Early Learning Centre - Emmanuel Anglican College Parent Handbook
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Emmanuel Anglican College
Early Learning Centre
Parent Handbook
Updated August 2011
2
Page Page
WELCOME NOTE 4 Child Illness
Basic Information Infectious Diseases
Philosophy Hand Washing
Packing Lunches
OUR QUALITY SYSTEMS 7 Food Allergies
Support Structure
Staffing Arrangements SAFETY PROCEDURES 21
NCAC Fire Drills/Evacuation
Procedures
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS 7 Accidents and Emergencies
Age Groups Leaving/Collecting a Child
Our Curriculum C u s t o d y A r r a n g e m e n ts
The Early Learning Environment Excursions
Positive Behaviour Guidance
First Day At The Early Learning FEES AND HOLIDAYS 23
Centre Payment of Fees
The Importance of Play Child Care Benefit
A Typical Day at The Early Learning Late Fees
Centre Booked Days
Basic Requirements Payment of Fees
Priority of Access
PARENTS AND CARERS 14 Holidays
Parent Communication Allowable Absences
Visitors Public Holidays
Enrolment/Admission
Orientation POLICIES 26
Parent Involvement Enrolment Policy
Parent Grievances/Complaints Fee Policy
Newsletters Food and Nutrition Policy
Celebrations Safe Sleep and Rest-time Policy
Birthdays Illness Policy
Toys and Treasures from Home Sun Safe Policy
Lost Property
Change of Contact Details MEET OUR STAFF 27
Additional Needs
HEALTH 17
Immunisation
Clothing and Sun Protection
Administration of Medication
3
Welcome to
Emmanuel Anglican College
Early Learning Centre
Starting at the Early Learning Centre means that your child is entering
the next phase of his/her life. If this is your first child it is also the
beginning of a new phase in your life too.
To help you and your child make the transition into this new phase in a
confident manner it is important for you and your child to have a
positive attitude towards the Early Learning Centre and its staff. Talk to
your child about the Early Learning Centre in an enthusiastic and
positive manner. By doing this you are encouraging a happy and
productive partnership between your home and the Centre.
When a child starts coming to the Early Learning Centre it can require
quite an adjustment for children and families. To some the Early
Learning Centre may at first seem quite large and strange. The joint
support of parents, family members and the Early Leaning Centre staff
can help your child to feel safe and secure.
This booklet is
written to help
you and your
child make the
transition in an
informed and
confident
manner.
4
Emmanuel Anglican College Early Learning Centre
Basic Information:-
Address: 62 Horizon Drive
Ballina NSW 2478
Phone: 02 6681 5054 Fax: 02 6681 3704
Email: elc@eac.nsw.edu.au Website: www.eac.nsw.edu.au
Direct Line For Parents of Current Students: 0427810909
Age of Entry to Pre-school
Children may enrol in the Pre-school section of the Early Learning
Centre as soon as they are three (3) years of age. This may mean that
a child will be in the Pre-school section of the Early Learning Centre for
more than one calendar year.
Age of Entry to Pre-kindy
Only children who are four (4) years of age by the 31st March of that
year may be enrolled in or move on to the Pre-kindy section of the Early
Learning Centre.
Age of Entry to Kindergarten
Children who are five (5) years of age by the 31st March in that year
may be enrolled in Kindergarten.
Early Learning Centre Hours
The Centre is open to children at: 7.30am
The Centre closes to children at: 5.45pm
5Philosophy
The staff at Emmanuel Anglican College Early Learning Centre are
committed to providing a safe, warm, caring and positive Christian
learning environment. This enables children to develop to their fullest
potential at their own pace and to gain independence and self esteem
in a non threatening and happy environment.
Our individualised programming ensures the highest quality care and
education by catering to each child’s own needs, interests and stage of
development.
The children’s interests guide our programming, which endeavours to
encourage spiritual, physical, cognitive, social, emotional and language
growth through the provision of experiences that are challenging and
interesting for the children. The play based learning experiences also
aim to provide opportunities for the students to build friendships and
attain an array of useful life skills.
Staff are active in building a strong partnership with families regarding
the on-going care, nurturing and education of their children. Staff
practise and encourage open communication with families and the
community to encourage the sharing of ideas, skills and resources.
All who use the Early Learning Centre are respected, without bias, as
individuals regardless of their cultural background, gender, beliefs and
attitudes. Individual efforts and skills are encouraged, recognised and
appreciated. Children with additional needs are included within the
program and specialist people, in partnership with us, provide a
supportive program.
Team work is a top priority as staff work together to help and support
each other. Open communication is practised between the staff and
relationships are built on mutual respect, trust and a common interest in
high quality care for your children.
Staff are accepting of different attitudes and viewpoints and,
consequently, they welcome new ideas and exploring the possibilities
they may provide.
6OUR QUALITY SYSTEMS
Support Structure
The Centre has an Authorised Supervisor and Early Childhood Edu-
cators to provide counseling and advice, which enables the Centre
to provide high quality care at all times.
Staffing Arrangements
Our staff are a fundamental part of the Centre and they are all com-
mitted to providing high quality care and learning experiences.
The aim of all the staff is to provide an atmosphere at the Centre that is
filled with enthusiasm and loving care.
Our staff hold a range of Early Childhood qualifications and first aid
certificates and many are following a path of continuing education. All
staff participate in ongoing professional development training.
When staff are away on holidays or on sick leave our Centre utilises
the Centre’s pool of relief staff who have the appropriate qualifica-
tions and experience. This process helps to ensure that the children
at the Centre receive a consistent level of care and education.
National Quality Standard for Early Childhood Education
and Care and School Age care
The Emmanuel Anglican College Early Learning Centre participates
in the National Quality Standards and aims to attain an Advanced/
High rating.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Age groups
The Centre is divided into the following groups:
Pre-school - for three and four year olds.
Pre-kindy - for children who will be four before 31 March.
The children within each age group will have individual and group
experiences planned for them by their Early Learning Educators who
will use their observations, goals and knowledge of childhood
educational practices and theories to guide their programming.
If you wish to discuss your child's development or the class
programs please liaise with the Room Leader in your child’s room.
7The Early Learning Centre Curriculum The Early Years Learning Framework is a National Early Childhood Curriculum that has a holistic approach and encompasses a wide range of teaching strategies. This approach provides scope for flexibility in the education of the children at the Early Learning Centre. The purpose of the curriculum is to provide a framework that forms a basis for the consistency of the programs, education and environment for all Pre-school and Pre-kindy children across Australia. The Early Years Learning Framework includes guidelines on how best to care for and educate children from birth to school entry age. These guidelines recognise the necessity for quality programming, observations and predictable, flexible routines. It also recognises that each child is an individual learner with varying needs, which should be identified through the use of a continuous cycle of observations, evaluations and parent consultation. The Framework ac- knowledges that the learning environment has a significant influence on a child’s academic, social, emotional and physical development and provides suggestions on how childcare professionals can create a high quality learning environment. All educationalist realise that learning begins at home and that the early childhood setting/classroom should be an extension of a child's life. The Early Years Learning Framework, therefore, acknowledges the need for ongoing communication between families, the community and early childhood settings. The Early Childhood Environment The Early Years Learning Framework states that an early childhood setting needs to be a welcoming, warm and friendly place, where a child feels safe and wants to be and where every area of the room beckons children to be involved. Consequently, this is the sort of environment that the staff at the Emmanuel Anglican College Early Learning Centre will endeavour to provide for the children in their care. We recognise that children are visual learners and as such need visual stimulus to enhance their knowledge. Displays of informative and interesting posters and pictures are important, as these encourage curiosity, questioning and communication and make the environment interesting and attractive. Attention also needs to be given to respectful and professional displays of children's art work, as this invokes a sense of pride in the children. 8
Photos of children's daily experiences are necessary to provide
visual information to parents of children's actual involvement in the
program. The program must always be current and on
display to outline to all concerned the plan for the day/week.
Likewise the daily journal is available on a daily basis as a record of
actual activity of the day and any changes made to the regular
program. The staff at the Early Learning Centre will endeavour to
provide as wide a range as possible of visual information, such as
photo displays, as a constant form of information sharing from the
classroom to home.
The Early Learning Centre staff must also ensure the classroom
areas are carefully prepared to ensure that the children have a
variety of areas that are inviting to them and are appropriate for their
developmental level.
For example classrooms may include interesting "work stations" set
up to accommodate learning. These could include but are not
restricted to:
Painting easels.
Science display tables.
Home corners.
Manipulative areas.
Nature tables.
Puzzle tables.
Large block mats.
Book corners.
Play dough tables.
Collage and pasting areas.
Box construction areas.
Computer areas.
Group time mats with display
Display tables of creations
boards or walls.
made.
Writing areas.
Positive Behaviour Guidance
The staff at the Emmanuel Anglican College Early Learning Centre
believe that all children should be treated with respect and dignity,
have their feelings acknowledged and accepted and be encouraged
to express their feelings. Under no circumstances will staff physically
discipline a child.
9The steps used by the staff to establish good behaviour include: Setting and consistently maintaining appropriate limits for behaviour. Explaining the appropriate uses for materials and equipment. Reinforcing positive behaviour. Explaining why a behaviour is inappropriate or unacceptable and providing acceptable options. Offering choices, encouraging decision making and setting expectations which are realistic and age and developmentally appropriate. First Day At The Early Learning Centre Children come to the Early Learning Centre being curious, creative, active learners and some are beginning to make their own decisions. Each child is unique and will respond in their own way. They need, however, to establish a positive self-image, self-esteem and self-confidence, as well as positive attitudes towards the College and learning. As parents you want the best for your child and that best can only be achieved through a positive relationship between your home and the College. Pre-school and Pre-kindy Teachers and parents know the importance of a child’s first experiences at an Early Learning Centre; the importance of retaining that exuberance, natural curiosity and desire to learn with which a child comes to the Centre and the importance of reinforcing positive attitudes to all areas of learning. Some children have attended other Pre-schools, others have had little contact with their peers. Some have physical or intellectual disabilities that may require special needs. The challenge for the Early Learning Centre staff is to meet the needs of all of these children. The staff at the College’s Early Learning Centre carefully structure a learning environment of planned and unplanned, formal and informal experiences to guide a child’s spiritual, social, emotional, physical and academic development at the level appropriate to meet the needs of each child. 10
The Importance of Play
Play is an important part of the Early Learning Centre Programs. By
participating in play experiences, children are able to:
Experiment and explore materials and ideas;
Interact with others;
Socialise;
Be self directed and make decisions;
Be creative and imaginative;
Learn to cooperate and persevere;
Practice their communication skills in a meaningful way.
11A Typical Early Learning Centre Day
The main focus is on developing social skills, fostering a love of
learning, encouraging experimentation and setting sound foundations
for Literacy and Numeracy.
A typical Early learning Centre day is usually based on the following
structures:
Communicating:
The skills and knowledge required to talk, listen, read and write.
Functional communication, gaining others attention appropriately,
asking for information, restating rules and directions, group
participation, asking and answering questions in a group,
speaking to a group, waiting your turn.
Investigating:
Knowledge, skills and understandings needed for Mathematics.
Experimenting with ideas and materials to learn about the world
around them. Independent activity work, starting an activity,
staying on task and completing it in the allocated time.
Expressing:
The knowledge, skills and understanding needed to participate
with confidence and enjoyment in music, art, craft and drama.
12Basic Requirements
Fruit for Fruit Break- Cut up in a small container.
Morning Tea.
Lunch.
Afternoon Tea.
Water Bottle.
Please ensure that Morning Tea, Lunch and Afternoon Tea are
packed separately. (If a child is staying past 4.30pm a late afternoon
tea will be necessary.)
A complete change of clothes.
Backpack or similar bag to hold all belongings. (Pre-kindy will need a
College bag.)
A hat and sunblock. (Provided either by the centre or parents.)
Suitable play clothes and footwear. Closed in shoes please.
(Pre-kindy – College Sport Uniform.)
A Cotton Sheet Set (Cot size sheets preferred and available from
Friends of The College at $7.) A blanket (Winter months.)
A pillow — a recommended optional extra.
Bed Sheet Bag – Approx 60cm x 50cm with drawstring top.
All belongings labelled.
13PARENTS AND CARERS
Parent Communication
It is the policy of the Early Learning Centre to communicate daily
with parents, both verbally and non-verbally, to ensure that each
family is kept informed about their child's day.
The staff will keep written records in order to ensure that any staff
member can inform parents about each child at the Centre.
Newsletters will be published periodically to keep families informed
about upcoming events and changes in policies etc.
Please empty your child's locker daily as this may contain information
related to the Centre or your child. Information may also be placed on
the sign in table at the entrance to the Early Learning Centre.
Visitors
Occasionally you will notice new faces at the Centre. Relief staff,
volunteers and students are screened prior to participating in our
daily learning experiences and must adhere to our philosophy,
policies and procedures whilst at the Centre. Students and voluntary
workers will at no stage be left in charge of a group of children.
Enrolments
It is the policy of Emmanuel Anglican College Early Learning
Centre to ensure that every family always feels welcome. We strive
to ensure that commencement at the Centre is a positive
experience for both children and parents.
To this end prospective parents will receive an enrolment pack and
are required to complete and return the forms provided in the
enrolment pack prior to commencement at the Early Learning Centre.
Prospective parents will also need to book an interview time with the
Director of the Early Learning Centre so that they and their child can
meet the staff at the Centre and become familiar with the ethos behind
the Centre.
Priority of Access guidelines are used when placing children at the
Centre.
Two (2) days per week is the recommended minimum enrolment
period for assisting each child with a successful transition to the
Centre.
14Orientation
The only thing that the staff at Emmanuel Anglican College Early
Learning Centre can say with certainty about settling your child
into the Centre is that no two families have the same experiences
as each other. Consequently, the Centre has no prescribed routine
for you to follow for settling and leaving your children and will do
whatever they can to ensure that your needs and the needs of your
child are met on an individual basis.
The staff encourage you and your child to come and spend as much
time in the Centre as you like. It is important for us to keep track of
any visitors to the centre, so please ensure you notify the Centre
Coordinator of your wish to visit the Centre, the times you propose
to visit and that you sign the visitor's book on your arrival and
departure. Please feel free to allow your child to explore the
environment at his/her own pace.
When you feel ready you might like to try leaving your child for
periods if this is what you think is best, or alternatively you may try a
half or even whole day approach if you feel comfortable with that. It
may often help if your child brings a favorite toy or comforter to
help them settle in during this time.
Please feel free to telephone us as frequently as you like during this
settling in phase. If you do not feel confident, then your child will not
feel confident. Please let us know if there is anything else you think
we can do to be of assistance. (Mobile Phone Number:- 0427 810 909.)
Parent Involvement
The Early Learning Centre invites parent participation with our
"Open Door Policy". Parents are encouraged and invited to share
their talents and time. The staff welcome assistance with special
events, feedback on our programs or policies or visiting your child.
Parent Grievances/Complaints
It is the policy of Emmanuel Anglican College Early Learning Centre
to address grievances/complaints promptly, with emphasis being
placed on resolving issues in a professional and ethical manner. All
matters are considered confidential and will be handled
appropriately.
The Centre encourages feedback, as if the staff are not aware of a
problem, they cannot address it and prevent it happening again. The
Coordinator or College Principal are available to discuss your con-
15
cerns.Newsletters
Parents will receive Centre newsletters to keep them up to date with
current events, their child's room information and topics of interest.
Please take the time to read the newsletter as it is a valuable
communication tool.
Parents of the Early Learning Centre will also receive a copy of the
College’s newsletter.
Celebrations
Celebrations are special times for children and they love to share the
event. If you wish the Centre to celebrate any occasion with your
child, please liaise with the Centre staff.
Birthdays
Children who have a birthday during the year may bring
cakes to the Early Learning Centre. We have a preference for cup
cakes as they are easier to handle and distribute and are more
hygienic. If your child has any food allergies please ensure that you
inform the staff and place a cup cake in the Early Learning Centre
freezer so that your child is able to take part in these celebrations.
Toys and Treasures From Home
Emmanuel Anglican College Early Learning Centre has a large
range of developmentally appropriate toys and equipment for the
children. It would be appreciated if personal toys or valuables are
not brought to the Centre as they may become broken or lost.
Comfort or security toys are more than welcome, but need to be
clearly named. Nature and other educational items or toys for special
events can be brought to the Centre, but please liaise with the Centre’s
staff before you bring in such items.
Lost Property
It would be appreciated if parents could regularly check for lost
property. If all personal items are named including shoes, socks and
underwear it enables Centre staff to return them to their owner.
Change of Contact Details
If any contact details provided to the Early Learning Centre in the
enrolment pack change, it is essential that they are updated. Please
inform the centre staff in writing of any change to contact details.
16Additional Needs
Prior to commencement at the Centre, it is essential that parents
discuss with the staff any additional needs their child may have.
Planning for children with additional needs requires careful
consideration and often the assistance of specialists or support
workers in order to ensure that a child's learning and development is
not affected.
HEALTH
The staff at Emmanuel Anglican College Early Learning Centre feel
sure you will agree that the problem of sickness and infectious
diseases is very serious where so many children are in contact with
each other. It is extremely difficult for staff to provide the appropriate
care for children who are ill, whilst still giving attention to the rest of
the group. Where children are sick they need more attention, as well as
quiet, warmth and rest.
If your child is unwell or showing symptoms of an infectious/
contagious disease the staff will contact you immediately. You may
be required to collect your child from the Centre. The Centre
Coordinator or College Principal may not allow your child to attend if
these symptoms are evident on arrival.
If a child has had a known infectious disease a clearance letter from
your child’s doctor is required stating they are no longer infectious prior
to being re-admitted to the Early Learning Centre.
Immunisation
Parents are required to supply proof of their child's immunisation
schedule to ensure the Early Learning Centre is maintaining
up-to-date records at all times.
The Early Learning Centre is required to maintain current
immunisation records for all enrolled children. Parents are required to
provide evidence of immunisation and advise the Centre of all
updates to immunisations.
If your child is not immunised and a child at the Early Learning Centre is
diagnosed with a reportable communicable disease please be aware
that your child will have to be excluded until the Department of Health
informs us that it is safe for an unimmunised child to return to the
Centre.
17Clothing and Sun Protection
The Emmanuel Anglican College Early Learning Centre aims to
promote a positive approach towards skin protection and sun
protection measures will be implemented at all times when outside.
Please provide a hat each day your child attends the centre.
Parents are encouraged to dress their children in appropriate clothing
for the current climate. In the cooler months, warmer clothing layers
with shoes and socks are most appropriate. In the warmer months,
sun protective clothing such as a long sleeved top with a collar and a
broad brimmed hat is most appropriate. Pre-kindy children will wear the
College’s sport uniform, which may include the College jumper and
tracksuit when necessary. Pre-school students have the option of the
Early Learning Centre polo shirt, one of which is provided free to each
child on commencement at the Centre. These must be worn on
excursions.
Appropriate footwear should also be worn. Thongs or sandals are
not appropriate for outdoor play. Children should be dressed for
play, not in their best clothing. A spare change of clothes should be
provided in the child's bag.
Pre-Kindy Clothing
Pre-Kindy Children are expected to wear uniform at all times. The
Centre’s Pre-Kindy uniform has been proven suitable for all activities.
The uniform is available from Lowes, Ballina Fair, Ballina or the Second
Hand Uniform Pool opened Tuesday 2:30pm-3:30pm.
Girls Boys
College Sport Polo (Green College Sport Polo (Green
with maroon sleeves & navy with maroon sleeves & navy
collar.) collar.)
College Navy Shorts OR College Navy Shorts
Navy Culottes Plain White Sport Socks
Plain White Sport Socks Predominantly white joggers
Predominantly white joggers College Jumper
College Jumper Navy Tracksuit pants for
Navy Tracksuit pants for Winter
Winter College Hat
College Hat College Backpack
College Backpack
Please Label ALL Belongings
Items which cannot be identified because they are not clearly labelled
are kept safe by the teachers for each room. Please ask the staff in
your child’s room about any missing belongings you may have. Any
unclaimed items will be donated to the Second Hand Uniform Pool. 18Paint Shirts
Children wear paint shirts in the Early Learning Centre to protect their
uniform. If despite this there is a mishap and you need to get paint out
of a uniform the following directions are from the label on the paint
container:
“Wet paint can be washed immediately in cold water. If paint has dried,
soak garment overnight in cold soapy water and then hand wash in
lukewarm water using ordinary soap. Do not use hot water, laundry
detergents or stain removers. Do not machine wash”.
Administration of Medication
If your child requires medication whilst at the Centre you are required
to complete all sections of the "Medication Administration Consent
Form."
In the interest of the child's safety and well-being the Centre will only
administer medication if it is in its original container and has a
dispensing label attached clearly stating the child's name, dosage and
times to be administered.
At no time will the staff at the Centre administer medication at a
different dosage or frequency other than that recommended on the
medication label, unless alternative written advice is received from a
medical practitioner. Nor will the staff administer any medication that
is labelled for another person, not recommended for the age of the
child, or has passed the recommended use by date.
Child Illness
Please notify the Early Learning Centre staff if your child will not attend
due to illness. Fees are charged for absent days due to illness. If the
Centre does not receive notice of a child's absence after one week, the
position will not be held.
To be eligible to claim Child Care Benefit for any public holiday or
sick day parents are required to sign for the day and nominate the
reason for the absence. No makeup days are provided for public
holidays or sick days.
Look out in the newsletter for notices of any infectious diseases or head
lice and please follow any instructions on how to deal with the problem.
19Infectious Diseases
There are several infectious diseases which require your child to be
kept away from the College for varying periods of time. Please ring the
College or your doctor if you are unsure of the exemption time. Specific
instructions are given at the Early Learning Centre to help protect the
health and safety of your child.
Hand Washing
The staff at Emmanuel Anglican College Early Learning Centre
recognise that hand washing is one of the most effective ways of
preventing the spread of infection. It is the policy of the Centre to
prevent the spread of infection through effective hand washing.
To encourage hygienic practices, children at the Centre are actively
involved with hand washing procedure before and after meals, after
using the toilet and after messy learning experiences.
Please reinforce the following behaviours which are
considered important for your child’s health and safety:
Keeping noses clean.
Covering their mouth when coughing or sneezing.
Washing hands before eating and after using the toilet.
Using the toilet correctly.
Not touching anyone else's blood.
Not wearing anyone else’s hat.
Putting scraps in the bin.
Playing in the correct places.
Obeying the playground rules.
Packing lunches
Children will require fruit, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. Please
pack them separately. It is best to pack a variety of foods in small
quantities so that children are interested in their lunch and are enticed
to eat it.
All students are required to sit for a specified time to complete eating
their meals. They are also responsible for putting their own scraps into
the bins provided and lunch boxes etc. in the correct place. The staff
encourage children to bring healthy food. No lollies or chocolates
please.
20Food Allergies
The Early Learning Centre requests that parents do not send high-risk
foods in their children’s lunchboxes and that with respect to birthday
cakes and class parties parents advise hosts of the students at risk of a
food allergy ahead of time so that suitable food can be provided. High
risk foods include: - peanut butter, Nutella, coconut, eggs and
seeds. For example, peanut butter or Nutella sandwiches, sesame
seed snack bars, lamingtons and egg sandwiches are all high risk
food items. Foods where eggs are an ingredient and cooked, for
example muffins, are NOT a high risk food.
SAFETY PROCEDURES
Fire Drills/Evacuation/Lockdown Procedures
It is the policy of the Early Learning Centre to carry out regular fire
drills and lockdowns. The children participate in these drills to ensure
that in the event of a real emergency all children, staff and visitors can
respond quickly and correctly. In the event that parents are present
during a drill, they are requested to follow the staff's guidance as
everyone on the premise is legally required to participate. Fire
evacuation plans are on display in each classroom.
Accidents and Emergencies
It is the policy of this centre that should an accident or injury occur
Management and staff will act immediately to provide treatment.
The Centre Coordinator/Authorised Supervisor or College Principal
or delegate will notify the parents of the accident or injury and of any
treatment provided as soon as is practicable.
If no one can be contacted, and it is determined that the child
requires urgent medical attention, the Centre Coordinator/Authorised
Supervisor or College Principal or delegate will take the essential steps
required for the child's safety.
21Leaving/Collecting a Child From The Early Learning
Centre
It is the policy of the Early Learning Centre that a child will only be
released to their parents or another person who the parent has
authorised in writing to collect the child.
Please accompany your child to a staff member on arrival at the Centre.
Parents are legally required to record the arrival and departure time
of their child and sign the attendance sheet upon arrival and departure
of the Centre. Parents are also requested to write down the time they
expect to collect their child.
Parents must advise the Centre if someone else is collecting or
dropping off their child. Staff will then record the person's name in the
communication book for the information of all staff.
All persons collecting a child must be eighteen (18) years of age or
older.
Custody Arrangements
It is the policy of the Early Learning Centre to comply with any legally
binding written instructions regarding custody arrangements and to
make every effort to ensure the safety and security of the children
whilst at the Centre.
Parents must provide the Centre with copies of current Court Orders
before we are able to comply with them. Parents are also asked to
notify the Centre Coordinator/Authorised Supervisor should the
circumstances in the custody arrangement change.
Excursions
Excursions and performances will be planned throughout the year as
part of the educational experiences provided by the Early Learning
Centre. Information regarding these will be provided in advance.
Parents are required to give written permission for their child to
participate in an excursion or performance.
22FEES AND HOLIDAYS
Payment of Fees
The following information is general information regarding payment of
the Early Learning Centre fees. For specific information please refer to
the Centre Coordinator/Authorised Supervisors, the College’s Business
Manager or the College’s Financial Officer.
Fees for the first two (2) week’s attendance are due and payable on the
first day of attendance at the centre and thereafter your account should
be kept in advance.
Fees may be paid by the following methods:-
Cash
Cheque
EFTPOS
The payments should made at the Early Learning Centre’s Front Office
and a receipt will be issued. No responsibility will be accepted by the
College for payments for which parents have not obtained a receipt.
The fees for a day at the Emmanuel Anglican College Early Learning
Centre is $68, with a discount if your child/children attend/s for five (5)
days a week. ($325 for a five day week.)
Fees are to be paid for all days a child is enrolled, including days
absent due to illness. Should an account fall into arrears parents will be
given two (2) weeks from the date the account is received to pay the
fees in arrears.
If the full amount is not paid before or on the date given the Finance
Officer will refer the matter to the College Management Team and the
child’s place will be jeopardised. Should the account subsequently
continue in arrears it will be referred to our debt collectors and recovery
costs will be added to the final account.
Cases of genuine hardship need to be referred to the Coordinator/
Authorised Supervisor of the Early Learning Centre and the College
Principal for a decision to be made regarding payment arrangements
and/or Special Child Care Benefit.
23Child Care Benefit
Child Care Benefit (CCB) is a subsidy provided by the
Commonwealth Government to assist families with childcare fees
with approved services. Parents can apply for Child Care Benefit
through their local Family Assistance Office (FAO) by completing a
"Child Care Benefit Application Form". Full fees will be charged if you
do not have a current CCB percentage assessment with the FAO.
Please contact FAO on 136 150 as soon as possible when (or before)
commencing at the Centre.
In order to receive Child Care Benefit parents must sign each of
their children in and out EVERY day they are booked.
Late Fees
A late fee of $1 per minute will be charged to any family who collects
their child after the Early Learning Centre's closing time of 5.45pm.
Families are expected to collect their children by 5.45pm so that the
staff have time to go through the Early Learning Centre’s closing
routine. The late fee will be added to the family’s account.
Booked Days
On enrolment parents are required to nominate the permanent days
of their childcare placement. If you wish to change these days please
liaise with the Centre Coordinator/Authorised Supervisor or your child’s
Room Leader.
Priority of Access
The Early Learning Centre operates under the Federal Government
Child Care Benefit and complies with the "Priority of Access" guidelines.
Holidays
Families taking annual leave will be entitled to a holiday discount
provided two (2) weeks notice of the intended dates of absence is given
in writing. Holidays are offered at a discount for up to six (6) weeks of
normal booked holidays each financial year.
Holiday discounts will only apply to a whole week of holidays taken at a
time and only for six weeks in the year. Any holidays taken as part
weeks or single days will not attract a discount. In all circumstances
discounts will only be applied to parent accounts that are up to date and
where appropriate notice (in writing) has been given.
In extenuating circumstances application in writing for extended holiday
relief will be referred to the College Management.
24Allowable Absences
Allowable absences occur when a service can charge a fee for care
and claim Child Care Benefit when the child is not present. All
families will be eligible for 42 days of allowable absences for each
child per calendar year. All absences will be charged to a family’s
account.
On return to the Early Learning Centre after an absence parents
must sign the attendance sheets indicating a reason why the child
was away to ensure that they are eligible to claim Child Care Benefit for
the absence.
The staff at the centre are always concerned about your child's
welfare and so if you are aware of any impending absence could you
please inform the staff or Centre Coordinator/Authorised Supervisor.
The Early Learning Centre strongly recommends that parents provide a
Doctor’s Certificate for illness whenever possible to keep the number of
absences used to a minimum. Please refer to the “Absences from Care”
section in the Child Care Benefit Fact Sheet, included in your Parent
Pack, for more information.
Public Holidays
The Emmanuel Anglican College Early learning Centre is closed for
Public Holidays. All Public Holidays will be charged as per normal
bookings.
25POLICIES
For all the Early Learning Centre’s policies see the Policy Folder in the
Early Learning Centre Office.
You are most welcome to ask for a copy of any of these policies.
26MEET OUR STAFF
Mrs Anita Ghilardi
ELC Co-ordinator
Diploma in Children’s Services.
Studying Bachelor of Early Childhood Education
Contact aghilardi@eac.nsw.edu.au
Mrs Nicole Wilson
Lead Educator
Pre-kindy Class
Bachelor of Early
Childhood Education
Mrs Belinda Lockwood
Lead Educator
Pre-school Class
Bachelor of Primary and
Masters in Early Childhood
Mrs Shelley Boekeman
Lead Educator
Pre-kindy Class
Bachelor of Early
Childhood Education
Mrs Kimberley Kyd
Preschool & Pre-kindy
Class
Diploma of Children’s
Services
Studying Bachelor of
Early Childhood
Education
Miss Heidi Upward
Pre-kindy Class
Associate Diploma in Children’s
Services
27Miss Liz Legge
Assistant
Pre-school Class
Certificate 3 in Children’s
Services
Mrs Rebecca Brooks
Assistant
Pre-kindy Class
Certificate 3 in Children’s
Services
Studying Diploma in Children’s
Services
Miss Alissa Simmons
Assistant
Preschool and Pre-kindy Class
Looking forward to meeting you!
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