Enrolment Package Philosophy Statement, Information, Fees Policy, Enrolment Agreement Form and Policies/Procedures
www.littlepearls.org.nz
CENTRE PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT “Every Child is Precious Like a Pearl”
At Little Pearls Educare we believe that the formative years are the most important years in a child’s life. Childhood is not a rush, its just a pleasure. Early childhood is an exciting journey that we put our heart and soul in it. Therefore education should be given with aroha/love to children. Differences of thought amongst various cultures are woven together with aroha. We believe that every child is a unique individual therefore we aim to value and treasure each child whatever her or his gender, culture, race, religion, ethnicity, ability, or social background. We aim to be aware of the different cultural background of the children and encourage all children to respect and value those differences. We believe that Nga Hononga / relationships are a key to forming quality education. Showing respect, aroha, and mercy are fundamental to establish strong, positive, mutual relationships with children. Therefore we aim to emphasise the importance of showing children compassion and kindness in teaching practice. We believe that children are capable, competent and active learners. They explore the environment through their curiosity, and ask questions about themselves and others. They develop theories that make meaning and connections for them. Therefore we aim try to provide an environment in which children can explore and try things out by themselves to extend their thinking. We aim to provide opportunities that will enable children to develop physically, emotionally, spiritually, intellectually, and socially. Education is a partnership between whanau / parents, and the centre. The establishment of close relationship with parents is of great value to our centre culture and it plays an important role in children’s learning. It is therefore important to welcome whana in the centre. The kaupapa of whanau acknowledges that a child’s education is the whole family’s responsibility so we aim to work alongside whanau and the wider community in order to provide a positive learning environment for children. We are in a bicultural country living in a multicultural society. We aim to promote te reo Maori and tikanga Maori in daily practice by making them visible and affirming their value for children from all cultural backgrounds. We believe safety and hygiene are significant in teaching practice. We aim to pay attention to creating a physical environment that is clean, safe, healthy, and oriented towards children. Therefore the inside of our centre is “shoe free”. The field of early childhood education is constantly changing. We aim to ensure educators to regularly participate in professional development in order to bring new learning into teaching practice. We believe that experiences in the early years phase extensively influence physical and neurological developments, which drive biological, psychological and social responses throughout the entire human lifespan. We aim to environmental/sustainability focus for early learning to embrace such systemic, ecocentric and transformative ways of contributing to a healthier, more equitable, more sustainable world – for ourselves, for our children and for the environment.
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Information Little Pearls is a community established not for profit organisation, delivering a warm, caring, affordable family environment striving for high quality care and education services for children aged 3 months to 5 years old in the heart of Owairaka/Mt Albert community. At Little Pearls, we are compassionate and passionate about children and their learning. We recognise the importance of play, using spontaneous and planned moments to build upon a child’s existing knowledge and skills to enhance their learning. We recognise parents as first teachers and foster the relationship between teacher, child and parent/whanau. Parents are always welcome in the centres and will be invited to join us on special days and trips. We are proud of and have confidence in our dedicated and professional teachers, who enable us to provide excellent programs for your child.
Operating Hours 7.30am – 6.00pm Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays 20 Hours ECE
Available for all 3, 4 and 5 year olds.
WINZ Subsidies You may qualify for assistance with childcare costs from Work and Income. To find out more please visit their website. Full fees are payable until any subsidy is approved by WINZ and received.
Meals
Our Centre provides fresh, nutritional meals for all the children to share. The sharing of meals is a fundamental philosophy of the Centre and high importance is given to participation at meal time. If your child has a special diet need, e.g. vegetarian, dairy free, halal etc., please write this on the Enrolment Application and talk to our Supervisor and Cook about what is required. We encourage all children to eat the food we prepare and do not provide separate meals unless there is a dietary consideration. Morning or afternoon tea will be provided for your child enrolled only for 20 Hours ECE sessions.
What to Bring
Prior to starting at the Centre please bring a copy of your child’s Certificate of Immunisation and Birth Certificate. Each day, please bring a change of clothes, a named sunhat for the summer periods and warm hat for winter, wet-weather footwear during the winter periods. All clothing must be named. This includes footwear, jackets, socks and underpants. The Centre will provide and administer sunscreen. If you wish to provide your own please advise the supervisor. Where appropriate, parents must provide nappies for their children. These will be labelled and stored for your child. Staff will advise you when supplies are getting low and replacements are needed. The inside of our centre is shoe free, you are welcome to leave inside shoes I.e jandals, slippers, etc at day-care for your child. During winter season sending your child along to daycare in a pair of gumboots is a good idea as these are easy for them to remove and keep their feet warm and dry.
Accessing info about the Centre Our centre’s operational documents (such as its philosophy, policies, and procedures and any other documents that set out how day to day operations will be conducted) can be requested from Centre Managing Director/Supervisor and they are kept in the staff room. The terms and conditions of enrolment at the Little Pearls Educare Centre are outlined below. Although we operated a friendly and flexible Centre, it is important that the terms of enrolment are understood at the outset. Please read these terms, the enrolment form and our brochure carefully, and discuss any questions or comments you have with the Centre management. Thank you for your cooperation.
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Fee Schedule and Payment Policy Rationale To inform parents of the Centre guidelines for fee payment and the collection of unpaid fees, to ensure the smooth operation of the Centre
Booking Fee A non-refundable booking fee of $40.00 is payable once your child is offered a place to secure their position. This Fee covers administration set up costs including your child’s portfolio folder and stationery costs.
Enrolment/Withdrawal Once a child is enrolled and confirmation of a start date is given, all booked sessions will be charged, regardless of whether a child attends or not. Two weeks written notice is required if your child is leaving the Centre. Fees are payable during this notice period. In lieu of notice 2 weeks fees will be charged.
Payments We require one week of fees in advance to confirm an enrolment place. All fees are to be paid weekly by automatic payment, direct credit or bank debit. We do not provide eftpos or banking facilities at the Centre. We are unable to process cash payments. Fees are paid to be in at least 1 week in advance.
Late Payment Failure to pay the missed fees will result in your child/children’s positions being terminated. The late payment of fees can place considerable strain on the Centre and on the Centre’s ability to deliver the excellent service we pride ourselves on. For this reason, overdue fees trigger the implementation of the Fees Policy, which includes a 10% penalty on fees overdue by 14 days. By signing these terms and conditions you are agreeing to pay all costs incurred in the collection of the debt, such as legal costs, court fees, debt collection commissions etc.
Family Discount Where there are 2 or more children from the same family attending full time at the Centre, a discount of 15% off from older child’s fee is available.
WINZ WINZ childcare subsidies are available for fee assistance depending on the level of your family income. This subsidy is only part payment for Fees and Parents must meet the balance. Full fees will be charged until the Centre receives the WINZ subsidy, until this time parents are responsible for paying the fees. Any credit held will be refunded directly to the parent where applicable. It is the parents’ responsibility to ensure all paper work is processed and received by WINZ on time. Any delays will result in the parent having to pay full fees until the subsidy is received. It is also the parent’s responsibility to notify any change of circumstance, such as finishing study, a change of income or starting to receive the 20 hours subsidy.
20 Hours ECE If you are eligible for 20 hours ECE and complete an attestation form your weekly fee will be recalculated to account for this. 20 hours ECE does not cover the cost of a full day, it is calculated to only include bare minimum standards, which we significantly exceed .This is reflected in the fee schedule. If your child is enrolled only 20 Hours ECE Sessions, sessional care is either morning (8.00am to 12.00pm) or afternoon (1.00pm to 5.00pm) as stated above. Each child must be enrolled for 4 hours for 5 mornings or afternoons per week. No child is able to be brought into the Centre before the sessions start time - must arrive within the first 15 minutes of the start time. Every child must be picked up from the Centre before the session end time – must be collected within the last 15 minutes of the enrolled time. No child can be enrolled for both morning and afternoon sessions.
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Optional charges are a request for a payment that parents may choose whether or not to make for a specific purpose, which can be one-off or ongoing. (E.g. 8am to 1pm or 12pm to 5pm)
Holiday / Statutory Holidays / Sick Days / Absences The Centre has one flat fee for all age ranges and is calculated across 52 weeks of the year. Holiday fees, sick days, public holiday have been calculated into the fee for ease of weekly payment and administration. Fees will be charged for all statutory holidays. The child is entitled to have 4 weeks holiday per year with a 50% discount on fees. To qualify for the discount, the absence must be for a consecutive period of 1 week or more, at least 2 weeks written notice is given of the intended absence and all due fees have been paid in advance. Additional holidays will be charged full fee. Fees are charged when your child is absent due to sickness or any other reasons. We are happy to offer 50% sick day discount after 2 or more consecutive sick days away
Additional Days If you require additional days either temporarily or permanently, please see the Centre Manager to discuss.
Late Fee For children who are picked up after 6.00pm, a late fee of $1.50 per minute shall be payable directly to the staff member on duty. The late fee covers the staffing cost. If your child is enrolled only 20 Hours ECE Sessions, a late pick up fee of $20 for first 1-15 minutes, and $20 per every 15 minutes will be charged. This must be paid before the next day of your child returns to our Centre.
Emergency Closure of Centre We are required by the Ministry of Education to close the Centre in certain circumstances, i.e. natural disaster, and must evacuate the premises ASAP of such an event. In the event of an emergency closure of the Centre you will be required to collect your child from the Centre. Full fees are to be paid for up to 2 days if there is an emergency closure of the Centre.
Other Additional fees may be requested for extracurricular activities such as excursions. Fees are subject to change and may be increased from time to time at the discretion of the Centre. At least 2 weeks written notice will be given to parents of an increase in fees.
Bank Account Details for Payment BNZ, Pearl Educare Ltd, 02-0184-0128067-00 (Please put your child’s full name as references) Please complete the enrolment form attached and return to Little Pearls Educare Centre. The information requested is required by Little Pearls Educare to ensure that the best possible care and education is provided for your child, and by the Ministry of Education for compliance purposes.
Please note that due to Ministry of Education requirements, you are asked to sign in a number of separate places
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Policy: Accident / Incident / Sickness Rationale: To ensure the best interests of the child and family/staff are catered for in any accident/incident or sickness that occurs at the centre. It describes the internal and external reporting and recording requirements and procedures. It specifies who does the reporting, recording and investigating of accidents/incidents and sickness, it describes what forms must be completed and records to be kept.
Guidelines: The centre has an accident/incident/sickness folder for the recording all accidents/ incident/sickness that occur to children whilst they are at the centre. All Major accidents/incidents/sicknesses are to be reported to the Centre Managing Director or Supervisor and all minor accidents/incidents/sicknesses are to be reported to the Centre Supervisor or Person Responsible. The accident/incident/sickness sheet will be signed by the staff member and the parents and a duplicate copy will be sent home with the child.
Minor Incident and Accident: (Not requiring attention from the medical profession immediately)
In the event of a minor accident/incident the parent, guardian or whanau member will be advised by way of a copy of the accident/incident report. The staff members who are dealing with the child who had the accident/incident are responsible for recording the accident on the centre accident/incident sheet. These will all be signed off by parents on the accident/incident/sickness form.
Major Incident and Accident: (Requiring immediate medical attention)
In the case of a major accident occurring at the centre a staff member will comfort and care for the child while the ambulance is called. A record of the accident will be kept recording all of the necessary information a copy of this will be sent with the child. Parents/whanau members will be contacted immediately and told where the child has been taken or will be taken to. Where the accident is defined as “serious” in terms of the Health and Safety in Employment Act (needing hospitalisation for more than 48 hours, loss of concussion, loss of eyes or limb, poisoning, vision impairment) then the employer must notify OHS as soon as possible and provide a written report of the circumstances within seven days. A “Form of Register of Notification of Serious Harm” must be completed. The declaration section of completed Injury Report must be signed by the injured person or his/her nominee if the injured person is unable to sign. The Centre Managing Director or Supervisor will sign and date the bottom of the “At work Staff Accident/illness/sickness form” The Management of the Centre will be informed of all major accidents/incidents/sickness that occur at the centre. All accidents/incidents/sickness will be recorded in the centre’s H&S data base.
Sickness
When a child becomes sick at the Centre the parents/whanau will be contacted. Details of the sickness will be recorded on the accident/illness/sickness form. If a child develops a fever the fever procedure will be followed and a record of this will be recorded. If the child is considered contagious they will be isolated from the other children prior to family member picking the child up. All senior staff are required to have a current first aid certificate. All accidents/incidents/illnesses will be investigated by the Centre Managing Director or Supervisor. An investigation of all accidents/incidents will be untaken each month. Reasons for investigation: a) b) c) d)
It helps identify hazards or potential hazards It will help identify work related injury accidents/incidents/sickness, separating them from nonwork related claims The actual cause of work accidents/incidents/sickness and property damage will be identified It will help develop “safer systems of work” that prevent similar occurrences
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Policy: Administration of Medicine Rationale: Medication needs to be administered appropriately, safely and correctly. The health and safety of the child is paramount.
Guidelines:
To protect children requiring medicine, and the staff administering medicine.
To ensure safe storage of medicine at the Centre.
To ensure parents are familiar with the procedures involved with administering medicine at the Centre.
To comply with the Education (Early Childhood Centres) Regulations 2008
Guidelines: Parents or caregivers are required by regulation to inform, in writing, any medication to be administered. A Medicine Book is permanently kept in each room for parents to complete the medication requirements for their child/children on a daily basis. Details will include the child’s full name, the type of medicine, the time it needs to be given, the amount needed, and a signature. All medication will be administered by permanent staff who have a current first aid certificate only and will be checked by a second staff member before being administered. All medicine must have a prescription label on it with the child’s name, the name of the medicine and the amount that needs to be given. Any needs for long term medicine (such as inhalers or epi pens) should be discussed with the Centre Managing Director/Supervisor and the long term medication form needs to be filled in. The Public Health Nurse will act as a resource person if required, for information on the administration of medication in the Centre. Medication will be stored away from children, either in the Medicine Cabinet or the fridge. Medication will not be kept in children’s bags. Medication left at the Centre needs to be checked monthly. Any expired medicines will be disposed of safely.
Category (i) medicines Definition – a non-prescription preparation (as detailed on the enrolment form) that is :
not ingested;
used for the 'first aid' treatment of minor injuries; and
provided by the service and kept in the first aid cabinet.
Authority required – a written authority on the enrolment form is required for the use specific preparations on their child for the period that they are enrolled.
Category (ii) medicines Definition – a prescription (such as antibiotics, eye/ear drops etc) or non-prescription
(such as paracetamol liquid, cough syrup etc) medicine that is prescribed by a Doctor: used for a specified period of time to treat a specific condition or symptom.
Authority required – the ‘medicine chart’ must be filled in correctly by the parent/caregiver before the authorised staff member administers the medication. Written authority from a parent given at the beginning of each day the medicine is administered, detailing what (name of medicine), how (method and dose), and when (time or specific symptoms/circumstances) medicine is to be given.
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Category (iii) medicines Definition – a prescription (such as asthma inhalers, epilepsy medication etc or non-prescription (such as antihistamine syrup, lanolin cream etc) medicine that is:
used for the ongoing treatment of a pre-diagnosed condition (such as asthma, epilepsy, allergic reaction, diabetes, eczema etc); and
provided by a parent for the use of that child only.
Authority required – ‘medicine chart-long term medication form’ a written authority from a parent given at enrolment as part of an individual health plan, or whenever there is a change, detailing what (name of medicine), how (method and dose), and when (time or specific symptoms/circumstances) the medicine should be given. The authorised staff member must fill in the date, medicine, dosage given, time given and sign each time the medicine is administered.
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Policy: Fees Rationale: To inform parents of the Centre guidelines for fee payment and the collection of unpaid fees. To ensure the smooth operation of the Centre.
Purpose:
All fees are to be paid weekly by direct credit or bank debit. We do not provide eftpos or banking facilities at the Centre.
All fees must be paid in advance, eg if parents wish to pay fees fortnightly then they need to pay their fees to ensure that they are 1 week in advance at all times upon their child’s commencement at the Centre.
Parents will be notified when a payment is missed to Little Pearls Educare. You will be expected to bring your fee payment in line immediately. This will be strongly enforced.
A personal cheque may not be used to clear arrears as history has shown that these may be dishonoured. Direct bank credit is required.
Failure to pay the missed fees will result in your child/children’s positions being terminated.
The Centre has one flat fee for all age ranges and is calculated across 52 weeks of the year. Holiday fees, sick days, public holiday have been calculated into the fee for ease of weekly payment and administration.
If you are eligible for 20 hours ECE and complete an attestation form your weekly fee will be recalculated to account for this. 20 hours ECE does not cover the cost of a full day, it is calculated to only include bare minimum cost, which we significantly exceed .This is reflected in the fee schedule.
Where there are 2 or more children from the same family attending full time at the Centre, a discount of 15% off from older child’s fee is available.
All debt collection costs are the responsibility of the parents/care givers. All collection costs will be added to the outstanding fees.
The management may decide at their discretion to offer a family a “special deal” or discount to their fees from time to time, due to special or specific family or financial situations or hardship. Any such arrangement will be review regularly.
Procedure for late fee:
A Late Pick Up Fee is payable if child/ren is/are picked up after 6.00 pm. The fee is $1.50 per minute. The fee is payable immediately. Any time after 6.00 pm is considered late. This is not negotiable for any type of excuse. If child is enrolled only 20 Hours ECE Sessions, a late pick up fee of $20 for first 1-15 minutes, and $20 per every 15 minutes will be charged. This must be paid before the next day of your child returns to our Centre.
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Procedure: Infectious Disease/Isolation and Exclusion Rationale: To provide a safe and healthy environment at Little Pearls Educare by minimising the spread of infectious disease amongst the staff and children.
Procedure: Due to the risk of infection we are unable to care for sick or infectious children. Children must be kept at home if they have any of the following symptoms. Under the Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008, any child suffering from an infectious disease or condition shall be excluded from attending a Centre: 1. High temperature Between 37.5 and 38 degrees we will monitor at intervals of 15-20 minutes and recorded on the Accident/Incident and Illness Form. A fever form will also be completed. When it reaches to 38 degrees then we will let parent know. Paracetamol can only be given if the medication chart is filled out and signed by their parent/guardian. At 38.5 degree – a child must go home within the hour (ideally 30 minutes). For 3 to 9 months babies at 38 degrees they must go home. We will follow the first aid procedure to try and bring the child’s temperature down. i.e. cool bath, sponging, ice block. 2. 3. 4.
Inflamed throat or eyes An unidentified rash An upset stomach, vomiting and diarrhoea
Children with severe colds, coughs, diarrhoea, vomiting or infectious diseases listed on the 2 nd schedule of the Health Regulations, 1996 must not be brought into the centre. This is a necessary rule, not only to avoid the spread of infection to staff and children but also for the sake of the child. If your child is suspected of having an infectious disease a medical certificate may be required before the child is allowed back into the centre.
If your child shows signs of an infectious disease over the weekend it is the parent or guardians responsibility to inform the centre as soon as possible.
If your child becomes ill during the day staff will phone you immediately and will require the child to be picked up from the centre as soon as possible.
If your child is suffering from vomiting and/or diarrhoea they must be excluded from the centre for a period of 48 hours from the last episode. (See MOH Infectious Disease Guideline Poster). A Doctors certificate may be required in some circumstances of a prolonged communicable illness. This is solely at the Centre Managing Director/Supervisor discretion.
The isolation area is the staff room where they will be fully supervised until they are picked up by their parents/guardians.
Note: Infants and pre-schoolers can often have an isolated case of vomiting/ diarrhoea due to change in diet, car sickness and anxiety/excitement. Staff should inform the Centre Managing Director/Supervisor and monitor from 1st symptoms before seeking Centre Managing Director/Supervisor permission to arrange for the child to go home.
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PROCEDURE: Settling and Transition Rationale: Settling in at a new centre can be a stressful time for both children and their families. Staff realise this and believe it is important to support and reduce anxiety for everyone as much as possible. Settling in periods differ for each child.
Purpose:
To ensure parents/whanau can have confidence in the Centre. To enable staff, children, parents/ whanau to get to know each other. To identify parents/whanau need reassurance their child is settling. To recognise the needs of the child. A staff member will show parents/whanau around the centre their child will be attending, showing parents/whanau the policy booklet, programme displays, portfolios, medicine booklet, menu display, signin sheet and parent information board. Parents/whanau will be introduced to staff and are welcome at any time we have an “open door policy” You are welcome to stay as long as you feel you need to. Parents/whanau are required to fill in the “All About Me Document” once their child starts at the centre. This form helps staff get to know the child and his/her family better.
Procedure:
At least two or more visits prior to the child’s first booked day at the Centre are encouraged, however due to individual circumstance this is not always possible. Staying with the child for a while before leaving is encouraged as an alternative. Staff will welcome each family and child as they arrive. Names will be remembered and used. The settling in process is discussed, and ‘sneaking’ out is discouraged. Sneaking out may cause less stress initially for the parent/whanau, but can cause greater long-term stress for both the child and the parent/whanau. Parents/whanau are encouraged to say goodbye and they will return soon. This reassures the children and develops patterns of trust. Preferred play activities, and methods that help settle the child will be discussed with the parent/whanu and put into practice. Some children may prefer not to be cuddled by someone they do not know very well. Little Pearls Educare will acknowledge parents’/whanau needs and wishes. If the parent /whanau would like their child to watch at the window as they leave, then staff will follow this through. Other times it may be desirable to distract the child with a preferred activity while parents/whanau say “goodbye” and leave. Parents/whanau will need to inform staff when they are leaving the Centre, if they are having trouble separating. Reassurance is given honestly to the children about when the parent or caregiver will return. Measurable time frames that the child will understand will be given, eg, “Mum/Dad will be back as you are finishing your lunch.” Acknowledgment will be given to the child that it is O.K. to feel sad or unhappy at this time. Children may settle better with a comforter from home. If so, it is suggested the named security item come to the Centre with the child. Parents/whanau will be encouraged to contact the Centre during the day to see how their child is. An honest answer will be given. If the child is not settling the parent will be contacted by the Centre. If the child prefers a particular member of staff, this will be acknowledged and worked with.
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Transition from classroom to classroom
Parents/whanau of children who will be moving up to another classroom will be shown the room and introduced to the staff and informed about the program and the routines. Each child will be given a locker/basket with their name/picture put on for the belongings to go into. Children will have short visits to the classroom during the day to introduce them to staff, children and take part in activities etc happening at the centre.
Transition of Children to School The centre’s on-going program planning takes transition to school into account by: Encouraging parents/whanau to pre-enrol their child/children at school. Books, stories, activities related to school experience. Talk about school – positively. Ensuring children proficient in basic skills before they begin school, eg recognising names, dressing oneself, can write or attempt to write their own name, are familiar with numbers, can recognise colours and a range of different basic shapes and can go to the toilet independently.
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Policy: Positive Guidance Rationale: To ensure all staff, volunteers and students are aware of how to deal with children’s behaviour, and to make parents aware of positive and alternative methods to use with their children. Every child is given respect and dignity. Every child is given positive guidance prompting appropriate behaviour, having regard to the child’s stage of development. Every child is given positive guidance using praise and encouragement and avoiding blame or harsh language. Children will be given guidance but such guidance will never involve any form of physical ill treatment, solitary confinement, immobilisation or deprivation of food, drink, shelter or protection.
Purpose:
To ensure consistency between staff members dealing with children’s behaviour. To create a positive environment where children can take responsibility for their own actions and respect others. To ensure all children are treated in an appropriate manner and feel safe. To ensure parents are aware of positive and alternative methods of discipline, so staff and parents can work together in order to ensure consistency between the Centre and home.
Guidelines: Parent support:
Information on positive methods of positive child guidance will be included in the Parent Information Pack, provided to parents of children enrolled at Little Pearls Educare. Senior staff members will be aware of where to access information on positive methods of behaviour guidance, in order to make it available for parents or to refer parents to it. A file will be held containing such information, with the names of organisations such as Parentline, who can help parents. If staff is concerned about an aspect of a child’s behaviour which has been occurring over a period of time, a senior staff member will discuss the issue with the child’s parents/ whanau, in order to determine any underlying causes. An agreement will be made between parents/whanau and the supervisor on managing the child’s behaviour to enable consistency between the centre and home.
Staff training and support:
Staff will be encouraged to attend courses in managing children’s behaviour. All new staff, visitors, and students, will be given clear guidelines on how to manage children’s behaviour in an acceptable and positive manner. Teaching staff will have time for discussion (at staff meetings) on issues that have arisen regarding child management, to ensure staff can be consistent in dealing with children’s behaviour, and feel supported by each other. Staff will not interfere, unless asked to help, when another staff member is managing a child’s behaviour, unless the child is in danger of being hurt physically or emotionally. If a staff member is not happy about the method of behaviour management being used by another staff member, student or volunteer, they may approach the staff member involved or alternatively they can approach management without delay with their concerns, where it can be dealt with in an appropriate manner. Staff is aware that any information about a child’s behaviour is confidential between the staff and that child’s family.
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Encouraging positive behaviour in children:
Children will have clear boundaries and limits. Instructions will be clear, and children will be given advance warnings of things such as meal times, tidy up time, time to move inside etc. Children will be encouraged to set their own limits. Staff will: Value mistakes as learning opportunities Redirecting children to more acceptable behaviour and offering choices to a new activity. Listening when children talk about their feelings and frustrations. Guiding children to resolve conflicts and modelling skills that help children to solve their own problems. Patiently reminding children of rules and their rationale as needed. Role modelling peaceful conflict resolution. Positively guide behaviour in consultation with parents/whanau. Staff will provide a stimulating environment, thus eliminating negative behaviour that may come from a child being ‘bored.’ Staff will spontaneously introduce new things like a quick run around outside, or a ‘lion hunt.’ Staff and students will recognise they are role models for the children. Staff, students, visitors, parents/whanau will not use any form of corporal punishment, hitting, smacking, biting, teasing, shaking, pushing, kicking, poking, pulling etc, nor must they ridicule, frighten, humiliate, neglect, threaten, or confine any child whilst in the centre, or on a centre outing. Even if staff uses these methods at home with their own children, they must not do so at the centre. Breaching the conditions of this Policy will be considered serious misconduct and will result in disciplinary action. Students and volunteers will not be required to deal with managing a child’s behaviour until they, and management, feel they are ready, and then only under close supervision and guidance from a teaching staff member. Staff members and those dealing with children’s behaviour, will always focus on the positive aspects of the situation.
ADULTS WILL ACTIVELY INTERVENE TO PREVENT NONACCIDENTAL INJURY AND ABUSE AND REPORT THIS TO THE CENTRE MANAGING DIRECTOR/SUPERVISOR IMMEDIATELY
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Policy: Sleep - Children Under 3 years Rationale: The comfort, safety and wellbeing of the children while sleeping is of prime consideration.
Purpose: * To ensure there is a system in place for monitoring sleeping children. * To ensure parents approve of the system for monitoring sleeping children. * To ensure the comfort, safety and wellbeing of children while sleeping. * To comply with Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008.
Space and Facilities:
Beds/cots will be placed so there is adequate space between cots/beds to ensure safety, hygiene and means of access is maintained at all times. Staff will take all reasonable steps to ensure that play and noisy or distracting activities in locations or areas (by other children, staff or other adults) adjacent to the designated sleep area will be kept to a minimum during the time when children are sleeping or resting. Cots/beds purchased and used will meet the following criteria: o will allow the child using it to stretch out full length without exceeding both ends o will allow the child to lie down o will have a surface made of a fabric and materials that is impervious to water and can be cleaned by wiping with bleach solutions will be kept in good condition
Guidelines:
Children will always be monitored while sleeping. Where there are at least four children sleeping, or where adult-child ratios of at least 1:4 can still be maintained outside the sleep room, there will be at least one staff member present in the main sleep room if possible. (Adult-child ratios of 1:4 must be maintained at all times and staff must be on duty to count as part of these ratios). The staff member present in the sleep room/sleep area will be able to view all children, and must regularly check and record the children are breathing (every 5-10 minutes). Parents will notify the Centre of any requirements regarding the child’s sleep patterns, and these routines will be followed where possible. A staff member may sit with the children for comfort. The staff member located in the sleep room/area may leave the room when getting children up from their sleep to change their nappies and dress them. Where there is no staff member present in the sleep room, the sleeping children will be checked every five minutes and this will be recorded. If a child is known to be unwell, particularly with breathing problems, or they have a history of cot death in the family, staff will be informed of the circumstances, enabling them to take extra precautions. These precautions may include checking the child more frequently, or staying with the child in the room. Parents may provide breathing monitor if they wish. When there is only one staff member in the sleep room that staff member will always be visible to other staff as per the Child Abuse Protection Policy. The blinds to the sleep room will be left slightly open (if there are any). Children will either sleep in a cot, or on a mattress on the floor, depending on the child’s age, and their sleeping arrangements at home. Children will move to a stretcher when they are walking. This is done in consultation with parents before the transition is made. Children use the same cot or bed and bedding each day. Bedding is washed after one week, for full time children, or as applicable for part time children. All sleep times are recorded on a chart, and available for parents to view each day. Children will not be fed bottles while they are in their cot or bed, however may have their bottle in the sleep room if they are held by an adult, or sitting up next to their bed. (Children under 6 months of age will always be held.) Parents are required to read and approve the Sleep Policy upon enrolment.
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Policy: Sleep - Children Over 3 years Rationale: The comfort, safety and wellbeing of the children while sleeping are of prime consideration.
Purpose:
To ensure there is a system in place for monitoring sleeping children. To ensure parents approve of the system for monitoring sleeping children. To ensure the comfort, safety and wellbeing of children while sleeping. To comply with Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008
Space and Facilities:
Beds/cots will be placed so there is adequate space between cots/beds to ensure safety, hygiene and means of access is maintained at all times. Staff will take all reasonable steps to ensure that play and noisy or distracting activities in locations or areas (by other children, staff or other adults) adjacent to the designated sleep area will be kept to a minimum during the time when children are sleeping or resting. Cots/beds purchased and used will meet the following criteria: o will allow the child using it to stretch out full length without exceeding both ends o will allow the child to lie down o will have a surface made of a fabric and materials that is impervious to water and can be cleaned by wiping with bleach solutions will be kept in good condition
Guidelines:
Sleep time occurs after lunch, Parents have the option of whether their child sleeps or not. Children are encouraged to fit their sleep patterns into this schedule, however if the child needs a sleep at an earlier or later time we will accommodate this as best we can. If parents do not wish their child to sleep they will have a short rest. Quiet time is offered to non-sleepers. Children will always be monitored while sleeping. A staff member will be present in the sleep room and will be able to view all children. They must regularly check and record the children are breathing (every 5-10 minutes). The staff member will sit with the children if required for comfort. Where only one staff member is located in the sleep room they will avoid leaving the room, however if they do, they will notify another staff member who will go into the sleep room. Curtains on the sleep room windows must be left partly open for visibility of staff, as per the Child Abuse Protection Policy. Children will sleep on stretchers on the floor. Children will use the same bedding each day. Bedding will be washed at the end of the week, or as applicable for part-time children. Children will not be given food or bottles in the Sleep Room. Parents are required to read and approve the Sleep Policy upon enrolment. Where a parent does not approve, a review of this policy will be undertaken. All sleep times are recorded on a chart, which is available for parents to view each day.
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Toilet Training Toilet Learning Success with toilet learning is dependent upon your child’s developmental and emotional readiness. (Snuggs, 2007). This age varies, as with any other developmental milestones, ie: crawling, walking. Before your child can control the muscles needed for toileting voluntarily, the sensory pathways from the bladder and bowels must be mature enough to transmit the signal to the brain (Cole et al. 2005). This will happen when your child is developmentally ready. Children’s ability to be physiologically ready differs between each child. There is no ‘magic toilet training age’ at which to toilet train your child. Consider what makes you think your child is ready for toilet learning. Think about these signs of readiness.
Physical Signs of Readiness
Your child is developed physically so they can move around independently and can get themselves to the toilet; Your child has the dexterity to pull their pants up and down with minimum assistance; You may notice that the nappy is dry for longer periods up to 2-3 hours. This shows that the bladder capacity and control are improving; Your child can recognise the feeling that they need to go to the toilet or can control the urge to go.
Mental Signs of Readiness
Your child knows what wee and poo are and may talk about them when you are changing his or her nappy; Your child understands the meaning of ‘wet’ and ‘dry’; Your child can predict and communicate when he or she needs ‘to go’; Your child understands what you are saying and can follow simple instructions, like ‘Go and get your teddy’; Your child may become uncomfortable and complain if their nappy is dirty or remove their nappy following a wee.
Social and Emotional Signs of Readiness
’I can do it’ becomes a regular saying – this shows that your child wants to become more independent; Your child begins to imitate your behaviour or the behaviour of others; Your child demonstrates independence – often by saying ‘no’ to requests; Your toddler shows a desire to please you and other adults – and responds well to praise.
Can your child answer YES to the majority of these?
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Too Much Pressure If you are putting pressure on your child to learn to use the toilet before they are developmentally and emotionally ready, this may lead to frustration, power struggles and avoidance by your child. Emotions such as shame and failure surrounding toileting have the potential to turn what should be a natural process into a stressful and unpleasant experience for both you and your child. Starting too early and putting too much pressure on your child can not only prolong the process, but in our experience this can cause your child to regress back into nappies.
Signs you are putting too much pressure on your child:
Your child has not met the majority of the signs of readiness (as per above); You are having to hold/ force your child on the toilet; Toilet Training You are having to use shame and/or bribes in order to get your child to go to the toilet (rather than the child intrinsically wanting to go); It is an unpleasant experience/ battle for you (and/or your child); You are comparing your child to your other children’s or friends children’s development.
To assist you child with toilet learning you can do the following
Let Your Child Set the Pace Trust your child, let your child set the pace. Don’t try to force them to develop too fast. Support them with the encouragement and positive feedback they need. Look out for the Signs of Readiness below. Be Positive Say “You’ll do better next time” or “Don’t worry about the accident, we’ll get it right soon”. Keep building confidence. Encourage those feelings. Be Patient There will be accidents! But mistakes are what we learn from. There may be times when your child seems like they are regressing. Don’t get discouraged – this is perfectly normal. Be confident that things will be back on track in no time.
If you have any queries or questions please do not hesitate in talking with one of your child’s teachers.
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CHOOSING A BEST ECE SERVICE FOR YOUR LITTLE PRECIOUS PEARL We believe that parent/whanau is the expert for deciding what is best for themselves and their children. Trust your heart & mind to help you decide what you value and what care situation will best meet your child’s needs. Never ignore your gut feeling, but never believe that it's enough too.
Ask other parents or caregivers Other parents in your area have first-hand experience, and can be a great source of information.
Make a shortlist based on what you need There are many different options so investigate different services and compare – you may be surprised with what you discover! Check the ECE service or website, or phone for information to find out if they offer what you and your child need, like:
Location: Are they close enough to home, work, study? What suits you best?
Hours: Are they open when you need them? What about school holidays?
Style of care: Do they offer what you want for your child? Structure, Language, culture, values, activities and learning? What’s the daily routine and activities? Is there plenty of variety? When do the children sleep?
Cost: Can you afford the fees? Remember, even with government subsidies like 20 Hours ECE, you may still have to pay fees. Check with each ECE service to find out.
Services offered: Do they offer what you want? Meals, drinks, nappies, supplies, activities etc. Check what’s included in the fees.
Educators: Who works with the children? Find out about the educators or parents running the ECE service or their qualifications and experience.
Centre Size (in & out, number): Would your child do better in a small group or a large one? How many children attend and how many adults work there? How much individual attention do the children get?
Availability: Do they have space? Some ECE services do not have space and you may have to go on a waiting list. There may be a cost for that too.
Parent Involvement: How can you be involved? Do you want to attend with your child, or do you need to drop them off? Do you want to have a say in how the service is run?
Policies and Procedures: How do they manage behaviour? How do they deal with sickness, accidents, and things like lice? How do they communicate with parents about how the child is doing? If your child has any special needs, how they would handle them? This could be anything from food allergies, to shyness, to a speech difficulty or a physical disability. If you’re concerned about it, don’t be afraid to ask.
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Go for a visit It’s important to visit the ECE services you’re interested in, so you can get a good feel for the children, the educators, and the environment. Contact the ECE service to find out when you can visit. When you go, look out for things like:
What’s it like for the children?
Are they interacting with each other and are educators interacting with the children?
Is there plenty of equipment that suits their interests and abilities?
Can they move freely between indoors and outdoors?
Do they seem happy and are they taking part in activities?
What about the educators or parents working there?
Do they provide a warm, encouraging and supportive environment?
Do they seem to enjoy their work and work well together?
Do they make sure the children are well-supervised at all times?
Do they make you and your child feel welcome?
Are they engaging with children in their learning?
What's the space like?
Are there different spaces for different activities, such as wet and messy play, quiet play, active play and creative play?
Is equipment safe and easy for the children to get to and use?
Are there plenty of things to interest, engage and challenge children?
Is the place clean and well looked after?
*Some of the information above is taken from www.parents.education.govt.nz
All the Best with Your Decision for Your Child!
Thank You!
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2a Lorraine Ave, Mt Albert, Auckland 1025 Phone: +64 9 815 2277 Email: contact@littlepearls.org.nz
www.littlepearls.org.nz
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