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Please complete an Online Enrolment Form if this is your first time using the service.

A Photo Permission and Excursion Permission form must be completed and signed for each child enrolled

If your child is already enrolled in Occasional Care, you do not need to complete another enrolment form.

Please book early to avoid disappointment.

Bookings will not be confirmed until Enrolment and additional permission forms are completed, submitted and a place has been allocated.

No refunds are available for cancellations made outside of the cancellation period. Please Refer to the YMCA Family Handbook for details on booking allocation, cancellation, termination and withdrawal.

Service Information Occasional Care is open to all children aged 10weeks -5 years currently. All policies, procedures and information contained within the YMCA Occasional Care Family Handbook is applicable. All children must be signed in and out of the service by a legal guardian or by a person as authorized on the child’s enrolment Form. Photo Identification may be required upon collection of child/ren. If you have a child with special needs please contact the service 2 weeks prior to the start of the program to discuss the needs of your child. The YMCA and staff reserve the right to send unwell children home. Refer to the YMCA Occasional Care Policies for details on late collection and fees. What to bring Children should be in suitable clothing for all planned activities and weather conditions. This includes closed toe shoes, comfortable clothing, hat, sunscreen and jackets. A nutritious lunch, including enough snacks for the day and a clearly named water bottle needs to be brought to the program every day. What not to bring Due to the ages of children, occasional Care endeavor to be a nut free zone. NO peanut butter, nuts, nutella or nut products are to be sent with your child. Please ensure you view all foods that you are providing for your child.

Grampians Region YMCA Children’s Services

PO Box 486, Stawell 3380

ABN: 57 895 303 752

Telephone (03) 5358 1100

Email: elvie.ahern@ymca.org.au

Web:www.grampians.ymca.org.au

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GRAMPIANS REGION YMCA OCCASIONAL CARE STAFF

Qualified Educational Coordinator Lisa Curran Qualified Supervisor on Duty Tania Charlesworth Qualified Assistants Theresa McDonald

GENERAL INFORMATION Welcome to YMCA Occasional Care. At Occasional Care we believe it is extremely important to establish quality, honest relationships with both the parents and children. It is through these relationships we are able to help each child reach their maximum potential. Any questions or queries on any matter are always welcome and will be kept strictly confidential. We look forward to developing a new relationship with you and your family. HOURS OF OPERATION Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 8.30am - 3.00pm Bookings are essential and can be made in person or by phone. Contact any of the staff on 5352 2211. CANCELLATION OF BOOKING Permanent bookings Please inform the Coordinator in writing if your child who holds a permanent booking is going to be away for longer than one week. Children who hold a permanent booking who are away will still be charged unless a doctors certificate can be provided with in 24hrs, or you have written to the service notifying them of the child’s absence for the period longer than 1 week Casual bookings Parents should notify the program if their child will not be attending, as soon as this is known. 48hrs cancellation notice is required or a normal casual fees will apply.

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The YMCA strives for an inclusive society where everyone has

the opportunity to reach his or her potential. It is a Movement

committed to provide opportunities for all people to grow in

body, mind and spirit. It is part of the very fabric of the YMCA

Movement to promote the healthy development of children and

young people who access its programs and services.

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The YMCA strives for an inclusive society where everyone has

the opportunity to reach his or her potential. It is a Movement

committed to provide opportunities for all people to grow in

body, mind and spirit. It is part of the very fabric of the YMCA

Movement to promote the healthy development of children and

young people who access its programs and services.

FIRST AID AND ANAPHYLAXIS It is a requirement that at least one staff member with a current First Aid and CPR qualification is on duty at the Program at all times children are on the premises. Our staff are both Qualified in the treatment of First Aid and allergy reaction eg. Anaphylaxis Children with Anaphylaxis are required to have an action plan signed by their doctor and an auto injection device must remain in the building. CHILD PROTECTION It is YMCA’s policy to ensure that children are protected from child abuse. We will ensure that a system exists for the reporting of all child abuse allegations and that all allegations are dealt with in an equitable manner. Policies and procedures have been introduced to ensure that prohibited persons e.g (those convicted of a sex offence) are not employed in child related positions. All staff will be required to have a Working with Children Check, Police check, 3 type of identification and have successfully completed the online safeguarding children’s program endorsed by the Australian Childhood Foundation. This process ensures all staff are cleared for working with children and have thorough information and training relating to allegations of child abuse and the processes for reporting. For more information on child protection please read our “Safeguarding Children Policy”. If you have any other questions regarding child protection or the YMCA’s Safeguarding Children Policy please do not hesitate to talk to staff or contact the Children’s Services office on 53581100. Confidentiality will be maintained at all times. PRIVACY/ CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY The YMCA Occasional Care program protects the privacy and confidentiality of individuals, by ensuring that all records and information about individual children, families, staff and management are kept in a secure place . This information can only be accessed by or disclosed to those people who need the information to fulfill their responsibilities at the program or have legal right to know.

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PHILOSOPHY At Occasional Care we believe during the first five years of a child’s life the development and learning process is crucial. Therefore, Occasional Care is of vital importance as it provides the child with new skills, knowledge and experiences from which they can devel-op into a unique, individual person, capable of functioning in and responding to the world around them.

We are committed to high quality, stimulating, developmentally appropriate, and inclusive care and education for young children.

We believe an important aspect of any program is the establishment and maintenance of a partnership with parents, based on mutual respect.

We recognise the significance of culture, customs, language and beliefs, and respect these when implementing the program.

A spirit of warmth, encouragement, and respect for and consideration of others characterises the implementation of the program.

During this time it is essential that parents and staff help each child grow independently and develop self–confidence by providing opportunities to learn and by being supportive of their achievements. We recognise the individuality of each child and family, and observe a policy of acceptance regardless of race, creed, gender, ability, class or culture. The program centres on play, as we believe it is through this medium that children best construct skills such as numeracy and literacy in a meaningful context. The numerous experiences available are designed to promote each child’s cognitive skills, physical skills, and ability to express emotions in an appropriate manner. Occasional Care staff recognise that children learn best when the important people in their lives establish good relationships. Parent – Child Parent – Staff Staff – Child Child – Child

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OCCASIONAL CARE Our licence restriction means that children can only be cared for, for a maximum of five hours per day, 15 hours per week. With numbers continually increasing we ask you to please abide by this guideline, and ensure that your child is collected at the correct time, so that others do not miss out on their spot. Being late will result in a late fine. For more information please see our Policies and Procedures handbook, which can be found in the foyer. WHAT TO BRING A packed lunch for your child and a drink of water for the day. A change of clothes, nappies, wipes and any dummies or comforters your child may need for the day. Please ensure all items are named, so they do not get lost or taken home with someone else. FOOD & DRINKS

Morning Tea is at 10am.

Lunch is at 12pm.

Afternoon Tea is at 2pm. We encourage all parents/ guardians to pack healthy lunches for their children. We have a fruit first policy where all children will have a piece of fruit first for morning tea. This is to help encourage healthy food choices, and also help the children feel like a group as they all are eating the same thing.

Items such as chocolate, roll ups, chips, lollies, chocolate biscuits or cordial will not be given out while at care.

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OCCASIONAL CARE FEES The centre will be closed on public holidays & 5 weeks over the Christmas period. Bookings are essential and can be made in person or phone 5352 2211 Fee structure- As of 1st October 2016 Fees are to be paid at the end of each session ACCOUNTS/COLLECTION OF FEES If amount is more than three sessions in arrears care will be cancelled until the amount owing is paid in full. If your child is not going to be in for a day we ask for a courtesy call other-wise a cancellation fee of your child’s full session will apply (eg, If your child is in for 2 hours you will be charged $20.00, if you do not give us a courtesy call) A late fee will also apply for those over the five hours of care. Accounts need to be paid regularly and kept up to date. If you family

account is overdue and older than 60 days your credit card details will be

debited. In the event of credit card details being rejected or not available,

you will receive notification that urgent payment is required within 7 days.

If this payment is not received a 20% charge will be added to your account

before forwarding it to the debt collection service.

Casual Rate Child

Permanent Rate Child 1

Permanent Rate Child 2

$10.00 $8.00 $7.50

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SERIOUS ACCIDENTS In the event of a serious accident or illness, staff are to assess the situation, ensure that the rest of the group are being adequately supervised and administer appropriate First Aid to injured/ill child. The director and assistant are not permitted to use their own vehicle to transport children in a medical emergency. Instead an ambulance will be called to transport a child to the hospital. The cost of the ambulance will be borne by the parents of the child involved. MEDICATION PROCEDURE For staff to administer medication to your child while at childcare you must fill out a medication form. This must state the child’s name, name of medication, last time of dosage, amount and time of administration and must be signed in the Medication book by the parent/guardian. The medication must be in its original package with the child’s name shown clearly on medication with the dosage amount. MEDICATION WILL ONLY BE ADMINSTERED IF:

IT IS CLEARLY LABELLED WITH CHILD’S NAME

IT IS WITHIN THE EXPIRY DATE

IT IS IN IT’S ORIGINAL CONTAINER BEARING THE ORIGINAL LABEL & INSTRUCTIONS FOR CORRECT DOSAGE.

THE MEDICATION BOOKLET OR SHEET IS COMPLETELY FILLED IN AND SIGNED.

IT IS VITAL THAT ALL MEDICATION IS HANDED TO STAFF ON ARRIVAL INCLUDING ANY ASTHMA PUMPS, AND A MEDICATION FORM IS FILLED IN. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES IS MEDICATION TO BE KEPT IN YOUR CHILD’S BAG. THIS IS TO PROTECT THE SAFETY OF ALL CHILDREN IN OUR CARE!

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Here are some healthy snack suggestions for those who are running

out of idea’s….

Fruit Kebab sticks Kabana, cheese, cherry tomatoes and dry biscuits Yogurt and sultanas Carrot and celery sticks with dip A sandwich roll (cut off crust and spread with topping and roll bread up) Rice crackers with slices of cheese Nuts and bolts (Sultanas and nutrigrain) Frozen yoghurt Dried fruits SUMMER From October through to April children all must have a sun hat, Sunscreen and wear t-shirts to participate in play outside. A broad brim hat, bucket or legionnaire hats are part of our sun smart policy. Caps and singlet tops will not be accepted and children must wear secure footwear, so they are able to move freely when using the outside equipment. No thongs or crocs accepted. *SUNSCREEN IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY AND IS TO BE APPLIED AT HOME BEFORE ARRIVING AT KINDERCARE. We do provide sunscreen near the sign in book if needed.

WINTER During winter all children must have a warm coat, beanie and a change of clothes in case they get wet while outside. Without these essential items your child may miss out on valuable play time outside

Please ensure that ALL items that are brought to child care are named and clearly labeled. This will reduce the risk of your child’s items going home with someone else!

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ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES On arrival and departure, parents/guardians or the delegated person must sign in or sign out the child with the time he/she arrives & departs. If you have organized someone else to pick your child up please ensure they are aware of the correct pick up time so as it does not result in a late fine for you. It is also important to inform staff if someone else will be picking up your child and that they are on the pickup list on your Childs enrollment form. LATE COLLECTION FEES A late collection fee may be applied when:

The parents/ guardians are late in collecting their child. A rate of $1.00 per minute will be charged for repeated occurrences

ENROLMENT FORMS On the enrolment forms you must have all your details listed and two other emergency contacts listed. This is to ensure that in the event your child is sick or there is an emergency and we cannot contact you, we have someone else who we can contact and make a decision for you. PARENT ACCESS Parents are welcome at all times All Visitors are asked to make an appointment by phone. CONFIDENTIALITY All information relating to children in care, or their families will be treated as strictly confidential at all times.

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BIRTHDAYS Birthday cakes can be brought in, but they must be bought from the supermarket/cake shop listing all ingredients and unopened. This is due to the food handler’s policy and allergies. COMMON COLD/VIRUSES/TEMPERATURES If a child is showing signs of being unwell, staff are required to plan appropriately to meet that child’s individual needs. If the child’s needs cannot be adequately met, the parent will be informed and required to arrange collection of the child immediately. A child with a temperature in excess of 38.5 degrees is required to be collected from childcare immediately. DIARRHOEA AND VOMITING A child who has had Diarrhea or Vomiting is to be excluded from childcare for a Minimum of 48hrs from the last occurrence. If a child develops DIARRHOEA or VOMITING whilst in childcare, parents will be required to collect their child immediately. HEAD LICE If a child has head lice, parents will be required to collect the child Immediately and will only be able to return after appropriate treatment and head lice are gone. EMERGENCY In the event of an emergency all emergency procedures will be followed and children will be evacuated according to the appropriate procedures. Parents and guardians will be notified immediately. To view all our emergency procedure and policies please find our emergency policies and procedures book in the foyer.