BOULEVARD EARLY LEARNING CENTRE
www.belearn.com.au
Parent’s & Staff
Handbook
Policies and Procedures
(updated in consultation with Parents & Staff 02/07/2013)
The policies in this book shall be upgraded as and when changes occur to meet the current standards and sourced accordingly. All staff and parents shall be consulted and informed of the changes.
BOULEVARD EARLY LEARNING CENTRE
ACN 085 901 588
PROPRIETOR: MYSORE & ASSOC PTY LTD.
CONTACT PERSON: Tara Sudhir
Mission Statement And Philosophy
We are a family service providing education and care for children on a part and full-time basis. We offer our service for children from 6 weeks to kindergarten age. Our service operates Monday to Friday 7.00am - 6.30pm. The children are grouped by age acrossrooms, with qualified early childhood professionals staffing each room.We operate an integrated funded Kindergarten Program for 4-5 year old children.
Our approach to early childhood learning & development is reflected in the Early Years Learning Framework’s (2009) vision to provide children with a sense of Belonging, recognise and celebrate their Being & support their Becoming.We implements a play based, emergent curriculum.
Our homely environment is an extension of children’s homes and learning areas are flexible, stimulating, inviting & purposefully arranged to enhance children's interests, ideas & cater to individual needs.
Respect diversity & equity
being education learning environments inclusive partnership Interaction
belonging wellbeing becoming
We believe children are unique individuals and recognise the need for children to develop an understanding and respect for self and others.We acknowledge and respect the diverse cultures of children and families.
We believe families are the first teachers and we are the facilitators of learning
We acknowledge the critical importance of partnership among children, parents and educators in a learning community that promotes the wellbeing, education and development of all children.
We encouage to build and foster a sense of wellbeing for good physical and mental health, happiness and feeling of self worth. / We believe that interaction, sensitivity to capabilities and attachment are essential in providing opportunities for children to reach their potential.
This potential is achieved through:
- holistic approach to dispositions of learning imagine and create have meaningful experiences
- express thoughts and ideas
- solve problems
- engage in reflective thinking
- explore diverse ways of knowing, thinking and learning. / We view children as capable, competent, co-contributors and acknowledge them as active participants in their own learning and drive the curriculum.
We believe that the role of educators is to provide a rich learning, stimulating and responsive environment where positive reinforcement and encouragement make learning possible along with reflection
We acknowledge and value our own indigenous heritage and those of the multicultural Australia. We will value and connect with people to create a sustained learning community. / We strive to support children in the ways they connect with the natural environment to promote awareness of environmental and sustainable practices.
We recognise, and value the knowledge and commitment of the educators and fully support their continued professional learning. Educators will engage in critical reflection of the philosophy, ethics and practice to enrich decision making about children’s learning.
We believe that a philosophy statement changes as new insights are gained and practice is evaluated.
Relationship with children Standard 5
Staff interact with each child in a warm and friendly way
From staff handbook
1.1 STAFF OVERVIEW
BOULEVARD EARLY LEARNING CENTRE seeks to employ a wide range of staff that brings various skills, experiences, qualifications and the teamwork necessary to achieve goals, of the Centre. Staff are the most valuable asset, and BOULEVARD EARLY LEARNING CENTRE gives staff support wherever possible to meet their own needs.
The staffs at the Centre are expected to be caring, thoughtful and respectful to children, parents and colleagues. Staff are trained to provide and maintain a high standard of childcare.
1.2 NEW EMPLOYEES
The quality of the service provided is a direct reflection of the commitment and vision of the employees. When recruiting staff, it is important to establish if they have those qualities (appropriate skills, commitment, empathy, etc.) that will allow BOULEVARD EARLY LEARNING CENTRE to provide an efficient and high quality service.
Potential employees are to be assessed against the following characteristics:
a) Illustrate a commitment to the children for whom they care.
b) Show empathy with the concern and needs of those for whom they care.
c) Possess the essential skills necessary to the area of employment and are capable of implementing such skills in a manner to the benefit of those for whom they care.
d) Indicate a capacity to be loyal and conscientious in their work for and on behalf of BELC.
e) Show a willingness and capacity to undertake further professional training.
f) Possess a satisfactory work experience (if appropriate for position)
g) Can provide two reputable references.
h) Must provide a current police check/working with children check.
The quality of the service provided is a direct reflection of the commitment and vision of the employees. When recruiting staff, it is important to establish if they have those qualities (appropriate skills, commitment, empathy, etc.) that will allow BOULEVARD EARLY LEARNING CENTRE to provide an efficient and high quality service.
1.3 CONFIDENTIALITY AND ETHICS
At BOULEVARD EARLY LEARNING CENTRE confidentiality is paramount, and all staff must maintain an ethical and professional demeanour. When talking to parent’s staff must not bring other children or parents into the discussion. Comparisons are never to be made. Advice should not be given beyond your professional expertise, and if you feel the discussion is getting out of your depth, then the Proprietor or Centre Director should be referred to.
Staff must use appropriate language and behaviour at all times.
A friendly professional approach is expected at all times between staff.
2. OVERVIEW OF DAILY EXPECTATIONS
· Good communication, teamwork and an understanding of the philosophy and expectations of BOULEVARD EARLY LEARNING CENTRE are necessary to achieve the smooth operation of the Centre, and the safety and security of the children.
· All staff are required to adhere to the Children’s Services Act, the Children’s Services Centre Regulations 1998, awards, job descriptions, and the policies and procedures of BOULEVARD EARLY LEARNING CENTRE.
2.1 ROOM CHANGES
Although every effort will be made to maintain consistency in staffing, shortages of staff do occur and therefore a request to work in a different room may be necessary. Co-operation during difficult times would be appreciated.
2.2 PROCEDURE FOR GREETING PARENTS AND CHILDREN
· Smile; greet parents and children by name.
· Take children from parent/s and make each child feel secure by smiling, touching, gently holding.
· Take an interest in the parent/s and children’s outside interests as this fosters good communication.
· Ask about medication; check it is clearly written in the book and medication named.
· Make sure baby bottles are named, dated and refrigerated.
· Settle child quickly into play if possible.
· When possible, allow the qualified person in charge of room to greet new arrivals, and facilitate opportunities for parents to speak to the qualified staff member about their child’s progress, interests and needs.
2.3 FAREWELLING CHILDREN AND PARENTS
At arrival smile and greet the parent by name, and give general information about the child’s day while still observing other children. If possible allow qualified staff to talk to parents about the child. If parent/s need an in-depth discussion, encourage them to make an appointment to see the qualified staff member.
· Persons nominated in the ‘sign in’ book, or on the enrolment form may only collect children. Staff must not allow a child to leave the Centre with any other person.
2.4 CARE OF CHILDREN IN THE CENTRE
· Staff are expected to maintain the standards and expectations detailed in the Children’s Services Act, The Children’s Services Regulations 1998, Position Descriptions and BOULEVARD EARLY LEARNING CENTRE Policies and Procedures.
· Children must be supervised at all times. No child is to be left alone at any time, under any circumstances.
· Verbal or physical abuse of a child, the use of corporal punishment, or subjecting a child to unreasonable disciplinary procedures will result in instant dismissal. All staff must be aware of the Behaviour Management and Discipline Policy.
· All accidents, medication and alternate pick-ups MUST be recorded in the Centre’s information books. Any serious accidents must be reported to the Manager ASAP and to the Dept. of Human Services Victoria within 24 hours, using the form provided in the Illness, Incident and Injury Book.
Staff guide each child’s behaviour in a positive way
BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT POLICY
Parent handbook 04/07/2013
Behaviour Management and Discipline
The aim of Boulevard Early Learning Centre is to provide a safe, caring, relaxed and educational environment for children. All staff will be expected to comply with the behaviour guidance standards established by Boulevard Early Learning Centre.
· All staff, children and families at Boulevard Early Learning Centre e will be expected to use polite, non-abusive language within the Centre.
· All staff, children and families at Boulevard Early Learning Centre will show respect and consideration for others.
· All staff must understand child development and implement strategies accordingly.
Upon enrolment parents will be asked to agree to maintain these standards. If it is considered necessary by the Proprietor or Director, after a due process of resolution parents may be requested to withdraw children whose behaviour is still inappropriate or constitutes a danger to others.
For further information please refer to the Policy Manual.
3.1.2 Program guidelines guided by EYLF and VEYLDF
The program encourages children to develop self-discipline, and to establish appropriate means of dealing with anger, frustration and aggression.
The program guideline towards self-discipline for children will be:
· Positive guidance directed towards acceptable behaviour with praise freely given;
· Discipline in a constructive form will be used: - No corporal punishment;
· Suggesting alternative acceptable behaviour, keeping the child busy by re-directing to activities.
· Talking with the child about feelings and the consequences of their behaviour
· Focusing on the inappropriate behaviour and not on the child
· Behaviour guidance and management strategies should be framed in positive language to enhance the child’s self esteem, encouraging the children to believe that acceptance does not depend upon the behaviour
The environment will be arranged so those disciplinary problems can be minimised, i.e. ensuring that an adequate number of toys/equipment and stimulating experiences are available, to avoid misuse and conflict. The activity is supervised adequately, and is developmentally and age appropriate. There is convenient storage available so that the children may easily assist with “packing up” and activity selection.
· That there is a balance of quiet and active “user friendly” spaces for indoor and outdoor play.
· The older children should be involved in the development of their group’s behaviour guidelines. Making up their own rules gives children a greater understanding of acceptable behaviour. The rules of a group may change from time to time, but it is anticipated that some rules will remain consistent, for example:
· Use walking feet inside
· Use quiet voices inside
· Remain seated while eating
· Use smocks to protect your clothes with messy activities.
3.1.4 Dealing With Repetitive Behavior Problems
If a child repetitively displays inappropriate behavior, which is considered to be of a serious nature, an incident report will be made for the centre records. Staff should determine a Behavior Management Program to be consistently followed with the child to address behavioral problems. Should the inappropriate behavior persist the Proprietor or Center Director will implement:
· Discussion with the parent/s and / or professional support, and
· An appropriate course of action, which may include requesting the removal of the child from BOULEVARD EARLY LEARNING CENTRE.
Non-admission of a child may be the only option available if the child’s behavior is such that she/he is harming others and the program is no longer able to meet the child’s needs.
The Proprietor or Center Director has the discretion to request the removal of the child from the Centre.
3.1.5 Guidelines For Staff Behavior
· All staff at BOULEVARD EARLY LEARNING CENTRE will present as role models of behavior for the children
· Staff will adopt the AECA code of ethics, be aware of and abide by the National Care & Education Law and Regulation 2010, and National Quality Standards 2010.
· Staff should give consistent, clear and coordinated messages to the children about their behavioral expectations, so that children are not confused by different staff approaches.
· Educators should become familiar with stages of child growth and development so that they may hold reasonable behavioral expectations. Some child behavior may be displeasing for adults, but should be considered acceptable and age appropriate (for example, toddlers find it difficult to “share” or take into account other’s feelings.
· Educators should trust and respect the children in their care as unique and special, and recognise that each child’s behavior is an expression of feelings or an attempt to meet immediate or underlying needs.
· Educators will need to be aware of the different discipline styles and behavioral expectations that parents may have, as child rearing practices vary greatly from culture to culture.
· Educators should take into consideration each child’s whole life situation when dealing with their behavior, consulting regularly with parents to develop collaborative strategies to meet children’s needs both in the center and at home. It is important to share any information that may identify possible stresses that might affect a child’s behavior.
3.1.6 Usage Of Inappropriate Discipline Techniques
Staff will be made aware of the reasons for dismissal according to the standard industrial practices.
Forms of abuse consistent with those stated below will lead to staff disciplinary action as per the procedures outlined in the Staff Handbook: -
3.1.7 Physical Abuse
· Including inappropriate use of “time-out”
· Placing a child in a confined space, or in a location in which eye contact with the worker cannot be maintained