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
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
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
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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.
BanksStreetKindy–2017ParentsHandbook 5
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.
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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).
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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.”
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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.
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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.
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CHILDREN’SPROGRAM–LEARNINGTHROUGHPLAY
AnearlychildhoodsettingiscreatedattheCentresothateachchildwhoattendscanfindasafeandsecureenvironmentinwhichtodeveloptheirabilitiesandinterests.
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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.
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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?
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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
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Imagesfromclassesof2015“WeareallArtists”ArtNight
BanksStreetKindy–2017ParentsHandbook 15
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
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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.
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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.
BanksStreetKindy–2017ParentsHandbook 18
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
BanksStreetKindy–2017ParentsHandbook 19
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.
BanksStreetKindy–2017ParentsHandbook 20
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.
BanksStreetKindy–2017ParentsHandbook 21
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.
BanksStreetKindy–2017ParentsHandbook 22
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.
BanksStreetKindy–2017ParentsHandbook 23
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.
BanksStreetKindy–2017ParentsHandbook 24
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).
BanksStreetKindy–2017ParentsHandbook 25
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.
BanksStreetKindy–2017ParentsHandbook 26
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)
BanksStreetKindy–2017ParentsHandbook 27
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.
BanksStreetKindy–2017ParentsHandbook 28
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.
BanksStreetKindy–2017ParentsHandbook 29
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
BanksStreetKindy–2017ParentsHandbook 30
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).
BanksStreetKindy–2017ParentsHandbook 31
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).
BanksStreetKindy–2017ParentsHandbook 32
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