Upon Enrollment, each family will receive a “Pocket” containing essential information such as the centre’s newsletter, fee statements, receipts, and activity logs. Additionally, every room will have notice boards for announcements. To facilitate regular communication, the centre provides communication books for parents and staff to share information.
Furthermore, the centre promotes the use of an incident log book to document daily activities and any minor accidents that may occur. Parents are encouraged to review and acknowledge the incident book regularly.
Any administration of medication by staff requires prior approval from parents. It is kindly requested that any child’s health-related concerns be addressed before admission to ensure the staff is well-informed and can take necessary actions when needed. All medical activities will be documented, and parents are asked to sign accordingly.
The centre’s head and staff are always open to discussions with parents about any concerns to maintain a positive and harmonious environment. Parents are strongly encouraged to reach out to the centre head in case of any issues related to staff, caregivers, or their child. The centre head will promptly address and implement any necessary corrections.
Our offering in compliance with the
National Quality Standard
We Uphold National Quality Standards for Exceptional Early Education”
At Wentworthville Childcare Centre, we are committed to adhering to the rigorous quality standards outlined by the National Quality Standard (NQS). This framework emphasizes the importance of meeting national benchmarks in seven crucial areas: education, health and safety, operational procedures, as well as the overall well-being of children in educational and care services.
The seven quality standards encompass:
❆ Educational program and practice.
❆ Children’s health and safety.
❆ Physical environment.
❆ Staffing arrangements.
❆ Relationships with children.
❆ Collaborative partnerships with families and communities.
❆ Governance and Leadership.
Our dedication to following these guidelines is a testament to our commitment to providing the highest quality early education services in the Wentworthville area, ensuring the optimal development and growth of every child in our care.
Importance of Early Education
Early childhood education is of paramount importance for several reasons, as it plays a crucial role in the overall development and well-being of children. Here are some key reasons why early childhood education is significant:
- 1. Cognitive Development: The first few years of a child's life are a critical period for brain development. Quality early childhood education programs provide stimulating environments and experiences that promote cognitive, emotional, and social development. Proper stimulation during this period can have a lasting impact on a child's ability to learn and adapt throughout their life.
- 2. Social and Emotional Development: Early childhood education helps children develop important social and emotional skills. They learn to interact with peers and adults, develop empathy, and gain a sense of self-esteem and self-worth. These skills are essential for building healthy relationships and functioning effectively in society.
- 3. School Readiness: High-quality early childhood education programs prepare children for formal schooling. They introduce basic academic concepts, language, and literacy skills, helping children enter school with a strong foundation, which can lead to better academic outcomes.
- 4. Cultural and Language Development: Early childhood education can expose children to diverse cultures, languages, and experiences, promoting cultural sensitivity and language development. This exposure can help bridge cultural and linguistic gaps, fostering a more inclusive society.
- 5. Reduced Achievement Gaps: Children from disadvantaged backgrounds often start school with fewer educational advantages. Quality early childhood education can help reduce these achievement gaps by providing all children with equal opportunities to learn and grow, regardless of their socio-economic background.
- 6. Long-Term Benefits: Research has shown that children who receive quality early childhood education tend to have better educational, economic, and health outcomes throughout their lives. They are more likely to graduate from high school, pursue higher education, and have better job prospects.
- 7. Parental Involvement: Early childhood education programs often encourage parental involvement and support, helping parents understand child development and how to support their child's learning at home. This can strengthen the parent-child bond and create a positive, supportive family environment.
- 8. Reduced Behavioral Issues: High-quality early childhood education can lead to a reduction in behavioral problems in children. It helps them develop self-regulation, problem-solving skills, and conflict resolution techniques, reducing the likelihood of behavioral issues later in life.
- 9. Lifelong Love for Learning: A positive early childhood education experience can instill a love for learning and curiosity that can last a lifetime. Children who enjoy their early educational experiences are more likely to become lifelong learners and continue to seek knowledge and self-improvement.
In conclusion, early childhood education is crucial for setting the stage for a child’s lifelong development, learning, and success. Investing in quality early childhood education programs can have far-reaching positive effects on individuals and society as a whole.
Educational Program
For Babies:
At WELC, we focus on developmentally appropriate learning experience to promote the wellbeing and appropriate growth and development. We help babies to focus on play, exploration and interaction.
For babies we focus on sensory stimulation for their learning experiences with textures, colours, shape, sound and smells. To enhance social interaction among babies and educator we do activities such as peek-a-boo, singing, and gentle play help build attachment and communication skills. For language development we talk, sing, and read to babies regularly and use simple and repetitive words and sentences. Language exposure is crucial for early language development.
We use age-appropriate songs, rhymes, and musical toys to stimulate babies’ auditory senses. We provide safe age-appropriate toys that allow babies to grasp, shake, and explore. These toys can help improve hand-eye coordination. We have established a routine with consistent daily schedule for feeding, napping, playtime, and caregiving activities. We ensure appropriate outdoor time for babies to allow babies to experience nature and different environments. we ensure they are protected from the sun, and avoid extreme weather conditions. Safety is paramount. We ensure that the environment is free from hazards, and supervise the baby at all times, especially during play.
For Toddlers:
At WELC, educational programs for toddlers are designed to provide a structured and stimulating environment that promotes the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development of children between the ages of 1 and 3 years old. These programs aim to make learning fun and interactive, focusing on age-appropriate activities and experiences.
For toddlers we tailored our educational program specific to their developmental stage. Age-Appropriate activated are focused. Toddlers learn through play. Structured playtime includes activities like building with blocks, simple puzzles, and creative play with art supplies. These activities help develop fine and gross motor skills. We introduce books and reading to toddlers to establish early literacy. Reading together fosters language development and a love for books. Choose colorful, engaging books with simple stories and pictures. We incorporate songs, nursery rhymes, and music into the program. Movement and music activities, such as dancing, encourage physical development and coordination. Toddlers are curious about the world around them. Provide opportunities for sensory exploration through activities like sand and water play, textured materials, and finger painting. We encourage interaction with peers for social interaction. We promote activities that promote sharing, cooperation, and communication help toddlers develop social skills. Establish consistent daily routines for eating, napping, playtime, and other activities. Predictability and structure provide a sense of security for toddlers. Whenever possible, we offer outdoor playtime. We introduce basic math concepts through counting games, shape recognition, and sorting activities using everyday objects. We encourage creative expression through art projects for their Art and Creativity by providing age-appropriate art supplies like large crayons and washable paints.
For Pre-Schoolers:
At WELC, Educational programs for preschoolers are designed to provide a structured and stimulating environment that fosters cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development in children aged 3 to 5 years old. These programs aim to prepare children for formal schooling while making learning enjoyable and age-appropriate. Preschoolers learn best through play-based learning. We create structured playtime that include activities such as building with blocks, dramatic play, and hands-on science experiments.
These activities promote fine and gross motor skills, problem-solving, and creativity. For early Literacy we introduce a rich and varied selection of books and reading experiences. Reading aloud to preschooler’s fosters language development and a love for reading. Include storytelling, letter recognition, and early writing activities. For Math Concepts we introduce early math concepts through counting, sorting, and simple math games. Activities like measuring, pattern recognition, and basic addition and subtraction are incorporated. We encourage curiosity and scientific exploration. Simple experiments, observations of nature, and discussions about the world around them promote critical thinking. We provide opportunities for creative expression through art projects, music, and dance. Preschoolers enjoy hands-on art activities like painting, drawing, and sculpting. This develop their art and creativity. We promote peer interaction and cooperation through group activities, such as group games and collaborative art projects.
Teach social and emotional skills like empathy, sharing, and conflict resolution. Outdoor play is essential for physical development and exploration. We encourage vocabulary expansion and expressive language development through conversations, storytelling, and interactive language activities. We have introduced preschoolers to diverse cultures, traditions, and celebrations to promote tolerance and cultural awareness. For Health and Nutrition, we teach healthy habits, such as handwashing, healthy eating, and the importance of physical activity to the preschoolers. We have established consistent daily routines that include circle time, snack time, art and craft activities, and outdoor play to promote routine. We plan Excursion to the nearest park and grocery store to expand children’s horizons and reinforce classroom learning.
School Readiness Program
A school readiness program is an educational initiative designed to prepare young children for their transition into formal schooling. At WELC, we aim at children between the ages of 4 and 5, just before they start kindergarten or preschool. The goal of school readiness programs is to help children develop the foundational skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a school environment.
Key components of a school readiness program at WELC include:
Early Literacy
Promoting early literacy skills by introducing children to books, storytelling, and basic reading and writing activities. These help children become familiar with letters, sounds, and vocabulary.
Preparing for Routines
We help children adapt to the routines and structure of a school day, including activities like circle time and following a schedule. We teach children about opening the lunch box on November right before they leave of school the following year.
Social and Emotional Development
we foster social skills like cooperation, sharing, and communication, as well as emotional development to help children understand and manage their feelings.
Fine Motor and Gross Motor Skills:
We encourage the development of fine motor skills needed for activities like drawing and writing, as well as gross motor skills for physical activities and coordination.
Cognitive Development
We provide activities that stimulate critical thinking, problem-solving, and memory skills.
Numeracy
We teach basic math concepts such as counting, number recognition, and basic mathematical operations. These skills are important for early math education.
Self-Help Skills
Teaching children basic self-care skills, like using the restroom, dressing themselves, and cleaning up after activities.
Parent Involvement
Involving parents or caregivers in the learning process to ensure a seamless transition from home to school.
Research has shown that participation in high-quality school readiness programs can lead to improved school outcomes, better social and emotional development, and reduced achievement gaps among children, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. These programs play a crucial role in setting a strong foundation for a child’s educational journey.
Parent Responsibilities
To maintain a smooth and secure environment, we kindly request all parents to:
❆ Complete entry and exit details in compliance with our procedures. The Log book is always available in each child’s playroom.
❆ Document any special requirements in the diary or inform authorized staff promptly.
❆ Notify us if your child will not be attending on a particular day.
❆ Inform staff of any necessary medication for your child to ensure proper administration. Medication information should be recorded using the form found in each child’s playroom.
❆ Labeling your child’s clothes is highly beneficial. This helps our staff identify items easily and minimizes the risk of loss.
❆ Submit fees on time. If you require alternative arrangements, we encourage you to discuss with the centre head when feasible.
❆ When dropping off or picking up your child, please notify the staff. If someone other than the parents will be collecting the child, please complete and submit a pre-authorized form at the centre. Unauthorized individuals will not be permitted to collect your child.
❆ Keep emergency contact information up-to-date at all times.
❆ Adhere to the centre’s operating hours. A late fee will apply if necessary.
❆ We encourage parents to participate in monthly parent meetings and any social functions organized by the committee. Your presence is valued and appreciated.
Staff Responsibilities
The centre’s staff members have specific responsibilities to uphold compliance standards. These encompass:
❆ Encouraging active collaboration with parents.
❆ Delivering high-quality programs for child development.
❆ Adhering to a standardized operating procedure to ensure the well-being, hygiene, and safety of the children.
❆ Promptly addressing any parental concerns regarding child care.
❆ Effectively communicating information about the child to their respective parent.
❆ Mandatorily adhering to the Australian Early Childhood Association Code of Ethics for Early Childhood Staff.
❆ Following the principles and standards outlined in the New National Framework.
❆ Complying with the Mandatory Reporting policy and procedures as stipulated by the current Community Welfare Act and the Care & Protection of Children Act. This requires any individual suspecting or witnessing child maltreatment to report the matter to either an officer from the Department of Education (Early Childhood) or a member of the police force.
Our Programs
The learning program at our Wentworthville early education child care centre is underpinned by the principles, best practices, and outcomes outlined in the Early Years Learning Framework and the G8 practice statements. Our dedicated staff are extensively trained to deliver programs in accordance with these high standards and guidelines.
Each program is meticulously designed to not only stimulate, engage, and excite children but also to extend their movements, ensuring active involvement in their early cognitive development and the expansion of their strengths through play-based experiences.
We recognize that each child brings their own unique set of knowledge, abilities, interests, and cultural background to our centre. With this in mind, we strive to maximize their learning potential by tailoring our approach to their individual characteristics.
Our inclusive program is founded on the understanding that every child’s existing knowledge, experience, abilities, interests, and culture are valuable contributions to their learning journey in our child care and early education setting. Our educators facilitate a diverse range of experiences encompassing various learning areas such as literacy, mathematics, arts, and sustainability, all geared towards preparing them for their future schooling endeavors.
Watching your Child’s Progress
Our instructors follow the Early Learning Framework to observe and guide your child’s educational progress. Each child has a digital portfolio filled with photos and work samples, granting parents a visual insight into their development. Through our app, parents receive real-time updates, including learning outcomes, ensuring they stay engaged in their child’s day. Furthermore, in your child’s room, you’ll find tangible displays of their ongoing learning, from daily journals to photos, projects, and progress reports, offering a clear record of their growth.
At our centre, instructors use the Early Learning Framework to monitor and adapt to your child’s educational journey. Digital portfolios, comprising photos and work samples, give parents a direct look at their progress.
With our app, parents receive instant updates, including specific learning achievements, keeping them involved in their child’s daily activities. Additionally, in your child’s room, you’ll find visible traces of their continuous learning, including daily journals, photos, projects, and progress reports, providing a concrete record of their development.
Food and Nutrition
We always follow adequate health and hygiene practices as well as safe practices for handling, preparing, and storing food (regulation 77). Educators always make sure that children always have safe access to drinking water and are offered food and beverages appropriate to each child’s needs on regular basis throughout the day. The food or beverages provided are nutritious are adequate in quantity and chosen based on child’s dietary requirement (accounting for their growth and developmental needs as well as any specific cultural, religious or health requirements).
A weekly menu is displayed and accessible for family members which accurately describe the food and beverages to be provided by service each day.
We promote healthy lifestyle including healthy eating and physical activity. We support children’s and family understanding about the importance of nutrition and food choices. We value our families and their cultures, customs, and religious traditions. We work with them to ensure that the food and beverages we provide to their children reflect their preference. We promote “Munch and Move” practice that’s supports the healthy development of children birth to 5 years by promoting physical activity, healthy eating and reduced small time.
We believe that music plays a pivotal role in sparking children’s expression and self-awareness. We have partnered with Happy Feet Fitness who deliver weekly sessions for children of all ages. Happy Feet Fitness draws on the fun of movement and dance, the creativity of music, and the joy of active play.
Health and Hygiene
Maintaining good personal hygiene is actively encouraged for both children and educators at our centre to reduce the risk of illness. If your child is unwell, we believe it’s best for them to recover at home, which often leads to a faster recuperation.
In cases where a child shows signs of illness upon arrival, our supervisor may recommend that they refrain from participating in the day’s activities. You may need to make alternative arrangements until they are well, or provide a medical clearance letter for their return. While this may be inconvenient, it’s done in the best interest of all children and families to minimize the risk of infection. In the event that your child falls ill during the day, our staff will initiate necessary documentation and first aid measures. You may also be contacted to collect your child and seek further medical advice.
Please note, paracetamol is only administered in emergency situations with parental consent, as outlined in our Medication and Medical Management Policy. Information about common infectious illnesses, their exclusion periods, and protocols for minimizing their spread can be found in the foyer.
Clothing
Please ensure your child is dressed in play clothes that are easy to wash. When selecting their attire for the centre, please take into consideration the following:
❆ Given that your child will be engaging in activities with messy materials like paint, glue, water, and sand, their clothing should be durable enough to withstand some wear and tear.
❆ Clothing should offer both protection and comfort for indoor and outdoor experiences.
❆ Since children will be involved in activities like climbing, running, jumping, and swinging, it’s important that their attire neither hinders their movements nor compromises their safety (e.g., avoid slippery shoes or long skirts).
❆ Opt for clothes that allow for growing independence, such as pants that can be easily taken off for toileting purposes.
❆ Kindly label all clothing and footwear for easy identification.
Child Care Benefit
The Child Care Benefit (CCB) is a government subsidy designed to assist eligible families with childcare expenses. Families are encouraged to contact their Family Assistance Office (FAO) to determine eligibility and initiate the claim process. Once a Customer Reference Number (CRN) is obtained, parents should formally enroll with the centre’s accounts department, creating a link between the family, service, Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR), and FAO. CCB covers childcare fees even if the child doesn’t attend, providing up to 42 absence days per year without explanation. Additional claims may be made under specific circumstances, supported by documentation, including illness, infectious outbreaks, shift work, local emergencies, custody arrangements, preschool attendance, and exceptional circumstances.
Additional absence claims can be made under specific circumstances, supported by:
- A Medical Certificate for child, parent, or sibling illness
- An outbreak of an infectious disease when the child is not immunized
- A parent’s rotating shift or rostered day off
- Local emergencies causing service closure or travel impediments
- Court-ordered shared custody arrangements, registered parenting plans, parenting plans, or parenting orders
- Attendance at preschool
- Cases of exceptional circumstances
Priority of Access
The Australian Government funds childcare to support working families and ensure quality early childhood education. In areas where demand exceeds supply, prioritizing access is crucial. The Centre follows government guidelines, giving priority based on specific categories:
- Children at risk of abuse or neglect
- Children of single parents or parents meeting work/training/study criteria
- Other children.
Under priority three, a child may be asked to adjust their attendance to accommodate higher priority cases, with 14 days’ notice.
Additional priority is given to children in low-income families, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, those with disabilities, non-English speaking backgrounds, single parent families, and socially isolated families.
Hours of Operation
Our centre operates from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday to Friday, year-round. Please note that we are closed on all public holidays. To ensure a seamless transition for children and to allow time for staff and parents to discuss their child’s day, we kindly ask that children be picked up by 5:55 pm, just before our closing time at 6:00 pm.
Fees
We operate on a policy where families are required to pay their weekly fees one week ahead (covering both the current and following weeks). To ensure continuity of service, parents must maintain a credit balance equivalent to two weeks of fees.
Our government-approved childcare centre receives substantial funding from the Commonwealth through two primary avenues:
Child Care Benefit (CCB) – This benefit is means-tested and may not be available to all families. If you have received your percentage from the Family Assistance Office (FAO), we can provide you with the precise “out-of-pocket” expense details.
The 50% Child Care Rebate – This rebate is not means-tested and is accessible to ALL families who meet the work/study criteria.
Events
According to the childcare event Calander activities are done.
Australian Day, Lunar New Year, Clean up Australia Day, St Patrick Day, Harmony Day, Holi, Easter Hat Parade/ Treasure Hunt, Ramadan, ANZAC Day, Mother’s Day, Eid, National Reconciliation Day, World Environment Day, NAIDOC week, Science week, book week- book character Parade, Father’s Day, Are U, OK? Day, Halloween, Diwali, Remembrance Day, Christmas, and New Year.
Child Care Subsidy Calculator
This Child Care Subsidy Calculator (CCS Calculator) is developed for Australian parents to estimate their possible Child Care Subsidy payment amount from the Australian Government and out-of-pocket child care costs when using Centre Based Day Care, Family Day Care or Outside School Hours Care. For In Home Care Child Care Subsidy estimation please use the In Home Care Child Care Subsidy Calculator.