The Starfish Room - Ages 0 – 1 year
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Nursery Philosophy
Children learn best in a warm, supportive, nurturing, safe atmosphere in which individual and cultural differences are valued. Activities are planned to support the learning process and address each child’s physical, cognitive and creative development.
The programs are rich in discovery, fun and learning. Activities are designed to help enhance each child’s; self esteem and sense of worth.
The children participate in an anti-bias curriculum in an environment that fosters active learning, autonomy, freedom, and a sense of responsibility and order. The staff strive to stimulate each child’s natural curiosity and encourage personal expression through real experience and play. The centre has a commitment to foster the values of co-operation, kindness, empathy, respect, and responsibility.
By consistently providing nurturing care in a stimulating and challenging, yet safe environment, staff are dedicated to enhance each child’s individuality, celebrate each child’s uniqueness, and help each child begin his/her lifetime of learning.
Children discover and learn through exploration, trial and error, pretending, imitating and effective communication, which develop the foundation for their educational experience.
We want the children to feel confident and secure enough to explore and grow in a stimulating learning and social environment.
We are committed to promoting and supporting all aspects of a child’s growth in an atmosphere of respect. Your child is an individual who is an integral member of a group, and whose uniqueness is acknowledged by that group.
Because families are of primary importance in a child’s development, the staff strive to bring about collaboration between the home and the centre in ways that enhance the child’s development.
We want to work with each family to provide learning opportunities which match your child’s own pace and style. Feel welcome to spend time in your child’s room. We look forward to getting to know each family.
General Information
Ratios: The Nursery caters for five up to twelve months of age with one full-time carer.
Nursery Carer: The carer is Kristi.
Relief carers are kept the same to ensure the babies feel comfortable and secure.
Meals
All bottles must be clearly labelled with the child’s name.
We ask that parents pre-mix their child’s formula bottles before arriving at care.
The centre provides the babies with a hot lunch and snacks throughout the day, drinks (milk and water are freely available).
Please inform us of any special dietary requirements, our kitchen will cater for your child’s needs. The Nursery is provided with a variety of vegetables everyday and a small amount of the days main dish (the menu is displayed above the sign in sheets and in the room). Stewed fruit can also be provided for morning and afternoon tea. If you would like your child to have breakfast or tea, this will have to be provided, including any milk and/or spreads. Breakfast will be stopped being given after 8.30am.
Things Parents need to supply
If your baby is having bottles, they need to be provided by the parents.
It is advisable to pack a few changes of clothes. (please label all items of clothing)
A hat for sunny days, as we love to go outside and explore.
ALL nappies are supplied by the centre unless parents stipulate otherwise. (e.g. cloth)
Outside Time
On occasions we do venture outside, so it would be appreciated if parents could please supply a hat/beanie (appropriate to season) and shoes if needed. (named)
Sunscreen is supplied, yet if a special type is preferred or for allergy reasons it will need to be supplied by the parents please (labelled)
Medical Instruction Sheet
If your child requires medication whilst in care, you will be required to fill out the Medical Authorisation Form (located in the Nursery). Please ensure that the form is filled in correctly, as we are unable to give medication if there is an error (please see the medication policy). Medications MUST NOT be left in the child’s bag, please leave them with a carer who will place them in the appropriate area. Medications are to be signed both in and out at either end of the day.
Daily Information
At the end of each day you will receive an information sheet where you will be able to read how your child’s day has been. This provides you information regarding sleeping eating, experiences and drinks/bottles.
Programme Planning
The centre follows the Belonging, Being and Becoming Framework which supports a model of curriculum decision-making as an ongoing cycle. This involves educators drawing on their professional knowledge, including their in-depth knowledge of each child. Working in partnership with families, educators use the Learning Outcomes to guide their planning for children’s learning.
The room carer will be of the floor for two hours a week to plan for each child. Programme planning involves both carer and parent input to determine children’s individual interests, skills and emerging abilities. Informal chats about your child’s development and care, play an important role in planning.
Carers use parental input and observations of the children to plan a programme of experiences which will best assist the enjoyment and development of each child in care. The programme is displayed in the room for parents to view and to make comments. Each child has an individual file (electronic), which contains all observations and planning. Parents are welcome to read their child’s file – simply ask the carer.
Communication Book
A communication book is located on the room bench for parents to leave any important information for the day in, or to just leave a message to the carer.
Transition to next age group
As your child gets older, the carers will start to introduce him/her to the next room. (Rainbow Fish Room) This is done through visits with the carer or a visit by themselves for a few hours at a time, this is for your child to get used to the new surroundings. Your room carer will discuss this with you before the visits happen. You will be given a form that informs you that visits will start to happen when possible. (If you have any concerns please talk to your room carer or the Director.)
CONTACT US
You can contact us on 03 6344 9993 during business hours, or email us at childcare@pedderpatter.org.au.