[ » Administration Information ] [ » The Programme ] [ » General Information ]
Mission Statement
Our centre will work in partnership with parents, caregivers and whānau to encourage children to feel secure and respected. Meaningful learning experiences will be promoted within a safe, caring and respectful environment which fosters the strengths and celebrates the interests and learning of children in our care.
Philosophy Statement
The centre philosophy is the basis of our teaching practice, beliefs and aspirations for children at ABC EDUCARE. Each centre also has their own philosophy which encompasses the specific practices and beliefs of the teachers in that centre.
Respectful practice is the foundation of our philosophy and this is woven in to all aspects of our centre practices, programmes, interactions and relationships.
-
We believe children need to feel safe, respected and have trust in their teachers and the environment to be confident and capable learners.
-
We believe in promoting experiences which celebrate and foster children’s learning, interests and strengths.
-
We believe positive reciprocal partnerships with parents and whānau are essential to children’s holistic development.
-
We believe in developing relationships that foster mutual respect and honest communications.
-
We acknowledge the importance of bi-culturalism and recognise the diversity of families.
We believe in celebrating children’s cultural heritage and weave the principles of Tikanga Māori through our curriculum. -
We believe our attitude and beliefs about children should be positive, respectful and empowering.
-
The principles of respectful practice are the foundation of our philosophy and underpin our teaching.
Administration Information
Tony, our accounts administrator handles fee and account enquiries and is based upstairs above the Big house. Tony can be contacted on the main phone line (06-758 8213) or by email (info@abceducare.co.nz)
Hours of Operation
Little House (0-2 years) |
7.45am-5.15pm |
Middle House (2-3.5 yr) |
7.45am-5.15pm |
Big House (3.5-5yr) |
7.45am-5.15pm |
OSCAR Programme |
2.45pm-5.15pm |
We are open 7.45 am till 5.15 pm Monday to Friday.
We are open during school holidays except for the period between Christmas and the New Year where the centre closes for its annual holiday.
We are also closed on public holidays. We do not charge fees on days that the centre is closed (including the week/s between Christmas and New Year. Other days deemed necessary to close will be notified.)
Fees and Fee Payment
If your child is attending regular hours, your fees will be the same each week. If you child is absent, or attends extra hours, your fee will show on your invoice. If your child arrives late, or leaves early, the regular fees will be charged.
Fees are to be paid weekly unless previously arranged with management. Invoices are printed or emailed (your preference) weekly. Your payments will show up on your invoice along with the hours your child attended. You may pay by EFTPOS (Terminal in the Big house), automatic payment or cheque. Our preferred method of payment is automatic payment/ online banking.
You will receive a receipt at the end of the financial year and you may claim childcare fees on your Tax return.
Fees are reviewed yearly and may increase to reflect rising costs.
WINZ Subsidies
WINZ subsidies are available for those families who qualify. We have application forms available and will complete the childcare details required. The application form indicates the documentation and information you will need to supply.
If you are eligible for these please see your centre Team Leader or if you would like see if you are eligible, please see Sheri or Belinda.
WINZ payments are shown on your invoice and are deducted from the weekly fees. The balance remaining is the fees you are required to pay.
It is your responsibility to keep your WINZ subsidy up-to-date. Unfortunately WINZ do not backpay therefore you need to ensure you get your application and renewals in on time or advise them immediately of any changes of circumstances.
Attestated Hours/20 Hours ECE
Government policy from July 2007 allows children aged 3 and 4 year up to 20 ‘Free’ hours. We offer the 20 hours ECE at ABC EDUCARE.
As the amount paid to the centre does not cover our fees, sessions from 8am -12pm and 1 pm-5pm are available free and we ask those children attending through the lunch hour to pay a $4 meal allowance. Fees apply for those children attending over 20 hours. As you child approaches their 3rd birthday, your centre Team Leader will discuss the 20 hours ECE option with you and fill in the required documents.
Bookings/Signing the roll
We are booked from week to week by regularly attending children. If your child is not attending through holiday or illness, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking fee charged for absences (this is portion of your fees) however there is no booking charges for 3 & 4 year old attestated hours (20 hours ECE).
Please sign the roll sheet each day your child attends. On arrival please fill in the time you arrive, who will be collecting your child and sign your signature. At the end of the day/session please record the departure time. Signing of the roll book when the child arrives also gives permission for child to go on a trip that day.
The Programme
The Curriculum
Our curriculum is based on the principles, strands and goals of Te Whāriki the Early Childhood Curriculum. Teachers implement planned and spontaneous experiences that reflect the children’s emerging interests and learning and that encompass various learning opportunities. We promote the importance of the learning processes rather than final products. The children’s routines are viewed as an important part of the curriculum and learning experiences are woven throughout routine times.
The environment enables and encourages children to make choices, take the initiative and develop independent learning skills. “Children are confident active explorers who participate with enthusiasm in both planned and spontaneous learning experiences.”
Education Review Office, 2008
Behaviour Guidance
The teachers guide children to respect their environment, equipment and other people in our setting.
Children are supported to develop strategies for managing their own behaviour and learning to act appropriately.
At all times children are treated with respect and dignity.
Teachers alter their guidance strategies to respond to the developmental stages and ages of the children.
Teachers encourage children to acknowledge and express a range of emotions and feelings and encourage children to develop self esteem and confidence. Teachers respect the family values of children when developing positive guidance plans to support inappropriate behaviour.
“Children form positive relationships with their peers through play, and they play with and alongside each other amicably. Their developing social competence is evident as they discuss things of mutual interest, share equipment, take turns and negotiate roles.”
Education Review Office, 2008
Portfolios
Teachers in each centre have non-contact time to prepare a portfolio for each of the children.
Portfolios document the children’s discoveries, learning and development, strengths and interests.
Parents and whānau are encouraged to contribute to portfolios and the planning and assessment process.
Teachers use observations to assess children’s learning and record their finding as a learning story.
Children’s interests and learning will be celebrated and documented in their portfolio.
“Delightfully presented stories demonstrate the value educators place on learning and contain useful data. Portfolios demonstrate the holistic curriculum provided, and some learning stories describe the complexity of learning occurring for children.”
Education Review Office, 2008
Parent Education and Involvement
At ABC EDUCARE we acknowledge the importance of parent/teacher partnerships in children’s learning. We encourage parents to communicate with the teachers and Management and value your feedback.
We are committed to providing parent education workshops to support parents and whānau in their parenting role.
Parent education is offered through information evenings, workshops, family days, newsletters, handouts and notices.
We encourage parents to advise us of any topics of interest so we can do our best to provide workshops that will benefit the most families.
We provide time for parents to socialise at these events so you can meet some of your child’s friends parents.
A daybook in each centre provides two way communication between parents and teachers. Please feel free to leave any notes for teachers, especially when it is not always possible to discuss matters directly.
Parent and Teacher Interviews occur twice per year in the Middle and Big houses and once in the Little house. We use these opportunities to discuss your child’s development and issues of importance.
General Information
Meals
We employ 3 staff who are responsible for preparing/cooking the children’s lunches. We provide a range of top quality nutritious meals that are alternated regularly. All food served at ABC EDUCARE meets ‘The Nutritional Guidelines for Under Fives’. The children’s meals also meet the strict requirements of the Healthy Heart Award.
Meals include Beef and Vegetable Hot Pot, Chicken and Vegetable Supreme, Beef and Vegetable Casserole, Savoury Mince, Mince and Lentil Pie and Fish Pie. You may be surprised that such healthy dishes are enjoyed by young children!
Main meals are always followed by sandwiches and/or fruit platters.
In the Little house the children have mashed vegetables with gravy several times a week (twice a week liver is added to ensure children are receiving their iron requirements). They also enjoy custard and fruit, mince and pasta etc. The Little house always ensures there are vegetables available for the younger children.
We also provide morning and afternoon tea. These include toast, crackers, hummus, vegetable crudités, smoothies and a range of home baked delights that the children help to make.
To promote the healthy living concept, children are offered fresh drinking water at each meal time, and at any other time in between. We discourage children bringing drink bottles from home to minimise risk of cross infection and associated illnesses. Due to dental health, fizzy drinks, juice, Milo and flavoured milk are not to be brought from home either.
We are happy to celebrate children’s birthdays in the centre. We ask parents and whanau to consult with teachers when supplying food for their child’s birthday celebration.
Bottles
If your infant/toddler has a bottle, please send it already made up or in easy to dispense containers. Please ensure bottles and containers are clearly named to avoid any mix ups.
Illnesses
Our greatest responsibility is to ensure the health and well being of all children attending our centre. To minimise the transmission of bugs we ask that you keep your child away if they are unwell.
We are very aware that it is inevitable that the children will pick up some sort of bug while attending the centre, whether it is a cold and a runny nose or conjunctivitis, however we will do our best to minimise this.
Teachers may require parents/caregivers/whānau to collect their child during instances where the child appears unwell and cannot participate in the general activities of the centre.
We recommend a 24 hour exclusion period if children are taking antibiotics. This helps to ensure the antibiotics have time to work effectively.
Any children suffering from head lice must be excluded from the centre until there are no lice present.
REF: Exclusion Due To Sickness/Disease Policy
Clothing
We ask that you please send at least one full change of clothing and a plastic bag for wet clothing. Please do not dress your child in good clothing. Water play, sand play, painting etc., are all exciting, stimulating ways of learning through play, although they are messy. Most of the paints we use are water based and should wash out. Please name all clothing and shoes, don’t forget to name socks. This way lost items can be returned quickly to the right child.
Each centre has a place where they store lost property. At the end of each term any unclaimed items are taken to the Hospice, so please check the lost property regularly.
Nappies and Toileting
Please supply disposable nappies (if necessary) for your child. You may either put the expected number required in their bag on a daily basis or bring a packet at a time into the centre and these will be put in your child’s cubby in the nappy changing area.
We work alongside children and their families when it is time to start toilet training. As the age varies when children are ready begin this process it is important to wait until the child shows signs of readiness. For example; they are interested in using the toilet/potty, or indicate they need to use the toilet and are keeping their nappy dry for long periods of time (gaining control of their bladder and bowel).
If you child is toilet training when you first enrol, please advise the teachers to ensure we continue to support your child with their toilet training.
Sleeping and Rest Times
Please discuss with us your child’s sleeping needs. We have beds, mattresses and cots available for children to sleep in. We aim to keep the children’s sleep routines as similar to as they would be at home. We will work with parents who need support with their child’s sleep routine. We encourage you to bring any special item/s your child usually has at sleep times, for example a special blanket or soft toy.
Due to the Early Childhood Regulations we are not permitted to put children to bed with bottles. If your child usually goes to sleep this way please advise the teachers. You will be reassured to know that many children that are used to having bottles to sooth themselves to sleep cope extremely well without them.
Parking
You are welcome to park outside any of the centres. If parking outside the Big house we suggest you drive in one driveway and out the other using the driveways as a semicircle. Some times of the day are much busier than others, especially around 8.30 in the morning where the main road traffic is extremely busy also. We ask that you park within the white lines to ensure there is enough space for others and to minimise risk of accidents. We prefer you not to park on the other side of the road to avoid having to cross the busy main road with young children. Unfortunately cars and trucks speed past and the children’s safety is paramount.
Concerns
Should you have a concern regarding any aspect of your child’s education and care please address it as soon as possible with the centre Team Leader. Alternatively please see Sheri (Manager) or Belinda (Senior Coordinator).
REF: Complaints Policy