daylesford outside school hours care parent handbook 2013 filedaylesford outside school hours care...

DAYLESFORD

OUTSIDE SCHOOL

HOURS CARE

PARENT HANDBOOK 2013

56 CENTRAL SPRINGS ROAD DAYLESFORD 3460 PH: (03) 53481940 Supporting Agency DAYLESFORD COMMUNITY CHILDCARE CENTRE 81 WEST STREET DAYLESFORD 3460 Ph: (03) 5348 3702 Email: [email protected] Welcome to our Service. We do hope you enjoy your time with us. This booklet outlines issues you will need to be aware of while you are a part of our Service. It is important that you read over this booklet and ask questions about matters you do not understand. Our Service has an open door policy; you and your family are welcome to visit the Service at any time.

mailto:[email protected]

OSHC Parent Handbook

OSHC Parent Handbook 2013 V1.1 2 of 15 Last updated 27/11/2012

Table of Contents

Introduction ................................................................................................................................................ 3

Philosophy............................................................................................................................................................ 3 Our service’s values and goals ............................................................................................................................. 4

Children ...................................................................................................................................................... 5

What NOT to bring .............................................................................................................................................. 5 Food ..................................................................................................................................................................... 6 Clothing ................................................................................................................................................................ 6 Belongings ........................................................................................................................................................... 6 Lockers ................................................................................................................................................................. 6 Guidance and Discipline....................................................................................................................................... 6

Parents ....................................................................................................................................................... 7

Communication.................................................................................................................................................... 7 Communication and Staff .................................................................................................................................... 7 Confidentiality and Discretion ............................................................................................................................. 8 Our policies .......................................................................................................................................................... 8 Enrolments /DEEWR Requirement ...................................................................................................................... 8 Court Orders ........................................................................................................................................................ 8 Arrival and Departure .......................................................................................................................................... 9 Parent Involvement ............................................................................................................................................. 9 Service Fees and Accounts ................................................................................................................................... 9 Payment Method ................................................................................................................................................. 9 Holding Fees: After School Care ........................................................................................................................... 9 Holding Fees: School Holiday ............................................................................................................................. 10 Non - payment of fees ....................................................................................................................................... 10 Government Subsidies - Child Care Benefit and 50% Tax Rebate ...................................................................... 10

Health & Safety ......................................................................................................................................... 10

Illness ................................................................................................................................................................. 10 Food Allergies .................................................................................................................................................... 10 Child Protection Policy ....................................................................................................................................... 10 Medication ......................................................................................................................................................... 11 Asthma ............................................................................................................................................................... 11 Sun Protection ................................................................................................................................................... 11 Accidents ............................................................................................................................................................ 11 Emergency ......................................................................................................................................................... 11 Using the Service Safely ..................................................................................................................................... 11 Feedback ............................................................................................................................................................ 11 Staff ................................................................................................................................................................... 11

Resources ................................................................................................................................................. 12

Useful Contacts .................................................................................................................................................. 12 Informative Websites for Parents ...................................................................................................................... 12 Family Skills, Interests and Talents .................................................................................................................... 12

“New Families” Survey .............................................................................................................................. 14



Introduction Welcome to Daylesford Outside School Hours Care. At DOSHC our aim is to provide a secure and happy environment where children can develop their social, emotional, physical and aesthetic skills to become competent and confident individuals. Also, our goal is for you as a parent/guardian, to feel safe in the knowledge that your child is receiving the best possible care.

We believe the best way to work with you and your child is by building a partnership of care. To do this we want you to feel:

Welcomed, recognised, acknowledged and respected by all our staff.

You are given lots of information about what is occurring and are asked for your views.

You are involved in making decisions about your child’s experiences.

Your child is happy, secure and engaged.

Our Service is a not for profit community based service operated by a voluntary parent Committee of Management. As a parent you are encouraged to participate in the Management of the service by providing us with suggestions and feedback or by joining the Committee of Management. Contact the Daylesford Community Childcare Centre Co-ordinator for more information. DOSHC is licensed under the Children’s Services Regulations 2009 (Victoria) and as such is required to comply with the regulations. These requirements include child care health and safety, activities, experiences and programs, numbers of staff members and children and staff members’ qualifications. Parents are welcome to contact the Victorian Office for Children, The Regional Office of Department of Education and Early Childhood Development on 53308601 for further information.

Philosophy

As a service we believe strongly that all children have a right to the highest quality care. As staff, we believe children are our biggest resource as a community, and the key to our future. Children at the Service come from a variety of families, from different racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, and with varying family structures, from single parent families to larger extended families. Children from such different families may have very different issues or needs. Please let us know your particular needs, and we will endeavour to balance those issues within the context of the centre’s philosophy and programs. As staff we aim to support your parenting role through:

a partnership approach

good communication

jointly negotiated strategies

providing a resource for information

providing support at stressful times We believe that by supporting families effectively, we can have a positive effect on the whole of our local community here in Daylesford, and surrounding districts.



Our service’s values and goals

Core Values:

Fun

Partnership

Respect

Acceptance

Personal Growth

Emergent curriculum

The service develops programs that are based on child interest, development and family input. Staff will use learning / family stories to record these interests that will then be reflected in our program which are always available for viewing / comment at the information table.

Grievances, Complaints and Feedback

If for any reason you are not happy with the Service’s level of care or care environment we want to know immediately. You can discuss this with staff, formally write a letter or email the Team Leader on [email protected] visit the Service’s Co-ordinator at 81 West Street Daylesford or formally write a letter or email the Co-ordinator on [email protected]. When any matter is raised the service will be following our Grievance Procedure Policy. All service policies are made available to parents. Positive feedback is most welcome too.

Child Care Benefits

A family subsidy (Child Care Benefit) is available from the Family Assistance Office (FAO). The Family Assistance Office will assess parents’ taxable income and a scale will be used to determine the amount of assistance each family will receive. The assistance may be claimed at a reduced Service fee or at the end of the financial year. Every family regardless of their income is entitled to this assistance. For further details please speak to our Service Co-ordinator or contact FAO on 13 6150.

The Daily Routine

We endeavour to provide a home and family environment at the Service where the children feel comfortable and secure at all times and our daily routines reflect this.

Throughout the day the children will be experiencing a number of different activities which are part of the emergent curriculum operated by all of our staff.

Services Offered

The Service operates from a minimum of 3 to a maximum of 10.25 hours per day 49 weeks per year and caters for children 5-12 years. Hours of Operation

After School Care: 3.15pm to 6.15pm Monday to Friday during school terms

Holiday Program: 8am to 6.15 pm Monday to Friday during school holidays

Pupil Free Days: 8am to 6.15 pm


[email protected]



This program depends on the minimum number of 10 children requiring care. The service is available to all primary school students, but we can only provide a pickup service for ASC to the four schools in the Daylesford/Hepburn area.

Transport

The service contracts Boomerang Ranch to collect children from St Michaels and Daylesford Primary schools in their mini bus. Service staff also utilise their own cars to transport children back to the hall.

The TAC car restrain rules will be followed. www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/childrestraints. Children are able to leave the service unaccompanied at the end of their hours of care if we have their parents written consent. We would not recommend any child under 9 years of age to do this or any child to leave the service unaccompanied after dark.

Children

Those First Weeks

The introduction into Out of School Hours Care can be difficult for children and parents. Children’s welfare and happiness are the priority for staff when welcoming new children to the Service and when assisting the family to settle into the service environment. It is recognised that families’ needs will vary greatly in the orientation process and individual needs will be met as best we can.

The following outlines some helpful hints for parents on settling their child into care:

Make sure you familiarise your child with the environment and the people in the environment (children and adults) by coming in for a visit/s before commencing care.

If your child is unsettled, short visits with you will help your child to gain trust with an unfamiliar environment. These visits can be made on a day when your child is not booked to attend.

Try to talk at home about OSHC. Mention the names of the staff and other children. Talk about the things the child will be able to do at OSHC that are fun and enjoyable.

We will work with you and your child to assist them to settle in.

What to Bring

Weather appropriate clothes, particularly during holiday programs – a showerproof warm jacket is essential for excursions in the colder months of the year.

A hat – a full brimmed wide hat for the warmer months of the year.

What NOT to bring

Mobile phones. Children will be asked to turn off phone and place them in their bags. If parents need to, or want to contact their child during the day you are most welcome to phone the service on 5348 1940. (HALL)

Ipads, Ipods or game devices

http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/childrestraints



Precious personal items. Staff cannot be responsible for ensuring their safety, so children should not bring anything that will cause upset if broken or lost.

Food

After School Care: All snacks for afternoon tea will be provided by the service. There will be a seasonal variety of food that is both nutritious and delicious and the children are involved in the selection and preparation of afternoon tea. We can also cater for special dietry needs in most of the time. Holiday Program and Pupil free days: Children will need to provide all their food and snacks for these days. Parents are asked to provide plenty of healthy foods and snacks. These days are usually longer and more active than a school day so they need extra fuel to keep them going. The Service will provide a snack for afternoon tea on these days. Water is always available to the children.

Clothing

Parents are advised to send their children to the service in comfortable, inexpensive clothing. If your child is coming here straight from school it is ok for them to stay in their school uniforms. However in the warmer months when children play in the sand pit and with water, we welcome a spare set of old clothes that your child can change into if you want their uniform kept clean.

Belongings

Please ensure all belongings are clearly labelled with your child’s name. Lost property will be displayed for children and parent collection. Parent co-operation in labelling assists the Service in keeping your child’s belongings together. The Service discourages the bringing of games/MP3 players/IPods/game devices etc from home and we will not hold any responsibility for any personal belongings that may be lost or damaged at the Service. The Service is well resourced with an IPod for music and photography, a video camera, laptop and computers with age appropriate computer games. We also have an Xbox360, TV and a video player for limited use during vacation programs.

Lockers

We have an area for children to place their school bags and jackets.

Guidance and Discipline

Staff follow a Behaviour Guidance Management Policy. This policy allows children to develop self-discipline, a respect for others and for property and respect for self.

The policy aims are:

To give all children the opportunity to expand their experiences of life in a productive, safe environment that allows individuals the right to safety, tolerance, self-expression, cultural



identity, dignity and the worth of the individual, along with honesty in dealing with peers and caregivers.

To be taught to respect the rights and needs of others by foreseeing the outcome of their behaviour and the consequences of their behaviour.

To encourage the individual social development of each child.

If you require further information on this policy please ask staff and refer to the policy book. Parents We believe the best way to work with you and your child is by building a partnership of care. And to do this we need to be able to . . .

Communicate Communicate Communicate

Communication

What is the best way to communicate with you? Everybody has a different communication style and time for communication. We understand that mornings and afternoons can be a little rushed, and not the best time to discuss your child. We have many types of communication we use for families in the service just like you. Ways we will be communicating the events of the Service by:

Face to face verbal interactions at arrival and departure times.

Regular newsletters which will be sent home via the children’s individual pockets.

Email to [email protected]

A notice board where various messages and notices are displayed advertising current issues and upcoming events.

Occasionally staff will ask parents to complete short surveys/parent input sheets in order to maintain up to date records and seek parent feedback on various topics.

Each family will be allocated an individual ‘pocket’ in which newsletters, accounts and other written communication will be placed. It is the parent’s responsibility to read these notices and ensure they are aware of current issues and events in the service.

Policies will be regularly reviewed and parents will be asked to have input.

Communication and Staff

What can you expect from staff?

Staff will make efforts to communicate effectively with families.

Staff will inform families promptly and sensitively of any out of the ordinary incidents affecting their child.

All accidents will be recorded in writing and parents will be asked to sign the report when informed of the incident.

If a child is sent home unwell, parents will be given a copy of the illness record that staff will have used to observe your child prior to contacting you.

Please feel free at any time in person or by phone to discuss your child.



Confidentiality and Discretion

Information received through written and spoken communication with families will be treated with discretion. At any time if you require a private discussion with our staff, please inform us. This can happen face to face or by phone.

Our policies

All our policies are available in the policy folder located near the sign in sheets at the OSHC Service. We would appreciate feedback.

Enrolments /DEEWR Requirement

Sometimes, there may be a waiting list for child care services and to ensure the system is fair, the Australian Government has “Priority of Access Guidelines” for allocating places in these circumstances. Every approved child care service has to abide by the guidelines and tell you about them when you enrol your child into care.

First Priority A child at risk of serious abuse or neglect

Second Priority A child of a single parent who satisfies, or of parents who both satisfy the work/training/study test under Section 14 of the Family Assistance Act

Third Priority Any other child Within these main categories priority should also be given to the following children:

children in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families; children in families which include a disabled person; children in families who are on income support; children in families from a non-English speaking background; children in socially isolated families; and Children of single parents.

We may require a Priority 3 child to vacate a place to make room for a child with a higher priority. We can only do so if you:

are notified when your child first entered care that your service follows this policy are given at least 14 days notice of the need for your child to vacate.

Court Orders

Parents must notify the Service if there are any Court Orders affecting residency of their children and a copy is required for the Service. Without a Court Order we cannot stop a parent collecting your child.



Arrival and Departure

For safety and security reasons ALL children must be signed in on arrival, and signed out on departure (Our staff will sign your child in for After School Care when they attend). The times must be noted. No child will be allowed to leave our Service with a person who is not listed on the enrolment form, unless prior arrangements are made with Management.

Parent Involvement

This is vital to ensure maintenance of a quality service. Your contribution of ideas, experiences and skills are welcomed and greatly valued. For example, if you would like your child to complete homework at our service our educators can facilitate this. Parents are welcome to visit or call the Service at any time. If you have any talents or hobbies or occupation, we welcome and encourage you to share them with the children. If you have any concerns, please see the Management. We have a grievance policy and procedure if you would like to formally raise any concerns

Service Fees and Accounts

See fee schedule attachment. It is Service’s policy that all accounts are kept up to date, any account 3 weeks in the arrears will be subject to care being cancelled. Accounts are issued weekly for the previous week of care. You will find accounts in your family pocket, located near signing in/out book.

Payment Method

Fees are payable weekly or fortnightly. The list below is the possible payment methods: (our preferred method is auto transfer)

AUTO TRANSFER direct payment in to services account. Account Name: Daylesford Community Childcare centre Incorp

BSB: 013-600 Account No: 2825-44902 EFTPOS available at DCCCC 81 West St Daylesford. CHEQUE also payable at 81 West St CASH also payable at 81 West St

Staff at OSHC is not in a position to accept fees, this must be done via net banking or at DCCCC. Dishonoured Cheques - If this happens, we regret to inform you a charge of $9.00 will be billed to your account.

Holding Fees: After School Care

Full fees are payable on permanent bookings during any absences including those due to illness or holidays. During an exclusion of non immunised children during an outbreak of Measles or Whooping Cough, parents will still be responsible for fees. Occasional care users will not be charged if the centre receives notification of cancellation before 2.15pm on the booked day. Parents who have After School Care will not be charged during term holidays or pupil free days. No fees are charged for public holidays. One week notice of cancellation on permanent bookings must be given.



Holding Fees: School Holiday

Parents who make a booking for Holiday Program must give 1 weeks’ notice of cancellation or they will be charged for the place.

Non - payment of fees

If payment is not made within 21 days, an overdue stamp will appear on your account. Parents will then have one week to make a payment before their booking is cancelled. If outstanding for longer than 60 days, the account will be referred to the debt collector, unless there are special circumstances, which would be decided by the Coordinator. Outstanding accounts of parents no longer using the Centre will be referred to Prushca Debt Collection Agency after:

A phone reminder of outstanding account.

A written reminder.

Government Subsidies - Child Care Benefit and 50% Tax Rebate

Child Care Benefit (fee subsidy) is available to all families and it is the parent’s responsibility to submit an application or contact the Family Assistance Office before commencing care. Child Care Benefit cannot be claimed for families who do not have a current assessment; the parent will pay the full cost of care. Full fees will be payable once the assessment has lapsed. The Co-ordinator will give parents information on applying for C.C.B. and Tax rebate when enrolling their child.

Health & Safety

Illness

NO CHILD will be admitted with obvious signs of any highly contagious infection or illness. Our policy states the incubation period, symptoms and exclusion periods of such diseases. The Service provides a healthy and safe environment for children, staff and families to grow and develop in – as such the Service has a health and safety and hygiene policy regarding illnesses and medications. We ask parents to be considerate of their child’s and other children’s health when deciding if they should attend the service. A busy day in OSHC is highly demanding and staff/child ratios do not allow for individual nursing of an unwell child.

Food Allergies

We are an allergy aware service. Please inform the Service Management if your child has any allergy.

Child Protection Policy

The Service has an extensive Child Protection Policy. If you require further information on this policy please ask staff and refer to the policy book.



Medication

Staff will be able to administer medication to children who are recovering from illness. A medication form must be completed and signed by parents before any medication will be given. All prescription medication must be prescribed for your child and not another family member- unless stated otherwise by a doctor’s certificate. Medication must be in date and in its original packaging. The medication must be handed to a staff member to store in a secure area in the kitchen.

Asthma

The Service aims to provide a safe environment for children who have asthma. It is Service policy that an “Asthma Management Plan” be completed by parents/guardians in consultation with the family doctor. It is also a requirement that the management plan be reviewed by your family doctor annually or as circumstances change. This must be completed and returned before enrolment commences. These will be available at the time of enrolment.

Sun Protection

Our Service’s policy is “no hat, no outside play” for the warmer months of the year. This policy will be enforced. Parents are asked to provide a wide brim hat to wear during outside activities. These must be named. The most suitable hat is one which shades the ears and neck.

Accidents

In case of an accident or illness occurring at the Service, the Management will contact parents if deemed necessary. As a matter of extreme importance parents must ensure that the Service has up to date emergency contact numbers. An incident report will be filled out, outlining the accident and signed by the staff that observed and administered first aid, as well as any witnesses; parent’s signature will also be required.

Emergency Drills

Throughout the year the Service will hold emergency drills which occur at any given time throughout the day. These are carried out in a well-organised and orderly manner. Also staff will be trained in using the fire extinguishers that are in the Service.

Using the Service Safely

Never leave your younger children unattended in cars while collecting children from the service. Cars parks are dangerous places for children.

Feedback

We welcome all feedback regarding the safety of our service. If you see something that concerns you regarding safe work practises, the safety of building and equipment or general OHS, please contact the management immediately. Staff

Suitable qualified staff are employed and the child staff ratios are adhered to according to licensing requirements. All staff will have their Senior First Aid Certificates, working with children checks completed and attend monthly staff meetings. Our staff are regularly involved and encouraged to attend further development and training.



Resources

Useful Contacts

Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.

Ballarat 109 Armstrong St Ballarat 3350 Ph 5330 8601

National Childcare Accreditation Council (NCAC)

Level 3, 418A Elizabeth Street

SURRY HILLS 2010

Phone: 1300 136 554

Family Assistance Office

Phone: 13 6150

Australian Childhood Immunisation Register

Phone: 1800 653 809

Informative Websites for Parents

Raising Children Network - The Australian parenting website: comprehensive, practical, expert child health and parenting information and activities covering children aged 0-8 years. www.raisingchildren.net.au/

Better Health Channel - Quality consumer health information quality-assured, regularly reviewed health and wellbeing information and services. This site is sponsored by the State Government of Victoria www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/

Family Skills, Interests and Talents

We welcome all family members to our service and we encourage when possible for families to be involved in your child’s program. There are many ways for your family to be involved. We understand that our busy lives can’t always afford the time, however any contribution no matter how big or small is much appreciated. Here are just a few ideas.

Your Occupation Your child loves you and when they get to childcare all they talk about is you. You are the most important person in their world. We welcome all parents to the service to talk about their occupation or hobby. Everything parents do interest children and these talks are the best educational resources you can provide for the service. After occupational discussions we use it in our programming and the ideas explored from parent talks can last for weeks.

Your Home Culture Your home culture is most welcomed in our service; we would greatly appreciate if you were able to share with our service aspects of your culture and family life. This would assist us to enrich the lives of all our families and children.

Useful Junk We are always on the lookout for recyclable items for the rooms. Empty food containers, ribbons, wrapping paper, towel tubes (not toilet or egg or milk re-hygiene and allergy) paper or anything interesting form your work is much appreciated.

www.raisingchildren.net.au/

http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/



Family Photos Our aim is to create a warm, friendly and homely environment. One way we like to achieve this is by having family photos displayed. Please bring in a copy of your family for us to display in the hall or email to us on [email protected].

Suggestions If you have any other suggestion or idea on how we best can work together in the service and together with your child’s program please let us know.

Remember . . .

When your family becomes involved with the service, no matter how small or big your involvement your child will be experiencing the connection between home and our service. Please read this handbook carefully so you fully understand the commitment that you are undertaking and your responsibilities to the Service.

Thank you.

[email protected]



“New Families” Survey NAME: (optional) ___________________________

As part of our ongoing internal assessment, we ask new families to comment on their introduction to, and impressions of the OSHC. Parent comment and input is an important part of the Commonwealth’s Quality Assurance process and our own internal reviewing and assessment and we greatly appreciate your commitment. 1/ Did you feel the information provided to you when you first came to the service was valuable

and allowed you to get a feel for the way the service operates?

YES NO Comment __________________________________________________________________________

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2/ Do you believe you were given adequate time/opportunity to meet staff and introduce your

child to their new environment prior to starting?

YES NO Comment __________________________________________________________________________

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3/ Do you believe the staff were helpful in making you and your child/ren feel at ease and well

informed?

YES NO Comment __________________________________________________________________________

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4/ Are you satisfied with the room’s programs and activities?

[Our overall aim is to support all children in feeling secure and relaxed ]

YES NO Comment __________________________________________________________________________

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5/ Do you receive sufficient and relevant information about your child’s time at OSHC at pick up time?

YES NO Comment __________________________________________________________________________

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6/ Do you believe you are given appropriate information about the Service’s Committee of

Management and how you might become involved?

YES NO Comment __________________________________________________________________________

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Thank you for finding the time to complete this survey, your participation will enhance the level of service to your family and others. Use this back page of the survey to make any further comment/ suggestion. Could you please return the survey to Julie Mclean at DCCCC 81 West Street Daylesford, email to [email protected] or leave it with the educators at OSHC. General Comments __________________________________________________________________

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daylesford outside school hours care parent handbook 2013 filedaylesford outside school hours care...

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