Wyong Preschool Kindergarten Association Incorporated

Enrolment and Orientation Policy

Introduction:

Wyong Preschool is licensed through the Department of Education to enrol 60 children per day aged between 3-6 years (20 children in each of our 3 rooms). Our educational program operates from 9.00 am – 3.00 pm Monday to Friday, excluding NSW School Holidays and Public Holidays. (Drop-off and pick-up times extend to 8.30 am – 3.30 pm).

Children’s names are placed on a waiting list and preference for vacancies are in accordance with our priority for access guidelines as set out in our DoE Funding Agreement. In no particular order, the priority of access guidelines are as follows – children who are at risk of harm; children in the year before school (with highest priority given to children closest to school entry); children of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, children from low income families, children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and children with a disability. Wyong Preschool endeavours to meet the needs of the children and families in our community while complying with the above guidelines. Our ability to provide high quality care to each and every child is always taken into consideration during this enrolment process.

Aim: To ensure that enrolment and orientation procedures form the foundation for strong relationships between families and Wyong Preschool and promotes a quality experience for children. Good procedures include consistent information around service operation and authorisations promoting compliance and a safe and secure environment for children and families.

To provide information about our preschool through our enrolment and orientation process which allows families to make an informed decision in their choice of the early childhood care and education service which best suits their child.

Procedures:

Pre-Enrolment

·  Wyong Preschool welcomes visits from prospective families and children. The Nominated Supervisor

or delegated authority will provide visiting families with a tour of our preschool and give them information which includes an overview of our philosophy and curriculum; approaches to planning, documenting and assessing children’s learning; a tour of our learning environments both indoors and outdoors; and an introduction to our educators and staff. Information will also be provided regarding the management of our preschool; opening hours, fees, payment methods, how to provide feedback, etc.

·  Families are invited to place their child’s name on the waiting list. It is preferred that families visit the preschool to place their child’s name on the waiting list as this is the beginning of our orientation process.

·  Letters of offer for a position for the following year are sent during July/August to eligible families who are on the waiting list. They are invited to attend our Enrolment Week during August/September where they are required to return completed enrolment forms and pay an enrolment deposit, thereby confirming their position for the following year.

Enrolment

·  Each family is interviewed during Enrolment Week and they are invited to share information with

educators regarding their child and to orientate themselves with our preschool. Each family is given an

Information Book about our preschool and curriculum. All policies under Regulation 168 are available

on our website and in our Policy Folder. Educators are available to discuss the information in our

Information Book and policy folder, and to answer any questions about our curriculum.

·  At the enrolment interview the director will complete an Orientation Checklist to ensure all items are addressed and appropriate information provided (see Attachment A).

·  On enrolment each family will be required to pay an enrolment deposit equal to two week’s fees per child to secure their position. The deposit is kept as security until notice is given that the child is leaving the preschool. The enrolment deposit is used as fees for the child’s last two weeks of attendance at our centre or in lieu of notice.

·  The Preschool will give special consideration to the enrolment of children in emergency situations. Approval must be sought from the Department of Education to enrol children over the licensed number and this child will receive the next available vacancy to enable our preschool to return to its official license numbers.

·  The continuation of a child’s enrolment will be placed at risk if fees fall in arrears of two weeks or more.

·  ‘Make-up’ days are not available if your child is away for any reason during the term. We do not charge for school holiday periods or public holidays.

Prior to commencement and Orientation:

·  Prior to the child’s first day, educators and staff will familiarise themselves with information about the child from the enrolment information provided. They will ensure they are aware of any medical conditions and how to manage them if required.

·  The Nominated Supervisor will inform the educators and staff of the intended time for any pre-commencement orientation visits.

·  A family member will remain on the preschool premises during these orientation visits. The family member must sign the visitor’s book on arrival and when they leave. The child cannot be left at the preschool until they have formally commenced as they would not be included in the ratios.

·  During the orientation process educators and staff will interact with the child and actively encourage them to engage in the program and experiences presented. Staff will also be available to the family to answer any questions they may have, whilst at the same time ensuring educator:child ratios are not compromised.

Upon Commencement:

On the child’s first day of attendance, educators and staff will welcome the family and the child, ensuring that there is a locker ready for the child’s belongings. Educators will reassure the family and assist with separation as required. Educators will encourage families to ring throughout the day so they can let them know how their child is settling.

The Nominated Supervisor will undertake a final check of enrolment details, authorisations and information updates prior to the family departing the service.

Evaluation:

Successful orientation and enrolment procedures promote smooth transitions between home and preschool. Information sharing and the signing of authorisations ensure a safe and secure environment for every child.

Legislative requirements: Children (Education and Care Services National Law Application) Act 2010

The Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011: 177

Links to National Quality Standard: 6.1.1, 7.3.5

Source: Community Childcare Co-operative (NSW) (www.ccccnsw.org.au)

Department of Education – Funding Agreement-Priority of Access

(www.education.gov.au)

Revised May 2016

WYONG PRESCHOOL – ENROLMENT CHECKLIST Attachment ‘A’

Child’s Name: Starting Date:

Enrolment and Orientation / Yes / No / Comments – Follow-up
Go through child’s enrolment forms (write start date/room) ensure all paperwork is signed.
Copy of Immunisation Status
Copy of Birth Certificate
Give family Welcome Letter with start date/room
Go through Information Book with Family
Preschool Background Information –Community based, non-profit, managed by volunteer committee, open school terms, hours, number of children, staff, ratios, etc
Discuss Fees and Internet Banking, Enrolment Deposit of 2 weeks in advance – Hat provided (Check whether CALD/ATSI/Low Income (fill in forms)
Discuss curriculum – EYLF, play-based, interest-based and strengths-based, learning environments in/outdoors
Discuss sustainability programs
What your child needs to bring to preschool
Nutrition Guidelines – bring own morning tea and lunch in two separate containers
Explain Rest and Relaxation Time and sheets
Ask if child has any medical condition – asthma, anaphylaxis, etc. Medical Conditions Action Plan needed. Give Family Medical Conditions Policy (Asthma/Anaphylaxis pack)
Sun Protection – parents to apply sunscreen in morning & we will reapply during day.
Entering/Exit double safety gate-keep closed
Parking for Parents – Please do not leave siblings in car
Ask Family if we can email newsletters & receipts
Send Family into Tracey to pay enrolment deposit
Tour of Preschool
Introduction to staff
Location of Family Folders/whiteboard
Location of Policy Folder/website to access policies.
Location of Child Sign-in/out sheets
Show Daily Reflective Journal
Show Children’s Portfolios
Location of Emergency Exits/Evacuation Plans/procedure

Staff Signature:………………………………………………………. Date:…………………………………

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