/

Inclusion

1.Purpose

The purpose of this policy and procedure is to provide guidance to educators with regards to inclusion of all children and families within our Childcare Services.

2.Policy

Stonnington Childcare Services supports the right of every child to access quality children’s programs regardless of cultural background, gender, language or level of ability.

3.Scope

This policy and procedure shall apply to all educators within Childcare Services, including students/volunteers and agency relief educators engaged by the City of Stonnington.

4.Responsibilities

Childcare Services Co-ordinator

Team Leaders

Educators

  1. Procedure
  • City of Stonnington has a Cultural & Diversity Planner whose role is to provide information, resources and advice.
  • There is a commitment from Childcare Services that information provided to parents/guardian is not solely limited to a written format and is also provided verbally and visually.
  • Information about the service can be further facilitated by using City Of Stonnington’s Translating and Interpreting Service by phoning 131450.
  • Childcare services appreciate the significance of Australia’s indigenous culture and this is reflective in the provision of experiences implemented in the program and environments.
  • All children will be encouraged and supported to participate in every aspect of the program to the best of their abilities.
  • Educators will take an active role in challenging:

PrejudiceBiasRacism

SexismDisabilityStereotyping

  • The environment will be designed and furnished with images, equipment and resources which reflect:

The backgrounds of children, educators and the community

People’s current lifestyles

Men and women portrayed both in home environments and also a range of work environments

All people will be portrayed in positive ways

People of varying abilities performing daily activities

Diversity in family styles

  • The program will support and encourage the diverse nature of the community. Every effort will be made to include:- posters, dolls, puzzles, books, imaginative figurines, fabric, music, dramatic play accessories and art materials that reflect all aspects of our community.
  • Parents/guardians, children and educators are encouraged to use their cultural language including songs and stories in languages other than English.
  • Songs/Rhymes/ finger plays/ literature that include biased connotations, roles or language may be revised to demonstrate greater inclusive wording.
  • The interactions that co-exist between educators, children and parents/guardians whilst at the service will promote the development of critical thinking in relation to roles, expectations, pre-conceived abilities, biases and stereotypes.
  • The orientation process encouragesparents/guardians to share specific words, language and methods of communication practiced which in turn will enhance the settling period with the service.
  • Educators will support and facilitate children’s explorations of differences such as skin colour, abilities and language.Educators will promote respect and empathy amongst the children and role model accordingly.
  • Educators are provided with opportunities to enhance their knowledge and understanding of inclusive practice through in-service training and other professional development opportunities.Educators use informal and formal opportunities to reflect, discuss and explore their inclusive practices with co-workers and their supervisors.

Links with Other Agencies

To support educators and the development of their programs, it may be necessary to work/consult with other agencies that specialise in specific areas.

These may include but are not limited to:

Multicultural Resource Centre – Ph: 9428 4471

Play works –Ph: 9500 8133

Noah’s Ark – Ph: 8823 8600

Connections –Ph: 9521 5666

Caulfield Community Health Centre –Ph: 9523 6666

Inner South Community Health – Ph: 9525 1300

Maternal and Child Health Nurses – Ph: 8290 6000

Stonnington Toy Library Ph: 9500 1673

Disability Client Services, Department of Human Services Ph: 1300 131 079

Specialist Children’s Services, Department of Human Services Ph: 1300 720 151

  • A Parental Referral Permission Form must be signed before discussions and/or assessments can be made with any other agency. This form will be forwarded by the relevant agency before a visit can proceed.
  • Confidentiality must always be observed.
  1. References

Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010

Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011

Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Act 1986

National Quality Standards

Version Control: 2 / Date Issued; 26October 2011 / Date Reviewed: 23 February 2016

G:\Child Family Serv\Childcare\Policies & Procedures Manual\Policies and Procedures\CCS PP - Inclusion.doc