Parent’s Handbook

Welcome to our Service

The Parent Handbook outlines important information you will need to be aware of while you are a part of our Service family. It is important that you read over this booklet and ask questions about matters you do not understand. You will find a form at the back of this booklet which you must sign and return to the Service to indicate that you have read the information in this booklet and your enrolment pack.

Our Service has an open door policy. You and your family are welcome to visit the Service at any time. We kindly ask you make an appointment so we can ensure there will be someone to walk you around and take time to answer questions you may have about our service.

Our Policies

All our policies are available in the policy folder located in the sign in area. Policies are reviewed annually or if there is an amendment under the Early Childhood Education and care regulations.

Please feel free to look and comment on our policies at any time. We always request for your input on our policies. We love feedback both positive and negative so that we can review your thoughts and adjust where necessary to provide the best program and care for your child(ren).

Index of Contents

Introduction

• Dear Parents
• Aims for Children
• Philosophy
• The Program
• The Daily Routine
• Services Offered
• Age Groups

Children

• Those First Weeks
• What to Bring
• Breastfeeding
• Birthdays
• Clothing
• Belongings
• Possessions
• Lockers
• Guidance and Discipline
• Rest & Sleep

Parents

• Communication
• Hours of Operation
• Notice Boards
• Enrolments
• Court Orders
• Arrival & Departure
• Parent Involvement
• Commencement Fees
• Service Fees
• Accounts
• Late Fees
• Attendance & Absences
• Allowable Absences
• Holidays
• Waiting List
• Notice of Withdrawal
• Parent Commitment
• Technology
• EDUblog/photographs
• Portfolios
• Parent teacher Information night
• Social events
• Recycle and reuse donations

Health & Safety

• Medication
• Asthma
• Sun Protection
• Accidents
• Fire Drills
• Service Safety by Parents

Conclusion

Introduction

Welcome to Lane Cove Montessori Long Day Care. Finding a new education and care Service for your child can be a daunting task. At Lane Cove Montessori Long Day Care our aim is to provide a secure and happy environment where children can develop their intellectual, social, emotional, physical, aesthetic skills to become competent and confident individuals. And for you as a parent/guardian, feel safe in the knowledge that your child is receiving the best possible care.

We believe the best way to work with you and your child is by building a partnership of care. To do this we want you to feel:

• Welcomed, recognized, acknowledged and respected by all our Educators.
• That your child is really known by, and really knows, the people who care for him or her.
• You are involved in making decisions about your child’s experiences.
• You and your child are received and greeted upon arrival.
• Your child is happy, secure and engaged.
• Your child is not just looked after but really cared for.

Important Contact Numbers for Families

Contact Persons

Approved Provider Mark Abbey
Nominated Supervisor Anjali Abbey
Certified Supervisors Mil Hendry
Educational Leader Anjali Abbey

Educators

We have amazing educators from all over the world who bring in their individual talents, skills and culture.

Educators Qualifications

Your educators have a range of qualifications including:

• Certificate III children’s Services
• Diploma of Education and Care
• AMI Montessori
• Bachelor of Education Early Childhood Teaching
• Bachelor of Education (Primary)
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Management
• Certificate IV in Hospitality
• Certificate IV in Training and Assessment

Some educators are working towards their next qualification.

Regulatory Authorities

Our Service complies with the Montessori Philosophy, National Quality Framework (NQF) including the National Quality Standard (NQS), the Early Years Learning Framework (or other Approved Framework) and the National Regulations (Education and Care Services National Regulations).

Our Service is regulated by the new national body for early education and care – the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) as well as the state licensing department in our State/Territory. To contact our Regulatory Authority, please refer to the contact details below –

New South Wales

NSW Early Childhood Education and Care Nominated Supervisorate
www.det.nsw.edu.au
02 9716 2100, cslicensing@dhs.nsw.gov.au, Locked Bag 4028 ASHFIELD NSW 2131

Education, Curriculum and Learning

We will be following the Montessori Program for three hours. Start time 8:00am. The Early Years Learning Framework (or other Approved Framework) as per our Education, Curriculum and Learning Policy will continue after the Montessori program.

Our Educational Leader is Anjali Abbey

All Educators at our Service are trained and experienced in areas of early education and care. Due to our high standard and commitment of our Educators, we are able to provide developmental and educational programs for each group of children.

The Educators will develop a daily program, observe the children in their care and plan their programs around the needs and interests of the children in child free time.

Early Years Learning Framework Learning (EYLF)
Learning Outcomes:

Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity

• Children feel safe, secure, and supported
• Children develop their emerging autonomy, inter-dependence, resilience and sense of agency
• Children develop knowledgeable and confident self identities
• Children learn to interact in relation to others with care, empathy and respect

Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world

• Children develop a sense of belonging to groups and communities and an understanding of the reciprocal rights and responsibilities necessary for active community participation
• Children respond to diversity with respect
• Children become aware of fairness
• Children become socially responsible and show respect for the environment

Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing

• Children become strong in their social and emotional wellbeing
• Children take increasing responsibility for their own health and physical wellbeing

Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners

• Children develop dispositions for learning such as curiosity, cooperation, confidence, creativity, commitment, enthusiasm, persistence, imagination and reflexivity
• Children develop a range of skills and processes such as problem solving, enquiry, experimentation, hypothesising, researching and investigating
• Children transfer and adapt what they have learned from one context to another
• Children resource their own learning through connecting with people, place, technologies and natural and processed materials

Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators

• Children interact verbally and non-verbally with others for a range of purposes
• Children engage with a range of texts and gain meaning from these texts
• Children express ideas and make meaning using a range of media
• Children begin to understand how symbols and pattern systems work
• Children use information and communication technologies to access information, investigate ideas and represent their thinking

If your child’s Educator feels there is an area of concern, they will inform you and advise where help may be sought, e.g. speech therapist. It is always your decision to follow this up. Educatorss are willing to discuss any aspect of development with parents.

Philosophy

At Lane Cove Montessori each child is valued equally as competent and capable learners where their interests, strengths and needs are integrated into a curriculum toward the principles, practices and learning outcomes of the Early Years Learning Framework. We believe in the Montessori philosophy ‘Help me to help myself’. We follow the Montessori belief that all children experience the same sensitive periods but the sequence and timing vary for each child. We aim to provide the setting for an optimum fulfilment of this belief along with the Early Years Learning Framework.

The Early Years Learning Framework focuses on much more than how children develop. It focuses on relationships and partnerships with both educators and children and educators and families. We believe in each child’s capacities to succeed, regardless of their diverse circumstances and abilities can develop wonderful caring relationships with both educators and the other children within their centre community to achieve their potential. We follow the Montessori approach that all children experience the same sensitive period but the sequence and timing vary for each child and aim to provide a setting for optimum.

We believe that learning should be holistic which is rich in diversity, inclusive and advocates for the rights of children. We believe that the curriculum should be based on what children know, can do and understand. We use the Montessori Method of ‘prepared environment’. The prepared environment makes learning materials and experiences available to the children in an orderly format. It will be co-constructed with the children, emerging from their own ideas, family input and supported by responsive educators who intentionally teach skills, concepts and processes within the context of the engagement.

We believe children’s learning is enhanced through meaningful interactions and play experiences where children’s curiosity is stimulated. We strive to provide a flexible routine where lengths of time are available to discover, create, explore, improvise, imagine, build independence and their disposition for learning is promoted.

We also believe children have the right to be heard and have the right to express their opinions and ideas valued. We respect and recognise children as ‘active citizens’ from diverse backgrounds, beliefs who are treated with respect and dignity.

We strive to provide a safe and secure environment and build trusting relationships with all children that enhance their ‘sense of belonging ‘and wellbeing which supports their social, emotional and physical needs. Belonging encompasses different dimensions which are interconnected within the centre community in all that we strive to achieve.

We value partnerships with families as parents are the most influential people in their children’s lives.  We continually strive to create a welcoming environment to promote positive reciprocal relationships, where parents are encouraged to contribute family input, share ideas, knowledge and skills. We value the contribution and ties within the wider community such as schools, library, elders, early childhood organisations and family support agencies. We as educators will be guided at all times by the Early Childhood Code of Ethics (2006), National Quality Framework and all Early Education and Care legislation.

We pride ourselves as early childhood professionals who respect each other as a unique contributor within a visionary team. We value constant reflection of ourselves, our practices and the need to access ongoing professional development.

We believe that the philosophy guides the curriculum, educators, management, our policies and procedures and is reflected throughout the service at all times.

Grievances, Complaints and Feedback

If for any reason you are not happy with the Service’s level of care or care environment we want to know immediately. You can discuss this with Educators or formally write a letter. When any matter is raised the Service will be following our Grievance Procedure Policy. All Service policies are made available to parents. Positive feedback is most welcome too.

Child Care Benefits

A family subsidy (Child Care Benefit) is available from the Family Assistance Office (FAO). The Family Assistance Office will assess parents’ taxable income and a scale will be used to determine the amount of assistance each family will receive. The assistance may be claimed at a reduced Service fee or at the end of the financial year. Every family regardless of their income is entitled to this assistance. For further details please speak to our Nominated Supervisor or contact FAO on 13 6150.

The Service is opened for 10 hours per day, 50 weeks per year and caters for children 6 weeks-6 years.

The Daily Routine

Although our environment is a one room environment, our children’s groups at times are separated into specific areas of the centre to promote a sense of belonging. The flexible centre routine is adapted according to the needs, ideas and interests of the children as educators are responsive and respectful to each and every child. We endeavour to provide a home and family environment at the Service where the children feel comfortable and secure at all times and our daily routines reflect this.

Throughout the day the children will be experiencing a number of different activities which are part of the educational and developmental programs operated by all of our Educators.

The routine is displayed in the main foyer area.

Services Offered

• Long Day Care
• Montessori Program
• Early Years Learning Framework
• School Readiness Program
• Music Program- emerging curriculum
• Computer Program – emerging curriculum
• Chinese classes – emerging curriculum
• Morning Tea
• Lunch
• Afternoon Tea
• Special Needs Catered For

Age Groups

The Service will boast three rooms which will promote a spacious, warm and inviting environment for all our children at the Service. The rooms will be offered as followed:

• 0 years – 2 years
• 2 years – 3 years
• 3 years – 5 years- child is encouraged to be toilet trained in order to be in the Montessori classroom.

Children

Those First Weeks

The introduction into long day care can be difficult for children and parents. Children’s welfare and happiness are the priority for Educators when welcoming new children to the Service and when assisting the family to settle into the Service environment. It is recognised that families needs will vary greatly in the orientation process and individual needs will be met as best is possible. Please not that children aged 0-2 are required to attend only half days for the first two weeks of enrolment to help them ease into our program and environment.

 The following outlines some helpful hints for parents on settling their child into care:-

• Our orientation process includes two days. However you can bring your child in as many days as you’d like before their actual commencement date but you must stay with your child at all times. The first day you will bring your child in and join in the program for one hour. Our orientation folder will be provided for you to read and understand our policies and procedures. You may take this home and bring it back within the week. Both parents/carers will be asked to sign a form stating that you have read and understand all policies. If you do no understand any part in the folder- please refer your questions to either the Nominated Supervisor or Certified Supervisor.
• Ease your child into care with short stays to begin with.
• Provide a favourite toy, blanket or comforter to support your child when they are separating from you or settling to sleep. This can help your child feel more secure.
• If your child is unsettled, short visits with you will help your child to gain trust with an unfamiliar environment. These visits can be made on a day when your child is not booked to attend.
• Feel welcomed to call our service at any time to find out how your child is coping. If the service feels your child is extremely unsettled and/or anxious, we will call you and inform you.
• Interactions between Educators and parents or Educators and other children can produce positive role models and be reassuring. This experience can help to establish trust in an unfamiliar setting.
• Try to talk at home about child care. Mention the names of the Educators and other children. Talk about the things the child will be able to do at child care that are fun and enjoyable.
• Talk to the Educators about your child, for example, what they like to do; successful ways of settling them to sleep; foods they like and dislike and so on. This helps Educators to get to know your child.
• When leaving your child it is best to make sure you say goodbye and then leave. Hesitating and not going after you have said your goodbyes, if a child is upset, only confuses them. Reassure your child that everything is alright and you will return later, this can help them to settle.
• It sometimes helps to establish a routine when leaving. For example, giving your child a cuddle and giving them to a Educator or sitting down with them for a short play or reading a book together then leaving.
• At first some children protest strongly while others may take a day or two to realise that you are leaving them and begin to protest after several days. Children soon learn that you do return and in the mean time they are well cared for.

What to Bring

0-2 years

• • A few changes of clothing that is weather appropriate.
  • Bedding (what you currently use if you do. Examples include: sleeping bag, dummies and wraps, comforters (Will not be placed in children’s cots).
  • Bottles.
  • Formula if needed

  Please label everything clearly.

   

  1-6 years

  • A few changes of clothing that is weather appropriate (younger children- especially those toilet training- will need extra changes)
  • A security item for rest time – if they have one
  • A roll on sunscreen, clearly named- we teach children to apply sunscreen independently.

  Please label everything clearly.

   

  Breastfeeding

  If you are a breastfeeding mother then a quiet, comfortable space can be provided for you to feed your child.

   

  Birthdays

  Your child’s birthday is a special event in his/her life. To celebrate your child’s birthday, you are welcome to bring a fruit platter cake (due to food allergies). Please ensure that anything you provide is nut free and inform us beforehand so that we can inform other parents. We will always celebrate your child’s Birthday in their age group by making something with them. We will also perform the Montessori Birthday Circle for children aged 3-5.

   

  Clothing

  Parents are advised to send their children to the Service in comfortable, inexpensive clothing. The children need to be able to move around during their play period and should be unimpaired by clothing. While paints, etc will come out in the wash, accidents do happen so it is best to send the children along in their “less than good clothes”. Young children enjoy and need “messy” play with paint, clay, sand, water and mud. Please ensure children have closed in shoes at all times and aren’t sent to the service in sleevless shirts.

  The Service will only have a limited supply of spare clothing. Please supply at least two changes of clothing and underclothing in case of accidents, for 2-5 year olds.

  <Please mark your child’s clothing and replace name tags if they fade in the wash. Ensure clothing is weather appropriate.

  Please ensure that toddlers have about three complete changes of clothing and plenty of training pants.

   

  Clothing safety

  Please do not dress your child in clothing with cords e.g. shorts, hats etc. As these have the potential to become caught on equipment and may cause serious harm to your child.

   

  Belongings

  Please ensure all belongings are clearly labelled such as dummies, clothes etc. Lost property will be displayed for parent collection in the foyer. Parent co-operation in labelling assists the Service in keeping your child’s belongings together. Please don’t provide any belongings in plastic bags. Also ensure your bag is free from any chemicals, medication or hazards of any kind as the lockers are accessible to all children.

  The Service discourages toys from home and we will not hold any responsibility for any personal belongings. Please be reassured security items are acceptable and news items to be placed in ‘News Basket’.

   

  Possessions

  A soft toy or security item are acceptable for rest time. It is appreciated if personal possessions are not brought to the Service e.g. toys etc. Any possessions brought must come entirely at the parent’s own risk with regards to breakage or loss.

   

  Lockers

  Each child is allocated a locker. Please place bags etc in your child’s locker.  Lane Cove Montessori strives to be environmentally friendly. We ask you not to bring your child’s clothes in plastic bags- along with this is a safety concern. If your child attends less then five days per week, they will share their locker with another child. This means you will need to take your child’s bag home at the end of their attendance day for the week so there is enough room for the other child’s bag who shares the locker.

   

  Guidance and Discipline

  Educators follow a consistent practice which extends across the whole Service giving consistency of expectation in all rooms. This practice allows children to develop self-discipline, a respect for others and for property and respect for self.

   

   

  The policy aims are:-

  To give all children the opportunity to expand their experiences of life in a productive, safe environment that allows individuals the right to safety, tolerance, self-expression, cultural identity, dignity and the worth of the individual, along with honesty in dealing with peers and caregivers.

  To be taught to respect the rights and needs of others by foreseeing the outcome of their behaviour and the consequences of their behaviour.

  To encourage the individual social development of each child.

   

  If you require further information on this policy please ask Educators and refer to the policy book.

   

  Rest and Sleep

  Rest time routine varies according to individual needs.  We aim to make rest time a relaxed, pleasant time for all children.  We provide stretcher beds for children.  Your child may wish to bring a security item, pillow or blanket to have at rest time. Please feel free to discuss your child’s rest needs with Educators.

   

  Parents

   

  We believe the best way to work with you and your child is by building a partnership of care. To do this we want you to feel.

   

  You are given lots of information about what is happening and you are asked for your views.

   

  Communication Communication Communication

  What is the best way to communicate with you?
  Everybody has a different communication style and time for communication. We understand that mornings and afternoons can be a little rushed, and not the best time to discuss your child. We have many types of communication we use for families in the Service. We have a diary located in the foyer where you can write information. This may include that your child woke early and may be tired, that a parent is away on work and your child may be emotional etc.

   

  Confidentially and Discretion

  Information received through written and spoken communication with families will be treated with discretion.

   

  At any time if you require a private discussion with our Educators, please inform us. This can happen face to face or by phone.

   

  How do you like to be communicated with?

   

  Services Offered

   

• • • Newsletters
    • Phone calls to your work
    • Emails
    • Letters
    • Face to face

     

    Ways we will be communicating the events of the Service by:

     

  • • • • Short face to face verbal interactions at arrival and departure times.
        • A diary located in the foyer entrance next to the sign in/out sheets.
        • Monthly newsletters which will be e-mailed to your nominated account.
        • A message section on the day book, where brief notes can be left between Educators and parents.
        • A notice board where various messages and notices are displayed advertising current issues and up coming events.
        • Regular parent meetings are held where parents can raise any issues or topics they feel relevant and contribute to decision making.
        • A suggestion/comments box is located in the Service. Parents are able to leave more detailed written messages, for the purpose of expressing concerns, positive or evaluative input that they feel they need to let Educators know about. These can be anonymous if so desired.
        • Occasionally Educators will ask parents to complete short surveys in order to maintain up to date records and seek parent feedback on various topics.
        • We also have a communication book for each child. Communication books may go home from time to time when the service believes they need to provide you with information about your child. You have the opportunity to make comments and are asked to return the book on your child’s next scheduled day.
        • Policies will be regularly reviewed in a variety of ways (sign in area, newsletters and via files to enable parent comment on Service practices).

         

        Communication and Educators

        What can you expect from Educators?

        Educators will make efforts to communicate effectively with families.

         

        • • • Educators will inform families promptly and sensitively of any out of the ordinary incidents affecting their child.
            • Educators will share with children’s families some of the specific interactions they had with the children during the day. Please be mindful that supervision of other children must continue to take place and you may be asked to e-mail your concerns or arrange a time to talk one to one.
            • Information on children’s eating and sleeping patterns at the Service will be provided to families through the eat/sleep charts.
            • When families and Educators make a joint decision that affect children’s progress, interest and experience, a record will be kept in the appropriate form. (These may include new events like toilet training.)

        Please feel free at any time in person, by phone or email to discuss your child’s progress, relationship, interest and experiences.

         

        Hours of Operation

        Service hours are from 8.00am to 6.00pm, Monday to Friday, 50 weeks per year.

         

        Priority of Access

        Please refer to our Enrolment Policy for more information about the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations’ (DEEWR) requirements for Priority of Access.

         

        A bond of $200.00 per child is to be paid before your child commences at the Service, this is refundable when your child ceases care or used to pay outstanding fees. Payment method preferred is cash or cheque.

         

        Court Orders

        Parents must notify the Service if there are any Court Orders affecting residency of their children and a copy is required for the Service. Without a Court Order we cannot stop a parent collecting your child.

         

        Arrival and Departure

        For safety and security reasons ALL children must be signed in on arrival, and signed out on departure. The times must be noted. No child will be allowed to leave our Service with a person who is not stated on the enrolment form, unless prior arrangements are made with Nominated Supervisor. Signatures and times are important; if no signatures or times are entered it may be deducted from your tax return at the end of the financial year, at full fees.

         

        Parent Involvement

         

        This is vital to ensure maintenance of a quality service.  Your contribution of ideas, experiences and skills are welcomed and greatly valued. You may be able to share your skills and experiences in Music, Craft, Cooking and Storytelling etc to enhance your child’s program at the Service. Please share your availability or what you can offer the Service on the enrolment form.

         

        Parents are welcome to visit or call the Service at any time.  If you have any talents or hobbies, we welcome and encourage to please share them with the children.

         

        If you have any concerns, please see your child’s teacher or the Nominated Supervisor. We have a grievance policy and procedure if you would like to formally raise any concerns.

         

        Accounts in arrears will be subject to care being cancelled.

         

        Accounts

         

        Any change of financial income will alter your fee structure, please advise our Service and FAO (13 6150) if this occurs. Payments can be made via direct deposit.

         

        Late Fees

        If your child is collected from the Service after 6.00pm, you will be charged a late fee which is $2.00 for every minute. This is asked to be paid in cash and is distributed amongst the staff who had to stay back for extra time.

         

        Attendance and Absence

        Once a child is enrolled at the Service, payment of fees must be continued during the child’s absence for illness, public holidays, personal holidays, etc. When a child is absent for any reason we must be notified. The Service is open for fifty weeks per year; the only period during which we are closed is Public Holidays and two weeks at Christmas. Dates will be advised each year.

         

        Allowable Absences

        Refer to DEEWR for allowable absences.

         

        Waiting List

        When our rooms have full enrolment, children’s names will be put onto a waiting list.  Once a position is vacant, parents are then contacted about placement.  When parents wish to change days to other days, this can be effective immediately provided the group enrolment is not full.  If it is full the child’s name will be placed on a waiting list.  Once a position is available, days will then be adjusted.  Our waiting list does give priority to working parents as per Priority of Access Guidelines. There is a $35 waiting list fee per child.

         

        Notice of Withdrawal

        Refer to DEEWR

         

        Your commitment to Lane Cove Montessori(Answer on page 15)

        We require your commitment to Lane Cove Montessori and ask you to select one of the following where you can contribute time and effort in return of your child’s learning and development at Lane Cove Montessori.

         

        • Parent Committee
        • Working Bees

         

        Technology

        Lane Cove Montessori believes that technology is a huge part of today’s society and therefore a useful tool to further educate children in particular areas of the program. Lane Cove Montessori has Ipads, Ipods, laptops, children’s computers and a smart board. Educators may access websites such as google and youtube to gain a further insight into particular occasions or group projects. Limited time will be given for children to access these under full supervision. We have a technology policy which is adhered to at all times.

         

        EDUblog/Photographs

        Lane Cove Montessori shares your child’s day through our online EDUblog. Photographs are uploaded to the blog and you can access the blog at any time.

        Photographs are taken regularly throughout the day to capture special moments and developmental learning experiences which will be displayed in your child’s portfolio. If you have participated in family input the experience will be photographed and uploaded into the daily blog.

         

        Portfolios

        Every child at Lane Cove Montessori has a portfolio dedicated to them. It includes special moments, interests, and the progress of your child’s development. You are welcome to request for your child’s portfolio at any time.

         

        Parent Information evening

        Once a year Lane Cove Montessori provides a parent information evening. We highly recommend you attend as we have guest speakers along with the opportunity for you to meet with your educators.

         

        Social events

        The Lane Cove Montessori parent committee organises social events outside of operating hours. It’s always a fun event where you can have the opportunity to meet other parents and the educators outside of the rushed drop off-pick up period. We highly recommend you make the time to attend.

         

        Recycle and reuse

        The centre promotes and encourages recycling and reusing items that may be surpless or of no longer use for families that can be reused at the service. We therefore encourage the donations of;

        • Old pots and pans.
        • Recycled packaging boxes.
        • Anything you may think of.

        Unfortunately we cannot accept used toilet paper roll cylinders.

         

        Health & Safety

         

        The Service provides a healthy and safe environment for children, Educators and families to grow and develop in – as such the Service has a health and safety and hygiene policy regarding illnesses and medications. Children with contagious illnesses are required to be kept at home and a doctor’s certificate must be presented to show that the infection cannot be passed when the child returns to the Service. If your child has a fever they cannot attend care and there must be a 24 hour clearance period before they attend their next scheduled day. If your child has had fever please do not administer Panadol and then bring them to care.

        If your child has a fever at the centre you will be contacted immediately and verbally asked permission for Lane Cove Montessori first aid trained educators to administer paracetamol. You will be asked to provide the weight and usual amount of paracetamol you administer. You will also be requested to collect your child immediately (within the hour). Therefore please ensure your contact details are always up to date. If you cannot be contacted your listed emergency contact person(s) will be and asked to collect your child.

        You will be asked to sign a disclosure where you are deemed responsible to disclose whether you have administered any type of medication including paracetamol or neurofen (6-8 hours) prior to your child attending the service. This protects any case of overdose if in the case the Nominated Supervisor could not reach you, or your nominated person(s) and needed to make a decision to administer paracetamol in the case of your child gaining a fever of 38.5 or above.

         

        Food Allergies

         

        We are a nut awareness service

        We are an allergy aware Service.

         

        Please inform the Nominated Supervisor if your child has any allergy or food intolerances and this must be clearly labelled on your child’s enrolment form.

         

        Illness

         

        NO CHILD will be admitted with obvious signs of any highly contagious infection or illness. Our policy states the incubation period, symptoms and exclusion periods of such diseases. Children who are not immunised will be required to be exempt from the Service.

         

        Medication

        Educators who hold a current First Aid Certificate will be able to administer medication to children who are recovering from illness. Medication will not be administered unless it has been prescribed by a medical practitioner and has your child’s name labelled on the bottle with the expiry date in use.

         

        A medication form must be completed and signed by parents before any medication will be given. All prescription medication must be prescribed for your child and not another family member- unless stated otherwise by a doctor’s certificate. Medication must be in date and in it’s original packaging. We cannot administer over the counter medication without a provided letter from your doctor.

         

        The medication must be personally handed to an Educator to store in a locked container in fridge. Please ensure the educator has acknowledged taking the medication. Please DO NOT leave medication in your child’s bag.

         

        The Educator who gives medication requires a medication form to be completed by the parent, e.g. tablets, mixture, creams.

         

        Any child who has commenced an antibiotic must not attend the Service for 24 hours from commencement.

         

        Asthma and anaphylaxis

        The Service aims to provide a safe environment for children who have asthma and/or anaphylaxis. It is Service policy that an “Asthma or anaphylaxis Record Plan” be completed by parents/guardians in consultation with the family doctor. It is also a requirement that the record plan be reviewed by your family doctor annually or as circumstances change. This must be completed and returned before enrolment commences.

         

        Sun Protection

        Our Service’s follows the Cancer Council sun protection policy. Children will be allocated a hat each.  The hat must stay in the locker and will be washed weekly. Please do not take your child’s hat gome. Please provide a roll on sunscreen for your child which is clearly labelled. We teach the children to independently apply their own sunscreen throughout appropriate times during the day. Please ensure your child is not sent with sleevless clothes and if they are they must have appropriate clothes to change into before outdoor play. We ask you to apply sunscreen before drop off period. You can apply this at home or with the roll on sunscreen you have provided at the service. You must tick off the “sunscreen” section on your child eat/sleep chart located in the main foyer to communicate with us that your child has sunscreen applied.

         

        Accidents

        In case of a accident or illness occurring at the Service, the Nominated Supervisor will contact and notify parents. As a matter of extreme importance parents must ensure that the Service has up to date emergency contact numbers. An incident, injury, trauma and illness report will be filled out, outlining the accident and signed by the Educators who observed and administered first aid, as well as any witnesses. The Nominated Supervisor’s and parent’s signature will also be required.

         

        Emergency/Fire Drills/Lockdown

        Throughout the year the Service will hold emergency drills which occur at any given time throughout the day. These are carried out in a well-organised and orderly manner. Also Educators will be trained in using the fire extinguishers that are in the Service. A emergency escape plan will be in every room.

         

        Using the Service Safely

        Never leave children unattended in cars while collecting children from the Service.

         

        Cars parks are dangerous places for children, always hold children’s hands when arriving and leaving the Service

         

        Never leave a door or gate open.

         

        Never leave your children unattended in a room. Ensure an educator is aware your child has been dropped off at the service.

         

        Children are not permitted into the kitchen and laundry areas- please always close the sliding door behind you after exiting.

         

        Workplace Health and Safety Feedback

        We welcome all feedback regarding the safety of our Service. If you see something that concerns you regarding safe work practises, the safety of building and equipment or general WHS, please contact the Nominated Supervisor immediately.

         

        Educators

        Suitable qualified Educators are employed in all age groups and the child Educators ratios are adhered to according to our legal requirements. All Educators will have their Senior First Aid Certificates, Working with Children Checks completed and attend monthly Educators meetings.  Our Educators are regularly involved and encouraged to attend further development and training.

         

        We aim for our Service to be unique in that all our Educators will have had training and experience in the child care profession. For further details on the qualifications of the Educators, please see our Nominated Supervisor.

         

        Conclusion

        We guarantee your child will have a happy, safe and secure relationship with the Service and its Educators and that the time he or she is in our care will be positive and fulfilling. We look forward to sharing our daily lives with yours and build a strong family relationship at Lane Cove Montessori Long Day Care.

         

        Important Contacts and Information for Families

        The Service provides families with current information on child and family resources and services accessible in the local community.

         

        Our Service has a parent library with resources you may find helpful.

         

        ACECQA is the new national body ensuring early childhood education and care across Australia is high quality.

        Address:	Level 15, 255 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000
        Postal Address:	PO Box A292, Sydney, NSW 2000
        Email:	enquiries@acecqa.gov.au
        Phone:	1800 181 088

        Family Assistance Office

        Phone: 13 6150

         

         

        Australian Childhood Immunisation Register

        Phone: 1800 653 809

         

        Local Contacts

         

        NSW Health

        02 9391 9000

         

        Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children

        Melinda Lloyd

        02 9872 0826

         

        Emergency Services

        Police, Fire, Ambulance

        000

         

        Royal North Shore Hospital

        02 9926 7111

         

        Lane Cove Fire Station

        02 9901 2420

         

        Informative Websites For Parents

        Raising Children Network

        The Australian parenting website: comprehensive, practical, expert child health and parenting information and activities covering children aged 0-8 years.
        www.raisingchildren.net.au/

         

        Better Health Channel

        Quality consumer health information quality-assured, regularly reviewed, health and wellbeing information and services. This site is sponsored by the State Government of Victoria.

        www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/

         

        Family Skills, Interests and Talents

         

        We welcome all family members to our Service and we encourage when possible for families to be involved in your child’s program. There are many ways for your family to be involved. We understand that our busy lives can’t always afford the time, however any contribution no matter how big or small is much appreciated. Here are just a few ideas.

         

        Your Occupation

        Your child loves you and when they get to childcare all they talk about is you. You are the most important person in their world. We welcome all parents to the Service to talk about their occupation or hobby. Everything parents do interest children and these talks are the best educational resources you can provide for the Service. After occupational discussions we use it in our programming and the ideas explored from parent talks can last for weeks.

         

        Your Home Culture

         

        Your home culture is most welcomed in our Service, we would greatly appreciate if you were able to share with our Service aspects of your culture and family life. This would assist us to enrich the lives of all our families and children.

         

        Reading (especially good for grandparents)

        Children love to be read to. If you or your parents have the time please contact your room Educators to organise a day for reading.

         

        Useful Junk

        We are always on the lookout for recyclable items for the rooms. Empty food containers, ribbons, wrapping paper, towel tubes (not toilet or egg or milk re-hygiene and allergy) paper or anything interesting form your work is much appreciated.

         

        Family Park Days

        There is no better way to meet new friends and to get to know other families on a more personal note. We will have family park days from time to time.

         

        Family Photos

         

        Our aim is to create a warm, friendly and homely environment. One way we like to achieve this is by having family photos displayed. Please bring in a copy of your family for us to display in the room.

         

        Concerts and Special Events

         

        Our Service organises special events throughout the year. Keep an eye out as your child is sure to be a star!
        Suggestions

         

        If you have any other suggestion or idea on how we best can work together in the Service and together with your child’s program please let us know.

         

        Remember

        When your family becomes involved with the Service, no matter how small or big your involvement your child will be be experiencing the connection between home and our Service.

        Please read this handbook carefully so you fully understand the commitment that you are undertaking and your responsibilities to the Service. When you have done so please sign and return this page to the Nominated Supervisor.

         

        Thank You