2017 Parent Handbook (02.01.17)...2017/02/01 · registered as an Approved Provider and receives funding from the Queensland Kindergarten Funding Scheme (QKFS) through C&K as its

Parent Handbook

Banks Street Newmarket Community Preschooling Centre Inc. Affiliated with C&K /CGB Registered with the Office for Early Childhood Education and Care Queensland Kindergarten Funding Scheme

Commencement Information

Director: Ann Lock (email: [email protected])

Educational Leaders: Ann Lock – Bees Group

Michelle Casey – Butterflies Group

Assistant Educators: Judy Duff – Bees Group

Rachel Edwardson – Butterflies Group

Artist- in-Residence: Kath Reilly - Wednesday Wonder

Administrative Assistant: Elizabeth Oliver

Keeping In Touch

Useful Contacts

Creche&KindergartenAssoc.ofQld(C&KAssociationofQld)Ph:1800177092E-mail:[email protected]:www.candk.asn.auAustralianChildren’sEducationandCareQualityAuthority(ACECQA)Ph:13004ACECQA(1300422327)Email:[email protected]

EarlyChildhoodEducationandCare

KindyHotlinePh:18004KINDY(54639)FreeinterpretingsupportPh:13QGOV(137468)Email:[email protected]

(07) 3352 6940

[email protected]

15 Banks St, Newmarket, QLD, 4051

PO Box 3135, Newmarket, QLD 4051

banksstkindy.org

BanksStreetKindy–2017ParentsHandbook 3

TABLEOFCONTENTS

WelcometoBanksStreetKindy.............................................................................................................................5

MissionStatement............................................................................................................................................5AboutBanksStreetKindy......................................................................................................................................6

BriefHistory.......................................................................................................................................................6BanksStreetKindyToday..................................................................................................................................6OurStaff............................................................................................................................................................7StudentTeachersandVolunteers.....................................................................................................................8WorkExperienceandOtherStudents...............................................................................................................8CodeofConduct................................................................................................................................................9

Children’sProgram–LearningThroughPlay.......................................................................................................10CurriculumFrameworks..................................................................................................................................11TheNationalQualityFramework....................................................................................................................12Visitors.............................................................................................................................................................12ArtProgram.....................................................................................................................................................13

GuidingBehaviour...............................................................................................................................................15DaybyDay...........................................................................................................................................................15

TypicalDailyRoutine.......................................................................................................................................15ArrivalandDeparture......................................................................................................................................16Separation.......................................................................................................................................................16Children’sRequirements.................................................................................................................................17Food.................................................................................................................................................................18AllergiesandIntolerances............................................................................................................................19Birthdays......................................................................................................................................................19Tuckshop......................................................................................................................................................19

ParentPlayDate..............................................................................................................................................19VolunteerBlueCard.....................................................................................................................................20

ManagementoftheCentre.................................................................................................................................21CommunityManagement...............................................................................................................................21MajorRolesontheParentManagementCommittee..................................................................................22

CentreSupportObligations.............................................................................................................................23KeyDutiesandResponsibilitiesoftheDirector,TeacherandAssistants........................................................23Parents’Responsibilities..................................................................................................................................23

ChannelsofCommunication................................................................................................................................24ComplaintsandCompliments.........................................................................................................................25ProvisionforHandlingComplaints..................................................................................................................25

AdministrativeMatters........................................................................................................................................25CentreOperation.............................................................................................................................................25Hours............................................................................................................................................................25TermDates2017..........................................................................................................................................25

EnrolmentRequirementsandProcedures......................................................................................................25WaitingListPolicy........................................................................................................................................25EnrolmentProcedures.................................................................................................................................25

Orientation......................................................................................................................................................26OrientationEvening.....................................................................................................................................26PlayatKindy.................................................................................................................................................26MeetwithAnn,Judy,Michelle&RachelBeforeStartofTerm1................................................................26


Costs................................................................................................................................................................27Insurance.........................................................................................................................................................28BuildingFund...................................................................................................................................................28Fundraising......................................................................................................................................................28AbsencesandHolidays....................................................................................................................................28

HealthandHygienePolicies.................................................................................................................................28Immunisation(C&KPolicySO01.07)................................................................................................................29SickChildPolicy...............................................................................................................................................29Injuries.............................................................................................................................................................30Medication......................................................................................................................................................30

WorkplaceHealthandSafety..............................................................................................................................31FireDrillsandEvacuations...............................................................................................................................31

TraveltoKindy.....................................................................................................................................................31CarParkGuidelines.........................................................................................................................................31

LookingForwardtotheYearAhead....................................................................................................................32UsefulLinks..........................................................................................................................................................32

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land and pay our respects to the Elders, past, present and future – for they hold the memories, the traditions, the

culture and hopes of all Australians. We remember that this land, is, was and always will be traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land.


WELCOMETOBANKSSTREETKINDY

WewouldliketotakethisopportunitytowelcomeyoutoBanksStreetNewmarketCommunityPre-schoolingCentre(orBanksStreetKindy).Wehopethatyourassociationwithuswillbeahappyandarewardingone,forbothyouandyourfamily.

Thisbooklethasbeenpreparedtohelpparentsunderstandtheaimsandobjectivesofearlychildhoodeducation,andtheby-lawsgoverningtheoperationofourCentre.Itishopedthatthiswillleadtoafullerappreciationoftheoperationofan“affiliated”C&KKindergartenandencourageregularparticipationbyparentsintheCentre’soperations.

MISSIONSTATEMENT

BanksStreetKindysupportsachild’sideas,experiencesandunderstandingsinalearningenvironmentthatvaluesplay.TheCentresupportsachildandhis/herfamilyunit,workingtogethertoencourageachild’sdispositiontolearnandcreate.

Whenchildrenenteranearlychildhoodsetting,theybringwiththemarichvarietyofculturalandsocialbackgroundsandexperiences.ThisCentrerecognisestheindividualityofeachchildandfamilyandobservesapolicyofinclusion,regardlessofgender,abilityorculture.

ThisCentreactivelypromotesconservationandencourageschildrenandfamiliestoprotecttheenvironment.Nativeanimalsandinsectsaretreatedwithcareandareallowedtoremainfreeforchildrentoobserve.Careoftheenvironmentisfosteredamongchildrenandadults.Theuseoffreshfoodisencouragedtoreducetheover-useofpackaging.Thisisaconservationissueaswellasanutritionalone.


ABOUTBANKSSTREETKINDY

BRIEFHISTORY

TheCentrebeganasStAmbroseCommunityPre-SchoolandKindergartenandwaslocatedatStAmbrose’sSchoolfor11.5years.In2006theKindergartenwasrelocatedtoaclassroomwithinNewmarketStateSchool(NSS)withtheintentionofmovingintoanewbuildingwithin6months.In2011,aftermanyyearsoffundraisingandaBER(BuildingtheEducationRevolution)Grant,wemovedintoourlovelynewbuildingandgardenswithinthegroundsoftheNewmarketStateSchool.

Sincemovingintothenewbuilding,anumberofprojectshavebeenundertakenwhichhaveincluded:• ExtensiveLandscapingincluding:

o Gardenaroundthesandpitandsunshadeoverthestagearea.o Establishmentofthechildren’sediblegarden.o BeeandButterflyGardensatthefrontoftheCentre.

• PurchaseofaninteractivewhiteboardandiPads.• Air-conditioningfortheCentre,andupgradeofappliances.• UseofStoryparkApp-anelectronicPortfolio,allowingparents’accesstotheirchild’slearningand

showcasetheKindycurriculum(https://www.storypark.com/).

BANKSSTREETKINDYTODAY

BanksStreetKindyisaffiliatedwiththeCreche&KindergartenAssociationofQueensland(C&K).TheCentreisregisteredasanApprovedProviderandreceivesfundingfromtheQueenslandKindergartenFundingScheme(QKFS)throughC&KasitsCentralGoverningBody(CGB).InMay2015theCentrewasassessedandsubsequentlyratedundertheNationalQualityFramework(NQF),receivingtheratingof“Exceeding”fromtheAustralianChildren’sEducationandCareQualityAuthority(ACECQA).

Wecurrentlyoffera5dayfortnightPre-Prepprogram.Eachprogramrunsfrom8.30am–2.30pm,witheachgroupconsistingofamaximumof22childrenwhoattendMondays,TuesdaysandalternateWednesdays,oralternateWednesdays,ThursdaysandFridays.Visitwww.bankstkindy.orgforacalendaroftermdates.

Asanon-profitorganisation,theCentre:• Iscommunityoperated/managedandisadministeredbyanelectedcommitteeofparents(the

ParentManagementCommittee);• Hasanapprovedsetofrules;• Meetsthefollowingrequiredstandards:

o Qualifiedandapprovedearlychildhoodeducators;o Anapprovededucationalprogram;o Anapprovedratioofstafftochildren;o Abuildingofapproveddesign;o Anapprovedoutdoorplayarea;ando Adequateandsuitableequipmentforbothindoorsandoutdoors;

• Hascloseparent-teacherco-operation;• IsadvisedbyaChildren’sServicesManagerandanEducationPracticeAdvisorfromC&K;• ReceivesagrantfromtheDepartmentofEducationandtheTraining(throughtheQKFS),towardsthe

costofrunningthecentre;• Issupportedbyfundraisingbyandwithintheparentcommunity;and• Paysrentforuseofthebuilding(itisownedbytheQueenslandDepartmentofEducation).


OURSTAFF

Wearefortunatetohavehighlyqualifiedandexperiencedstaff.Allstaffmembersholdcurrentfirstaidcertificatesandparticipateinvariousprofessionaldevelopmentactivitiessuchasworkshopsandconferences.ThisissupportedandactivelyencouragedbytheParentManagementCommittee.

DIRECTOR:AnnLock(B. Ed Dip BKTC, Blue Card, FirstAid and CPR, Anaphylaxis andAsthmaTraining)Mrs Lock is theDirector, CertifiedSupervisorandEducationalLeader

to the Bees Group. As Director Ann also has non-contact timeeveryWednesdayfortnight to facilitatetrainingandpreparationactivities.Mrs Lock is the heart of Banks Street Kindy havingbeen with the Centre since its beginning at StAmbrose 22 years ago.Mrs Lock taught a further 8yearselsewhere.MrsLockhasan incrediblepassionfor teaching and natural ability to engage thechildren, whilst teaching them invaluable life skills.Her interests in nature, culture, and learning newthings are ingrained in theday to day curriculumatthekindy.Inhersparetime,MrsLocklovesspendingtimewithher2grandchildren.FromMrsLock:“I lovethewonderofyoungchildrenandthespontaneityoftheday’splay.”

EDUCATIONALLEADER:MichelleCasey(B. Ed/Early Childhood, Blue Card,First Aid & CPR, Anaphylaxis andAsthmaTraining)MrsCasey is theCertifiedSupervisor

andEducationalLeaderforthe“ButterfliesGroup”.

Mrs Casey joined the Kindy in 2015 after being aTeaching Assistant for 3 years prior – whilst alsocompleting her Bachelor of Education in EarlyChildhooddegreeandraising4childrenatthesametime! Her passion for early childhood educationbeganafterbecomingamotherin2002.

FromMrsCasey:“Ibelievethateachchildisauniqueindividual and should be viewed, respected andtreated as such. I am passionate about educatingchildren - time passes so quickly, the developmentalstages are amazing to witness. Working withchildrenconnectsmetoamore innocentviewoftheworld.IlovethatIamhelpingtoinfluencethelifeofsomeone and hope I can give the children a love of

learning as this foundation will be carried intoadulthood."

ASSISTANTEDUCATOR:JudyDuff(Cert III, Blue Card, First Aid andCPR, Anaphylaxis and AsthmaTraining)

Mrs Duff is a Certified Supervisor and AssistantEducatorforthe“BeesGroup”.Mrs Duff joined the Kindy when it was still at St.Ambrose in 2004. Between New Zealand andAustralia,shehas33years’experienceworkingwithchildrenunder5years.MrsDuffisalsoamotherof2anddotinggrandmotherof4.FromMrsDuff:“Watching&sharingachild’sjourneyisaprivilege,sharingthosespecialmomentsaseachchild slowly become aware and understands theirworld.Formethisisnotajob,butalifestylethathasdelightfuloutcomes.”

ASSISTANTEDUCATOR:RachelEdwardson(DiplomaChildServices,BlueCard,FirstAidandCPR,AnaphylaxisandAsthmatraining)

Rachel is the Certified Supervisor and AssistantEducatorforthe“ButterfliesGroup”.RachelstartedworkingatBanksStreetKindyin2008as an Inclusive Assistant. Her career in EarlyChildhood Education began in 1993 and includesworkinfamilydaycare,longdaycareandTESOLinaprimaryschoolinTheNetherlands.From Rachel: “Banks Street Kindy is a place thatvaluesnature,creativity,communityconnectionsandlearninginasocialplaybasedenvironment.ChildrenwhospendtimeatBanksStreetKindyexperienceanimportant foundation to a life of learning, with thehelpofinterestededucatorsandlovingfamilies.”


ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE:KathReilly(EN,BFAandBlueCard)

Ourmulti-talented“KaththeArtLady”holdsaBachelorofFineArtmajoringinIllustrationQCA2000,aswellashavingabackgroundinnursingandchildcare.Kathbeganfacilitatinggroupartworks for theAnnualBanksStreetArtShowin2007.SheisanincredibleArtistandcommunicatessowellwiththechildren,enlightening them to the wonders thatsurround us, and teaching them how todescribe their ideas verbally and throughart.From Kath: “Why I love working here? AtBanksStreetKindyIamalwaysoverjoyedtosee how much the children (and theirfamilies)aresupported–asacommunity,asindividualsand ina creative capacity. I loveseeing the children share ideas and exploreproblems together. It’s a home away fromhome and a pleasure to work with such apositiveandknowledgeableteam.”

ADMINISTRATIONASSISTANT:ElizabethOliver(BBM,MPA,BlueCard)

Elizabeth is ourexceptionally qualifiedAdminAssistantandgo-togirl for almost anyquestion. Elizabethstarted at Banks StreetKindyin2010andholdsa

BachelorofBusiness,majoringinHospitalityManagement,andaMastersofProfessionalAccounting.Elizabeth brightens every room she is in, isan all-round good chook, and an incredibleassettotheKindy.ElizabethworksonTuesdayandFridaymornings,8.30am-1.00pm.

STUDENTTEACHERSANDVOLUNTEERS

Duringtheyear,studentteachersmayattendtheCentretocompletepracticeteachingblocks.AllstudentsareaccountabletotheDirectorandmustholdaBlueCard.StudentswithanegativenoticemustnotvolunteertheirservicesattheCentreandwillnotbeabletofulfiltheirpracticumrequirementsattheCentre.AnyphotographstakenattheCentrebystudentteacherswillnotberemovedfromtheCentre.

VolunteersmustalsoholdaBlueCard.Iftheyhaveanegativenotice,theymustimmediatelynotifytheDirectorandwithdrawtheirservicesfromtheCentre.

WORKEXPERIENCEANDOTHERSTUDENTS

ThisCentresupportstheinclusionofworkexperiencestudentsintheeducationalprogram.ThiscanbeimplementedonalimitedbasisuponrequestfromtheschoolliaisonofficerandinconsultationwiththeDirector.StudentsandvolunteersmustsignintoregistertheirattendanceattheCentre.


CODEOFCONDUCT

C&K is an organisation that expects the highest standards of professionalism from all its

personnel. People are expected to behave in a respectful, ethical, professional manner in accordance with legislation at all times, irrespective of duties or employment status. People are to be treated fairly – not discriminated against, abused or exploited. People

should be treated as individuals with rights to be honoured and defended. Individuals not only have rights but also duties and responsibilities to others to act openly and honestly. People are to exhibit courteous behaviour, avoid doing harm to others and to

uphold the standards expected of members of the community. Individuals are required to protect the rights of others and to respect the diversity of cultures and people. C&K requires the values of openness, honesty, tolerance, fairness and responsibility in all

social, moral and business matters. C&K follows, and expects all individuals with whom it associates, to adhere to the principles set out in the ECA Code of Ethics. Failure to adhere to this policy, or any of its associated documents, may result in disciplinary

action being taken up to and including termination of employment for staff, refusal of service for clients, and / or the dissolving of contractual agreements.

C&K Policy Statement from Policy C0:04 Code of Ethics & Code of Conduct

WhilstinvolvedwiththeBanksStreetNewmarketCommunityPre-schoolingCentre,staff,parents,children,volunteersandvisitorsaretobeguidedbythisstatement,respectingprofessionalandpersonalboundariesandbehavinginanappropriateandethicalmannerreflectedbyourdress,actionsandlanguage.

Wewillallendeavourto:

• Respecttherightsanddignityofeveryperson,regardlessoftheirabilities,gender,religionorculturalbackground;

• Raiseconcernswithstaffandcommitteemembersinarespectfulmanner;• Notsmokeoruseharmful/illicitsubstancesordrinkalcoholwhilstonthepremises;• CommittothesafetyandwellbeingofallyoungchildrenandtheirsiblingsattendingtheCentre;• Wearrespectfulattire/clothing;• BeguidedbyC&K’sPolicy–ProcedureS0:4.8GuidingChildren’s

BehaviourandQuickReferenceGuide(copyavailable);and• Topromotethesafety,andrespectthebeliefsofallchildren

andfamilies,whenyouareatthecentrepleaseonlyemail,textorpostonsocialmediasitesimagesorrecordingofyourownchild.

• Youwillhavegiven,orwithheld,yourpermissionforBanksStreetKindyand/orC&Ktouseyourchild’simages/recordingsformarketingorcommunications.IfyoueverwanttochangeyourpreferencepleasetalktotheDirector.Ifyouhaveanyquestionsorconcernspleaseletusknow.BanksStreetKindy’sPrivacyPolicyisalsoavailableattheKindy,orletusknowifyou’dlikeacopyemailed,formoreinformation.


CHILDREN’SPROGRAM–LEARNINGTHROUGHPLAY

AnearlychildhoodsettingiscreatedattheCentresothateachchildwhoattendscanfindasafeandsecureenvironmentinwhichtodeveloptheirabilitiesandinterests.


CURRICULUMFRAMEWORKS

TheplaybasedcurriculumattheCentreisguidedbyC&K’sCurriculumBuildingWaterfalls2(“BW2”)whichreflectsthepedagogyoftheFederalGovernment’sEarlyYearsLearningFramework(“EYLF”).IfparentswouldliketoaccessorperuseacopyofBuildingWaterfalls2,pleasedonothesitatetoaskthestaff.InformationabouttheEYLFcanbeaccessedathttps://docs.education.gov.au/system/files/doc/other/belonging_being_and_becoming_the_early_years_learning_framework_for_australia.pdf.

TheEarlyYearsLearningFramework(EYLF)isfrequentlyreferencedthroughouttheKindyyearbyeducators.YouwillbegintoseehowtheframeworkisreferencedduringplaythroughresourceslikeStorypark.Theframeworkidentifiesthefollowingfiveoutcomesforallchildrenandprovidesteacherswithcommonlanguageinexpressingearlychildhooddevelopment:

• Outcome1-Identity-Childrenhaveastrongsenseofidentityo Childrenfeelsafe,secureandsupportedo Childrendeveloptheiremergingautonomy,inter-dependence,resilienceandsenseof

agencyo Childrendevelopknowledgeableandconfidentselfidentitieso Childrenlearntointeractinrelationtootherswithcare,empathyandrespect

• Outcome2-Community-Childrenareconnectedwithandcontributetotheirworld

o Childrendevelopasenseofbelongingtogroupsandcommunitiesandanunderstandingofthereciprocalrightsandresponsibilitiesnecessaryforactivecommunityparticipation

o Childrenrespondtodiversitywithrespecto Childrenbecomeawareoffairnesso Childrenbecomesociallyresponsibleandshowrespectfortheenvironment

• Outcome3-Wellbeing-Childrenhaveastrongsenseofwellbeing

o Childrenbecomestrongintheirsocialandemotionalwellbeingo Childrentakeincreasingresponsibilityfortheirownhealthandphysicalwellbeing

• Outcome4-Learning-Childrenareconfidentandinvolvedlearners

o Childrendevelopdispositionsforlearningsuchascuriosity,cooperation,confidence,creativity,commitment,enthusiasm,persistence,imaginationandreflexivity

o Childrendeveloparangeofskillsandprocessessuchasproblemsolving,inquiry,experimentation,hypothesising,researchingandinvestigating

o Childrentransferandadaptwhattheyhavelearnedfromonecontexttoanothero Childrenresourcetheirownlearningthroughconnectingwithpeople,place,technologies

andnaturalandprocessedmaterials

• Outcome5-Communication-Childrenareeffectivecommunicatorso Childreninteractverballyandnon-verballywithothersforarangeofpurposeso Childrenengagewitharangeoftextsandgainmeaningfromthesetextso Childrenexpressideasandmakemeaningusingarangeofmediao Childrenbegintounderstandhowsymbolsandpatternsystemsworko Childrenuseinformationandcommunicationtechnologiestoaccessinformation,investigate

ideasandrepresenttheirthinking

AttheendofthePre-PrepyearteachersprovidefamilieswithaTransitionStatementtoassistinthetransitiontoschool.AsecondcopyofthisStatementisforthechild’supcomingPrepteacher.


THENATIONALQUALITYFRAMEWORK

TheNationalQualityFramework(NQF),introducedfrom1January2012,appliestokindergartens,long-daycare,familydaycareandoutsideschoolhourscareservicesacrossAustralia.TheNQFconsistsofanationallegislativeframework(theEducationandCareServicesNationalLaw2010andtheEducationandCareServicesNationalRegulations2011),theNationalQualityStandards,andanationalqualityratingandassessmentprocessthroughwhichservicesareassessedagainsttheNationalQualityStandardbyRegulatoryAuthorities.BanksStreetKindywasmostrecentlyassessedinMay2015andgiventheratingof“Exceeding”.

Educationandcareserviceswillbeassessedandrated,withafocuson7keyqualityareasoftheNationalQualityStandards:

1. Educationalprogramandpractice;2. Children’shealthandsafety;3. Physicalenvironment;4. Staffingarrangements(includingthenumberofstafflookingafterchildren);5. Relationshipswithchildren;6. Collaborativepartnershipswithfamiliesandcommunities;and7. Leadershipandservicemanagement.

TheNationalRegulationsrequireapprovedservicestohaveaQualityImprovementPlan(QIP).TheaimofaQIPistohelpprovidersself-assesstheirperformanceindeliveringqualityeducationandcareandtoplanfutureimprovements.TheQIPassiststheregulatoryauthoritieswiththeirassessmentoftheservice.AQIPenablesproviderstodocumentthestrengthsoftheirservicesandtorecogniseareasforimprovement.

ItisimportantthattheQIPisdevelopedwithinputfromtheentireBanksStreetKindycommunity,includingcommittee,parents,childrenandeducators.

FurtherinformationontheNationalQualityFrameworkisavailableatwww.acecqa.com.au

VISITORS

BanksStreetKindyplansmanyrelevantandhighlyeducationalvisitsfortheChildrenduringtheyear.Thesearedesignedtoextendtheinterestsandunderstandingsofthechildren.Youwillbeinformedoftheseevents.WealsoliketomakeregularvisitstoNewmarketStateSchool,especiallythelibrary,andtheeducatortostudentratiois1adultper11childrenforexcursionswithintheschoolgrounds.

Possible/Typicalvisitorsandexcursionswemaytakepartin:

• EasterHatParadeandUnder8sDaywithNewmarketStateSchool• BookWeekatNewmarketStateSchool• ChickenHatchingProgram• BrisbaneCityCouncilRecyclingProgram• AlocalDentisttotalkaboutcaringforourteeth• PoliceOfficertotalkaboutPersonalSafety• AnIndigenousEducator

Inthepastyogahasbeenaparent-ledactivityincorporatedintothechildren’sdailyroutine.Parentstakingonthisrolehavebeenphysiotherapists,Pilate’sinstructorsorveryinterested(andable)amateurs.Thechildrenloveitandbenefitgreatlyfromtheexperience.Maybeyoucouldtakethisonin2017?


ARTPROGRAM

EveryWednesday,BanksStreetKindyissoprivilegedtohaveKath‘theArtLady’ReillyalternatebetweentheBeesandButterfliesgroups,totakethechildrenonacreativejourneyexploringcolour,line,drawingandobservation.

Kathsharesacorethemewiththechildrenatthestartofeachyear(e.g.in2016thefocuswas‘birds’),andthisisdevelopeduponweekbyweek.Astrongfocusoftheartprogramistoencouragethechildrentotrulyembedthemselvesinthenaturalenvironmentandformulateaplanfromwhattheyencounter.Artisawonderfulwayforchildrentoexpressandarticulatetheirthoughts,bothverballyandthroughcreation.

Eachtermhasaspecificfocus(e.g.ImaginationorObservation)andthechildrenusevariousmediumstodeveloptheirskillsandshowtheircreativeflair.Also,inTerm1parentsareinvitedtoattendaneveningtolearnabouttheprogramandworkonacollaborativeartworkaswell.

TheArtProgramculminatesinthehighlightoftheKindyyear–theAnnualArtEveningwhereparentsandfriendsviewtheincrediblecollaborationthechildrenhavebeenworkingon!

TheArtProgramisanincrediblyrewardingexperienceforchildren,educatorsandparentsalike.ItisabespokeprogramforthechildrenofBanksStreetKindy

andconsistentlysurprisesanddelightsusall!

Selectionofimagesfromclassesof2016“BirdsofaFeather”ArtNight


Imagesfromclassesof2015“WeareallArtists”ArtNight


GUIDINGBEHAVIOUR

Positiveguidanceisusedtoassistachildtosubstituteappropriatebehaviourforinappropriatebehaviour.Thedignityofthechildistoberespected.

OurstaffreferenceC&K’sPolicyS0:4.8GuidingChildren’sBehaviourandtheQuickReferenceGuide–GuidingChildren’sBehaviour.ThisisbasedontheworkofDrLouisePorter.

Thediscussionstyleofproblemsolvinghelpschildrentobecomeresponsibledecisionmakersandteachesthemtoberesponsivetotheneedsofothers.(Dingle,A.C.;ParentSurvivalKit,pg.30).

Theobjectiveistoassistchildrentomanagetheirownbehaviourby:

• Beingresponsiblefortheirownbehaviour;• Respectingtherightsofothers;• Developingapositiveself-esteem;and• Buildingpositiverelationshipswithpeersandadults.

DAYBYDAY

WeoperatetheCentreunderan“opendoor”policyandparentsarewelcometoattendtheCentreatanytimeduringprogramtime–8.30amto2.30pm.

Doorsareopenfrom8.15am,however,youmustremainwithyourchilduntil8.30amandensurethatyoungersiblings’activitiesaresupervisedatalltimes.Latearrivals(after9.00am)aretoentertheCentrebythebackgatesoasnottointerruptthemorningprogram.

TYPICALDAILYROUTINE

Thistimetableisflexibleandthetimescanvarydailydependingontheinterestsandenergylevelofthegroup.Thetimetablechangesastheyearprogresses.

Before8.30am Puzzles/storiesonthecarpetwithparents/carers8.30am Groupcalledtogether(usuallywithasong) Outsideplayuntilapproximately9.30to9.45am10.00am MorningTea InsideplayNoon Lunch Quiettime Quietplay2.30pm Pickup


ARRIVALANDDEPARTURE

Onarrival:

• Parents/carersmustsignin.Asign-inregisterislocatedneartheentranceofthebuilding.Ouroperatinglicencerequiresyouto“sign-in”yourchilduponarrivalandto“sign-out”yourchildattheconclusionoftheday;

• Haveyourchild“signin”ontheboard–thisiswheretheylocatetheirownname/pictureandplaceundertheheading“Who’sheretoday”;

• Placenamedwaterbottleinoneofthecratesprovided;• Bringmorningteaandlunchinonelunchboxandplaceinthefridge(ItisagainstC&Kpolicytohave

lunchesininsulatedcontainersasitlimitsrefrigerationofthefood);• Placesheetsinthesheetstoragearea(onfirstdayofthekindyweek);• Washhands;• Hanghatandwasherup(onfirstdayofkindyweek);• Applysunscreentoyourchildifyouhaven’talreadydoneso(andnoteifyouhaveonthesign-in

register);• Childrentoremoveshoesthemselvesandplacethemintheirlocker(dependentontheweather);• Placebaginlocker;and• Advisestaffofanythingtheyshouldknow(e.g.changesinsleep,illnessorfamilyroutinethatmay

affectyourchild’sday).Wepromoteindependencebyencouragingthechildrentodotheirownjobsi.e.puttingwaterbottleinrackandlunchinfridgeetc.

Eachafternoon:

• Itisexpectedthatyouwillcollectyourchildnolaterthan2.30pm.Youngchildrencanbecomedistressediftheyseeotherchildrenbeingcollectedbytheirparents,andyouhavenotarrived.

• Parents/carersshouldsignoutonthesign-inbook:o Ifthereisayellowdotbesideyourchild’snameit

meansthattheyhadasleep;ando Anasterisk(*)meanstherearesoiled/wetclothes

tobecollectedfromthechildren’sbathroom;• Collectyoursheets(onthelastdayofkindyweek);and• Checkfamilymessagepocket.

SEPARATION

WeencourageparentstobeinvolvedinsettlingtheirchildintotheCentre.Weaskthatyou:

Plantostayawhile,ifthiswon’tupsetyourchild;

Saygoodbye;

Beawareofroutines;

Supportyourchild’seffortstobeindependent;

Realisethatyourchildmaybeexhaustedatpickuptime;

Greetyourchildwarmlyatpickup;and

Beontimetopickupyourchild.


CHILDREN’SREQUIREMENTS

Pleasewriteyourchild’snameonallclothing,hats,shoes,washerandsheetsandanypersonalitemsyourchildbringstotheCentre.

1.Alargeschoolbag:Yourchildwillbringhomelotsof"things",soalargeschoolbagisneededtoallowhim/hertopackawaywithoutfrustrationortears.

2.Hatandwasher:AhatfeaturingtheCentrelogoisprovidedforeachchildwhentheybeginattheCentre.Childrenandadultsarerequiredtowearhatswhilstoutdoors.Eachchildmusthavehis/herorownhat,clearlynamed.Thewasher(giventothechildrenatthestartoftheyear)mustbeatKindyonthedaysthatyourchildattendsandwillbesenthomeattheendoftheirweekforwashing.

3.Sunscreen:Itistheresponsibilityoftheparentstoensuresunscreenisappliedpriortooutdoorplay.Itissuggestedthatthisisappliedathome,butthereissunscreenavailableattheCentreifrequired(C&KPolicySO.01.01–availableforreferenceattheCentre).

4.Onenamedseparateplasticlunchboxwithlid:Oneseparateplasticlunchboxwithlidwhichthechildcanopenandclose.Pleaseselectcontainersthatyourchildcanopenandclosewitheaseandbythemselves.Pleasenotethatyoushouldnotuseaninsulatedlunchbox,asalllunchboxesarekeptinthefridgeattheCentre.

5.Anamedsportssipperstylewaterbottle.

6.Asetofsheetsforquiettime–inadrawstringbag:SheetsetscanbepurchasedattheCentreorhomemade.Havingbothsheetsandsheetbagsmadeoutofthesamematerialmakesforeasyrecognition.3.6mof90cmwidematerialwillmake2sheetsand2drawstringbagsofapproximately45cmX45cm.(Spareclothescanbekeptinthesecondbag).Yourchild’ssheetsetmaycontain:

1. Bottomsheet(65cmX134cmfinished)–cutandhemeachcornerofthesheetandsewwideelasticacrosscorners.Largecotsheetswillfit.

2. TopSheet–(77cmX134m)withoutelastic.3. Abunnyruginthecoolermonthsmaybenecessary.4. Asmallpillow.

7.Clothing:Clothingwhichallowsforsunprotection,freedomofmovementandmessyplayisnecessaryforadayoflearningattheCentre.Singletshirtsarediscouraged,tomeetourSunsafepolicy.

Asparesetofclothesshouldbeavailableinthechild’sbackpack.Pleaseensuretheclothingisbothsizeandseasonappropriate.

Hatsandwasherscanbepersonalisedtosupporteasyidentificationbyyourchild.

Barefeetencouragesafety,growthanddevelopingsensoryawareness,sochildrenareencouragedtoremovetheirshoesforplay,dependingontheweather.

CentrebrandedT-ShirtswillbeavailableforpurchasefromtheCentre.

Toysaretobeleftathometoavoidloss/damage.

LostpropertyiscollectedattheCentreforparentstocheck.


FOOD

ThisCentreupholdstheconceptofwholesomenutritionbasedonthebasicfoodgroups.FruitandvegetablesarepromotedasappropriatesnackfoodsandwateristheonlydrinkacceptedattheCentre.Itisalsoreadilyavailablethroughouttheday.Chips,lollies,etc.arenotacceptableandalongwithotherinappropriatefoodwillbesenthome.Parentsareaskedtoconsiderboththenutritionalandenvironmentalissuesofpackagedfoods.Lunchboxesarekeptinthefridge,butarereturnedtobagsafterthecompletionoflunchtime.(C&KPolicy–availableforreferenceattheCentre).Donotsendyourchildwithanyfoodthatrequiresheatingasweareunabletoheatanyfoodforchildren.

Anexampleofdailyfoodrequirementsis:

MorningTea: Fruit,Cheese,YoghurtLunch: Sandwiches,Fruit

Childrenshouldbeencouragedtoeatplentyof:

• Cereals(includingbreads,rice,pastaandnoodles,preferablywholegrain);

• Leanmeat,fish,poultryand/oralternatives;• Milk,yoghurts,cheesesand/oralternatives;and• Vegetables,legumesandfruits.

Pleaselimitsaturatedfatandmoderatetotalfatintake.Consumeonlymoderateamountsofsugarsandfoodscontainingaddedsugars.Choosefoodslowinsalt.(QldGov./QldHealth).

LunchBoxIdeas

©NutritionAustraliaVicDivision,2015www.nutritionaustralia.org


ALLERGIESANDINTOLERANCES

TheCentreaimstominimiseanyrisktochildrensufferingfromallergiesorwithspecificdietaryneeds.Indoingthiswefollowverystrictprocedureswhenprovidingfood.FollowingourAnaphylaxisandAllergicReactionsPolicywealsoaskthatparents:

• Ensurethatfoodonoffertootherchildren(e.g.Birthdaycake)comeswithaningredientslist;• Adheretoanyspecialrequirementsorrequeststhatmaybespecifictoyourkindygroup(youwillbe

notifiedinwritingbytheDirectorofthese);and• Remindchildrenoftheimportanceofnotsharingtheirlunchorsnacksatkindy.

BIRTHDAYS

Yourchildiswelcometosharetheirbirthdaywiththegroup.Whensendingfoodforthewholeclass,pleasediscusswithstafftoensurethatallallergies/intolerancesarecateredfor.Smallpattycakesoriceblocksareeasyforthechildrentosharewithfriends.Noteveryoccasionneedstobecelebratedwithsugaryfoodandchildrenarejustasexcitedtoeatfruitfroma‘rainbowplate’.

TUCKSHOP

WehaveaccesstotheNewmarketStateSchool(NSS)TuckshoponTuesdaysandFridays.AmenuandorderinginstructionswillbedistributedearlyinTerm1.

PARENTPLAYDATE

WewarmlywelcomeparentstospendtimeattheCentrewiththeirchildandthegroup.AmorningspentwithyourchildattheirCentrehassomanybenefitsforallconcernedandweinviteandwelcomeyoursharingofskillsandinterestsintotheprogramduringyourparentplaydates.Yourtimeduringplaydatesisusuallyspentsupervising,playingwithandsupportingthechildrenastheyengageintheprogram.Wedoalsoaskforyourassistancewithcleaningupandpreparingformealtimes,participatingingrouptimeslikemusic,movementandstoryactivities,andprovidingassistancetotheeducatorsasrequired.Someactivities,whichwouldassistthestaff,areoutlinedinthekitchenarea.

Acalendarisplacednearthesigninsheetandthisallowsparentstomarkthedaytheyarecominginadvance,iftheywishto.Grandparentsarealsowelcometospendtimewithus,aswellasothersignificantpeopleinyourchild’slife.Ifagrandparent’scontributiontotheCentreprogramextendsbeyond10days,avolunteerBlueCardisrequired.Anyothersignificantperson(i.e.notparentorgrandparent)mustholdaBlueCardtovisittheCentre.

Atthecommencementofyourplaydateyouarerequiredto‘sign-on’(forWorkersCompensationobligations).Whilstattendingplaydatesatthecentre,parentsareencouragedtofamiliarisethemselveswithWorkplaceHealthandSafetypolicies/notices,theEmergencyEvacuationProcedure(displayedintheroom),andpolicies/noticesregardingliftingofheavyobjects.Parentsareremindedthatnosmokingispermittedwithin5metresoftheCentre.Siblingsarewelcometoattendwiththeirparentsduringplaydatesbutwillrequirecarefulsupervisionbytheparentatalltimesandremaintheresponsibilityoftheirparent.Parentswhoholdanegativenotice(BlueCard)mustnotvolunteertheirservicesattheCentre.

Youmayliketospendawholedaywithus,halfadayorevenanhouronyourwaytowork.Itisexpectedthatyoucommittoatleastoneplaydateeachterm–youwillfindittobesucharewardingexperience.Pleaseremembertobringahat,waterbottleandmorningtea/lunchforyourselfandyoungersiblingswhenyoucometoplay.


VOLUNTEERBLUECARD

TheBlueCardSystemisnowadministeredbyPublicSafetyBusinessAgencyandthewebsiteiswww.bluecard.qld.gov.auforanyfurtherinformation

Since2001,theBlueCardsystemhasbeenakeypreventionandmonitoringsystemforpeopleworkingwithchildrenwhichaimstominimisetheriskofharmtochildrenreceivingservicesessentialtotheirdevelopmentandswellbeing.

TheBlueCardsystemprotectschildreninthreeways:

1. BlueCardScreening–initialscreeningassessesaperson’seligibilitybasedonknownpastpoliceanddisciplinaryinformation.

2. OngoingmonitoringofthepoliceinformationofallapplicantsandBlueCardholders.

3. Organisationalchildandyouthfocussedriskmanagementstrategies.

WhoneedsaBlueCardatBanksStreetKindergarten?

BlueCardsARErequiredfor:

• AllSTAFFworkingatBanksStKindy

• VolunteerCarers

• Volunteermembersofchildcareservicescommittees(Executive,ChildSafetyrepresentative,WorkplaceHealthandSafetyrepresentative)

• TraineeStudentsdoingaplacementaspartoftheirstudieswithaneducationprovider

• Peoplecarryingoutpaidorvoluntaryworkotherthanchildcare(suchasagardener,cleanerormaintenanceworker)duringkindergartenhours.

• Relatives,familyfriendsorothercarers(e.g.nanny)ofchildrenatBanksStKindywhowishtohaveaplaydateorassistwithanexcursion.Iftheydon’tholdaBlueCardthentheparentmuststaywiththem(e.g.relativevisitingfromoverseaswhodonotholdaBlueCardmustbeaccompaniedbyoneofthechild’sparents)

BlueCardsareNOTrequiredfor:

• RegisteredParents/Guardians/GrandparentsofachildattendingBanksStKindywhoarevolunteeringe.g.foraoneoffplaydate.GrandparentswhoareinvolvedinanactivityattheCentrefor10daysormorewillrequireavolunteerBlueCard.

• VolunteerGuestprovidinginformation/entertainmenttowholegroup(onlessthantwooccasionsperyear)andwhowillnotbealonewiththechildrenwithoutanotheradultpresent.

• Registeredhealthpractitionersiftheworktheyaredoingrelatestotheirfunctionasaregisteredhealthpractitioner(e.g.dentistcomingtospeakaboutdentalhygiene)

• Childrenunder18yearsunlesstheyareatraineestudentdoingapracticalplacementaspartoftheirstudieswithaneducationprovider(e.g.siblingsofachildattendingBanksStKindywiththeirparent)

• Peoplecarryingoutpaidorvoluntaryworkotherthanchildcare(suchasagardener,cleanerormaintenanceworker)OUTSIDEkindergartenhours(e.g.Beforeandafterkindergarten,onweekendsorschoolholidays*)

Pleasenote:Parentswithanegativenoticearenotabletostayforaplaydateorbeonthecommittee.*Worksuchasgardening,cleaningandmaintenancewillberequestedoutsideofkindergartenhourswhereverpossible.


MANAGEMENTOFTHECENTRE

ThisCentrerecognisestheimportantroleplayedbyparentsintheeducationoftheirchildrenandvaluesparentparticipationandinvolvementonavarietyoflevels.

ThisCentreismanagedbytheparents/guardiansofthechildrencurrentlyattendingtheCentre,insupportwiththestaff.AttheAnnualGeneralMeeting(heldinFebruaryeachyear),theAssociationelectsaManagementCommitteefromitsmembers.AllfamiliesareexpectedtoberepresentedattheAnnualGeneralMeeting.

COMMUNITYMANAGEMENT

TheCentrereliesonagroupofcurrentparentstofulfilthevitalrolesofrunningasmallbusinessonavoluntarybasis.Thelargerthenumberofpeoplethatbecomeinvolved,thelessworkthatfallstoanyoneindividual.Manyhandsmakelightwork!Oneparentfromeachfamilyiseligibleforcommitteemembership,andeachfamilyhasonevoteattheAGMoranycommitteemeeting(financialmembersonly).

Thecommitteemeetsmonthly.TheCentre’sstaffandthecommitteearesupportedbyaparttimeadministrativeofficer(thisisapaidposition).TherearemanyrolestobefulfilledthroughouttheKindyyearandweaskthatyoutakethetimetoreviewthelistofparentcommitmentsandnominateforonearea.Supportandhandoveractivitieswillbeplannedfromcurrentcommitteemembersaspartofthetransition.

TheCentreisaffiliatedwiththeCreche&KindergartenAssociation(C&K).ThisorganisationprovidestheframeworkandpolicieswithinwhichtheCentreoperates.TheCentrehasreportingobligationsbacktoC&Ktomaintainthisaffiliation.

TheRulesoftheBanksStreetNewmarketCommunityPre-schoolingCentreIncorporatedarefiledforreferencebycommitteemembers.Allcommitteemembersareexpectedtoattendcommitteemeetings.AllfinancialmembersoftheCentrearewelcomeatallcommitteemeetings.


MAJORROLESONTHEPARENTMANAGEMENTCOMMITTEE:

PresidentandVicePresident:Responsiblefortheoveralldirectionofthecommittee.TheymaintainacloserelationshipwiththeteachingstaffandtheCentre’sumbrellaorganisation(C&K).ThepresidentchairsthemonthlymeetingsandneedstogainknowledgeofthemajoroperationalissuesoftheCentre–suchasfunding,thebudget,employerresponsibilities,andensuringtheC&Kaffiliationandlicensingrequirementsarecompletedasrequired.ThePresidentprovidesupdatestoparentsasnecessaryandtheVicePresidentensurechildprotectionobligationsaremetandstaffadministrationandleaverecordsaremaintained.BothrolesrequireassistancetoimplementandupdatetheQIP,reviewnewslettersfromC&K,OECECandACECQAPresidenttoensurethattheCentrecomplieswithC&K’spoliciesandpractices,andreportbacktothecommitteewhenneeded.

SecretaryandMinuteSecretary:Responsibleforpreparingthecommitteemeetingagenda,takingminutesatthemonthlymeetingsanddistributingtheminatimelymanner.ThesecretaryalsoorganisestheAGMandcompletesthecommittee’sadministrativeworknotcoveredbytheroleoftheadministrationassistant.

TreasurerandAssistantTreasurer:MaintainthefinancialaccountabilityoftheCentre,preparationoftheannualbudgetandprovisionofamonthlyreporttothecommitteeonfinancialprogress.Thetreasureroverseesrelationshipswiththebank,ATOandauditorandmaintainsrecordsofalltransactionsoftheCentre.EnsurestheCentre’sannualreturn,quarterlyBAS,quarterlyQKFSformsandotherlodgementobligationsaremet.

WorkplaceHealthandSafetyOfficer(s):Ideallytwopeoplewouldcarryouttheseroles.EnsuresthattheCentremeetsitshealthandsafetyobligationsandundertakesriskmanagementassessmentsandauditsandmanagestheissueandlogbookofBluecardholders,asrequired.Undertake/sassessmentsasrequiredandkeepstheCentredocumentationuptodate.

ChildProtection:EnsuresthatstaffandcommitteemembershavecompletedthenecessarytrainingasrequiredbyC&KandACECQA.Makessurethatkindy’spoliciesandactionsmeettheNationalRequirementsandreportsbacktothecommitteewhenneeded.

NSSLiaisonOfficer:CorrespondswithNewmarketStateSchoolandNSSP&CregardingtheCentreandothersharedissuesandreportstotheCommitteeandNSSP&C.Forexample,advisingofeventsattheCentre,makingschoolhallbookingsandattendingP&CmeetingsandCentremeetingswherepossible.

FundraisingCo-ordinators(forAnnualArtNightandforSausageSizzlefundraisers):OrganisesactivitiestoraisefundsfortheCentreandworkscloselywiththegroupcontactsandstaff.

MarketingOfficer:Organisesanymarketingandpromotionalactivities(suchasmediacoverageofaspecialeventorupdatingtheCentre’sbrochureorwebsite)andworkscloselywiththefundraisingofficer.

GrantsCo-ordinator:TosourceandapplyforgrantsrelevanttoBanksStreetKindyandthenreportbacktothecommitteeonsuccessrate.

GroupContactforBeesandButterflies:OrganisessocialeventsfortheGroup(e.g.coffeemornings,holidayplaydates),welcomenewfamiliesandsupportfundraisingco-coordinators.

MaintenanceOfficer:KeepparentsinformedofupcomingWorkingBees.AssistDirectorinco-ordinationofjobstosupporttheongoingmaintenanceofthebuildingandsurrounds.

MoredetaileddescriptionsareprovidedbyC&Kdocumentationandinhandoverportfoliosthatwillbesharedwithnewcommitteemembers.C&KalsoprovidefreeroadshowsforParentManagementCommitteemembers.


CENTRESUPPORTOBLIGATIONS

AllparentsofchildrenattendingtheCentrehavearesponsibilitytomaintainthiscommunity-basedCentre.Centresupportobligationsareanimportantconditionofenrolment.

Centresupportobligationscanincludeavarietyoftasks.Aseparatehandoutwillbeprovidedwithdetailsofspecifictasks.Parentsareaskedtoselectatask.

KEYDUTIESANDRESPONSIBILITIESOFTHEDIRECTOR,TEACHERANDASSISTANTS

TheDirectorisresponsiblefortheoverallconductoftheCentreandprogram.TheDirectorliaiseswithandreportstotheParentManagementCommittee.TheDirectoralsoholdsteachingresponsibilitieswithintheCentre.

TheTeacherconductsthedeliveryoftheProgramwiththesupportoftheteam.TheTeacherisresponsibleforgivingtheclassdirectionthroughouttheday,andmanagingtheoverarchingexperienceofthechildrenandteachingteamonadailybasis.

TheAssistantEducatorisresponsibleforsupportingtheTeacherinthepreparationanddeliveryoftheprogramandforotherdutiesassignedtoher/himbytheTeacher/Director.

TheDirector/TeachermustholdaBachelorofTeaching(EarlyChildhood),currentSeniorFirstAidCertificate/CPR/Asthma/Anaphylaxis,BlueCardandberegisteredwiththeQueenslandCollegeofTeachers(QCT)includingpolicecheck.

TheAssistantEducatormustholdacurrentSeniorFirstAidCertificate/CPR/Asthma/Anaphylaxis,BlueCardandminimumCertificateIIIinCommunityServices(Children’sServices)orbewillingtoundertakesuchstudies.

PARENTS’RESPONSIBILITIES

ToassistintheeffectiverunningofourCentre,parentsareaskedto:

• NotifytheDirector/yourteacherregardingchangesininformationrecordedaboutachild,e.g.contactphonenumbers,addresses,immunisationstatusetc.

• BecomefamiliarwithandcomplywiththeCentre’spolicies.• ComplywiththeCentre’shealthandhygienepolicies.• Iftheirchildisill,pleasekeepthemathome.Refertothe‘TimeOut’poster.• Notifystaffiftheirchildistobeabsentforanyreason.• PleasepayyourtermfeesbytheduedatetoensurethesmoothrunningoftheCentre• Centresupportobligationsarenotvoluntarybutanimportantconditionofenrolmentaimedatgiving

allparentstheresponsibilitytomaintainthiscommunity-basedCentre.

Ifyouhaveanyconcerns,pleaseseetheDirector/yourteacherorfollowthestepsoutlinedin‘ChannelsofCommunication’below.


CHANNELSOFCOMMUNICATION

BanksStreetKindyaimstofosteropencommunicationbetweenparents,staffandthemanagementcommittee.

Opencommunicationbetweenstaffandparentsisessentialforprovidingthebestforyourchild.Pleasefeelfreetotalkwithstaffaboutanymatterswhichconcernorinterestyou.Weareveryhappytodiscussanyaspectofourcurriculumandyourchild’sinvolvementinit.

Ifyouhaveanyconcerns,pleasefollowtheseprocedures:

• Ifyouhaveconcerns/queriesregardingtheprogram,pleasediscussthemwithyourteacherortheDirector.

• Ifyouhaveconcerns/issuesregardingtheCentre’smanagement,pleasespeakwithorwritetothePresidentoftheManagementCommittee.

TherearemanyavenueswhichweusetokeepparentsinformedabouttheprogramandhappeningsattheCentre.Theseare:

FamilyPockets:ParentsaregenerallynotifiedofCentrebusinessthroughnoticesplacedinfamilypocketsfoundintheentrance,bynoticesinthefoyerarea,ornearthesign-inbook.Itiseachparent’sresponsibilitytocleartheirpocketsonaweeklybasisandtobeawareofallCentrenotices.Pleaseensurethatifyouhaveanotheradultdeliverorcollectyourchild,theywillcheckyourpocketandinformyouofallrelevantactivities.

PortfolioJournal:Aportfoliojournaliscreatedforeachchild,recordingsomeoftheirinterestsandabilitiesduringtheyear.Familiesareencouragedtoengagewiththisdocumentandcommentsarewelcome–parentsarealsoencouragedtocontributetothejournal.Thisisavailableforviewingbyparentsatanytime.

AppointmentwithEducators:WhileregularinformaldiscussionwiththeDirectorisfrequentlysufficient,amoreformaldiscussioncanbearrangedatamutuallyconvenienttime.

EmailandStorypark:TheCentrealsousesemailtocommunicateregularlywithparents.Emailupdatesaresenttoparents,outliningtheCentre’sactivities,articlesofinteresttoparentsandcarersandupdatesabouttheCurriculum.WealsoutiliseanonlineportfoliowebsitecalledStorypark.Thisisavailableasanappandallowsparentsaccesstotheirchild’slearning.Itisanexcellenttoolthatallowsbothteachersandparentstocontributeinacommunitysettingonline.UseofthisalsohelpsteacherswithpreparationofTransitionStatementsandcurriculumdevelopmentandplanning.

DisplayandNoticeBoards:Displaysnoticesofgeneralandlongerterminterest;includingareminderofeventsandinformationaboutthecurriculumandtheNationalQualityFramework/Standards.

CommitteeMeetings:Heldonceamonth.Allarewelcomeandminutesareavailableforperusalthefollowingweek.

DiscussionGroupsandPresentations:Heldonceortwiceduringtheyearintheevening.Thesetalksmaycoverearlychildhoodcurriculum,childdevelopmentandissuesofinteresttoparentsandteachers.Othercentresadviseusoftheirmeetingsaswell.

ParentTeacherMeetings:Youareinvitedtohaveone-to-onediscussionsaboutyourchildatleasttwiceduringtheyear.AtthesemeetingsCentrestaffwillsharetheirobservationswithyouandwillaskyoutoshareyourknowledgeofyourchild.ThishelpstheCentreplanappropriatelyforyourchild.Pleasefeelfreetorequestadditionaltimetomeetandtalkaboutyourchildorthecurriculum.

WorkplaceHealthandSafetyRecordBook:Thisislocatedonthewalloutsidethekitchen.IfyouhaveanyWHSconcernspleaserecordtheminthisbookortalktotheDirectororWorkplaceHealthandSafetyOfficer(ontheParentManagementCommittee).


COMPLAINTSANDCOMPLIMENTS

Ifyouhaveanyconcerns,commentsorcomplimentsaboutyourchild’skindergartenexperiencepleasefeelfreetomakeatimetospeaktotheDirector.Itisimportanttovoiceconcernsforthebenefitofyourchild.

PROVISIONFORHANDLINGCOMPLAINTS

AnycomplaintsorissuesaboutprogramsofferedattheKindergartenshouldfirstbediscussedwiththeDirector.Iftheseissuescannotberesolved,alettertotheCommitteeofManagementshouldbewritten.Anycomplaintsorissuesabouttheorganisationormanagementofthekindergartenshouldbeputinwritingtothecommitteeofmanagement.Ifstillnotresolved,pleasecontactC&Kon1800177092orsubmitfeedbackonlineviathisform:http://www.candk.asn.au/online-feedback-form.

ADMINISTRATIVEMATTERS

CENTREOPERATION

HOURS

Strictly8.30amto2.30pm.Noresponsibilityistakenforchildrenoutsidethesehours.

TERMDATES2017

TheCentreisopenduringQueenslandStateSchooltermsandclosesforschoolholidays.SchoolTermDatesin2017Term Dates LengthTerm1 23January–31March 10weeksTerm2 18April–23June 10weeksTerm3 10July–15September 10weeksTerm4 3October–8December 10weeks

ENROLMENTREQUIREMENTSANDPROCEDURES

WAITINGLISTPOLICY

AchildwishingtoattendtheCentremayhavehis/hernameonthewaitinglistassoonastheyareborn.Anon-refundablefeeof$10(includingGST)ispayableinrelationtowaitinglistapplications.ChildrenareofferedenrolmentattheCentreintheorderofthewaitinglistandnopreferenceisallottedforanyreason.

ENROLMENTPROCEDURES

EnrolmentoffersarecommencedatthebeginningofTerm3oftheprecedingyearwithoffersmadestrictlyinaccordancewiththewaitinglistandthenumberofvacanciesavailable.Whenanofferismade,parentsarerequiredtopayanEnrolmentFeeof$150andreturnittogetherwithanEnrolmentAcceptanceForm.TheEnrolmentFeeisnon-refundableshouldyouwithdrawyourchildpriortocommencementoftheschoolyear.

CopiesofthefollowingdocumentsarerequiredtobeprovidedtotheCentreuponenrolment:• BirthCertificate(orothersuitableproofofdateofbirth)• HealthCareCard(ifheld)• ImmunisationStatus

ItisaGovernmentRequirementthatthisDocumentationisprovided.Failuretodosomayresultinenrolmentbeingcancelled.


ORIENTATION

ORIENTATIONEVENING

BeforeyourchildattendstheCentre,anOrientationNightwithparentsisarranged.Thisprovidesyouwithinformationaboutyourchild’senrolmentandabouttheoperationoftheCentre.Youwillbegivenafolderofrelevantpaperwork(includingAssociationMembershipForm,C&KEnrolmentBooklet,NSSExcursionFormandC&KSummarySheet)whichmustbecompletedandreturnedtotheCentrebythedateadvised.Pleasealsoprovideanyrelevantmedicalformsasrequired.

PLAYATKINDY

Play/OrientationDaysfortheBeesGroupandButterfliesGroupwillenableustoallgettoknoweachotherandmostimportantlygivethechildrentimetogettoknowtheCentreandhaveaplay.Dateswillbeconfirmedbystaff.

MEETWITHANN,JUDY,MICHELLE&RACHELBEFORESTARTOFTERM1

InJanuarytherewillbeanopportunitytomeettheteachingstaffagainandtoalsomeetthefamilieswhowillbeinyourGroup.ThedateforyourGroupwillbeconfirmed.Thiswillallowparents/carerstoprovideuptodateinformationabouttheirchildandallowsthechildrentomeettheirpeers.

Childrenwill:

• Choosetheirlocker• Receivetheirhatandwasher• Havetheirphotographtakenfordocumentationpurposesandtosupportliteracy(e.g.name

recognitionatsign-inandhat/washerplacement)


COSTS

FeeswillbechargedtoeveryfamilyenrolledattheCentreonapertermbasisandinvoicedapproximatelyatthestartofeachterm.Thefees,bondsandleviespaidbyparentsareessentialfortheongoingoperationoftheCentreandstaffwages,thereforeparentspayfortheir‘place’ratherthantheactualattendanceofthechild.Norefundsoffeeswillbegrantedforholidaystakenbyfamiliesduringtermtimeorforthefinalfourweeksoftermfour.Paymentsmadeaftertheduedatewillincuralatepaymentfeeof$20.Failuretopaybytherequireddatemayplaceyourchild’senrolmentatrisk.

Paymentsaretobemadebyeithercheque(placedinanenvelopeintheCentrefeesbox)orbyelectronicfundstransfer.Nocashshouldbeleftinthefeesboxforsecurityreasons.Cashpaymentsmayonlybeleftwiththeadministrativeassistantonthedaythatsheworks.TheCentre’sbankingdetailswillbeprovidedonyourinvoice.

1.WaitingListFee:Thisone-off$10feeispaidwhenachild’snameisplacedonthewaitinglist.

2.EnrolmentConfirmationFee:This$150feeispaidbyparentstoconfirmtheiracceptanceofanofferofapositionfortheirchildattheCentre.

3.TermFee:The$810Centrefeesarechargedatthebeginningofeachterm(Thisfeeisinclusiveofa$690termfee,$80EquipmentLevyand$40ArtProgramContribution).ThecentredoesreceiveagovernmentsubsidyhoweverthefeecollectedistocovertheremainderoftheCentre’soperatingcosts.Thisfeeincludesalllevieswhichareoutlinedinthisdocument.Arequestforrefundofunusedfeesmaybemade,iftwoweeks'noticeisgivenofyourintentiontowithdrawyourchild.Ifyourchildhascommencedthetermandisthenwithdrawnwithoutfeesbeingpaid,parentswillbebilledforthatportionofthetermthechildattendedtheCentreplustwoweeksfeesinlieuofnotice.Ifapaymentisnotreceiveda‘LetterofDemand’willbeissued,ifpaymenthasnotbeenreceivedby14daysaftertheletterisissued,thematterwillbereferredtoadebtcollector.

ThisCentrehasbeenregisteredasaChildCareProviderwiththeFamilyAssistanceOfficethereforeyoumaybeeligibleforarebateonyourfeesafterthecarehasbeenprovidedi.e.attheendoftheterm.HealthCareCardandparentsoftripletsareeligibleforgovernmentsubsidies,theamountofthesubsidywillbedeductedfromyourinvoiceandyouwillberequiredtopaythedifference.

4.AssociationMembership:AsthisCentreisincorporated,ayearlyAssociationMembershipfeeispaid.Thiscomesfromthe$150EnrolmentConfirmationFeeyoumake.Thismandatoryfeeentitlesoneparentfromeachfamilytovoteatmeetings.

5.EquipmentLevy:Thislevyisincludedinthetermfees(setat$80perterm)andcoverstheongoingcostofbothconsumableresources(suchascookingingredients,playdoughingredientsetc.)andnon-consumableresourcessuchaspuzzles,games,booksforthechildren’suse.FundraisingisalsoakeycontributortotheequipmentandfacilitiesavailablewithintheCentre.

6.ArtProgramContribution:Thislevyisincludedinthetermfees(setat$40perterm)tosupporttheyear-longArtProgramresourcesanddedicatedArtist-in-Residence.


INSURANCE

TheCentreisinsuredwithAON(C&K’spreferredprovider)carryingapublicliabilitypolicyof$20million.

BUILDINGFUND

BanksStreetNewmarketCommunityPre-schoolingCentrehasaregisteredBuildingFund,donationstowhicharetaxdeductible.WeappreciateanydonationstothisfundwhichisusedforfutureCentrecapitalworks.

FUNDRAISING

ThemajorfundraisingandsocialeventfortheyearistheArtNightwhichisheldonaFridaynightinTerm3.Witheveryone’scontributionandparticipation,thiseveningisahighlightofthekindyyear.

EarlyinTerm3,ourArtist-in-Residenceguidesthechildreninsmallgroups,tocreateworksofartoncanvases.Thechildren’sartworkisavailableforpurchasethroughasilentauctiononthenight.Youwillbeastoundedatwhatyourchildrenarecapableofwhenyouseetheartwork!

OthersmallerfundraisingeventsthroughouttheyearsupporttheCentrebudget.

ABSENCESANDHOLIDAYS

Parentsshouldnotifystaffiftheirchildistobeabsentforanyreason.

Whenholidaysaretakenduringtheschoolterm,thechild’splaceinthegroupwillberetained.Staffmustbeinformedoftheperiodofabsenceandfeesmustbeprepaid.Norefundoffeeswillbepermitted.

HEALTHANDHYGIENEPOLICIES

TheCentreiscleaneddailyandthestaffensuresthatstricthygieneandsafetypracticesareupheldindealingwiththechildren,foodandequipment(C&KPolicySO01.19–availableforreferenceattheCentre).

Inlinewithlegislation,theCentrehasaNOSMOKINGpolicywhichadultsareaskedtorespect.

NODOGSareallowedontheCentre’spremises.

TeachersmustbenotifiedifchildrenareabsentfromtheCentreforanyreason.

ItisstronglyrecommendedthatallchildrenhavetheirimmunisationsuptodatebeforecommencingattheCentre.


IMMUNISATION(C&KPOLICYSO01.07)

Aparent/guardianisrequiredtoprovideinformationregardingtheimmunisationstatusofthechilduponenrolmentattheCentree.g.vaccinationcertificateorpersonalhealthrecord.Adatedphotocopyistobeplacedonthechild’sfile.

Aparent/guardianisrequiredtoinformtheDirectororyourteacherifthechildorothermembersoftheimmediatefamilycontractsavaccinepreventabledisease.ANotificationofaVaccinePreventableDiseaseformmustbecompletedandreturnedtotheDirector.

Aparent/guardianofachildwhoisnotimmunisedwillberequiredtowithdrawthechildfromtheCentreforthedurationoftheoutbreak.

RefertotheNationalImmunisationProgramScheduleFebruary2016inthelinkbelow.

http://www.health.qld.gov.au/publications/clinical-practice/guidelines-procedures/immunisation-schedule.pdf

SICKCHILDPOLICY

Ifachildisill,parentsareexpectedtokeeptheirchildathomeuntilthecontagiousperiodhaspassed.Childrenwhohavevomitedwithinthelast24hoursshouldstayhomeforthedayatleast.IfthereisaknownoutbreakofGastroenteritisattheCentrethechildmuststayhomeforatleast48hours.TheDirectorhastheauthoritytoaskforanychildtoberemoved,ifitisfeltthatthereisathreattothehealthofthegroup.IfyourchildwillbeabsentduetoillnesspleaseadvisetheDirector.

ChildrenwithcontagiousillnessescannotbeadmittedtotheCentreandparentsmustcontacttheDirectortoreportanycontagiousillness.ThisCentrefollowstherecommendedguidelinesasadvisedbytheQueenslandHealthDepartment.http://www.health.qld.gov.au/ph/documents/cdb/timeout_poster.pdf

FromC&KManual(forreference):CommonIllnesses ExclusionPeriodsDiarrhoea Until24hoursafterthelastloosebowelmotionHand,footandmouthdisease UntilallblistershavedriedHeadlice Notexcludedifeffectivetreatmentbeginsbeforethenextdayat

theserviceInfluenzaandinfluenza-likeillnesses UntilchildiswellChickenpox UntilallblistershavedriedVomiting/Gastroenteritis Singlecase-Until24hoursaftervomitinghasstopped

Twoormorecaseswithin3days–48hourexclusionfromtheCentre

Fever(38⁰corabove) Untilfeverhasstoppedforatleast24hoursConjunctivitis UntilthedischargefromtheeyeshasstoppedRoseola Exclusionisnotnecessary,however,thechildshouldstayhome

untiltheyarefeelingwellHumanparvovirusB19(slapcheek)Impetigo(schoolsores) Untilappropriateantibiotictreatmenthasstarted

Anysoresonexposedskinshouldbecoveredwithawatertightdressing

Pertussis(whoopingcough) Until5daysafterstartingappropriateantibiotictreatment,orfor21daysfromtheonsetofcoughing


INJURIES

Parentsofaninjuredchildwillbecontactedpromptly.AnIncidentandAccidentRegisteriskeptattheCentretocomplywithWorkPlaceHealthandSafetyRegulations.PleaseensurethatboththeDirectorandyourteacherholdcurrentcontactdetailsintheeventofinjuryandillness.(C&KPolicySO.01.05)

AnambulancewillbecalledatthediscretionoftheDirectororyourteacherifitisconsideredtobeinthebestinterestsofthechild.

MEDICATION

Medicineswillbeadministeredappropriately,accuratelyandsafely.Prescribedmedicationwillbeadministeredasdirectedbythechild’sdoctororassetoutontheoriginalbottlelabelbythepharmacist.Nonprescribedmedicationwillnotbegivenunlesspriorwrittenpermissionandinstructionsfromthechild’sdoctorhasbeenreceivedbytheDirector.

1.Paracetamol:Priorwrittenconsentbytheparentisrequiredbeforeaninitialdoseisadministeredforhighfever.Itisconsideredthatachildwithahighfevershouldbekeptathome.Followingtheadministrationoftheinitialdoseandifthefevercontinues,theparent/guardian/contactpersonisrequiredtotakethechildtoamedicalpractitionerfordiagnosis.MedicalclearanceisrequiredbeforethechildwillbereadmittedtotheCentre.

TheDirectorhasthediscretiontoassesswhethermedicationcanbeadministeredappropriately,accuratelyandsafelyandtorefuseadmittanceofthechildfortheperiodthatmedicationisrequirediftheserequirementscannotbemet.

2.UseofPuffers/Inhalers:RefertoC&KpolicystatementSO.01.08.

3.Asthma:AnAsthmaManagementPlanistobeprovidedbythechild’sDoctorandistobereviewedevery3months.CopiesaretobekeptonfileattheCentre.

4.FoodAllergiesandIntolerances:PleaseinformtheDirector/teacheratthetimeofenrolmentifthechildhasanyfoodallergiesorintolerances.Provisionwillbemadetocaterfortheseneeds.Inpreviousyears,wehavecautionedagainsttheinclusionoffoodswhichcontainnutsandeggsifchildrenwithallergiestothosefoodshavebeenenrolledattheCentre.

5.Parentresponsibilitiesregardingmedication:(C&KSO01.08–availableforreferenceattheCentre)

• ToensuretheDirector/yourteacherisgiveninstructionsastotheadministrationofmedication,tohandinmedicationtotheDirectorandtocollectmedicationattheendoftheday;

• Toensureonlymedicationprescribedforthenominatedchildisprovidedandthatthemedicationiscurrent;

• ToensurenecessarydetailsofrequiredmedicationaredocumentedintheCentre’sMedicationForms;and

• Toprovidealockablestoragecontainertostorethemedication(inthefridgeifnecessary).


WORKPLACEHEALTHANDSAFETY

TheCentre’sWorkplaceHealthandSafetyHandbookisavailableatthecentreforviewingatanytime.Allparentsarerequestedtothoroughlyreadthisinformation.Acopywillbeemailedtoeachfamily.

FIREDRILLSANDEVACUATIONS

EvacuationPlansaredisplayedintheCentreandexitsignsposted.

Firedrillsareconductedregularlythroughouttheyear.Childrenaretaughttoidentifythewhistlesandevacuatethebuilding.Thestaffdousethe‘signin’booktoensurethatallchildrenarepresent.Pleaseensureyouhavesignedyourchildin.

TRAVELTOKINDY

CARPARKGUIDELINES

ThecarparklocatedoutsidetheCentreissharedwithNewmarketStateSchool,andcanbeverybusyduringdrop-offandpick-uptimes.Weseekyourfullcooperationinthismatter,andaskallstaff,familiesandvisitorsto:

• Wheneverpossiblereverseyourcarwhenparkingsothatitiseasiertoseeparentsandchildrenasyoudriveout.

• Whendriving,exerciseextremecautionenteringorleavingthecarparksandinparticularwhenreversing.

• Whenparking,leaveenoughspaceonbothsidesofyourcarsothatyou(andtheadjoiningvehicle/s)haveaccess.Don’twastevaluableparkingspace.

• Donotdriveintoacarparkifyoucanseethatitisalreadyfull.• Itisrecommendedthateveryonewearshoesatalltimeswheninthecarparkstoavoidpossible

injury.• Minimisepedestrianmovementacrossthecarparks.Walkaroundtheperimeterofacarparkif

possible.• Superviseyourchildrenatalltimesinacarpark,andbeextremelyvigilantwhenmovingaroundthe

vehicles.• Avoidcarparkchats.Stopandchatonthepathsoutsidethecarpark.• Donotparkintheemergencyvehicleparkingbayorblockaccesstothisarea.• Donot“dolaps”ofthecarparkwhilewaitingforyourchild/ren.• Donotusethecarparkasaturningcircle.• Parentsandcarersarenottousethecarparksforcommuterparking.• Allvisitorstoworkshopsandmeetingsareencouragedtoparkoutsidethegroundsifarrivingand

departingatKindy/Schoolpickupanddropofftimes(8.30to9.15amand2.30to3.15pm).


LOOKINGFORWARDTOTHEYEARAHEAD

WehopethatyouandyourchildwillenjoyyourassociationwithBanksStreetKindyintheyearahead.

USEFULLINKSAustralianChildren’sEducationandCareQualityAuthority:www.acecqa.gov.auCommissionforChildrenandYoungPeopleandChildGuardian(CCYPCG):www.ccypcg.qld.gov.auKidsafeAustralia:www.kidsafe.com.auNutritionAustralia:www.nutritionaustralia.orgQueenslandHealth:www.health.qld.gov.auAnaphylaxisAustralia:www.allergyfacts.org.auGrowMeSafely(Plants):http://www.kidsafensw.org/growplantssafely/RaisingChildrenNetwork:www.raisingchildren.net.auNAPCAN(Preventingchildabuse):www.napcan.org.auAsthmaAustralia:www.asthmafoundation.org.auImmunisationAustralia:www.immunise.health.gov.auAutismAustralia:www.autismspectrum.org.auDiabetesAustralia:www.diabetesaustralia.com.au

Documents

2017 Parent Handbook (02.01.17)...2017/02/01 · registered as an Approved Provider and receives funding from the Queensland Kindergarten Funding Scheme (QKFS) through C&K as its