information book - child family care | bestchance · address 3 lucerne street, mt waverley vic 3149...
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2018
Glendal Preschool
3 Lucerne Street
MT WAVERLEY
VIC 3149
9802 5732
Information Book
1
Contents
Welcome to families ......................................................................................................................................................... 2
Service Information ........................................................................................................................................................... 2
Early Years Management .................................................................................................................................................. 2
Proposed 2018 Educators ................................................................................................................................................. 4
Proposed Kindergarten Session Times .............................................................................................................................. 4
2018 Term dates ............................................................................................................................................................... 5
2018 Public holidays ......................................................................................................................................................... 5
Fees ................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Our Philosophy .................................................................................................................................................................. 7
The Kindergarten Program ................................................................................................................................................ 8
Starting kindergarten ........................................................................................................................................................ 9
Food at kindergarten ...................................................................................................................................................... 10
Clothing ........................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Children’s health and wellbeing ...................................................................................................................................... 11
Enrolment records .......................................................................................................................................................... 12
Immunisation .................................................................................................................................................................. 12
Illness .............................................................................................................................................................................. 12
Medical conditions .......................................................................................................................................................... 13
Medication ...................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Attendance records ......................................................................................................................................................... 13
Early Childhood Professionals ......................................................................................................................................... 14
Inclusion support ............................................................................................................................................................ 14
Program support ............................................................................................................................................................. 14
Valuing family .................................................................................................................................................................. 15
Family involvement ......................................................................................................................................................... 15
Parent Advisory Group (PAG).......................................................................................................................................... 16
Students, volunteers and visitors.................................................................................................................................... 16
Communication with families ......................................................................................................................................... 16
Family feedback .............................................................................................................................................................. 17
Concerns and complaints ................................................................................................................................................ 17
Policies and procedures .................................................................................................................................................. 17
Bestchance Member Centres ........................................................................................................................................... 18
2
Welcome to families
Welcome to Glendal Preschool. We are sure your child will have a great year at Kindergarten. Please
speak to the teacher if you have any questions or concerns.
Glendal Preschool is a member of the bestchance Early Years Management. This means the management
of the kindergarten is handled by bestchance. Please contact Early Years Management on 8562 5153 or
[email protected] if you have any questions.
bestchance works in partnership with the educators to support the delivery of a quality Kindergarten
program.
Service Information
Name of Kindergarten Glendal Preschool
Address 3 Lucerne Street, MT WAVERLEY VIC 3149
Telephone number 9802 5732
Email [email protected]
Early Years Management
Early Years Management is the leading platform to achieve improved outcomes for all young children, through the
delivery of world-class, accessible early childhood education and care services.
bestchance is your kindergartens Early Years Management (EYM) organisation responsible to lead and manage a
sustainable service that is focussed on improving outcomes for children. The benefits of EYM are multiple:
Children benefit from high-quality, inclusive services provided by professionals who are well supported to
adopt contemporary and evidence-based practices.
Parents can focus their involvement on supporting their children’s learning free of the compliance,
industrial, financial and operational obligations required of approved early childhood service providers
Staff benefit from organisational structures and processes that support them in their day-to-day work, but
also have a view to the future creating career pathways and professional development opportunities that
align with their aspirations.
Early Years Management is built on a four-way partnership, where partners work together to deliver quality early
education experiences for all children.
The partners are:
Families –EYM organisation – bestchance
Local government
The Department
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In an EYM partnership, bestchance undertakes the day-to-day management of the kindergarten service. bestchance
is the approved provider of the service and is responsible for:
Ensuring compliance with the National Law and Regulations
Hiring and managing appropriately qualified staff and supporting their professional development
Ensuring service viability and acquitting funding to the Department
Ensuring delivery of high-quality education program, aligned with the Victorian Early Years Learning and
Development Framework
Other operational requirements
General EYM phone enquiries 8562 5153
General enquiries email [email protected]
Enrolments team [email protected]
Account enquiries [email protected]
Website https://www.bestchance.org.au/
4
Proposed 2018 Educators
Mandy, Angela, Narelle, Anna, Marie
Proposed Kindergarten Session Times
4 year old
3 year old (if applicable)
5
2018 Term dates
Term 1 29 January – 29 March
Term 2 16 April – 29 June
Term 3 16 July – 21 September
Term 4 8 October – 21 December
*Please note: the first day of Term 1 will be for educators to set up the kindergarten. Interviews are
arranged before a child starts kindergarten to ensure families have the information they need and
educators have the information they need to collect on enrolment forms before a child can begin attending
kindergarten. You will be notified of starting dates and times before the start of Term 1.
2018 Public holidays
The Kindergarten will be closed on the following dates:
Labour Day Monday 12 March
Good Friday Friday 29 March
Easter Monday Monday 2 April
Anzac Day Wednesday 25 April
Queen’s Birthday Monday 11 June
Day before Grand Final Day Friday 28 September
Melbourne Cup Day Tuesday 6 November
6
Fees
The Victorian State Government offers assistance in the form of a fee subsidy to promote participation in
kindergarten and to make kindergarten fees affordable for families in the following categories:
The child is identified by the parent carer or legal guardian as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait
islander
Commonwealth Health Care Card
Commonwealth Pensioner Concession Card
Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card or White card
Refugee Visa - subclass 200
In-country Special Humanitarian Visa – subclass 201
Global Special Humanitarian Visa – subclass 202
Temporary Humanitarian Concern Visa - subclass 786
Protection Visa – subclass 866
Emergency Rescue Visa – subclass 203
Woman at Risk Visa – subclass 204
Bridging Visas A-E
The child is identified on their birth certificate as being a multiple birth child (triplets or more)
The fee subsidy will enable families who hold one of these concession cards to access kindergarten at low
or no cost. If the Health Care Card/Pensioner Concession card expires during 2017 and new card details
are not provided when requested, full fees will apply.
To assist families fees can be paid through direct debit. To arrange direct debit payments contact our
Finance team on Ph: 8562 5100 or email: [email protected] .
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Our Philosophy
Glendal Preschool Philosophy:
• Children are strong advocates for their own learning and development
• Families are the most important and influential people in children’s lives
• Our programs invite inclusive practice
• Creating a safe environment that inspires children to investigate and wonder, one that is based on their
needs, provides a foundation for rich and meaningful learning
• The emotional and physical well-being of the children and families in our community is a priority
• Children learn best when they are happy and healthy
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The Kindergarten Program
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, inquiry, 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.
For more information about program planning, please speak with your child’s educators.
Special experiences, such as visitors to the kindergarten, will be organised throughout the year. Examples
of visitors to the kindergarten may include the local fire truck, ambulance or police car to visit, music and
dance experiences, photographer, or a visiting farm or wildlife incursion.
These experiences enrich the learning program, and provide first hand opportunities for children to
participate in special activities.
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Starting kindergarten
At the start of the year we organise a timetable to help children settle in happily. Our timetable is flexible to
meet family needs and to give children time to settle in, to learn the routines and get to know the educators
and other children. We will work with you to find the best way to introduce your child to the kindergarten.
What does my child need to bring?
A bag or backpack with your child’s name on it;
A broad-brimmed hat to wear in summer;
A warm hat / beanie and coat in cool weather;
A change of clothes. It is a good idea to send a full change of clothes in your child’s bag, including
socks and underwear. Toilet trained children in a new environment may still have toileting accidents
and most children prefer to change into their own clothes. Protective smocks are available for
children to wear, but sometimes children can get wet or messy;
A water bottle with your child’s name on it; and
A snack box and a lunch box with your child’s name on it and food for your child.
What do I do when we arrive?
Sign your child into the kindergarten by signing in the attendance book;
In warm weather, apply sunscreen to your child. This is usually located near the attendance book;
Encourage your child to put their bag where it belongs;
Let the educators know if there is any information they should know for the day e.g. grandparent
collecting, if your child is tired, etc.; and
Say goodbye when your child is settled.
What do I do when I collect my child?
Sign your child out in the attendance book;
Encourage your child to pack their bag and be responsible for collecting their belongings and
Say goodbye to the educators
It is not acceptable for families to collect their children late on a regular basis.
Families need to collect their children on time. Educators are not able to complete their other
tasks when children are collected late. Please telephone the educators to let them know if you
will be late so that they can reassure your child.
Emergency contacts will be called to collect a child who is not picked up on time at the end of
the session. If emergency contacts do not answer the telephone, educators will call bestchance,
who will advise on calling police.
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Food at kindergarten
Children are encouraged to eat when they are hungry rather than at set meal times. You are requested to
supply a healthy snack and lunch and avoid packing food items containing nuts and eggs due to severe
food allergies. This includes avoiding peanut butter and Nutella.
Some suggestions for healthy snacks and lunch include but are not limited to:
Snack Lunch
Fruit Vegetables Cheese Plain yoghurt Rice cakes Dry biscuits Tinned fruit
Sandwiches Pita bread Wraps Rice/noodles Rice paper rolls
To support the Kindergarten in promoting healthy eating and lifestyles, we ask that
you do not send unhealthy food items in your child’s lunchbox. Some examples of
these are:
× Chocolates × Jelly × Cakes × Lollies × Chips × Sweet biscuits × Juices × Cordials × Soft drinks × Fried food
Please note that only water should be sent in your child’s drink bottle and no sweet
drinks such as cordial or soft drink.
An example of a healthy lunch
and snack:
A sandwich
Grapes
Yoghurt
Drink bottle with water
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Clothing
Please send your child to kindergarten in clothes that are:
Comfortable;
Easy for children to manage themselves; and
Alright to get dirty.
During colder weather please send a coat or extra jacket for outdoor play. Children will have outdoor play
time on most days, even when it is cold outside.
Children will wear a sun hat from September to April. A broad-brimmed hat is best because it protects
children from sun-burn on the neck, ears and face.
A spare set of clothes should also be sent in your child’s bag.
Children’s health and wellbeing
Please keep your child at home if they:
Have had any gastric upsets within the previous 24 hours (vomiting and / or diarrhoea);
Are suffering a cold and/or has a coloured nasal discharge; and/or
Are complaining of feeling unwell.
Please contact the Kindergarten immediately to tell educators if your child is diagnosed with an infectious
disease (e.g. chicken pox, gastroenteritis). Children will need to remain at home for the prescribed time on
the exclusion table displayed at the Kindergarten.
If your child is away, it is helpful for the educators to know. A telephone call would be appreciated.
Accidents and illness at the kindergarten
If your child is hurt or becomes sick at kindergarten, the educators will call you as soon as possible
to talk about arranging for your child to be collected if necessary.
Any time a child has a bump or knock to the head, educators will always call you. You can then
decide whether or not you want to collect your child from Kindergarten.
If educators cannot contact you, they will call the emergency contact people you have nominated on
your enrolment form. These are the people you have given permission to collect your child from
Kindergarten if there is an emergency or they become sick. It is very important to let educators know
if there are any changes to emergency contact information.
If a child is involved in an accident or incident at kindergarten or is thought to be seriously ill, and
the educators believe urgent medical help is needed, they will call for an ambulance straight away.
Please be aware the cost of ambulance trips can be costly. It is up to families to decide if they
should have medical/ambulance cover.
Teachers report incidents and accidents to bestchance who report to the Department of Education
and Training (DET).
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Enrolment records
bestchance Central Enrolments collects all enrolment information from the families. This includes the following:- Completed enrolment forms, copy of Birth Certificate or Passport (proof of age), immunisation history statement, medical Management Plan (if applicable), Court orders (if applicable), and concession information.
• Your child will not be able to commence at kindergarten unless all forms have been fully completed
and returned.
• Please notify us promptly if your address, contact phone numbers, emergency contact details or
custody details change throughout the year. If an emergency arises with your child it is
imperative we have correct contact details so we can contact you immediately.
• All personal information collected is maintained in a strictly confidential manner. Enrolment
Records and accompanying documentation are stored in a secure, locked location.
• Enrolment team contact details
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 8562 5153
Immunisation
By law, to finalise enrolment for your child into kindergarten you must provide bestchance with an Immunisation History Statement that shows your child is up to date with vaccinations, on a vaccine catch-up schedule or has a medical condition preventing vaccination.
Please note: The Maternal Child Health Book is not acceptable proof of your child’s immunisation. For further information in regards to the No Jab, No Play law please visit: www.health.vic.gov.au/immunisation/factsheets/no-jab-no-play.htm
Illness
If your child is unwell please keep them at home until they are feeling better. This will assist to limit the
spread of infection to others. If your child is unwell it is unlikely they will enjoy their time at kindergarten.
Should your child be diagnosed as having an infectious illness you must advise the kindergarten as soon
as possible, as the kindergarten must display a notice to inform other families, as required under the
‘Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011’.
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Medical conditions
If your child has a diagnosed medical condition, allergy or specific health care need a medical action plan
must be provided to the kindergarten prior to your child commencing. This plan must be written and
signed by a medical practitioner. Any medication must also be available at the centre each day the child is
in attendance. The child’s educator will also complete a risk minimisation plan in consultation with the
parent/guardian.
Medication
It is a legal requirement that any medication be handed to educators. The medication must be:
• In its original container/package, clearly showing the dosage requirements.
• Within the expiry date.
• Labelled with your child’s full name
o for non-prescription medication please write your child’s name on the medication,
o for prescription medication please ensure the Chemist label is affixed and dosage
instructions are legible.
Please note that for medication to be administered to your child whilst at kindergarten, the medication
record must be fully completed by a parent or authorised person.
Attendance records
• Parents or guardians must sign their child ‘in’ and ‘out’ of the kindergarten each session in the
Attendance Record. The exact time of delivery/collection is to be recorded, not necessarily the
session time (e.g. 9:07am).
• Educators are not permitted to release a child to any person not listed in the child’s Enrolment
Record. If collection details change throughout the session time, parents must advise educators
prior to your child being released to the authorised person.
• Parents, guardians and educators are required to follow procedures for unauthorised collection of
children as outlined in the bestchance Delivery and Collection of Children policy. This policy is
available for your information located at the centre.
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Early Childhood Professionals
• All bestchance kindergartens operate within the Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010 and the Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011.
• All kindergarten educators are trained and hold appropriate early childhood qualifications, relevant to their employment position. The educators working with children have approved regulatory training in First Aid, CPR, Anaphylaxis and Asthma.
• All educators hold a current and valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) or are registered
with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT).
Inclusion support
bestchance offers Inclusion Support for children, families and educators. The Inclusion Support program
supports the inclusion and participation of all children within our centres. The program provides
educational support and strategies to centre educators to ensure the needs of each child are met.
Program support
Program Support is provided to our early childhood educators, both as teams and as individuals. This
support focuses on the provision of high quality educational programs for children that are reflective of
the National Quality Framework, offering educators Professional Learning and Development
opportunities which assists educators to:
o Further support their centre’s families and children.
o Enhance their service and educational programming.
o Maintain current information regarding theories and best practice.
o Network with other early childhood education and care professionals.
bestchance actively encourage all educators to undertake regular Professional Learning and
Development.
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Valuing family
Our kindergarten community is not only made up of the children but encompasses the whole family.
Family members are welcome at our kindergarten at any time. There are many ways in which parents and
family members can be involved in and contribute to the kindergarten experience. Just to name a few, this
may include:
• Family participation/involvement – feel free to stay and play whenever you’re able to, or nominate to
help out during particular sessions. This provides the opportunity to see what happens, involve
yourself in activities with the children and spend some time with your child in the kindergarten
environment. Siblings are welcome to come along – just remember they are under your supervision.
Other family members (i.e. Grandparents) are also welcome to participate.
• Sharing any particular skills/talents – play an instrument, do some cooking, gardening, building,
sewing, drama or language.
• Discussing your occupation with the children (i.e. builder, dentist, police or ambulance officer).
• Participating in excursions.
• Joining the committee / parent group.
• Attending special events.
• Supporting fundraising efforts.
Please discuss your ideas and possible involvement with educators at any stage.
Family involvement
Families are welcome to come and join in the kindergarten program. Spending time at the kindergarten is a
great opportunity for you to see what your child learns at kindergarten, and to get to know your child’s
friends as well as educators.
If you have a special skill, interest or talent you would like to share with the children please let us know so
we can incorporate your ideas into the program.
The kindergarten environment is set up to challenge three to five year old children. If you bring other
children with you to kindergarten when you are helping, you will need to supervise those children.
You may wish to join the kindergarten Parent Advisory Group, please ask the teachers for contact details.
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Parent Advisory Group (PAG)
PAGs act as the voice of families attending kindergarten services, representing their interests in discussions with
EYM organisations. Like school councils, the essential role of a PAG is to enhance children’s educations experiences
and outcomes. It builds community connections and ensures local needs and interests are reflected at the service,
strengthening support networks for children and families.
The relationship between the PAG and the EYM organisation is critical to successful delivery of the kindergarten
program. Through close collaboration, both parties work together to deliver improved outcomes for children.
The PAG may undertake fundraising and organise family/community activities, including working bees, to create
opportunities for families to build meaningful connections and contribute to their kindergarten community.
All PAGs are slightly different as all communities are slightly different. If you would like further information about
your PAG please speak with your Kindergarten teacher.
Being involved with the PAG can be very rewarding and lots of fun – making friends that can last for many years.
.
Students, volunteers and visitors
During the year the kindergarten may welcome a student or volunteer into the program to support them in gaining valuable experience in early childhood education. All students and volunteers remain under the direct supervision of the educators; and families will be informed about visitors at the kindergarten.
Communication with families
From time to time your child’s educators will informally chat with you about your child’s experiences at
kindergarten; however, your educators are available to discuss your child’s progress if requested. A brief
conversation before or after a session, or during your time of family participation/involvement can
sometimes provide the information you need. If you require a more detailed discussion, please speak with
your child’s teacher to arrange a meeting outside session time.
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Family feedback
Feedback may take the form of compliments, suggestions, enquiries, concerns or complaints. We hope
that families within our kindergarten are happy with the service we provide.
• Educators are available for conversations with families.
• Concerns or complaints can be raised with educators for clarification and resolution.
• We appreciate hearing what is working well at the kindergarten, so please let us know.
• Should parents not be satisfied or wish to discuss any other issues, please feel free to
telephone the Manager of the Early Years Management team on 8562 5153 or email
Concerns and complaints
All families are encouraged to direct any concerns, complaints or feedback to the Nominated Supervisor.
Alternatively, you can contact the bestchance Early Years Management Office on 8562 5153 and ask to
speak with the Early Years Advisor.
A detailed Complaints policy is available for your information at the centre at any time.
Alternatively, you can contact the Department of Education and Training (DET) on 1300 307 415.
Policies and procedures
The kindergarten is managed by bestchance Early Years Management (Child and Family Care Network) and
is licensed under The Education and Care Services National Law 2010 and National Regulations 2011 of
the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.
The policies of this Kindergarten are written to reflect the requirements of the Education and Care Services
National Law and Regulations, as well as best practice procedures from other organisations such as the
Asthma Foundation.
Families are most welcome to request to see any policies at the kindergarten or ask for them to be emailed
to their home. Families are also welcome to provide feedback on policies and procedures and can contact
bestchance on 8562 5153 or email [email protected]
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19
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