WELCOME TO THE IMAGINARIUM ELC
We warmly welcome you to the Imaginarium Early Learning Centre (ELC) and our supportive Kingswood College Community.
Our Early Learning Centre received accreditation in 2014 and then again in 2024 from the Department of Education and Training (DET) as part of the Federal Government’s National Quality Framework. Of the seven National Quality Standard areas which were evaluated, our ELC received the highest rating of ‘Exceeding National Quality Standard’ in all seven areas and was rated ‘Exceeding National Quality Standard’ overall.
Our very experienced early learning educators create an inclusive, relaxed and engaging learning environment for all children. Your child will have many opportunities to engage their curiosity and sense of wonder through our indoor and outdoor learning environments, which includes exploring our expansive campus grounds. Our program also includes a range of specialist subjects.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
The Kingswood College Early Learning Centre philosophy was created as a collaborative project between our education team and families to reflect our current values
and beliefs regarding the education and wellbeing of our community of learners. It draws on multiple theoretical perspectives and current research and is revised annually. We acknowledge that children are active participants in the Kingswood College Early Learning Centre community.
We value the importance of play in children’s lives and the curriculum is planned to give children the opportunity to explore, question, discover and reflect. Small group sizes enable ELC staff and children time to form secure relationships and connect with each other and their learning environment.
Planning is flexible, fostering children’s ideas and interests, and values the use of natural and open–ended materials. We strive to develop a positive disposition to learning.
GENERAL CONTACT DETAILS
IMAGINARIUM COORDINATOR
Wendy Corser: corser.w@ kingswoodcollege.vic.edu.au
IMAGINARIUM ADMINISTRATION
Pat Lenders: lenders.p@ kingswoodcollege.vic.edu.au
General ELC Email: elc@ kingswoodcollege.vic.edu.au
COLLEGE RECEPTIONIST AND JUNIOR SCHOOL ADMINSTRATION
Nicole Cherny: junior@ kingswoodcollege.vic.edu.au
MODEL FOR LEARNINGINTEGRATED PROGRAM
FUNDED
KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM 3 YEAR OLD KINDER & 4 YEAR OLD PRE PREP (STANDARD DAY PROGRAM)
8.30am – 4.00pm
Kingswood College’s Imaginarium is proud of our 3-year-old (Kinder) and our 4-year-old (Pre Prep) programs. Our program has very experienced and diverse teachers and coeducators and a rich specialist program as well as incorporating bush kinder. Your child will have a mentor teacher (Bachelor or Master qualified) who will meet with you twice per year (or more as needed) to discuss your child’s wellbeing and development.
They will also communicate with you weekly via an Xplor post. The mentor teachers will be teaching your child during the kindergarten hours (8.30-3.00) and they are available after 3.00pm by appointment. Your child’s teacher will also be supported by an experienced and qualified Co-Educator.
With the Standard Day Program, you may choose term time only or 48 weeks (attending during school holidays with four weeks closed between December and January).
Please note that you can only claim one year of 3 Year Old Kindergarten and one year of 4 Year Old Kindergarten. (If your child requires a
second year of 4 Year Old kindergarten in some situations you can receive this, but your child’s teacher needs to work with you and submit the required documentation).
If you have previously claimed 3 Year Old Kindergarten or 4 Year Old Kindergarten at another Kindergarten or childcare centre you cannot do so with Kingswood College.
BEFORE AND AFTER KINDERGARTEN
PROGRAM (EXTENDED DAY PROGRAM)
7.30am - 8.30am 3.00pm - 6.00pm
Before 8.30am and after 3.00pm, along with the school holidays, our program is run by experienced and qualified Co-Educators. If you would like to discuss something about your child’s educational progress or development, please refer these questions to your child’s mentor teacher.
The extended day educational program runs for 48 weeks of the year and the Imaginarium is closed for four weeks over summer each year.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE ELC
ANAPHYLAXIS AND ASTHMA
It is essential that you notify your child’s mentor teacher if your child has allergies or an asthmatic condition. Prior to your child commencing at the Imaginarium, parents must complete an Asthma/ Allergy Action Plan and have it signed by their regular doctor or specialist physician to ensure staff are aware of correct procedures in the event of an emergency.
Parents are required to provide medication and information appropriate to their child’s condition. This medication should be kept at the Imaginarium at all times. An EpiPen that is within the required expiry date must be provided.
ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES
Each child must be signed in and signed out of the Imaginarium every day they attend via the Xplor Hub. This is a legal requirement and is in the interest of your child’s safety. These records are used in case of emergencies and for the calculation of the Child Care Subsidy (CCS).
The Sign-in/out tablet is located at the entrance of the Imaginarium. For the safety of your child please ensure the Educators are updated in writing of any changes to your nominated
authorised contacts as stated on the Early Learning Centre Enrolment Authority Contract. Please note that we are not permitted to allow your child to leave the Early Learning Centre with anyone under the age of 16. In the event of unforeseen circumstances, please inform the Imaginarium on +61 3 9896 1733 or the Junior School Reception on +61 3 9896 1728 of the change to pick-up arrangements prior to 2.45pm.
We ask that you please let our Imaginarium staff know if your child is absent or if someone else is collecting your child.
BIRTHDAYS
Families are more than welcome to bring a cake/individual cakes/ muffins/fruit platter/icy poles (in warm weather) to share with the other students in the class when it is their birthday. Staff talk to the children about this being a ‘sometimes’ food choice.
Please record all ingredients used in the recipe if home-baked and give this information to your child’s teacher. No Nuts. Parents of children with allergies are asked to provide their child’s teacher with ‘treats’ that their child can have during celebrations.
COLLEGE PHOTOGRAPHS
Professional photographers are onsite at the commencement of each year to take photos of all children in the College. You will be given the opportunity to purchase these.
COMMUNICATION
We welcome and invite regular communication with parents and encourage you to share relevant information with us so that we can support your child and family. We also encourage and invite feedback with regard to our ELC program, philosophy, and policies.
• Xplor is the main means of communication for the ELC.
• General Kingswood College communications will be generated via Compass. You are welcome to download the Compass App to view these communications.
• The Kingswood College calendar which contains all major events for the year and will be distributed to families at the commencement of each year.
• Individual Portfolios which are accessed online using Xplor Hub.
• Program Planning Book.
• Family Information Sessions.
• Emails and Telephone calls.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE ELC
CURRICULUM
Our curriculum is supported and informed by the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF). and The Australian Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). Each year we update our Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) as part of our commitment to providing a quality program. We invite you to contribute ideas to our QIP and you can find a copy on Compass and in the ELC Foyer.
DAYS OF ATTENDANCE
All inquiries regarding your child’s enrolment and allocated days should be directed to the Imaginarium Administrator. Requests for changes to allocated days will be assessed on an individual basis.
For a decrease in days or changing from an Extended Day Program to a Standard Day Program, a Term’s notice must be given. A request for an increase in days may be made at any time subject to availability.
EMERGENCY AND EVACUATION
Each term the staff and students practice their emergency evacuation procedures including evacuation and lockdown. You will be notified of this. In the event of an emergency, staff
will follow the emergency evacuation procedures outlined in the Emergency Evacuation Policy of the Imaginarium and the College.
EXCURSIONS AND EVENTS
We value the breadth of knowledge and experience special visitors can bring to our program:
• We plan for approximately one special visitor/excursion each term.
• Whole College special events are also planned throughout the year.
• Family members are welcome at any time to participate in the program or to share any special interests or skills they may have.
• All parent volunteers must hold a current Working with Children Check (WWCC) before being able to visit and work with the children. All volunteer parents and all visitors must sign in to the College in our Junior School Reception. You must have either a receipt to show that you have applied for a Working With Children Check or your WWCC card as you will need the number when you sign in. This process also includes understanding and reading our Code of Conduct. We frequently walk around the College grounds to art, library, music,
PMP, bush kinder and other events. We have an internal excursion form for you to sign. We have conducted a risk assessment.
FOOD
Please bring a healthy morning tea and lunch for your child including a bottle of water. We also suggest that if your child is in the extended hours program that you pack food for afternoon tea.
We suggest that if you would like your child to have a hot meal to either bring it in an insulated thermos or order from The Woods Café. If you arrive before 8.10am a light breakfast can be provided for your child, please let our staff know if you require this.
We ask that you do not send nut or nut products in your child’s lunchbox as we have children with Anaphylaxis.
ILLNESS
If your child is unwell (for any reason), they must stay home until they are clear of all symptoms and well again. If a child becomes unwell during the day, parents or emergency contacts will be called to collect the student immediately. Policies regarding exclusion periods for various illnesses are available on Compass.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE ELC
IMMUNISATION
The Victorian Government requires all children attending an Early Childhood Education and Care Service to be immunised. A current Immunisation History Statement from the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) with the Medicare logo and Australian Government crest must be present and identifiable to be considered a valid Immunisation History Statement.
If your child has a valid medical reason why they cannot be vaccinated a GP needs to complete and sign a Medicare Immunisation Medical Exemption Form and send it to the AIR, and a copy to us.
KEY DATES
Information on Key Dates will be provided on Compass and in the College Calendar.
MEDICATION
If your child requires medication during the day, there are regulatory requirements that apply:
• The medication should be in the original container and or packaging clearly labelled with the child’s name and required dosage.
• The Medication Book must be filled in and signed. This can also be done online via the Xplor Hub.
• Educators are to be informed regarding the administering of medication to your child.
• An Educator will administer the medication (an additional staff member will act as a witness) and they will complete the relevant documentation for parents to sign at the end of the child’s session in the Imaginarium.
• As per our policy, parents will be notified within 24 hours if their child is involved in an incident, injury, trauma or illness at the service. If the incident requires the administration of first aide the details will be recorded in the Incident, Injury, Trauma and Illness record on xplor. If a serious incident occurs and medical attention is sought/or should have been sought the DE will be notified within 24 hours.
• Parents are notified if staff are concerned your child requires further medical treatment or requires time at home.
PERSONAL BELONGINGS & TOYS
Parents are requested NOT to allow children to bring personal items to the Imaginarium. However, we do encourage children (if needed) to bring a toy that serves as an emotional comfort such as a soft toy
for rest/relaxation time.
Students are also welcome to bring a book or artefact along if it is relevant to the Unit of Inquiry or current area of interest to the class.Visual Art
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Kingswood College is bound by the National Privacy Principles contained in the Commonwealth Privacy Act in how the College uses and manages personal information provided to or collected by it. A copy of the College Privacy Policy is available on Compass and on the College website. All ELC policies area available on compass and hardcopies are available on request.
SECURITY
Please remember to always close the Imaginarium gates behind you and ensure that only your child leaves with you. You will be provided with a security code to enter the Imaginarium at the commencement of each school year.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE ELC
SPECIALIST CLASSES
PrePrep (4 Year Old):
• Library
• Visual Art
• Music
• Perceptual Motor Program (PMP) i.e. sport
• Mandarin Kinder 3 Year Old):
• Library
Please note the Program may vary depending on the days your child attends.
SUNSMART
All students are required to wear a sun hat that provides protection from the sun and these can be purchased from the Kingswear store. Parents, please ensure you apply sunscreen to your child prior to your arrival at the Imaginarium each day. Sunscreen is available at the Centre and will be re–applied throughout the day. Staff provide a positive example for students by wearing hats and sunscreen when outside. For further information please see our Sun Smart Policy.
WARDROBE
Kingswood College has a compulsory wardrobe for all students in the Imaginarium called Kingswear. You must purchase Kingswear items from our providers PSW. The shop is located at 342-350 Springvale Rd Glen Waverley. Students can choose any garments from the range that they would like to wear every day.
WHAT DO STUDENTS NEED TO BRING EACH DAY?
• Refillable drink bottle with water
• Change of Kingswear clothing to suit the weather (or if they have a toilet accident)
• Named sun hat this must be from Kingswear with the College logo
• Any medication should be in the original container and or packaging clearly labelled with the child’s name and required dosage.
FEES, CHARGES & CHILD CARE SUBSIDY (CCS)
ELC FEES AND CHARGES POLICY OBJECTIVES
The Fee Policy is designed to inform families of their expected costs and their responsibilities in relation to payment methods.
It also details the process Kingswood College will take when fees are outstanding. Eligible families can access fee relief in the form of the Child Care Subsidy (CCS).
The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is a payment made by the Australian Government to help families with the cost of quality childcare and early learning education.
Three things will determine a family’s level of Child Care Subsidy:
• A family’s combined income will determine the percentage of subsidy they are eligible to receive.
• An activity test will determine how many hours of subsidised care families can access, up to a maximum of 100 hours per fortnight, and
• The type of childcare service will determine the hourly rate cap. You can read more about the Child Care Subsidy and Activity Test, and can complete an online estimator at www.education.gov.au/ ChildCarePackage.
It is the responsibility of the parent to register for the Child Care Subsidy.
This can be done by contacting Centrelink either in person, by telephone on 136 150 or by accessing their MyGov account at MyGov.
CHILD CARE SUBSIDY
Kingswood College will record fee payments and bookings through the online system Xplor. If you intend to claim any subsidy for Kingswood College Imaginarium fees, it is your responsibility to supply us with correct CRNs (which differ between Parents/Guardians and individual children), dates of birth and names via the Enrolment Forms. This information must match the information given to the Family Assistance Office and be provided to Kingswood College before your child’s attendance at the Centre. Until Kingswood College can verify your entitlement to Child Care Subsidy, you are responsible for paying full fees and charges for the use of the Service.
To receive your Child Care Subsidy via your Centrelink account, it is your responsibility to confirm your Certified Written Agreement (CWA) via Centrelink account. More information on what a CWA is can be found on the Services Australia website. When you provide us with the details required to access CCS, including the intended time and days your child will be attending the Early
Learning Centre, we will send you a CWA to be signed. The signed CWA can then be lodged with Centrelink via your MyGov Account.
Kingswood College is a fully approved service for Centrelink purposes and will submit the registered child’s attendance to Centrelink every Monday. You will pay any differences in fees if Centrelink recalculates your entitlements, which it may do at its discretion. Kingswood College in accordance with CCS can only resubmit attendances up to a maximum of 28 days from your child’s attendance.
ALLOWABLE ABSENCES
Kingswood College will ensure that families receive CCS for the days their child is absent from the program where the absences fall within Commonwealth Guidelines.
Allowable Absence Procedures: Families are entitled to 42 absence days per child, per financial year, and may be entitled to additional absence days in certain circumstances (including illness of the child, a parent or sibling). In shared care arrangements, the allocation of 42 absences per financial year relates to the child, not each individual claimant.
Sick Days: When a child is absent... due to illness your normal daily fees will be invoiced .
FEES, CHARGES & CHILD CARE SUBSIDY (CCS)
Public Holidays: Families will not be required to pay for Public Holidays. The Imaginarium will be closed for four weeks over Christmas/New Year. There will be no charge for this period.
Holidays: Four weeks of holiday leave per calendar year with a 50% discount on your daily fee is provided. (This is separate from the four weeks that the Centre is closed for the Christmas/New Year period). Leave must be taken in a one-week block. Notice needs to be emailed to the Imaginarium four weeks in advance. Public Holidays that occur during Holiday Leave will not be offered as a make-up day.
PAYMENT FOR EXTENDED DAY PROGRAM AND FAMILIES ELIGIBLE FOR CCS FUNDING
All Imaginarium educational program fees must be paid by the due date via Direct Debit from a Bank Account or by Credit Card (Visa and MasterCard only).
You must consent to Kingswood College directly debiting from your bank account or credit card (Visa/ MasterCard only) for all fees that you incur by using the service. An electronic Direct Debit form must be
completed via the Xplor Hub and will be submitted to the Business Office for processing before your child commences in the Imaginarium educational program.
Families with no CCS entitlements or fees paid by corporate clients can opt to be invoiced on a four-payment plan per year.
No sibling discounts are applied to the Imaginarium Extended Day Program fees.
Statements are sent out on a fortnightly basis for the previous two weeks of attendance. The payment is processed two days after the statement date.
The payment date is stipulated on your statement, including but not limited to service fees, long day educational program, holiday program, late fees and late payment fees. You must keep your bank account and credit card always details up to date.
All Imaginarium fees for the Extended Day Program at Kingswood College are deducted via Direct Debit. No processing fees will be charged.
Families claiming CCS must bring their child on their first and last day of enrolment. If they do not attend on these days, CCS will not be applicable for the day’s absence unless they are unwell and have a medical certificate. If fees are not paid, then the debt
may be referred to a collection agency and any associated costs involved with using such agency will be at your expense. Kingswood College reserves the right to cancel your child’s enrolment if you have two consecutive failed payments.
LATE PICK UP FEES
If a parent/guardian fails to pick up their child by the advertised closing time, the parent/guardian will be charged a late fee.
For standard day children this is 4pm and Extended day children this is 6.00pm. This fee is to cover the additional costs of keeping the service open beyond the closing time of the service. An Educator with all required qualifications will remain at the Imaginarium until the last student has been picked-up. If the student is not collected from the Imaginarium by the end of their session (either 4.00pm or 6.00pm), a fee of $20.00 for the first 10 minutes late per family will be charged and an additional $5.00 for every additional minute late. Payment of the late fee will be charged on the following statement. CCS is not applicable on late pick-up fees.
