Cranbourne Daycare and Kindergarten Centres Pty Ltd
Cranbourne Day Care
And
Kindergarten Centres Pty Ltd.
Welcome to Senior Kindergarten at The Barn for 2015
We hope your child’s year with us is as enjoyable and rewarding as it will be for us.
Kindergarten is an important year, one is which we want our children to be able to feel good about themselves and grow in confidence.
In the recent years we have welcomed the introduction of the new national framework – The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia. Fundamental to the framework is view where the children’s lives as characterised by belongingbeing and becoming.
Our program is in line with the National and Victorian Frameworks and places emphasis on the learning outcomes (identity, community, wellbeing, learning and communication).
Kindergarten encourages and promotes the learning outcomes of children by offering a range of developmentally appropriate experiences promoting the development of social and emotional skills as well as intellectual skills such a problem solving, language and communication, physical skills and fosters independence in the children, it also exposes the children to a range of experiences and activities involving world, community, family, music, dance, drama and story telling.
We look forward to working together with you next year and have included some helpful information about our kindergarten program.
We will commence our kinder year on Thursday 28th January 2015
TERM DATES FOR 2015.
Term 1: 28 January (school teacher’s start) to 27 March
Term 2: 13 April to 26 June
Term 3: 13 July to 18 September
Term 4: 5 October to 18 December
Our Kindergarten teacher will be Mrs Doralyn Chandel (the children will call her Mrs. Chandel)
Our Kindergarten assistant will be Ms. Sharon Cheeseman (the children will call her Ms. Sharon
WHAT TO BRING.
Please provide your child with a special kinder bag that they can bring to each kinder session and make sure it is clearly named, we often see two or three of the most popular ones. We ask that your child brings along a snack and lunch to kinder each day. We also ask that your child has a change of clothes (just in case), Broad brimmed hats for outside play, (the hats we will be kept at the centre in individual hat pockets,) and coats for the cooler months for each session.
SESSION TIMES AND PUNCTUALITY.
- Group One – MONDAY, Tuesday & WEDNESDAY 9AM – 3PM
- Group One – Monday, Wednesday & THURSDAY 9AM – 3PM
- Group Two – MONDAY, Tuesday & Thursday 9AM – 3PM
- Group Two – Tuesday, Wednesday & THURSDAY 9AM – 3PM
For the program to run smoothly it is important that you adhere to these times as closely as possible.We also offer Day Care before 9.00am and after 3.00pm each day if you require it.
KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM.
Our preschool program is based on the new Victorian Early Years Development Framework. The framework as mentioned earlier uses the five outcomes to describe the key elements of the children’s learning and development.
- Children have a strong sense of identity (Identity)
- Children are connected with and contribute to their world (Community)
- Children have a strong sense of wellbeing (Wellbeing)
- Children are confident and involved learners (Learning)
- Children are effective communicators (Communication)
The framework uses the outcomes to provide a coherent description of children development from birth –eight years. Early Childhood teachers already document children’s kerning in many ways – the Framework will mean that the children’s learning will be shared more formally and consistently with families and educators across the state, irrespective of where the child has come from or which school they are going to.
Should staff have any concerns regarding a child’s development; parents will be approached in order for discussions to take place. We are able to refer children onto specialist agencies with parent’s approval. If parents have any questions regarding their child or how they are progressing, staff is always available for informal chat. Furthermore interviews can be scheduled if more convenient or appropriate. Formal midyear interviews and school transition meetings will be scheduled throughout the year.
Our programs are inspected regularly by our national governing ACECQA replaced our previous state governing body. ACECQA will conduct a quality rating process to all services in Australia from 2012 – 2015.
FAMILY INVOLVEMENT.
Family involvement is an integral part of our program, and the early part of our kindergarten year is often marked with a special “family night”. This gives all members of each family the opportunity to become familiar with the kindergarten environment, meet others, share in a meal and be entertained by a special performer who is hired for the evening.
Adult involvement is most welcome during kindergarten sessions and a roster will be available each term for you to indicate if or when you can assist. The children love the participation of Mum, Dad, Grandma or Grandpa, and this involvement helps to uphold the value of pre-school education. Should you wish to share any special talents with us please do so: music, drama, art and cooking are always fascinating for this age group. We wish to reflect the diversity of people and families in our community so please inform us of any special culture or tradition that we can incorporate: dress, music, food, celebrations etc. Are you a community helper, dentist, nurse, police officer etc ??
Other opportunities for family participation arise throughout the year including special person’s night, excursions and Christmas concert and party.
EXCURSIONS
A number of excursions and special visitors are organised throughout the year. The children love these excursions which have a dual purpose of broadening the children’s experiences and enriching the kindergarten program. We welcome parent participation in these events.
We are fortunate to be within close proximity of a number of the town’s services (post office, library, bakeries, etc) which are convenient yet important places of interest. Our excursion days will also take us further afield to e.g. a farm, traffic school, museum / science works, and the Melbourne Zoo. The use of the centre’s mini-buses helps to keep the cost to a minimum.
Visitors to our program can add a new and exciting dimension to our curriculum and may include a reptile show, aboriginal educator, dance and drama show or a nurse from the hospital in schools education program.
Details of each excursion or special visitor will be provided in advance, to allow for the prompt return of permission forms and monies. All excursion costs are on top of your regular fees.
ASSESSMENT / SCHOOL READINESS AND TRANSITION.
Children’s progress is closely monitored throughout the year and comprehensive records are kept on each one’s development in the key learning areas outlined in the Early Years Learning and Development Framework.
An opportunity to formally discuss your own child’s progress will be offered mid-year during parent-teacher interviews. It is beneficial to identify children’s strengths as well as their areas of need, so that specific goals can be targeted by both the teacher and parent for the remainder of the year. These goals may vary from using an appropriate pencil grip to developing healthy assertiveness or maybe improving balance and co-ordination. Goals are more achievable when there is a ‘partnership’ involved.
Your child’s school readiness will also be discussed at this time and consideration given to the school of your choice. Schools in the Cranbourne district liaise closely with our kindergarten and provide comprehensive details on information evenings, school tours, enrolment procedures, etc. Much of this information will be on display on our kinder notice board between June and August. We suggest you make direct contact with the school late in Term 2 or early Term 3. Enrolments (which include current immunisation status) must be finalised by end of term 3 at the latest.
We have a wide variety of literature on the subject “Ready for School, or Not” and will make this material available for your reading throughout the year so that, after discussion with the kindergarten teacher, your decision can be ‘well informed’.
Our local schools offer excellent transition programs late in the year – where the children have several arranged visits to familiarise them with the school setting. These visits can be invaluable in helping to make a smooth transition from kinder to school and are highly recommended. Each school nominates their own chosen dates and these will be confirmed with you upon enrolment.
FUN IN THE SUN.
Our sunsmart policy requires all children and staff to wear broad brimmed hats and 30+ sunscreen whilst outside between 1st September and 30th April each year, as even on overcast and cool day’s skin damage can occur due to the U.V rays.
Please provide a clearly named hat for your child each day, hats are stored in their bags while not in use.Caps and visors are not appropriate as they do not protect the neck and ears, whereas broad brimmed hats provide all over protection. We would also appreciate sunscreen being applied to your child before the session commences, we do have sunscreen that can be applied as children arrive. Staff will always ensure that their skin is properly protected.
Please dress your child in clothing that reflects our sunsmart policy – singlets and halter tops give little protection against the sun and are therefore best avoided.
As a registered sunsmart centre we would appreciate your support in our endeavour to encourage and educate children on the need to be sunsmart.
Please dress your child in clothing that is suitable for climbing and the weather. Appropriate footwear is also important, soft soled shoes that protect the feet and do not slip off easily, thongs are not advised. Whilst smocks are provided for “messy” play they do not always protect the clothes, therefore it is advised that your child is not dressed in their “Sunday best”.
FEES.
All fees need to be paid weekly, as per our fee policy (outlined in our policy book), unless you would like to pay by our preferred method of once a week direct debit. You can request the direct debit forms from the co-ordinator.
We do issue invoices once a month. If regular payments are not made that child’s position will be reviewed.
Each family is entitled to some childcare benefit (CCB), this is applied for through the Family Assistance Office (FAO) at Centre Link. CCB must be registered for within five days of commencing kindergarten, it is the parent’s responsibility to do this.
We accept cheques, cash and have eftpos facilities. Please see Julie to make payments.
ACCIDENTS.
In the case of a child being injured at the centre, a qualified first aider will administer appropriate first aid. An accident report will be filled in detailing what occurred and what treatment was provided, this form will be signed by the first aider, and by the parent on collecting the child. If it is deemed that the child needs further medical attention, then the parents or emergency contact will be notified to arrange this, if no one can be reached the child will be transported in a staff member’s car to the Casey Medical Centre. Should the incident be more serious an ambulance will be summoned. Please refer to the centre policy booklet for more details.
ENROLMENTS.
Upon enrolling your child a yellow and blue enrolment card must be completed, as well as green child information form. It is vitally important that up to date daytime contact details are maintained for parents, guardians and those people nominated as emergency contacts. Please ensure that information regarding court orders relating to custody, allergies, sensitivities, health concerns and immunisation status are provided. The permission forms are also required. Please see office staff for any assistance with the enrolment process.
SIGNING IN & OUT:
It is extremely important that all children be signed in and out of the attendance book stating their full name, correct time of arrival/departure and parent signature. It is a requirement that you let us know if someone else is collecting your child (this person must be nominated on the blue form, and carry photo id). Staff will be able to help you with this so you become familiar with the format. No child will be released into the care of an unauthorised person.
A copy of any court orders must be provided.
FRUIT, SNACKS AND DRINKS.
WE ARE A NUT FREE CENTRE SO PLEASE NO NUT ITEMS...
Children are required to bring a nutritious snack e.g. cheese, sultanas, fruit etc for each session in a clearly named snack/lunch box.Please ensure it is nutritious as we are keen to promote healthy eating habits no lollies, chocolate or chips please.If your child brings anything that requires refrigeration please label the item and hand it to staff to place in the fridge. We are able to cut fruit up during snack time, and will provide a choice of milk or water. Please refer to the centre policy book for foods which are not permitted.
We love celebrating birthdays and special occasions so you are welcome to bring in a cake or special treat that we can share. Please ensure that any brought cakes have their use by date, and ingredients listed and that they are handed to staff to be stored in the fridge. Our nutrition policy contains a list of foods that we are not permitted to serve, as well as our food safety program.
PERSONAL TOYS.
We recognise that some children need to bring in security items to aid them in settling in, staff will do their best to ensure that they are kept safe and sound. Please let the teachers know if they do have anything in their bag that they can use as a comfort from time to time. We encourage peaceful and cooperative play, and as such requires that items that are brought from home reflect this ie: no war toys, guns or items that could give offence. A book to share at mat time is most welcome and more appropriate than toys.
THE PARTING PROCESS.
For some children kinder is the first time away for the family in an unfamiliar setting. Orientation sessions assist the children in the transition process; however there are often a few nerves for both parent and child for the first few weeks.
When your child begins kinder there are a few things you can do to help your child feel more comfortable: help them to put their bag away, wash their hands and join in an activity outside. When you are ready to leave please let staff know so that they can assist in the parting process. Be positive and confident about leaving your child as they will pick up on any hesitation you feel which will make parting more upsetting. Always say goodbye and reinforce that you will be back to pick him/her up, try not to prolong your departure after saying goodbye even if they are distressed. The kindergarten staff are very experienced at encouraging children to settle, and will ring if the child remains upset. Parents are always welcome to call to check on their progress.
MEDICATION.
Should your child be on medication that requires administration during kinder, please ensure that the bottle/container is handed to a staff member on arrival, and that the appropriate medication form is properly filled in. We are not able to give prescription medication to a child unless it has been prescribed specifically for them. Please ensure that you sign the form again upon collecting your child, and pick up the medication. Please refer to our policy book for further information on this topic.
ILLNESS.
If your child is absent due to illness, please notify us as we are required to keep a log of children’s illnesses. It is helpful to know if there is anything infectious that could be passed on to other children, in which case a notice will be displayed on the front door. If your child becomes ill during the session, we will notify parents immediately. Please do not send your child to kinder if they are unwell because it is unfair to both children and staff. Please refer to our policy book for more information on illness and our exclusion policy.
LOST PROPERTY.
Please label all bags, hats, coats, snack boxes and other personal belongings very clearly. A lost property box is located in the centre where all items that have been left behind and are unnamed will be placed. Please check the box regularly. All lost property is donated to charity at the end of each term.