Hillcrest Christian College - ELC Parent Handbook 2018€¦ · Hillcrest ELC staff maintain high...
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ELC Parent Handbook 2018
Transcript of Hillcrest Christian College - ELC Parent Handbook 2018€¦ · Hillcrest ELC staff maintain high...
ELC Parent Handbook
2018
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ELC Handbook
2018
Contents
From the Head of Primary School ............................................................................................. 3
Our Vision, Mission and Philosophy .......................................................................................... 4
Communication........................................................................................................................ 6
Drop Off and Pick Up ................................................................................................................ 8
Commencement Dates ............................................................................................................. 8
Parental Agreement upon Enrolment ....................................................................................... 9
Financial Matters ................................................................................................................... 10
Parent Involvement Program (PIP) ......................................................................................... 11
Uniform ................................................................................................................................. 13
Community Association.......................................................................................................... 14
Transport Issues ..................................................................................................................... 15
National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education and Care ..................................... 16
A Typical Day in the Early Learning Centre .............................................................................. 18
Daily Requirements ................................................................................................................ 19
Early Learning Centre ............................................................................................................. 19
Anaphylaxis ........................................................................................................................ 19
Asthma .............................................................................................................................. 20
Attendance ........................................................................................................................ 20
Birthday Celebrations ......................................................................................................... 20
Change of Clothing ............................................................................................................. 21
Communication .................................................................................................................. 21
Conflict Minimisers............................................................................................................. 21
Digital Technologies (DT) .................................................................................................... 21
Documentation .................................................................................................................. 21
ELC Supplies/Booklist ......................................................................................................... 22
Environmental Awareness .................................................................................................. 22
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Guiding Children’s Behaviour .............................................................................................. 22
Food ................................................................................................................................... 22
Food Handling .................................................................................................................... 23
Head Lice ........................................................................................................................... 23
Health ................................................................................................................................ 23
Incursions/Excursions ......................................................................................................... 24
Injury ................................................................................................................................. 24
Items to Look Out For and Save! ......................................................................................... 24
Liaison with the School ....................................................................................................... 24
Lost Property ...................................................................................................................... 25
Orientation ........................................................................................................................ 25
Parent Participation ........................................................................................................... 25
Photographs ....................................................................................................................... 25
Privacy and Information Management ................................................................................ 26
Quiet Time/Rest Time ........................................................................................................ 26
Security .............................................................................................................................. 26
Special Events and Celebrations .......................................................................................... 26
Specialist Programs ............................................................................................................ 27
Sun Protection Policy .......................................................................................................... 27
Support Services ................................................................................................................. 27
Preschool Field Officers (PSFO) ........................................................................................... 27
Kindergarten Inclusion Support Service for Children with Complex Medical Needs Severe Disabilities (K.I.S.S.)
.......................................................................................................................................... 28
Child and Family Information Referral and Support Team ................................................... 28
Toilet Training .................................................................................................................... 28
Toys at the ELC ................................................................................................................... 29
Separating from your Child ................................................................................................. 29
Working with Children Checks ............................................................................................ 29
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From the Head of Primary School
Dear Parents,
The 2018 ELC Parent Handbook has been developed as a companion document to the Hillcrest Christian College
Parent Handbook.
Please note that the College seeks to continually improve its operations and, as a result, some policies and practices
may be updated during the course of the year. In such situations, the College community will be informed and an up
to date version of the ELC Parent Handbook will be available on the College’s website and on Crest Connect.
The partnership of parents and the College is crucial to the ongoing success in the education of your children and to
achieve this I seek your continued cooperation and participation. We will value your constructive feedback and your
ongoing prayers.
God bless you in this coming year.
Mrs Janet Anderson
Head of Primary School
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Our Vision, Mission and Philosophy
OUR VISION
To be a leading provider of quality Christian Education delivered by Christian Staff, ensuring the Gospel message is an
integral part of all we do.
OUR MISSION
The mission of Hillcrest Christian College is to partner with parents and the wider community to help develop within
each student the ability and desire to find and fulfill the will of God for their lives.
The College offers human and practical resources, a unique environment and opportunities to develop the gifts and
talents God has given to each member of the College community. Specifically, each student will be encouraged to
develop Christian character as they pursue excellence at an academic, creative and practical level, all of which are
valuable.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Hillcrest Christian College offers students an educational opportunity established on a Christian foundation. The basis
of this foundation is God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) as Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer.
As students prepare to take their place as young adults in Australian society, the College seeks to instill in them high
standards of Biblical morality, an understanding of social justice and respect for others. The acquisition of knowledge,
understanding and wisdom, are desired spiritual and educational outcomes for each student.
Our curriculum recognises the Lordship of Christ and the Bible as the inspired Word of God. The Scriptures reveal
God’s desire for everyone to be in a personal relationship with Him, developing their gifts and talents in service to
Him as they grow in Christian character. This relationship is considered to be a model for all other relationships, and
a basis for the building of self-esteem and a fulfilling way of life.
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ELC Education Philosophy
In the Early Learning Centre, children learn that God loves them individually and that they can have a special
relationship with Him. They learn that God made the world and that each person is created as a unique individual
with a purpose. Within the Hillcrest ELC each child is celebrated and valued as an individual, irrespective of culture,
background, language or ability.
The Centre offers an environment in which learning experiences, observations, portfolios and programming are
provided from a strengths and interest based perspective. Hillcrest ELC offers a unique program including specialist
sport, music and library sessions. There are opportunities for student initiated play experiences as well as individual,
small and whole group teacher directed
learning experiences. Children have many opportunities to contribute to programming for their group, selecting
topics they want to learn about, equipment they would like to use and making choices about their participation in
learning experiences.
Staff acknowledge that families are the most significant relationship in a child’s life and actively build strong positive
partnerships with parents. The relationships between staff members, as well as those with the Hillcrest families, are
built on a foundation of respect, trust and support for one another. Hillcrest ELC staff maintain high professional
standards, and are proactive in remaining current with advancements in the Early Childhood field through attending
ongoing Professional Development and applying their new knowledge and skills in the classroom.
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Communication
CONTACTING THE COLLEGE Phone: (03) 9702 2144
Fax: (03) 9702 2155
Absence Reporting Line: (03) 9707 7474
Web Page: www.hillcrest.vic.edu.au
Email: [email protected]
Emergency Mobile: (when unable to contact the office) 0438 286530
When ringing the College you will reach Reception, who will be able to connect you to the department / person you require.
Listed below are the names of some Admin staff that you may need to contact.
OFFICE HOURS POSTAL ADDRESS
Monday to Friday 500 Soldiers Road
8:30am to 4:30pm CLYDE NORTH VIC 3978
If you wish to discuss any issue with your child’s teacher, please phone the College and arrangements will be made for the teacher to contact you. It is generally not appropriate to discuss students’ progress at length at
the beginning or the end of the school day. At that time, it is more appropriate to ask the teacher for a suitable appointment time.
Director ELC: Mrs Diana Leong-Ng [email protected]
Reception: [email protected]
Mrs Pam Minnameier [email protected]
Mrs Kim Lim [email protected]
Mrs Melanie Morton [email protected]
Personal Assistants: PA to Head of College Mrs Nicola Buchanan [email protected]
PA to Head of Primary School Mrs Margie Broadbent [email protected]
COLLEGE EXECUTIVE Executive Principal Mr Geoff Grace [email protected]
Head of College Dr Gregg Weaver [email protected]
Business Manager Mr Dion Harvey [email protected]
Head of Secondary School Mr Michael Swanborough [email protected]
Head of Primary School Mrs Janet Anderson [email protected]
Head of Learning and Teaching Mrs Lisa Dumicich [email protected]
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CONTACTING TEACHERS WITH CONCERNS
The College encourages parent-teacher communication. This can be achieved by the following:
Writing a letter/note via email or the class communication book.
Making a telephone call - Staff are not able to take calls when teaching nor when they are required to do supervision. In most cases the office staff will need to take a message and the teacher will call you back when they can.
Attending formal interviews or arranging an interview – Throughout the year, opportunities are set aside for parents to have formal discussions with teachers. Appointments can be made to discuss other issues that may arise. Parents should arrange the interview through the College Office. Teachers do have a duty of care for their students and an on-the-spot interview may not be possible due to teaching responsibilities. In general, teachers are not available at the beginning of the day as they are required to prepare their class and students.
Communicating in person - We would also appreciate being informed of family events and situations which may affect the students e.g. death of a family member, loss of a pet, etc., or any major change in family circumstances. This enables us to be more sensitive to the needs of the children.
In the event that you have a concern, Hillcrest encourages parents to follow the following procedures:
First discuss the matter with the person concerned. This would usually be the teacher.
If you continue to have a concern, then a meeting should be arranged with the Director of the ELC.
Finally, if the issue is not resolved then a meeting should be arranged with the Head of Primary School to discuss the concerns.
You may also contact the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development regarding concerns relating to the Children’s Services Regulations 2009 and the Children’s Services Act 1996. The Children’s Services Adviser’s phone number is 9096 9595. We also enjoy hearing the positives about the Centre, staff and program.
PUBLICATION College Communique – this is emailed each week contains information about achievements.
Parents should ensure they keep abreast of College news by regularly reading this important publication.
All Hillcrest Christian College correspondence is emailed to parents. If you have not yet provided us with your email address please send it to [email protected]. Please also remember to update the College with any email address changes.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS/CUSTODY ISSUES Any change of address or telephone numbers should be reported to the College Registrar as soon as possible. For
those families where legal custody is an issue, it is imperative that the College is advised so that we may assist in
compliance. Supporting documents MUST be supplied to the Director of the ELC and the Registrar.
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Drop Off and Pick Up Signing In and Out It is a legal requirement to sign in your children when dropping them off and sign them out when picking them up.
The sign in/out book is located in the foyer of the ELC until 9:15 am. After 9:15 am the sign-in/out book is located outside the classroom.
Parents/guardians 18 years and older must walk in to collect their child from the ELC.
Commencement Dates
COMMENCEMENT DATE
Monday, 29th January, 2018 – Students from Prep to VCE return to school
– Attendance for ELC for first two weeks is as follows:
4 Year Old 3 Year Old
Monday to Wednesday Thursday and Friday
29th - 31st January 1st and 2nd of February
9.00am – 12.00pm ½ group (A) 9:00am -10:30 am
Parent Teacher Interviews ½ group (B) 11.00am -12.30pm
1.00pm – 4.00pm Parent Teacher Interviews
1.30 pm– 4.00pm
4 Year Old 3 Year Old
Monday 5th – Wednesday 7th February Thursday, 8th and Friday, 9th February
Full day session 9:00 am-3:15pm Whole group 9.00am – 12.00noon
Parent Teacher Interviews 1.00pm – 4.00pm
Thursday, 15th and Friday, 16th February
9.00am – 3.15pm (Full Day session)
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Parental Agreement upon Enrolment Parents of students at Hillcrest Christian College agree –
HILLCREST CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
That Hillcrest Christian College will teach and nurture my / our child in line with the Christian basis and emphasis as
described in the College’s ‘Vision, Mission & Philosophy’ statements as published by the College in the Prospectus
and other documents.
SUPPORT OF THE COLLEGE That it is an expectation of parents to support the policies and decisions of the College regarding code of conduct,
behavior, uniform and educational practices. Policies and decisions are made in the best interest of all families as a
whole and ensure staff have a safe and supportive work environment. Though decisions from time-to-time may not
suit individuals, the College does not alter its operations due to individual preference.
Families are welcome to raise concerns or to seek clarification on issues. It is asked that such clarification does not
occur publicly and that parents seek to understand the greater needs of the entire school community first. Parents
who willfully disregard school policies or decisions may have their child’s enrolment forfeited by the Principal.
MEDICAL AUTHORITY
That in case of injury or illness being sustained by my / our child, I / we authorise the College to determine and obtain
appropriate medical attention for my / our child and if necessary reimburse the College for costs incurred.
EXCURSIONS/INCURSIONS
That my / our child is permitted to attend all official excursions/incursions.
DISCIPLINE
That discipline is a combined effort between home and Hillcrest Christian College. It is a trust relationship between
the two. Discipline is what the College, together with the parents are doing for the child, not what is done to the
child. I / We trust and fully support the College in this area and agree to notify the College and withdraw this child if
at any time I / we can no longer support the Principal, Staff and College in discipline and its policies.
FEES To pay tuition fees, bus fees and capital levy by direct debit in accordance with the College’s current practice. I / We agree to assign any Education Maintenance Allowance payments to the College if I / we have a fee assistance arrangement with the College. (Bus travel is not available to ELC students).
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CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS That by proceeding with a new enrolment or re-enrolling my / our child/ren I / we have entered into a contract with the College
and as such I / we are bound to meet all fee or levy obligations and if applicable any debt recovery costs. I / We also give
permission for credit reference checks. I / We agree that the College can access and use any data or photographic records held
in respect of my / our family / child for official College activities.
LEAVING THE COLLEGE Parents are advised that as a condition of enrolment they must give a minimum of one term’s notice (in writing) to the College
Principal of their child/ren leaving the College (verbal communication is not sufficient). This is standard practice in most
independent schools. If this notice is not provided one term’s fees will be charged. Please note that most school holidays are
not included as part of the notice period.
Financial Matters
TUITION FEES – 2018 Tuition fees are advised before the commencement of the school year.
CAPITAL LEVY This levy is a compulsory annual fee (not tax deductible) per family and will be used to assist in capital works and maintenance
programs at the College.
PIP Involvement of parents with the Parent Involvement Program (PIP) is encouraged. Given that not everyone can contribute to
the needs of the College with the traditional working bee with pick and shovel or paint brush, alternatives are provided which
can be of equal value to the College. Please contact class teachers, the ELC Director or the office for ideas on alternatives. The
contribution of a financial alternative may of course be preferable to some and still be of value to the College for the purchase
of materials etc. The College expects a minimum commitment of 10 hours per family per year at working bees or involvement
in other activities. For those unable to participate, a financial contribution per family per year will be charged. Although the
College would prefer active involvement, the choice is with the family as to perform the minimum 10 hours or pay the levy in
lieu of parent involvement. This levy is billed at the start of the year and will be reimbursed upon completion of a signed PIP
form.
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Parent Involvement Program (PIP)
In order that a record is kept of your participation in the ‘Parent Involvement Program’ you are asked to complete this form.
When your family has completed its minimum commitment of 10 hours for the year, please SIGN and lodge this form with the
College office. You may, of course, commit additional hours.
Completing this form and lodging it with the office will be evidence of your family’s involvement. Should you prefer, you may
opt to pay the PIP fee in lieu of the 10 hour working commitment.
Surname: ________________________________________ First Name: ___________________________________________
Mother/Guardian Surname: ________________________________________ First Name: ___________________________________________
Father/Guardian Telephone Numbers: ________________________________ ___________________________________________
Billing Address: __________________________________________________________________________________________
Oldest Child’s Name and Surname: __________________________________________________________________________
Date of
Involvement Type of Involvement Hours Worked Supervisor’s Initials
TOTAL HOURS
ALTERNATIVELY: Attached is my cheque for the PIP fee in lieu of my involvement (please tick) [ ]
Signed: ____________________________________________ Date: _____/_____/_____
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ARREARS It is the responsibility of all families within the College to ensure payments are made on time and do not fall into arrears. It has
always been the policy of the College to assist parents who may be experiencing difficulty in meeting this obligation but we are
unable to help if we are unaware of the circumstances that may be preventing you from meeting your fee commitment. It is
the responsibility of all families to advise the Finance Staff of circumstances hindering timely payment of fees and to seek to put
in place a suitable alternative arrangement. Any alternative arrangement agreed to by the College will take into account your
circumstances but must also ensure the College’s ability to provide the full range of educational services for all families. Failure
to meet the fee obligation or subsequent arrangements will place the enrolment of your child/ren in jeopardy. This is not an
action the College would wish to pursue. However it must be recognised that we are a ‘Fee-paying College’ and by enrolling
your child/ren all families have contracted to meet their fee obligations.
ACCOUNTS An annual account will be sent in February. All new families must commit to the Direct Debit payment arrangement and is the
College’s preferred option. Please contact the Finance Office for weekly, fortnightly or monthly plans from your savings/cheque
account or credit card. EFTPOS payment facilities are also available. The default plan is 10 equal installments due by the end of
each month from February to November.
DISCOUNTS A discount of 3% will be given to parents who pay all fees bi-annually (due end of February and end of July) or 4% for annual
payment (due end of February). (Discounts are only applicable to tuition fees and will not be granted if the account is in arrears
or if payment is made after the due date).
FINANCIAL DIFFICULTY If you experience short term financial difficulty and this may cause a delay in the payment of your current fee commitment,
please contact the College’s Finance Officer. If however your financial difficulty is likely to be a longer term problem, please
contact the Business Manager for a confidential discussion on options that may assist you in maintaining the enrolment and
continued education of your child/ren.
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Uniform EARLY LEARNING CENTRE
GIRLS SPORT
Black / gold cool fit polo
Black cool fit shorts with embroidered logo or black netball skirt and sports briefs
Black fleecy track pants with gold piping
Black / gold fleecy rugby top with logo
Hillcrest spray jacket (wet weather)
White sports socks (not anklets)
Black skivvy can be worn under polo shirt in winter
BOYS SPORT
Black / gold cool fit polo
Black cool fit shorts with embroidered logo
Black fleecy track pants with gold piping
Black / gold fleecy rugby top with logo
Hillcrest spray jacket (wet weather)
White sports socks (not anklets)
Black skivvy can be worn under polo shirt in winter
School Bag: College school bag is preferred
HATS A Hillcrest yellow ELC legionnaire’s hat to be worn in Terms 1 & 4. Please name hat with your child’s name on the outside of the hat. Please note that hats are compulsory during Terms 1 and 4 for the entire student body. SHOES Runners should be predominately white in colour. UNIFORM SALES Noone’s Imagewear is the official uniform supplier for Hillcrest Christian College. All inquiries regarding the Hillcrest uniform can be made at their Old Princes Highway, Beaconsfield shop, 6 days a week between normal retail hours on 9769 9093. A range of payment options will be available from our contract uniform supplier. We would ask that you carefully and strategically name all items of clothing before the commencement of school. They also operate the Uniform Shop located in the Homestead. Their operating hours are Tuesdays 8:30 – 9:30 am and Thursdays 3:00 – 4:00 pm. They have a limited supply of second hand uniforms for sale. UNIFORM EXPECTATIONS An expectation of the College is that parents ensure that their children respect and abide by the uniform policy of the College. All students must own and wear the appropriate full uniform.
JEWELLERY
Students are permitted to wear a wristwatch, no bracelets, rings or bangles. No necklaces or chains, with the exception of a crucifix kept concealed under clothing. No other jewellery is permitted other than one ring for girls if it has family significance and a letter seeking permission to wear the ring has been given to the relevant Head of School. Boys are not permitted to wear earrings. Girls may wear one pair of earrings, which must be gold/silver, small, plain sleepers or studs in the lower lobe. No coloured stones or ornamentation on these are permitted.
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Other jewellery such as extra earrings, nose rings and any other facial piercings may not be worn, even if covered with a Band-Aid or skin tape.
Community Association The Community Association is a group of people who work on a voluntary basis within the College to provide support, fellowship and fundraising. The Committee is made up of Hillcrest Parent Members and College Staff Representative. The CA meet once a month for a formal meeting, where they plan and then implement a number of activities throughout the year. Parents can join the CA at many different levels. They may join in the full monthly meetings or join one of the sub-committees in their area of interest, such as fundraising. The Committee Members and Chairperson are elected and hold their positions for a one year term; each November an AGM is held to elect for the next year. The CA provide a positive network for all parents and staff. Their goal to ensure ‘Simple Hospitality’ within the College Community is promoted in such activities as Morning Tea gatherings, Coffee Nights, Parent/Teacher Interview dinners, Orientation and Open Days and Mother’s and Father’s Day stalls. In addition to these community based activities, the CA also plan and implement some fundraising events like the Family Market Night, B.B.Q.'s and photo days. The funds are put back into the college. All Committee Meetings are held on a Thursday evening at 7:30pm in the Food Technology Rooms. Dates for these meetings are available on Crest Connect. If you would like further information on the groups or the Committee you are welcome to come to the next meeting, or contact the Community Development Officer [email protected]
WE LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR INVOLVEMENT WITH THE CREST COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
1. Parent involvement within Hillcrest Christian College is to be encouraged as it provides the following benefits:
Increases an awareness of the needs of the College
Establishes a sense of belonging and service to the wider Hillcrest community
Allows an opportunity for fellowship with others who share a vision for Christian education
Can significantly reduce maintenance and other staffing costs to the College and in turn can minimise fees
2. Parent involvement is a joy for some but can be difficult for others depending on their available time. This can be due to a lack of appropriate skill or restraints of home life for some and for others the demands of their employment.
3. Given that not everyone can contribute to the needs of the College with the traditional working bee with pick
and shovel or paint brush, alternatives are to be provided which can be of equal value to the College without the need for the financial alternative. The contribution of a financial alternative may of course be preferable to some and still be of value to the College for the purchase of materials etc.
4. Alternatives to a regular working bee can include involvement in activities such as:
Helping out in the Discovery Centre
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Assistance with reading in class
Photocopying in the office
Serving on the canteen roster
Serving on one of the various committees e.g. Parents and Friends Association
Helping second hand uniform sales -PFA
Cleaning of the Community House - PFA
Helping with Mother’s Day/Father’s Day stalls, 2nd & 3rd terms – PFA
Parent/Teacher Interview Dinners, end of 1st and 3rd Terms - PFA
Helping out with the Equestrian Events organised for various weekends
Attending as helpers at camps or excursions
Assisting at Bunnings BBQ Fundraisers, 3 hour shifts
Assisting with the Family Market Night to coordinate stalls, work small shifts, setting up and packing up
The many other activities similar to the above
5. The College expects a minimum commitment of 10 hours per family per year at working bees or other involvement in activities such as those outlined in point 4 of this program. For those unable to participate, a financial contribution per family will be charged. This will be billed to your account later in the year.
6. Families will be supplied with a form to record their involvement. This should be submitted to the office when
the commitment has been met or if you are electing to pay the levy instead of contributing the 10 hours. If the form is not submitted the levy will be charged.
7. Management of working bees and other College involvement of parents is to be the responsibility of senior
staff. In addition the Parents and Friends Association will be delegated the responsibility of managing participation for the many fundraising and fellowship events they organise throughout the year.
8. The Hillcrest Christian College community is to be advised of the ‘Parent Involvement Program’ by inclusion of
a regular notation in the weekly College Communique. New families are to be made aware that enrolment is conditional on acceptance of this program.
Transport Issues MOVEMENT OF TRAFFIC ON COLLEGE PREMISES
For those families transporting children via car, please take note of the following guidelines:
Drop Off
Families with children in the Junior School (ELC – Year 4) are to enter via Gate 1 near Junior School and exit via Gate 2 (main gate). If staying at the College for an extended period of time please park in the Junior School car park or if full, move into the Senior School car park on the opposite side of the main entrance.
Pick Up
Parents/guardians must walk in to collect their child from the ELC.
We would request that parents arrange a single pick up point for all their children, rather than making multiple entries to pick up students from the various year levels. However, please note all ELC children must be signed out from the Centre by their parent/guardian or other authorized person aged 18 or above. The sign-in/out book is located in the classroom in the afternoon.
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Be aware that during pick up times cars parked in the senior school parking areas will not be permitted to exit from Gate 2 (main gate). Cars parked here should exit at Gate 3 (MPC gate). This has greatly reduced congestion at the main gate.
General
Major congestion occurs between 8:50 – 9:05 am and 3:20 – 3:40 pm and generally only occurs if there is a buildup of traffic at the front main gate. Staggered arrival times will help to diminish traffic build up and improve access.
Please take note of all signs on the property regarding permission to enter and recommended speed limits. No standing signs are placed outside the College to enable clear vision for drivers leaving the College grounds and also to ensure student safety.
To ease congestion cars can also leave the property via Gate 4 (back gate near the Polo Field), however great care must be taken when driving past the busing area.
National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education and Care
We know that the first five years of a child’s life shapes their future – their health, learning and social development – and we want to make sure that their future is bright. Research shows that a child’s experience in their first five years sets the course for the rest of their life. Early childhood experts and professionals maintain that quality is critical when it comes to early childhood education and care. In recognition of this, the Australian Government, in partnership with all state and territory governments, has introduced the National Quality Framework, which has been agreed by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG). The National Quality Framework will put in place a new National Quality Standard to ensure high quality and consistent early childhood education and care across Australia. The Early Years Learning Framework is part of the Council of Australian Government’s (COAG) reform agenda for early childhood education and care and is a key component of the Australian Government’s National Quality Framework for early childhood education and care. It underpins universal access to early childhood education and will be incorporated in the National Quality Standard in order to ensure delivery of nationally consistent and quality early childhood education across sectors and jurisdictions. The Early Years Learning Framework describes the principles, practice and outcomes essential to support and enhance young children’s learning from birth to five years of age, as well as their transition to school. The Framework has a strong emphasis on play-based learning as play is the best vehicle for young children’s learning providing the most appropriate stimulus for brain development. The Framework also recognizes the importance of communication and language (including early literacy and numeracy) and social and emotional development. The Framework has been designed to advance all children’s learning and development by supporting all early childhood professionals to work together with families to support all children to achieve the learning and developmental outcomes. Fundamental to the framework is a view of children’s lives as characterized by belonging, being and becoming. In early childhood, and throughout life, relationships are crucial to a sense of belonging. Belonging is central to being and becoming in that it shapes who children are and who they can become. The Framework identifies five Early Years Learning and Development Outcomes for children:
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IDENTITY Early Years Learning and Development Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity. In order to form a strong sense of self, children need to build secure relationships first within the family and then with caring, attentive adults in other settings;
Children feel safe, secure and supported.
Children develop their emerging autonomy, inter-dependence, resilience and sense of agency.
Children develop knowledgeable and confident self-identities.
COMMUNITY Early Years Learning and Development Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world. Over time, and with opportunity and support, the ways in which children connect and participate with others increase. Participating in their communities strengthens children’s sense of identity and wellbeing;
Children develop a sense of belonging to groups and communities and an understanding of the reciprocal rights and responsibilities necessary for active civic participation.
Children respond to diversity with respect.
Children become aware of fairness.
Children become socially responsible and show respect for the environment.
Children learn to interact in relation to others with care, empathy and respect.
WELLBEING Early Years Learning and Development Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing. During early childhood, the foundations for social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing are laid;
Children become strong in their social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
Children take increasing responsibility for their own health and physical wellbeing.
LEARNING Early Years Learning and Development Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners. When young children are relaxed and involved they express wonder and interest in their environments. When they are encouraged and supported to be curious and enthusiastic participants in learning, they begin to develop positive dispositions for lifelong learning;
Children develop dispositions for learning such as curiosity, cooperation, confidence, creativity, commitment, enthusiasm, persistence, imagination and reflexivity.
Children develop a range of skills and processes such as problem solving, inquiry, experimentation, hypothesizing, researching and investigating.
Children transfer and adapt what they have learnt from one context to another.
Children resource their own learning through connecting with people, place, technologies and natural processed materials.
COMMUNICATION Early Years Learning and Development Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators. Children communicate with others from birth. They begin by using gestures, visuals and non-verbal cues, sounds, languages and assisted communication in forming relationships. Maintenance of first language is important for children’s identity, wellbeing, communication and learning;
Children interact verbally and non-verbally with others for a range of purposes.
Children engage with a range of texts and get meaning from these texts.
Children express ideas and make meaning using a range of media.
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Children begin to understand how symbols and pattern systems work.
Children use information and communication technologies to access information, investigate ideas and represent their thinking.
OUR TEAM OF EDUCATORS Our team of educators at Hillcrest ELC have been selected based on their demonstrated commitment to high quality programs in the early years, their forward thinking in their philosophy and their undertaking to uphold the Hillcrest Christian College principles and ethics. Each class in the ELC is taught by qualified teachers and assistants.
The 3 and 4 year old program is taught by an Early Childhood Qualified Teacher. Each teacher holds at least a Bachelor of Early Childhood Teaching (or equivalent), which is a minimum of a three year qualification at University. The ELC assistants have a minimum qualification of a Diploma in Children’s Services.
A Typical Day in the Early Learning Centre A typical day in the Early Learning Centre consists of times for individual, small and whole group learning experiences, snacks and lunch, rest time and special events and activities.
Please Note: These routines are a guide only. Times and activities are flexible and changed when necessary, dependent on
factors such as weather, children’s needs and special events.
3 year old groups: 9:00am - 9:15 am Arrival/Welcome 9.15am Gather on the mat for devotions, singing, daily news, attendance etc. 9:30 am Morning snack 10:00 am Specialist sessions (Music -one term/Library – 1 term/Sport – 1 term) 10:30 am Indoor/Outdoor free choice learning 11:45 am Transition to washing hands for lunch 12:00 pm Lunch 12:30 pm Rest/sleep time/Quiet Indoor play 2:00 pm Pack away beds 2:30 pm Afternoon snack 2:50 pm Afternoon group time – songs, stories 3:00 pm - 3.15 pm Children dismissed 3.30pm Children not collected are taken to OSH Club for After School Care
4 year old groups: 9:00am - 9:15 am Arrival/Welcome 9.15 am Morning mat session – Devotions, songs, Daily notices, Daily News, Attendance 9:30 am Specialist session (Music- Monday / Sport -Tuesday / Library-Wednesday) 10:00 am Morning snack 10:30 am Indoor/Outdoor free choice learning 12:15 pm Tidy Up time 12:30 pm Group time – Whole group music, movement and learning, Show and Tell 12:45 pm Lunch 1:15 pm Quiet time – resting/sleeping or reading, puzzles, quiet activities 2:00 pm Indoor/Outdoor free choice learning 2:30 pm Afternoon fruit snack 2:50 pm Pack bags
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3:00 pm – 3.15 pm Children dismissed 3.30pm Children not collected are taken to OSH Club for After School Care
Daily Requirements 3 year old groups:
2 x Healthy snacks (e.g. Fruit – dried or fresh, yoghurt, crackers, cheese) in separate named containers for morning and afternoon snack times. Please do not bring lollies, chips, cakes, sweet biscuits for morning and afternoon snacks, as we endeavour to promote healthy eating at Hillcrest ELC. No nuts or products containing nuts.
Lunch in a named lunch box
A drink bottle with water only.
Hillcrest ELC Legionnaires hat – clearly named, to be kept inside the front pocket of the school bag.
Sleeping bag/sheet/blanket for rest time
Change of clothes - all named, pleas 4 year old groups:
Healthy snack (e.g. Fruit – dried or fresh, yoghurt, crackers, cheese) and lunch in a named lunch box for morning snack and lunch. Please do not send lollies, chips, cakes, sweet biscuits for snacks, as we endeavour to promote healthy eating at Hillcrest ELC. No nuts or products containing nuts.
Healthy snack in a separate named container for afternoon snack.
A drink bottle with water only.
Hillcrest ELC Legionnaires hat – clearly named, to be kept at in the front pocket of the school bag.
Change of clothes - all named, please
Early Learning Centre
Anaphylaxis The ELC supports the safety and wellbeing of children who are at risk of anaphylaxis and believes that the implementation of the Anaphylaxis Policy is a whole community responsibility. The ELC is committed to providing, as far as practicable, a safe and healthy environment in which children at risk of anaphylaxis can participate equally in all aspects of the children’s program and experiences. We ask families to refrain from sending nuts or nut based products to the Centre as this could endanger the health and wellbeing of children with allergies to nuts. This includes peanut butter and all types of food that contain nuts e.g. Nutella, Snickers, Picnic bars, trail mix, etc. Please Note: for those students who have severe allergic reactions, we strongly emphasize that the mere smell of some of these items may trigger a mild to moderate allergic reaction.
The ELC is committed to raising awareness about allergies and anaphylaxis. Active involvement in the program of
parents/guardians of each child at risk of anaphylaxis supports the ELC in assessing risks, developing risk minimization
strategies and management strategies for the child.
The ELC will ensure each staff member and other relevant adults have adequate knowledge of allergies, anaphylaxis and
emergency procedures. The ELC facilitation of effective communication supports the safety and wellbeing of children at risk
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of anaphylaxis. The ELC ensures that staff members have current anaphylaxis training and are fully aware of the Anaphylaxis
Policy.
Please ensure that an Anaphylaxis Management Form is completed by your Doctor and an Epi-Pen is provided. Refer to the
Anaphylaxis Management Policy No. 057.
Asthma If children are diagnosed with asthma and require Ventolin to be given, then an Action Plan from the family doctor must be given to the Centre to be kept with the children’s records. This is a Department of Education and Early Childhood Development requirement.
Attendance The Early Learning Centre program officially begins at 9:00 am and ends at 3:15 pm. If your child is ill and will not be attending the Centre, or will be very late for a session, please notify the College’s absence number on 9707 7474 before the beginning of the session so that the teacher can plan accordingly. Parents/Carers are requested to accompany their own child into the Centre. At the end of the session parents are requested to collect their child from inside the ELC so that Staff are aware of the child’s departure (see drop off and pick up procedures). The Children’s Services Centres Regulations state that children must be signed in and out upon entering and leaving the building. We cannot take responsibility for your child unless he/she is signed in. Please ensure that the exact time of arrival and departure is recorded against the name of your child in the book each day. This is important from the point of view of the Centre’s legal responsibilities and also, in the case of an emergency, the whereabouts of all children may quickly be ascertained. The regulations also require that no child attending the Centre be given into the care of any person other than a guardian of the child, except where authorisation has been given by the guardian. This authorisation must be in writing. There is a space for this on your child’s enrolment record. Please update this when necessary throughout the year by providing a written notification to staff of changes in people authorized to collect and/or drop off your child. The regulations also require that if a person other than the parent or guardian is collecting your child, (this includes grandparents, carers and friends, etc.) then their name, address and telephone number must correspond with the information given on your enrolment record and written in the space provided in the attendance book. Please ask anyone we don’t know to introduce themselves before asking for, or taking your child. We will ask for photo ID if necessary. Please ensure that you are on time to collect your child from each session. Sitting alone after all other children have gone can be a traumatic experience for your child. If there is an emergency and you are running late, please phone the Centre so we can explain to your child why you are not there. If an ELC student has not been collected by 3.30pm they will be placed with the OSHC provider. The student’s primary and emergency contacts will be called unless prior arrangements have been made.
Birthday Celebrations Celebrating a child’s birthday is an important event within the ELC. It is an opportunity for each child to feel special. At Hillcrest ELC we celebrate each child’s birthday by singing Happy Birthday to them in front of the group. If you wish to bring in a birthday cake or cupcakes for your child to share with the group, you are more than welcome to do so. Please inform your child’s teacher prior to the day that you are planning on bringing cake or cupcakes in so they are able to allocate time for that in the program. In line with college requirements, if you wish to bake your child’s cake at home, you must supply the college with your Food Handling Certificate and a full list of ingredients. If you do not have a food handling certificate, the cake must be bought from the shop and kept in the original packaging so the list of ingredients is available. Please take into consideration any known allergies in the group if possible.
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It is often difficult and unnecessary to invite all members of your child’s group to a birthday celebration. However, little children can feel very hurt if they sense they are excluded and for this reason we ask that you please be discrete about distributing birthday party invitations at the Centre. Please place invitations in the parent pockets, rather than handing them out to the children.
Change of Clothing All children are required to have a complete change of named clothes in their bag. We do have a few spares but children are usually happier to wear their own. If, however, your child comes home wearing an item of our clothing we would appreciate prompt laundering and return of the item, so that our emergency supply is always available for whoever needs it. Children may bring warm slippers to wear indoors in winter, as their runners may get wet and/or muddy. In winter, please send a named pair of rubber boots for your child to wear outside, should they want to.
Communication Hillcrest Early Learning Centre staff have daily contact with parents, informing them of current activities in the Centre and discussing with them their child’s involvement. Group projects and learning are documented using photos, children’s discussions and samples of work. ELC staff create class pages which are posted on Crest Connect, Hillcrest’s online learning environment. At the beginning of your child’s school year, you will receive a letter outlining how you are able to access Crest Connect from home. Crest Connect also contains general information about the ELC – important dates, class programs and reflections and parent notices. There is also further information about The Early Years Learning Framework and National Quality Standard, as well as recommended activities and websites to complement your child’s learning at school. Individual e-portfolios are developed for each child. This e-portfolio is a record of the child’s learning journey. Included in the e-portfolio are observations, celebrations of learning, photos, snap shots of events and samples of children’s work. Children have the opportunity to assist in the development of their portfolio during the program. The portfolios will also support the team of educators in planning for each child.
Conflict Minimisers Our Centre is a war-free zone. For this reason we actively discourage all role-play involving fighting. We also ban all guns, swords and other weapons. Costumes of movie or cartoon characters, which are not wholesome or positive to our ethos, are not appropriate.
Digital Technologies (DT) Students in the ELC have access to iPads and an Interactive Whiteboard in the classroom. The technology is integrated into the daily program and used in a variety of ways with the children. Software used in the Centre offers plenty of opportunities for children to choose, be creative, make decisions and problem solve.
Documentation Documentation is the process of recording the children’s ideas, thoughts, experiences and the processes they work through to come to new understandings. In the Early Learning Centre we use:
Photographs
Transcripts of children’s conversations and discussions
Symbolic representations of children’s ideas and observations in the form of drawing, paintings, clay work etc.
Collaborative works which a small or large group of children have been involved in constructing,
Teacher’s comments on the ideas the children have expressed and the process through which they are working to discover new information and come to new and/or greater understandings.
Video Documentation will be in the form of displays in the ELC, e-portfolios, and Crest Connect class pages.
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Why do we document?
It shows the children that we value both the process and the product of their work It gives parents an opportunity to see what their children do at the Early Learning Centre.
It allows staff to share the value of active learning experiences.
It enables staff to assess children’s progress and learning, and support the diverse ways children learn.
It encourages teacher self-reflection and professional growth.
It is a means of communicating with other children, parents and the wider community.
ELC Supplies/Booklist
Student stationery supplies are ordered by the ELC and these items will be charged as a resource levy and included with your tuition fees at the beginning of the year.
Environmental Awareness This program will develop awareness for children to recycle and reuse. We will encourage your children to consider various items, their possible future uses and/or most appropriate place of disposal i.e. compost, recycle glass and plastic items, rubbish. As part of a college with an extensive property, ELC children have access to a wonderful landscape for learning about caring for our world. Children will learn that God created the world and that He has placed us in a position of caring for it. Staff will discuss a variety of environmental issues with the children, such as water use and what it means to look after our world.
Guiding Children’s Behaviour It is Hillcrest’s policy that all children and staff have the right to a safe environment. This means an environment which actively promotes respect and acceptance; and where issues are effectively and responsibly resolved. When an incident occurs, parents will be notified.
We will encourage children to solve problems with words rather than physical means of coping with conflict.
Children in the Early Learning Centre are just beginning to learn to be part of a group. Sharing, taking turns and cooperating with friends are all new social skills. If there is a disagreement, children will be encouraged to discuss their feelings and needs and problem solve together from a variety of choices, encouraging lifelong social skills. At times children may be encouraged to have quiet time, such as reading a story or listening to some music to help calm down and manage their feelings. In extreme behavioral outbursts, or ongoing misbehavior, children may be removed from the group, missing out on activities, or be required to sit in another classroom. Staff will continue to supervise a child who has been separated from the group. ELC staff will communicate behavioural concerns to parents as soon as possible, and work with them to create a plan for encouraging positive behavior. In four year old kinder, staff have access to the Preschool Field Officer, who is able to work alongside both parents and educators, providing strategies and access to other professional support, to move towards a positive outcome for the child.
Food
Note: Please see Daily Requirements page
As early childhood educators, we are concerned with the health and welfare of all young children. We will be encouraging the children to develop awareness about food that is nutritious. We also try to educate children about limiting packet food for environmental reasons. You are welcome to assist us. As we will also be developing the children’s awareness of the environment and teaching them to reuse and recycle we would prefer you to send the children’s drinks in a drink bottle and not a tetra pack. We endeavour to be a ‘Nude Food’ Centre which means no glad wrap, prepackaged food etc. Please respect this policy as it is an important message that we give the children in terms of their environmental awareness. The Junior School also supports ‘Nude Food’.
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Food Handling From time to time food may be required to be brought into the College. In line with College policy, all food brought to the College for non-personal consumption must be either prepackaged or prepared by a person who has a food handling license. This will ensure that parents are doing all they can to ensure the health and safety of children. Additionally, please be aware that we have a number of children who have dietary intolerances or allergies. If baking items at home, parents should ensure they provide a clear list of ingredients so that teachers may safely distribute food. Food bought at the shop must be kept in its original packaging so the list of ingredients is easily accessed. Parents of children with food allergies or intolerances, may wish to provide an alternative food item to be kept at the ELC and eaten in the event of the available food being unsuitable.
Head Lice From time to time head lice will present a problem at every school. Please help us to minimise the problem by:
Regularly checking your child’s head
Notifying your child’s teacher immediately you detect any evidence to enable us to check all children
Treat your child and family and repeat treatment one week later. Parents will be called to collect any child with live lice in their hair. Please do not bring your child back to school
until the hair has been appropriately treated. A child with head lice can be treated one evening and return to the
Early Learning Centre the next day.
Health Regular attendance is important for all children, however, children who are unwell recover best at home. Please also be
considerate of the other children and staff at the Early Learning Centre.
Regulations relating to infectious diseases can be ascertained by contacting your local doctor and are on display in the Early Learning Centre. Generally, a child should not return to the Early Learning Centre after a long illness until advised by a doctor. A good night’s sleep is important for all young children. Please try to keep your child to a regular bed time. A nutritious breakfast eaten in a relaxed atmosphere provides a good beginning to each day.
In these early years, little children are particularly susceptible to coughs and colds. If your child is unwell, please keep him/her at home for a day or two until he/she is able to cope with the rigors of a full and energetic day at the Early Learning Centre. Please DO NOT send your child to their session with a runny nose and excessive sneezing or coughing as it is impossible for staff to isolate children in this condition in order to stop the spread of infection. If your child has been vomiting or has diarrhea, please DO NOT send your child to the Early Learning Centre until 24 hours have passed since the last episode.
If all parents are responsible in this manner, infection can be kept to a minimum. We understand that many parents are working during the day and so we do not like to call you away from your work to collect a sick child; however, this may be necessary from time to time. We ask you to attend the Early Learning Centre promptly to collect your child. There may be some aspects of your child’s health, particularly in the instance of ongoing health issues, which should be discussed with the Director of the ELC and the Early Learning Centre staff. Such knowledge enables us to make the necessary adjustments to his/her educational program. At Hillcrest Christian College we have a trained nurse on duty during school hours. Any parents who have children with serious medical conditions should contact the College Health Centre on 9702 2144. Teachers will also discuss children’s health needs with the College Nurse, should they become ill at the ELC. Any child who has serious injury or illness will be attended by the school nurse. Minor injuries or illness will be treated by Early Learning Centre staff.
Medication Medication cannot be administered by staff without the written consent of the child’s parent or guardian on the
appropriate Administration of Medication Form.
Medication should be given directly to the teacher and not left in the child’s bag.
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All medication administered will be witnessed by another staff member.
A record of all medication administered will be kept and parents will be informed if any unusual reaction is noted.
Only prescription medication which displays the child’s name on the medication, and is in the original container, is able to be administered by staff.
Please consider whether your child will be comfortable at the ELC if they do require medication for illness.
Incursions/Excursions At various times of the year a number of incursions/excursions are planned with careful thought and consideration by ELC staff regarding children’s interests and learning. These days are very enjoyable and stimulating, and are related to work done with the children both before and after the events, to make each a worthwhile and valuable learning experience. When children are going to be required to leave the College, a letter will be sent home.
Injury If a child is injured at the Early Learning Centre, the staff member with a current First Aid Certificate will be notified and will attend to the injury. A parent will be called if the staff are at all concerned about a particular injury. If the injury is minor, a parent will be notified at home time. All parents are required to sign an indemnity form at the beginning of the year.
Items to Look Out For and Save!
If you have access to any of these items and are able to donate them to our program we would be most grateful:
Cabinet Makers Sawdust, wood shavings, laminated cut outs, scraps
Department Stores Boxes, wrapping paper, tissue, ribbons, cardboard, styrofoam
Film Developers Cardboard cylinders (NO toilet rolls)
Florists Dried flowers, bits of ribbon, scrap Styrofoam, dropped leaves, seed pods
Garment Manufacturers Empty spools, fabric, buttons, and trimmings
Hardware Wood Yard/Carpenters/Builders
Dowelling, scrap wood (pine) sawdust, shavings, tile samples, screws, nuts and bolts, plastic and metal fittings, wallpaper sample books
Metal Spinning Companies Scrap turnings and shavings
Printers Irregular products, samples
Plumbers Wire, tiles, pieces of pipe
Shoe Manufacturers Scraps of leather, plastics, laces and fittings
Stationers Old greeting cards, paper etc.
Telephone and Power Companies Excess coloured wire, large spools
Tile Manufacturers Seconds of tiles
Window Shade Companies Shade cut offs, pieces of rollers
Liaison with the School Throughout their time in the ELC, students have the opportunity to liaise in a variety of ways with the ‘big school’.
Participation in our specialist subjects of music, sport and library in different parts of the College allows the children to
become familiar with the campus. At various times throughout the year, ELC students will have the opportunity to walk
around the College grounds, visit the school farm and Equestrian Centre as well as observe the school’s horticulture area.
Children in four year old kinder will take part in a transition program which will make links with the College’s Prep classrooms, teachers and wider school community. This transition program includes our Buddy Program, playing on the Junior School
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oval at Recess with the ‘big kids’, and spending time in the Prep classrooms with each of the Prep teachers. Implementation of an effective transition program ensures the Early Learning Centre children have a smooth transition into Prep.
Lost Property
Every endeavour is made to trace items of lost property. Please clearly label all clothing, particularly shoes! Any lost articles are placed in the lost property box located in the Centre.
Orientation In the year prior to your child starting at Hillcrest ELC, you will be invited to bring them in for an orientation session.
Orientation for the 3 year old groups is in the form of a playdate where parents/carers and children are able to stay and get
to know the staff and the environment. If children have already been attending Hillcrest ELC for 3 year old kinder, they will
spend time with the four year old teachers in November. New students joining the four year old program will also come to
the centre on that day.
At the beginning of the school year transition takes place in stages, with smaller groups and half day programs for the first
few days. This is to help your child settle more easily into the new environment, to get to know the staff and some of their
peers and to feel safe and secure in the Early Learning Centre.
Information regarding orientations, interviews and the times and dates of the orientation procedures will be given to parents at the ‘ELC Parent Information Evening’.
Parent Participation Parents are the first teachers of their children and have a lot to offer the program. Remember to check the Parent Pockets for school notices and for messages from staff. Parents are welcome in the Early Learning Centre and staff are delighted when parents give of their time and expertise to enrich the Program. Can you play an instrument? Would you like to help with singing, dancing or cooking? Children of this age work well in small groups, so an extra adult to help can be of great value to take three or four children aside for a special activity. Please ask the teacher ahead of time if you would like to participate to organize a suitable time. It is also the College’s procedure that all visitors to the College obtain a ‘Visitors Pass’ from the office and hold a current Working with Children Check. We invite you to be part of your child’s day at the ELC by assisting in your child’s classroom. This is a great opportunity for parents to have an understanding about their child’s day while also enhancing their child’s learning experience. There is a roster available for parents to nominate a convenient day. You are asked to stay between 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. While you are a classroom helper you may:
Join in the activities.
Assist children with writing their names on their art work, putting on art smocks, completing puzzles.
Put children’s art work away.
Encourage children to complete tasks rather than doing it for them.
Assist the groups during snack time.
Encourage children’s efforts during tidy up time in the classrooms.
Help clear up after snack time, wiping tables and sweeping the floor.
If you are unable to make other arrangements for your toddlers when on kinder duty, they are welcome to participate in the kinder program. They can join us at the mat time but if they are becoming disruptive we will ask that you find another place for them to play. There are occasions when parents are invited to attend functions and performances that are of great significance to the children such as the End of Year concert. You will be informed well in advance so you do not miss out on special occasions.
Photographs Individual and class photographs are taken annually by professional photographers. Parents may opt to buy or return the
photographs.
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Privacy and Information Management The ELC is committed to providing families with the highest level of service. This includes protecting your privacy. From 21st
December 2001, we are bound by the Commonwealth Privacy Act 1998 as amended, which sets out a number of principles
concerning the protection of your personal information.
The information supplied in the ELC Enrolment Form and Enrolment History is collected to enable us to provide care and
education for your child and to satisfy the College’s legal obligations, particularly with regard to the Duty of Care and the
Children’s Services Regulations 2009 and the Children’s Services Act 1996. Refer to the Privacy Legislation and Compliance
Policy No. AP033.
Privacy is also very important to us here at the College and you will be aware of the need to be discrete as you conduct your
volunteer activities. It is a requirement that all volunteers sign the Volunteers Privacy Agreement so that we can ensure
appropriate standards are kept. If anyone is found to have breached the Privacy Agreement, it may be necessary to refuse
further volunteer work at the ELC.
Quiet Time/Rest Time Quiet time/Rest time lasts for approximately 45 minutes to 1.5 hours each day, depending on the needs of the children. The ELC will provide each child in the 3 year old group with bedding for rest time, as all children in these groups are encouraged to rest quietly on the mat initially. After an appropriate amount of resting time, those children who are not sleeping may be able to participate in quiet activities such as reading books or doing puzzles. After lunch each day, children in the 4 year old group participate in a rest time, where they lie or sit quietly listening to a story or music.
Security The school is surrounded by security gates. These are opened in the morning to allow access for teachers and administration and closed of an evening. Staff have a security card to gain access to the property ‘after hours’. The Early Learning Centre also has its own internal alarm system which is connected to a security firm and is activated by panic buttons, the whereabouts of which are only known by the staff.
In order to ensure the safety of our ELC students our main door is equipped with a number lock system. You will be informed of the code at the beginning of the year. The door between the foyer and hallway will remain locked between the hours of 9.00am and 3:00pm. If you require access to the Centre during the day, please use the doorbell located on the wall to the right of the hallway door. We also ask that parents are vigilant in ensuring they only leave the Centre with their own children, or those they are authorized in writing to collect. There are three doors and one gate before the ELC carpark, so please check that all doors and the gate are closed securely behind you as you leave so we are able to avoid any children wandering into the carpark unsupervised. From time to time we undergo emergency drill procedures. We comply with the College on this matter, which means that when the alarm is sounded we must immediately evacuate to a designated area and remain there until we are given the all clear to return to the Early Learning Centre. Every staff member is aware of the role they must play in this procedure and we practice an emergency drill at least once per term so our ELC students are familiar with the action they must take.
Special Events and Celebrations Throughout the year there are many special experiences involving children, parents, teachers and the wider community. We often need parents to assist with these events, and a notice will be sent home asking for help when necessary. In addition, there will be a number of events and celebrations throughout the year to which family members will be invited. Some of these events include:
Mother’s Day Celebration
Father’s Day Celebration
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VIP morning
End of year concert
Graduation
End of Term party
Book Week Parade
Specialist Programs 3 year old:
In our 3 year old program, the students participate in a specialist subject for one term or the equivalent. The
Primary School Music teacher comes to the ELC for a music session with each group. The children visit the
Discovery Centre and borrow books during the Library session. The 3 year olds participate in a regular sport session
with the Primary Physical Education teacher.
4 year old:
Children in the four year old kinder program participate in Music, Sport and Library for one session each week throughout
the year.
Music: Music is a structured session revolving around a number of musical activities, including games, singing and playing percussion instruments. These activities introduce the children to basic concepts of rhythm and pitch.
Sport: Sport incorporates a variety of physical activities designed to develop the children’s gross motor skills, coordination and balance. Children participate in a large variety of small group activities, moving around a circuit during the course of the session.
Library: Visiting the Discovery Centre enables children to learn about books, and to develop a love for reading and literacy. It also provides an opportunity to find further information on topics we may be investigating in class. The children are able to borrow a book to take home.
Sun Protection Policy Australia has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world. Skin damage, including skin cancer, is the result of cumulative exposure to the sun. Most of the damage occurs during childhood and adolescence. We encourage all members of the Early Learning Centre community to wear protective clothing, to use SPF30+ and broad spectrum sunscreen, and to seek shade wherever possible. Although we have sunscreen available at the Centre, it is the responsibility of the parents to make sure their child has had sun screen applied before coming to the Centre each day. Please try to get into this habit, as sunburn can occur even on cloudy days. If your child requires a particular brand/type of sunscreen due to sensitive skin/allergies, please inform staff and provide a tube of the sunscreen to be left at the Centre for the child’s use. We will re-apply sun screen prior to going outdoors during warm weather. The ELC hat is a compulsory item during Terms 1 and 4. Our policy is “No Hat, No Outdoor Play”. We will enforce this policy rigorously in the best interests of your child.
Support Services
Preschool Field Officers (PSFO) The Preschool Field Officer Program (PSFO) is an early childhood intervention outreach service available within state-funded
preschools for any child with developmental concerns. The PSFO program supports the access and participation of children
with additional needs in four year old preschool. Children with additional needs are those who require extra support,
including those with medical needs, disability, giftedness or challenging behavior.
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Kindergarten Inclusion Support Service for Children with Complex Medical Needs Severe
Disabilities (K.I.S.S.) Kindergarten Inclusion Support Services can support children with complex medical needs and severe disabilities to access a
local community Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) funded four year old kindergarten
education program. The family must receive or be eligible to receive the Carer Allowance. In the Southern Metropolitan
Region, the Kindergarten Inclusion Support Service is under the auspices of Yooralla Society of Victoria. The program
operates in state-funded preschool programs, stand-alone kindergartens or long day care programs offering state-funded
Kindergarten education programs.
Application for Kindergarten Inclusion Support Services should be submitted by the kindergarten teacher in the year before
the child attends kindergarten – by the end of Term 3 (late applications are accepted).
Child and Family Information Referral and Support Team Child FIRST stands for Child and Family Information Referral and Support Team. It is a community based intake and referral
service that links children and families to Family Support services and Child Protection if necessary.
The role of Child FIRST is to provide support not only to families, but also to those wishing to make a referral to Child FIRST
or report to Child Protection. The primary purpose of Child FIRST is to ensure that children, young people and their families
are linked into all relevant services. Child FIRST mainly deals with wellbeing concerns for children, where the child’s safety is
not at immediate risk.
Once Child FIRST has referred a family to a family support service, a case plan is developed and the family will begin receiving
assistance with things like parenting, health, relationship problems, family routines and budgeting. The aim is to address the
issues that are impacting on the child’s wellbeing and build an environment where the child can thrive. If Child FIRST assesses
that the child’s immediate safety is compromised they will refer to Child Protection.
There are certain professional groups that are mandated to make reports under the Children, Youth and Families Act. These
groups include police, doctors, nurses, registered teachers and school principals. These professions are legally obliged to
make a report when they form a belief on reasonable grounds that a child is in need of protection. Not all groups listed in
the Act have been authorized to be mandated reporters. This means that at this stage, licensed children’s services staff and
family day carers are not mandated. Refer to the Mandatory Policy No. 7.
Contact: South East Family Services (SEFS) Child FIRST (for families within the cities of Casey and Greater Dandenong and
the Shire of Cardinia)
Connections Narre Warren office
55 Webb Street, Narre Warren, Victoria, 3805
Tel: 03 9705 3939
Fax: 03 9704 8042
After Hours Child Protection Emergency Services: 131 278
Toilet Training All children commencing at the Early Learning Centre are to be fully day-time toilet trained and able to manage the bathroom independently. It is the policy of the Early Learning Centre to enrol children who are toilet trained. Our definition of toilet trained is:
Children who recognize when they need to go to the toilet and do so. If your child has frequently occurring accidents an action plan will be decided upon between the classroom teacher and the parents. (The Centre is not equipped with changing or bathing facilities within the classrooms.)
Children who can wipe their bottom independently. Staff are not expected to do this for children.
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Toys at the ELC Children are able to bring a soft cuddle toy to the ELC to bring out at rest time/quiet time. Other toys are not permitted unless they are part of show and tell, or related to a specific learning experience. In these cases they will be looked after by the teachers until they are needed. We are very conscious of the risk of toys getting broken or lost. At Hillcrest ELC, we provide a wide variety of toys and other resources for the children to use.
Separating from your Child All children react in their own way to separating from parents/carers. It is important for you to be positive and happy about the start of the day. Come in and stay for a few minutes, join in the activity, tell your child when you are going and that you will be back after story-time and then GO. If there are tears, they usually stop shortly after parents leave. The longer you make the parting, the harder it will be for both you and your child. Please ensure that you are always back in good time to pick up your child, so that they are not waiting anxiously for you. Some children need a longer, part-time introduction to the Centre. We will discuss this with you if necessary and will contact you if your child continues to be upset.
Some children settle into an early learning program quickly and happily, some feel shy, some cry on their first days, some may appear to be settled for days, even weeks, and then have difficulties. As children get used to the program, their new surroundings and the staff, they will be eager to start each day’s activities. We will do everything we can to make your child feel secure and happy, in what may be their first time away from their parents.
Working with Children Checks WWC Check legislation requires that anyone on the school property who can make eye contact with a child should be
supervised by a person who is either registered with the Victorian Institute of Teaching, or has a Working with Children Check
Card themselves.
In schools, most volunteers and visitors can make eye contact with students on the property. In order to comply with this
legislation, Hillcrest Christian College has decided that as a professional and Christian organization, and in seeking to fulfill its
duty of care to students, staff and our community, we will require all volunteers and encourage all parents to hold a current
‘Working with Children Check’. It is important to note that a ‘Working with Children Check’ is free for all volunteers. Working
with Children Check application forms are available online at www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au .
Proverbs 22:6
“Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it”.
