcoming new children to the Centre
and when assisting the family to settle into the Centre environment. It is
recognised that families needs will vary greatly in the orientation process and
individual needs will be met as best is possible.
The following outlines some
helpful hints for parents on settling their child into care:-
á Make sure you familiarise your child with the
environment and the people in the environment (children and adults) by coming
in for visits before commencing care.
á Ease your child into care with short stays to begin
with.
á Provide a favourite toy, blanket or comforter to
support your child when they are separating from you or settling to sleep. This
can help your child feel more secure.
á If your child is unsettled, short visits with you
helps your child to gain trust with an unfamiliar environment. These visits can
be made on a day when your child is not booked to attend.
á Interactions between staff and parents or staff and
other children can produce positive role models and be reassuring. This
experience can help to establish trust in an unfamiliar setting.
á Try to talk at home about child care. Mention the
names of the staff and other children. Talk about the things the child will be
able to do at child care that are fun and enjoyable.
á Talk to the staff about your child, for example, what
they like to do; successful ways of settling them to sleep; foods they like and
dislike and so on. This helps staff to get to know your child.
á When leaving your child it is best to make sure you
say goodbye and then leave. Hesitating and not going after you have said your
goodbyes, if a child is upset, only confuses them. Reassure your child that
everything is alright and you will return later, this can help them to settle.
á It sometimes helps to establish a routine when
leaving. For example, giving your child a cuddle and giving them to a staff
member or sitting down with them for a short play or reading a book together
then leaving.
á At first some children protest strongly while others
may take a day or two to realise that you are leaving them and begin to protest
after several days. Children soon learn that you do return and in the mean time
they are well cared for.
á Daily routines.
Each room in the Centre has a
set routine which covers approximate times for activities such as meals, nappy
changes, sleep and so on. Routines will vary from time to time according to the
needs of the group and individual children. For further information about your
childŐs routines please see the team in your childŐs room.
á Program planning.
á Socialisation and Behaviour Management.
Staff follow a Socialisation
and Behaviour Management Policy which extends across the whole Centre giving
consistency of expectation in all rooms. This policy allows children to develop
self-discipline, a respect for others and for property and respect for self.
The policy aims are:-
á To give all children the opportunity to expand their
experiences of life in a productive, safe environment that allows individuals
the right to safety, tolerance, self-expression, cultural identity, dignity and
the worth of the individual, and honesty in dealing with peers and caregivers.
á To be taught to respect the rights and needs of others
by foreseeing the outcome of their behaviour and the consequences of their behaviour.
á To encourage the individual social development of each
child.
If you require further
information on this policy please ask staff.
á Excursions.
To assist children to develop
in all aspects of life it is important to give children the opportunity to
experience the wider community and the environment beyond the Centre.
Centre Policy states that
there is to be a minimum of two staff when children go for local walks on
campus and child: staff ratios must be adhered to. Parents sign blanket
permission for local walks on registration. Staff will advise you in the Daily
Book if they have been on a walk.
Parents are informed of
external excursions two weeks prior to the event where possible and permission
forms must be completed and returned to staff. The child: staff ratios required
by the licensing conditions are always adhered to. Parents are welcome to join
the children on excursions. Enquiries can be directed to the staff organising
the excursion. Travel is by bus only and where possible buses will be fitted
with seat belts.
á Special Programs.
Kodaly Music.
This music program provides a
comprehensive and carefully graded introduction to the concepts of music. It
aims to develop specific musical skills and knowledge of music in a happy,
relaxed atmosphere. Children sing, move, play, create and listen. They learn
singing games, simple songs, rhymes and dances to gradually develop:-
á a sense of beat and rhythm;
á the ability to sing in tune;
á an understanding of loud and soft (volume); fast and
slow (tempo); high and low (pitch);
á aural skills such a musical memory and inner hearing;
á aural recognition of different instruments and styles
of music;
á an overall appreciation of music.
This program is presented by
Brenda Lander each Monday during school term.
Other programs.
From time to time the Centre
may provide other ŇspecialÓ programs presented by specialists in various areas
such as dance, cultural experiences and creative art experiences. Information
about such programs will be given through the CentreŐs newsletter and in each
roomŐs Day Book.
SECTION 3 - YOUR CHILDŐS NEEDS.
.
á What to Bring.
Please note - All items brought into the Centre must be labelled. There are a range of professional
labelling supplies available. Should you need information on this matter please
enquire at the Centre.
The following provides a
guide to what you should bring for your child. If you have any questions please
do not hesitate to ask staff in your childŐs room.
Babies
- Billy Buttons.
á 3 changes of clothing, allowing for changes in weather
á 2 clean cot sheets each week
á Any special comforters, for example, dummies
á Nappy change cream (if required)
á Sunhat
for summer
á Warm hat, waterproof clothing and warm coat for winter
á Carry bag for storing spare clothing etc
Food
á Older babies need to bring: lunch, afternoon snack and
drinks. A drinking cup is also required
á Younger babies need to bring their bottles and solids.
Toddlers - Sundews.
á 3 changes of clothing, allowing for changes in weather
á 2 clean sheets and a light cover for sleep time
á Warm hat, waterproof clothing and warm coat for winter
á Bag to hold excess clothing - this should fit in a
locker
á Lunch, afternoon tea and a drink in separate
containers
Preschoolers
- Kanookas.
á 2 changes of clothes, allowing for changes in weather
á 2 clean sheets and a light cover if a child has a
sleep
á Warm hat, waterproof clothing and warm coat for winter
á Bag to hold excess clothing - this should fit in a
locker
á Lunch, afternoon tea and a drink in separate
containers
á Nappy Supply.
Children who require nappies
in the SundewsŐ and Billy ButtonsŐ room will be supplied with disposable
nappies by the Centre. The cost of this service is incorporated into the fees
for these rooms.
á Food.
Although the Centre provides
only morning tea for children we actively encourage and promote healthy eating
habits for all children. Parents will periodically be given information and
advice about good nutrition, including recommendations about the sort of food
to send with their child. Fruit will be the predominant snack provided for
morning tea. This will be varied from time to time with the provision of snacks
such as toast, cereals, popcorn, scones and muffins.
Microwave and refrigerator
facilities are available in each room. Microwave containers must be provided by
the parent for the heating of food.
Food storage containers must be unbreakable and clearly labelled. Please
do not use glass containers, plastic bags, or plastic lunch wrap.
Parents are strongly
requested not to send in any lollies, chocolate, potato crisps or Ôjunk foodŐ
in general.
Nuts and hard foods such as
carrot sticks are also not allowed due to the risk of choking. Nut products are
discouraged in Billy ButtonsŐ due to the possibility of a child having an
undiagnosed allergic reaction to these products.
Parents are strongly
encouraged to follow the CentreŐs Nutrition Policy as outlined in the Policy
Handbook. Please note any food which has been heated up will not be returned to
parents if the child does not eat it. Milk or dairy foods not eaten will be
placed in the fridge.
á Toys.
Children may bring comforters
such as dummies, soft toys or special blankets as they are important for
settling the child if upset or for sleep. It is Centre policy to restrict other
toys brought in by children to such special comforters, or 'show and tell' toys
which are then put away in the child's bag to be taken home. Toy guns, swords
and other ÔweaponsŐ are not permitted in the Centre as they can tend to promote
aggressive play.
á Sunscreen.
Sunscreen is provided for the
children by the Centre. Parents may supply their own sunscreen if preferred.
According to the recommendation of the CentreŐs Sun Protection Policy sunscreen
is applied to the exposed skin of children over 12 months before going out into
the sun. Babies under twelve months are not exposed to the sun. A request not
to apply sunscreen must be accompanied by a signed letter releasing Centre
staff and the Management Committee of responsibility for any ill-effects of
exposure to the sun.
When playing outdoors the
children will also be required to wear legionnaire style sunhats. These will be
supplied by the Centre in the SundewsŐ and KanookasŐ rooms. Babies will need to
provide their own sun hats. These should have a brim which allows them to shade
the neck and ears. For further information on sun protection please refer to
the Policy Handbook or speak to staff.
SECTION 4 - ADMINISTRATION.
á Registration requirements.
On registration, parents are
required to complete the following :-
á Registration form
á Handbook form
á Association membership form
á Enrolment card
á Communication Plan
á Permission for Photography form
á A current copy of the childŐs ACT immunisation
schedule must also be brought in for the CentreŐs records.
Please note :-
The enrolment card
must be updated regularly with relevant emergency contact numbers and any
changes of address and other details. Updating the information on the card is the responsibility
of the parent. Access to the card
should be made through the Director, either personally or by phone.
á Opening and closing times.
Parents must note carefully
the opening and closing times of the Centre. They should ensure children are
brought in no earlier than 8.15am and are collected before 6.00pm. The Centre
is closed at 6.00pm. Parents need to arrive by 5.45 pm to ensure they have left
the Centre by 6.00pm. Under licensing conditions, two staff are required to
remain on the premises if any children are still present after 6.00pm. Parents
who have not left the centre by 6.00pm will be billed the Late Collection Fee.
Please ensure that your
children are collected on time so that we do not have to take this action.
The staff procedures when a
child or children are not collected from the Centre by 6.00pm are as follows:-
á
At 6.05 pm parents are
phoned and requested to collect the child immediately.
á
If we have not heard
from the parent/s by 6.30 pm the emergency contact persons are phoned.
á
At 7.00 pm if staff have
been unsuccessful in contacting parents or emergency numbers, the Director will
be phoned and will also be contacted.
This may result in the child/children being placed in temporary foster
care. A note will be left on the Centre door to advise parents of any such
action.
á Signing in and out.
Each day parents are required
to sign their child in and
complete the sign-in form which requires details of the drop off time, the
expected pick up time and the contact phone number for the day. The child must
also be signed out, giving the
actual time collected, and staff must also be informed of the childŐs
departure. These records are used for attendance checks and it is a legal
requirement that they are completed correctly daily. Children will not be
allowed to leave the Centre either on excursions (other than local walks) or in
the care of other adults without prior written permission from the parents or
guardian.
á
Centre Closure.
Once a year the Centre may be
closed for a day to allow staff to attend in-service training. In the event of
this being approved by the Committee parents will be given at least 4 weeks
notice of the planned closure in order to organise alternative care.
Acton Early Childhood Centre
is a non-profit organisation financed by fees. The operating year runs from 1
July to 30 June. Acton Early Childhood Centre is an incorporated association to
which members belong. All fee enquiries should be directed to the Administrative
Officer. A copy of the CentreŐs Fees Policy and the Overdue Payment Collection
Procedures can be found in the
Attachments.
á Annual membership.
An annual membership fee of
$16.50 per family is payable at the beginning of each year. For families joining after 1 July the
membership fee is reduced to $8.25.
á Waiting list.
A Waiting List Application
form must be completed for all children seeking a place in the Centre. Children
who are on the Internal Waiting List - see the priority listing under Care
Allocation - must still complete a Waiting List Application. Further details
may be obtained in the Waiting List Policy.
á Deferral fee.
A deferral fee is charged to
parents who wish to delay starting care after acceptance of a place. It is
possible to defer a place for a maximum of two weeks. The amount charged is 50%
of the daily fee rate per booked day plus the Holding Deposit (see below).
á Holding fee.
On admission to Acton Early
Childhood Centre a bond or Holding Deposit of $ 100 is payable to hold a place
open for a child. This deposit is refundable when the child leaves the Centre
provided the following commitments have been met:
á All fees owing have been paid in advance as required
(see below)
á The parent has given 4 weeks' notice in writing, of
the intention to remove the child from the Centre
á The family has either performed the required
maintenance duties, or paid in advance the $50.00 maintenance fee per half
year.
á The family has paid for any late collection fees that
may have been incurred.
á All other obligations to the Centre have been met.
á Late Collection Fees.
A Late Collection fee is
charged if parents have not collected and vacated the premises by 6.00 pm. Late
parents will be billed $50 for the first 10 minutes or part thereof and then $2
per minute thereafter. This fee covers the wages of staff members detained due
to late collection of children.
á Maintenance Fees.
Each family may choose to pay
a maintenance fee of $50 per semester instead of performing some other
administrative or maintenance duty. For further details please see the section
on Parent Participation.
á Pigeon Holes.
Each family is allocated a
pigeon hole in which accounts, newsletters and other information and messages
are posted. The pigeon holes are found in the entrance foyer near the office.
It is the responsibility of the parent to collect all information placed in
their pigeon hole on a regular basis.
á Newsletters.
The Centre newsletter is
distributed each month. This will contain important information about events,
meetings, policy issues and parent education articles. A summary of important
issues dealt with at the monthly Management Committee meeting is also sometimes
a part of the newsletter.
SECTION 5 - CARE ALLOCATION.
á Priority of access.
Acton Early Childhood Centre
maintains a Waiting List for all children who are seeking a place at the
Centre. The Waiting list is divided into 2 sections.
á The Internal Waiting List. This includes:-
~ Children who are enrolled but require
changes to their existing care arrangements such
as moving to the next group or adding or changing days;
~
Siblings of children who attend;
~
Children of staff working at Acton Early Childhood Centre;
~
Children who have left and wish to return to Acton Early Childhood Centre; ~
Siblings of children who have attended Acton Early Childhood Centre in the
past.
Priority is also given on a reciprocal
basis to children of staff working at the other two ANU Childcare Centres.
á The External Waiting List includes children who have
not been involved with Acton Early Childhood Centre previously.
ANU staff and students on the
Internal and External Waiting lists will be given priority wherever possible.
á Movement within the Centre.
Where possible, children are
moved to the appropriate section according to age; this is governed by the
availability of care and the developmental needs of the child. Throughout the
year staff will assess a childŐs readiness to move up and will discuss this
with the parents. Every effort will be made to accommodate the childŐs needs
and parentŐs wishes as to moving up or staying in a group. However the overall
Centre occupancy rate and needs of children across all the groups must also be
taken into consideration when moving children between groups.
á Extended absences.
If a child is to be absent
for an extended period of time due to holidays or parents work obligations then
fees must still be paid to hold the childŐs place. If parents do not wish to
pay fees then the childŐs place will be forfeited and the child will be placed
on the Waiting List. The Centre needs to be notified of such absences and a
form outlining which of the above options parents wish to take must be
completed.
á Extra days.
If space is available due to
another child being absent, additional days may be booked through the Director
or Administrative Officer on a casual basis. Extra days are only available for
children who are already enrolled at the Centre and should be booked through
the office. Bookings should be made at least two days in advance whenever
possible. In exceptional circumstances bookings may be made up to 3 pm of the
previous day.
á Credit Days for Public Holidays.
The Centre currently offers
families the opportunity to book an alternative day of child care at no cost,
if a day of care is missed due to a public holiday. This is only available to
children who attend part time as the full time fee is significantly reduced and
compensates for Public Holidays. Credit days will only be available if there is
a vacancy or absence in the group required. Credit days should be booked
through the office at least two days in advance whenever possible, In
exceptional circumstances bookings may be made through the office by 3 p.m. of
the previous day. There is no guarantee that all days missed will be able to be
made up. Fees will not be refunded for days missed due to Public Holidays. For
more details see the Public Holiday Policy document available from the office.
á Change of care days.
Any requests to cancel or
change care days must be in writing giving four weeksŐ notice in advance to the
Director. This assists administration and enables us to fill vacancies quickly.
Change of Care Arrangements forms are available from the office.
á Notification of absences.
If your child is unable to
attend on a booked day, please notify the Centre no later than 9:30am on
6125 5554 or ring the number
for your childŐs room and speak to staff
Any absence known in advance should be notified to staff as soon as
possible. Variation to Attendance forms may be found near the sign on sheet for
your childŐs room.
á Withdrawing
from care.
Families must provide four
weeksŐ notice in writing when withdrawing from the Centre. This is done by completing both
sections of the form - Parents Resignation from the Association, which is
available from the office. If the required notice is not given, four weeksŐ
fees will be charged in lieu of notice.
SECTION 6 - HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUES.
Please note: - For further
details on Health and Safety issues please read over the CentresŐ Health Policy
which is included in your enrolment pack.
á Emergency procedures.
If a childŐs condition
requires urgent medical attention an ambulance will be called to transport the
child to the casualty section of hospital and the childŐs parents will be contacted
and advised to meet the child there. A staff member well known to the child
will accompany the child if the parent is unable to.
If the condition of the child
is not urgent but nonetheless requires medical attention, eg a cut which is no
longer bleeding but may need stitches, then every effort will be made to
contact the childŐs parents so they may come and take the child to hospital or
to a medical practitioner. However, if the childŐs parents are not contactable,
then an ambulance will be called to take the child to hospital. Children will
not be transported in staff membersŐ cars under any circumstances.
In view of this, parents are
advised to ensure they hold ambulance insurance. The Centre will not accept
liability for the treatment provided and any expenses will be met by the
parent. (Please note undertakings already given on the registration form for
emergency procedures.)
á Minor Accidents.
Any accident or injury which
occurs to a child during care at Acton Early Childhood Centre (no matter how
minor) will be documented on an Accident Report Form. Staff will inform parents
of any accident/injury either by phone or at collection time and parents will
be required to sign the form to acknowledge that they have been informed of an
accident or injury to their child. In the event of a childŐs injury involving a
bump to the head or teeth the parent will be contacted by telephone immediately
to allow the parent to assess the situation in consultation with staff.
All Accident Report forms
must be kept for a period of 21 years, for insurance purposes.
á Fire Safety.
The Centre has a fire
detection system installed and regular fire drills are conducted by staff to
familiarise the children with evacuation procedures. Emergency evacuation
procedures are displayed throughout the Centre as are locations of hoses and
extinguishers. Parents should familiarise themselves with the emergency
evacuation procedures as they may be required to assist in an evacuation drill.
A copy of the Emergency Evacuation Procedures is attached to this handbook.
á Sickness.
If a child is sick, the staff
should be notified of the absence by 9.30am. It is essential that contagious
diseases be reported immediately. Children are to be excluded in accordance
with the CentresŐ Health Policy and the ACT Health Dept Guidelines for
Exclusion from Child Care. The final decision as to whether a child is fit to
attend rests with the Director (or in their absence, the Relieving Director). Members
are bound to comply with their recommendations. Parents are requested to
collect their child within half an hour of being notified of an illness.
á Illness records.
All illnesses occurring at the Centre will be recorded on the
CentresŐ Illness Record Form. Parents are required to sign this form on collecting
their child to acknowledge that staff have informed them of the signs and
symptoms displayed, treatment given and exclusion recommendations or
requirements. Note - regardless of sickness, booked care days must
be paid for.
á Medication.
All medications must be
clearly labelled with the pharmacistŐs label, showing the childŐs name, the
name of the prescribing doctor, the name of the medication and the dosage.
Medications must be handed to the staff in the room for safe storage in the
child-proof medication box or the refrigerator. The daily Medication Form must
be completed each time you wish the medication to be administered. The
Medication forms are located in folders in each room Medication is only
administered by Senior staff and is checked and witnessed by a second member of
staff. Staff cannot administer medication without the written permission of the
parent or guardian. Homoeopathic, herbal medications or over the counter
medications will not be administered.
á Immunisation.
It is the policy of the Centre
that all children, except those with medical reason, must be immunised
according to the ACT Immunisation schedule. Children who have been immunised
outside of the ACT will need to have their immunisation information transferred
to an ACT Immunisation Record Form by their GP or a local health clinic.
Up-to-date immunisation records or a doctor's letter stating the reason for
non-immunisation must be shown to the Director when registering at the Centre. If parents refuse to comply with the
DirectorŐs requests to show that their child's immunisation is up to date, the
child will be excluded from the Centre. If a family has difficulty in obtaining
evidence of immunisation, or if it is not possible to obtain evidence, a
statutory declaration or a blood test showing that the child is fully immunised
must be obtained. See the Centre's Health Policy for further details.
SECTION 7 - LEGAL ISSUES.
á Insurance.
All insurance cover as required by Licensing, ANU and other legal requirements are maintained by the Centre.
á Interaction of parents with other children at
the Centre.
Whilst parents are encouraged
to interact with other children within the Centre, the staff have the primary
responsibility for the daily needs of children in their care.
á Court Orders, Restraining Orders and
Separation.
A copy of any Court Orders
and/or Restraining Orders must be given to the Director on Enrolment or when
approved by the court should the child/children already be enrolled.
It is also the responsibility
of parents to inform the Director of any family separation issues where Court
Orders/Restraining Orders are not in place. Without Court/ Restraining Orders
we legally have to release children to either parent. However, if we are
informed of circumstances we may be able to put procedures in place to assist
parents in separation situations.
SECTION 8 - STAFFING.
á Qualifications and staff teams.
At all times during the CentreŐs
hours of operation there is at least one appropriately qualified senior member
of staff on duty. Details of current staff members and their qualifications may
be seen in the Attachments section.
All senior staff members must
hold a current Senior First Aid certificate and other staff are also encouraged
and assisted financially by the Centre to maintain First Aid qualifications.
The CentreŐs Staffing Policy
sets an aim to employ staff who have a minimum of Certificate Three in ChildrenŐs
Services and a minimum of two years experience in Child Care. Where possible
the Centre assists staff in training and in servicing.
For details on current Centre
staff please see the Attachments.
á Staff Absences.
The Centre policy is to have
a minimum number of different caregivers for any one group of children.
Wherever possible staff usually relieve for each other to cover sickness and
holidays. Where this is not possible Relief Staff are employed through a
reliable agency.
á DirectorŐs Role.
The Director is responsible
for the day-to-day running of the Centre and monitoring of child care and
staff. The Director ensures the objectives
and policies of the Centre are implemented and advises the Committee on the
running of the Centre and changes to government requirements. Parents should
feel free to approach the Director at any time to discuss concerns or issues
relating to the Centre, the staff or the children.
á Administrative Officer.
The Administrative Officer is
responsible for accounts, Child Care Benefits, recording of Allowable Absences
and any issues relating to fee payment. Parents with difficulties in any of
these areas should speak to the Administrative Officer. If the Administrative
Officer is not available the Director will take details and have the
Administrative Officer contact parents when available.
SECTION 9 -
PARENT PARTICIPATION.
á Management committee.
The Centre is managed by a
committee of parents. This General
Committee consists of the offices of President, Vice-President, Treasurer,
Assistant Treasurer, Secretary, Assistant Secretary and Public Officer and three
to six general members. Each member of the General Committee is elected at the
Annual General Meeting of the Association. (The AGM is held within five months
of 30 June and it is important that all members attend.) The Management
Committee meets monthly and all parents are welcome to attend these meetings.
Meeting dates are displayed on the Centre Noticeboard. Parents may also
contribute items to the agenda by placing items in writing, and handing them to
the Director or posting them in the Fees Box clearly marked Agenda Item no
later than 1 week before the next scheduled meeting. The Committee has
sub-committees for various reasons and a Staff Liaison Officer is also
appointed.
á Working bees.
Working bees, held once or
twice a year, are organised by the Director. Parents are invited to take part via the Newsletter and
Noticeboard. Participation in a Working Bee counts as a Maintenance Duty.
á Maintenance Duties.
Each family is required to
contribute in some way to the operation of the Centre, by performing two
maintenance duties within the year. (One maintenance duty generally equates to about
2 hours work). Available duties are regularly publicised in the newsletter or
they are suggested to parents by the Director or staff. Members of the committee are exempt
from maintenance duties. A family
may choose to pay the $50 per semester maintenance fee as an alternative to
performing a duty.
á Suggestions.
Suggestions are always
welcome from all parents and may be verbal or given in writing and placed in
the Fees Box in the entrance area clearly marked suggestion.
á Parent/staff events.
The Centre aims to hold two to
three parent/staff/children events during each year. These may include Special
Afternoon Teas, Celebration Concerts, Parent Information Evenings and so on.
Parents will receive information about these events in Newsletters and through
special invitations placed in pigeon holes.
á Birthdays.
Parents are encouraged to
send in a birthday cake on their childŐs birthday to share with the other
children in the group. We usually celebrate birthdays at Morning or Afternoon Tea
and parents are welcome to come along and share this special time. (Please note
lollies and sweets and other party food are discouraged as they are not
necessary and some children are not allowed to have them).
á Policy guidelines.
Information regarding Centre
Policies is available from the Director, in the form of a Policy Handbook.
Parents may borrow copies of this book on enrolment and throughout their
childŐs attendance. In general, parents
should approach the Director with any concerns or problems they have regarding
policies and procedures. The Centre has a Policy Review Committee which has
staff and parent representatives. This Committee reviews Policy on a two year
cycle with the Policies currently under review being posted on the CentreŐs web
page. Parents are welcome to read these, and make comment if they wish, through
the Director. Policy matters may also be placed on the agenda for Management
Committee meetings.
á Complaints.
The relationship between
staff and families is one of the key components in the development of a sense
of belonging and caring which is central to the vision and philosophy of the Centre.
In order to enhance and preserve this relationship any complaints, concerns or
differences of opinion need to be dealt with. This will allow for quick
resolution and minimal disruption to the day to day running of the Centre.
Any complaint should
initially be discussed with the person involved if this is appropriate or
possible, or with the Director. For further details refer to the Complaints
Policy and Procedures.
SECTION 10 - OTHER.
á Finding further information.
The following information is
given to each family by the Director in their enrolment pack :-
á Acton Early Childhood Centre Parent Handbook.
á Acton Early Childhood Centre Health Policy.
á Information on ACT Immunisation requirements.
á Brochures and Booklets on the childŐs room.
Further information can be
gained from the CentreŐs web page at www.anu.edu.au/childcare/aecc
Queries about the Centre are
always welcome and all efforts will be made to provide information in other
languages on request.
á Handbook and Conditions of Membership form.
Please sign and return the
attached form before your child commences care indicating that you have read
the Handbook and are aware of your commitments and responsibilities.
ACTON EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTRE
HANDBOOK
AND CONDITIONS OF MEMBERSHIP FORM.
Please read this handbook
carefully so you fully understand the commitment that you are undertaking and
your responsibilities to the Centre.
(Note: members who fail to comply with the conditions of membership set
out herein are liable to forfeit their care and be excluded from
membership.) When you have done so
please sign and return this page to the Director.
Thank you.
Family name _____________________________________________
Child/(children)Ős name: _____________________________________________
Parent's full name: _____________________________________________
Parent's full name: _____________________________________________
I have completed the
information card at the Centre. I
have read and agree to comply with the requirements set out in this handbook
and in the CentreŐs policies.
Signed: ________________________________ Dated: ___________
VISION STATEMENT.
Our Centre will provide for families and their
children a friendly, homely environment that is an extension of the childŐs
family situation.
Our Centre will share with parents the vital role of
caring for and educating their children focusing on developing a sense of
trust, security and love.
Our Centre will provide an environment rich in
experiences where nature and natural beauty are respected and admired.
Our Centre will enhance and develop childrenŐs
appreciation of the worldŐs diversity and wonderful potential for creativity. Reviewed and approved 10-2-09.
PHILOSOPHY
Our CentreŐs vision
emphasises the family, the homeliness of our Centre, and the richness of our
environment and natural surroundings.
We emphasise the important role the Centre plays in nurturing and
educating the children in our care through the development of trust, security
and loving relationships. Our
philosophy is founded on our knowledge that children are a part of a family and
a community. Children bring with them into the early childhood setting Ňfunds
of knowledgeÓ which are a part of who they are and how they learn.
Principles and practices that
best support our vision and meet the needs of our children and parents are:-
á
valuing the child as an
individual within the context of the family and the community
á
supporting parents in
their role as primary caregivers and sharing information of benefit to the
development of their child
á
valuing play as a medium
for all aspects of development and learning
á
acknowledging and
supporting childrenŐs individual learning styles
á
valuing the arts as
symbol systems through which children discover and express meaning and make
sense of themselves and their world
á
providing opportunities
for discovery learning through self-selected activities, and encouraging the
development of childrenŐs abilities to observe, perceive, explore, investigate,
imagine and problem solve
á
valuing positive
reinforcement of appropriate behaviour, thereby allowing the child to develop
self discipline and parent-supported value systems
á
valuing daily routines
such as eating, toileting, dressing and resting as opportunities for learning
and social development, and therefore ensuring that these times are engaging and
stimulating
á
respecting the needs and
rights of children to make choices and decisions by empowering them to take
responsibility for the functioning of parts of the daily routines
á
providing opportunities
for children to develop responsibility by encouraging them in taking care of
their environment and materials
á
valuing the cultures of
the children attending the Centre through presentation of relevant cultural
activities
á
recognising the need for
children to practice skills and consolidate their learning by providing
opportunities for repetition of experiences and extension of their ideas
á
designing and
establishing an enriched environment that stimulates the imagination, promotes
creativity and enhances aesthetic development and appreciation of nature
á
valuing and supporting
staff in their work with children and families and in their own professional
development
á
being responsive to the
needs of the community and abiding by the relevant laws and policies that
relate to the provision of quality childrenŐs services
Underlying these principles
and practices is our understanding of the need to promote childrenŐs
independence and their ability to work co-operatively with peers and adults
within an environment free of cultural or gender bias. Reviewed and Approved. July 2006.
Reviewed July 2008.
Acton Early Childhood Centre.
STAFFING ARRANGEMENTS.
á
Billy ButtonsŐ room.
Team Leader Janelle Keenan Diploma ChildrenŐs Services.
Second-in-charge Pixie
Borlase Diploma
ChildrenŐs Services.
(Shared position) Visual
Arts Degree.
Second-in charge Rosie
Chant Diploma
ChildrenŐs Services.
(Shared position)
Assistant/Floater Lisa
Skelton Certificate
Three ChildrenŐs Services.
Assistant/Floater Lorraine
Lovery
Assistant /Floater Annie
OŐConnell
á
SundewsŐ room.
Team Leader W,TH,F. Maree Keeling Diploma
ChildernŐs Services.
Team Leader / Lisa
Russell Diploma ChildrenŐs Services
Second in charge.
Assistant Michelle
Gerwien Cadetship
to Diploma to complete late 2009.
Assistant/Floater Lisa
Skelton Certificate
Three ChildrenŐs Services.
Assistant /Floater Dave
Crooks Certificate
Three ChildrenŐs Services.
Floater Sally
Currie
á
KanookasŐ room.
Team Leader/Teacher Nadia Frankham Bachelor
Education (Early Childhood)
Second-in-charge/Teacher Ruth
Zellar Bachelor
Education (Early Childhood)
Assistant Kara
Chapple Diploma
ChildrenŐs Services
Assistant / Floater Annie
OŐConnell
Assistant /Floater Dave
Crooks Certificate
Three ChildrenŐs Services.
á
Administration.
Director Wendy McDuff B.A.Dip.Ed.
Dip Early Ch. Ed.
Administrator Irene
Taylor-Smith
Please note – Every
effort is made to ensure that staff teams are maintained allowing children and
families consistency of care. Inevitably staff will be away or on leave from
time to time. Where possible these absences will be covered by existing team
members.
Acton Early Childhood Centre.
FINANACIAL INFORMATION FOR NEW FAMILIES.
When your child enters Child
Care there are a number of possible options parents may investigate if they
wish to access government assistance with the payment of fees.
Parents should inform
themselves about these options and make decisions about how they will deal with
the issues that are raised by participating in the various schemes available.
The areas parents should try
to inform themselves about include (but are not limited to):-
Information on these issues
may be found at www.familyassist.gov.au or you may phone the Family Assistance
Office on 13 61 50. For information about Salary Sacrificing procedures at the
ANU you should contact the ANU Payroll Office.
Parents who elect to claim
Childcare Benefit (CCB) will need to take note of the 30 days of Allowable
Absences each financial year. Please check at the web page above for
information on Allowable Absences. Parents are asked to obtain a Medical
Certificate for any absence their child may have due to ill health and provide
a copy of this to the CentreŐs Administrator. The absence will then be recorded
as a sick day and not an Allowable Absence.
The Centre is happy to assist
parents in the administration of the payments of fees, but it does not provide
advice about which government option would be best for a particular family.
Parents need to inform themselves and then choose the options which best meet
their needs.
Prepared 11-9-07.
Acton Early
Childhood Centre.
FEES POLICY.
AIM.
á To assist parents in understanding the importance of
timely fee payment in the smooth running of the Centre.
á To ensure that the financial viability of the Centre
is not threatened by non-payment of fees.
EXPLANATION.
Acton Early Childhood Centre
is a non-profit organisation. Over 85% of the CentreŐs costs are payable each
fortnight as salaries and associated expenses. The timely payment of fees is,
therefore, essential to the CentreŐs cash flow and ongoing financial viability.
ACTIONS.
~
Salary Sacrificing via the ANU
~
Payroll deductions
~
Periodic payments from a bank account
~
Internet banking
~
Cheque or Money Order
~
Over-the-counter deposit into the CentreŐs bank account at any branch of the
Commonwealth Bank
Name:
Acton Early Childhood Centre Inc.
BSB
Number: 062 – 903
Account
No: 1015 0336
Bank:
Commonwealth
Branch:
Australian National University.
Approved Parent Committee
Meeting November 2005.
Reviewed Policy Review
Committee 25-9-07.