Parent Handbook - Cabonne Council
Transcript of Parent Handbook - Cabonne Council
Cabonne/Blayney Family Day Care Parent Handbook
2 | P a g e Form Number: P/29
Contents
Contents Our Commitment to You................................................................................................................ 3
Our Philosophy .............................................................................................................................. 4
About the Service Staff and Educators ........................................................................................ 5
Settling into Family Day Care ....................................................................................................... 6
Separation and Stranger Anxiety .................................................................................................. 6
Your Feelings ............................................................................................................................... 7
Tips for Saying Goodbye .............................................................................................................. 7
My Child Is Not Settling ................................................................................................................ 7
Questions to Ask Educators ......................................................................................................... 8
Settling a Child with a Disability .................................................................................................... 8
Our Fee Structures ........................................................................................................................ 9
Educator Fee Schedules .............................................................................................................. 9
Service Operational Fees and Charges ........................................................................................ 9
Child Care Subsidy ...................................................................................................................... 10
The National Quality Framework ................................................................................................ 11
The Early Years Learning Framework ........................................................................................ 11
Access to Family Records .......................................................................................................... 12
Key Policies and Procedures ...................................................................................................... 13
Delivery, Collection and Access to Children ............................................................................... 13
Excursions and Outings .............................................................................................................. 13
Illness and Medications .............................................................................................................. 13
What happens in an emergency? ............................................................................................... 14
Immunisations ............................................................................................................................ 14
Frequently Asked Questions ...................................................................................................... 15
Useful Websites ........................................................................................................................... 15
What Parents Say ......................................................................................................................... 16
Contact Details ............................................................................................................................. 17
Cabonne/Blayney Family Day Care Parent Handbook
3 | P a g e Form Number: P/29
Our Commitment to You
Cabonne Family Day Care is sponsored by Cabonne Council. The service is approved by the
Department of Education and operates in accordance with the Education and Care Services
National Law and Regulation. We are assessed and rated against the National Quality Standards
to ensure quality education and care is being delivered to all children and that the Service is
committed to continuous improvement. Cabonne/Blayney Family Day Care is currently rated as
“Meeting the National Quality Standards” as of 2018.
Cabonne Family Day Care is a home-based education and care service that offers a warm, safe,
secure, and stimulating home environment catering for young babies through to pre-teens. Our
aim, through quality education and care, is to see children that are happy, engaged and learning
with qualified educators who are nurturing and caring. Cabonne/Blayney Family Day Care staff
and educators are committed to supporting the delicate transition of children between home and
care. We understand that placing your child in care can be overwhelming for families, so we strive
to ensure that this is a pleasant experience.
Children are nurtured and cared for in homes of approved educators who are trained, resourced,
supported, and monitored by our Coordination Unit.
We offer the following:
• Flexible hours to suit individual family needs
• Small groups (no more than 4 children under school age and up to 7 school age children,
but no more than 7 children at any one time)
• Family-friendly environments that focus on play-based learning
• Emphasis on supporting children’s individual interests
• Consistent educators providing stability and commitment to building strong relationships
with individual children and their families
• Genuine respect for family values
• Commitment to collaborative relationships between staff, educators, families and children
by seeking feedback from all stakeholders to ensure we are meeting the needs of our
families in care
• Assistance with the transition to school
• Provide beautifully presented, easily accessible environments both indoors and outdoors
that invite children to explore, make choices and empower them to make decisions about
their learning
• Educational resources that are age and developmentally appropriate for children
Parent or guardians will receive an ‘Enrolment Interview’ before their child commences care to
ensure they are fully informed and ready to start. The interview covers the fee policy, enrolment
forms, policies and procedures and provides general information about our service. This is also
the time for parents to ask any questions and express any concern they may have about their child
starting care.
Cabonne/Blayney Family Day Care Parent Handbook
4 | P a g e Form Number: P/29
Our Philosophy
Cabonne Family Day Care acknowledges the traditional owners of the land, the Wiradjuri people,
and the knowledge and traditions that exist within their culture.
SERVICE VISION
• High quality education and care through play-based learning
• Consistently safe and nurturing spaces
• Inclusive environments that are holistic
• Recognise the unique contributions children and their family bring to the service
• Promote positive mental health in children and young people
• Embed the core domains into everyday practices
• Advocate for children
• Effective and respectful leaders
LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS
• Empower children to make decisions and contribute to their learning
• Reflect that children are capable, competent, and active learners
• Promote adventurous play that supports children’s curiosity, exploration, and play-based learning
• Environment as the third teacher
• Learning through play
• Loose parts play
• Interest based play
• Children’s voices are valued in the curriculum
• Reflects the unique geographical, cultural and community context of the service
• Unique environments that reflect the best possible outcomes for the children
SUTAINABILITY
• Sustainable practices
• Natural resources
• Loose parts
• Connect with nature
• Connect with country
• Promote the importance of respect for country
• Reduce, reuse, recycle
RELATIONSHIPS & THE COMMUNITY
• Inclusive relationships that are unbiased, equitable and diverse
• Develops emotional intelligence
• Collaboration that is meaningful, rich, and respectful
• Meaningful and ongoing partnerships with the community
• Reciprocal engagements with the community that build a sense of belonging
PROFESSIONALS
• Deliver a curriculum that is meaningful to the children as individuals
• Develop responsive programs that support children’s wellbeing, learning and development
• Educators are informed by critical reflection
• Committed to continuous learning
• Demonstrates strong commitment to principles and practices
• Collaborative approach to service delivery between all stakeholders
Cabonne/Blayney Family Day Care Parent Handbook
5 | P a g e Form Number: P/29
About the Service Staff and Educators
Our service currently has 3 staff members who make up the Principle Office:
Rachael Geddes – Coordinator
Jacinta McMullen – Support Coordinator & Educational Leader
Georgia Chilcott – Administration Officer
What can you expect from the service staff?
• The key role of the Coordination Unit is to support and resource the highest standard of
quality care to your children in Family Day Care.
• The Coordinator and Support Coordinator have Early Childhood qualifications and
extensive experience in the early childhood field. The Administration Officer has business
administration qualifications and extensive experience in administration.
• Regularly review the policies and procedures which reflect the National Quality Framework
• Staff support educators to uphold organisational values, meet required legislation and
National Standards.
• Support, guidance, and training to educators through regular home visits, general
communication and by providing professional development opportunities.
• Home visits to educators to monitor and observe children within the program and provide
opportunities for families to discuss individual children's wellbeing, learning and progress.
• Newsletters, training opportunities and current information to support parenting.
• Administrative guidance in relation to family entitlements available through the Department
of Human Services (Centrelink) to assist with the cost of care.
• Keep families updated on upcoming events and important information.
• Our service has educators registered in the Cabonne, Orange, Blayney, Parkes, Forbes,
and Dubbo local government areas. Our educators hold, or a working towards, a Diploma in
Early Childhood Education and Care or a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and
Care.
What can you expect from your child's educator?
Educators are recruited, trained, and resourced by the Coordination Unit. The key role of educators is to provide a quality education and care service which nurtures each child within their own family context.
Educators have qualifications ranging from Certificate III or Diploma in Children Services.
Educators genuinely demonstrate an interest and understanding of your child's individual needs and skills.
Educators provide a stimulating program that supports the development and growth of each child and reflects the principals of the National Early Years Learning Framework.
Educators support children to build secure attachments and encourage children to engage in positive social interactions with other children
Educators develop open relationships which foster communication and support parents as the greatest influence in a child's life and therefore demonstrate respect toward individual families' practices and values.
Cabonne/Blayney Family Day Care Parent Handbook
6 | P a g e Form Number: P/29
Settling into Family Day Care
The following article has been retrieved from the Raising Children Network Website. The Raising
Children Network Website provides centralised, Australian-focused, evidence-based information
for parents and Educators of children from birth to fifteen years of age. It also provides information
for those who work with parents.
“Beginning child care can be both an exciting and emotional time for families. Children and parents
often experience some anxiety about going to child care for the first time, but there is a lot you can
do to make it easier for your child and yourself.
Children have different experiences of settling into child care. The way they settle can be affected
by:
• Temperament: This will affect the way they respond to any sort of change, including a new
care setting.
• Personal preference: This includes how they like to be fed, how they like to be comforted
and soothed, and how they ask for and accept affection.
• Age and stage of development: For example, babies (less than six months) are often
happy to be left with Educators because they have not yet developed separation and
stranger anxiety.
• Number of days in care: For example, a child who attends care one day a week will often
take longer to settle than a child who attends five days a week. This is simply because
children attending fewer days a week have less time to become familiar with and
comfortable in their new setting.
Separation and Stranger Anxiety
Separation anxiety (baby gets upset when you leave them) and stranger anxiety (baby gets upset
around other people) are a normal part of development. Almost all babies and children go through
them to some extent. They usually start at around six months and peak at 12 months, though older
children can also experience separation anxiety.
Around six months, babies develop an understanding of object permanence. This means your
baby understands that you exist, even when you are not with them. Unfortunately, they do not
understand that you will be back if you leave them, so they might initially get upset when you go.
This generally passes once they learn, through experience, that you will come back.
This is all going on just as many parents are thinking about going back to work and leaving their
child in care. It is not your fault - it is just how babies develop.
Try not to worry - children usually adjust as the new faces in their care setting become familiar.
You can help your child overcome these anxieties by spending some time together in the new care
setting before you start leaving your child there without you. If you can, try leaving your child for
just short periods, and build up to a whole day. This will help teach your child the concepts of
leaving and returning
Cabonne/Blayney Family Day Care Parent Handbook
7 | P a g e Form Number: P/29
Your Feelings
Beginning child care is a major transition and can be both an exciting and emotional time for
families - both children and parents. Although it is difficult, it is important for you to be positive with
your child about the experience. Children have an amazing ability to pick up on when their parents
are worried or anxious, so try not to share your worries or anxious feelings with your child.
This does not mean you cannot show your feelings though - you might like to share them with your
partner, a friend or a family member who can give you some support during this emotional time.
Tips for Saying Goodbye
Despite your best preparations, your child might still find it difficult to separate from you. They
might get upset and start crying. You can help by acknowledging your child's feelings, giving them
words to help express themselves, and comforting them. You could also try the following tips:
• Talk about an activity you and your child will do together when you get back home, such as
playing in the garden or reading a story.
• Establish a goodbye routine, such as three kisses and a bear hug, high-fives, or some other
special gesture meaningful to your child.
• Let your child know that you or another familiar grown-up will be back to pick them up at a
particular time, or after an event that your child understands, such as sleep or snack time.
• Keep the goodbye brief. After your goodbye routine, gently but firmly say goodbye to your
child. Staying around to comfort your upset child can sometimes prolong distress and even
make it worse.
• Allow your child's educator to gently lead them away to do something they enjoy, such as
feeding the fish or watering the garden.
• If you are feeling distressed after seeing your child upset, call the educator about half an
hour after you leave to see how your child is. Most children stop crying shortly after mum or
dad leaves.
• If your child's distracted when it is time for you to leave, you might feel tempted to sneak out
without her noticing. This can make children more upset. They realise you have gone and
have not had a chance to say goodbye. It is best to let your child know you are going and
say that you will be back later.
My Child Is Not Settling
Your child might settle happily in the new setting within a few days or few weeks. Some children
experience getting upset after the first few weeks. Others might settle initially and then later get
upset (often when the novelty of the new environment has worn off).
In all cases, stay calm and let your child express their feelings. Listen to what your child's saying.
Are they showing signs of separation anxiety? If so, it is worth sticking with it for a little while, to
give your child time to adjust. It is also important to communicate with the educator - you can work
together to develop settling strategies that everyone is comfortable with. The educator or service
should be able to suggest some ideas that have helped other children in the past. As difficult as it
might be, try to stay positive about your child's transition to care.
Cabonne/Blayney Family Day Care Parent Handbook
8 | P a g e Form Number: P/29
Sometimes, it might be that the care setting just is not right for your child. For example, they might
seem afraid of the care setting or educator or be going backward in his development. You might
want to consider finding a different educator, or a different type of child care.
If you are unsure about why your child's unsettled and you think the problem might be more than
just the child care experience, you might want to seek professional help. Speaking with your local
community nurse is a good place to start.
Questions to Ask Educators
To monitor how your child's settling into her new care setting, you can ask educators questions
about:
• How your child's progress will be recorded and how the educators will let you know about
their progress.
• Contact your educator to check that your child has settled - this is important for your peace
of mind during the first few weeks, and educators will welcome these calls.
• How your child slept during the day and what they ate
• How the seem to be feeling and whether they are getting on with other children.
• What activities your child likes (so you can continue these at home).
Settling a Child with a Disability
Children with special needs or disabilities attach to their parents just as other children do. But
some can find it more difficult to express their feelings. The following ideas might help your child
with a disability settle more easily:
• Advise the family day care service of your child's disability or special needs.
• Take more time to make sure your child is familiar and comfortable with the new setting.
Any information you can provide to the educator about your child's particular needs and
abilities will help staff ease your child's transition to care.
• Establish a detailed communication book to share information between you and the
educator.
• Discuss your expectations about your child's behavior with the educator.
• Tell the educator about which activities your child can participate in if they have an
intellectual or physical disability and suggest alternative activities you do together at home.
• Many family day care services provide for children who need additional assistance with
communication, language, and literacy skills by using alternative communication methods,
signs, symbols, large print, symbol text and materials that can be accessed through sight,
touch, sound, and smell. You might want to consider a different care setting if the centre
you have chosen does not provide this assistance.
Cabonne/Blayney Family Day Care Parent Handbook
9 | P a g e Form Number: P/29
Our Fee Structures
Educator Fee Schedules
Cabonne Family Day Care acknowledges that educators are small business operators and as
such have the right to set their own fees with accompanying written and clear terms and
conditions. This means, all educators will have different hourly fees.
The Coordinator or educator will discuss and provide you with a copy of the Service Fees and
Charges Policy, that includes the educator’s individual fees, at the enrolment interview.
Educators are only permitted to change their fees once a year, coinciding with the end of the
financial year. The families will receive four weeks’ notice when these changes occur.
In accordance with the Family Assistance Law:
• Educators cannot charge for, or record a session of care where provision of care is not
available; and
• Educators are not able to charge a different rate for the same type of care provision.
Educators are required to issue invoices for care given to children and receipts for all payments
made by families.
Service Operational Fees and Charges
Cabonne Family Day Care set operational charges that assist in the cost of the day to day
operation of the service. These costs are as follows:
• Families are charged an initial enrolment fee of $50
• An Administration Levy of $1.45 is charged per child, per hour they are in care
• An Annual Enrolment Fee of $35 per family (unless child was enrolled after 1st October, the
previous year)
Families are notified in writing of proposed changes which are reviewed annually in
accordance with Cabonne Council’s Fees and Charges Policy.
Cabonne/Blayney Family Day Care Parent Handbook
10 | P a g e Form Number: P/29
Child Care Subsidy
Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is the main payment to assist families with the costs of child care. It is
paid directly to the service providers to be passed on to families as a fee reduction.
Families make a co-contribution to their child care fees and pay the provider the difference
between the fee charged and the subsidy amount.
There are 3 main aspects of Child Care Subsidy:
1. An individual’s eligibility for CCS
2. Types of child care and sessions of care covered by CCS
3. Amount of CCS payments (entitlement)
To be eligible for CCS child must be:
• Aged 13 years or under
• Not attending high school
• Meeting immunisation requirements
The amount of subsidy to which a family is entitled is determined by the:
• Family income
• Results of an activity test
• Types of eligible child care services
There are caps on the hourly rate for which a subsidy will be paid. Family Day Care’s cap is
$11.10 per hour.
Families may also be eligible for Additional Child Care Subsidy. Additional CCS aids support
vulnerable or disadvantaged families and children. This support recognises the preventative and
protective influence of quality child care on a child’s health, wellbeing and development, and the
importance of continuity of care.
CCS and Additional CCS are payable for up to 42 absence days for a child in a financial year, in
relation to sessions of care where a child still incurs a genuine fee liability to pay for the care. A
reason does not need to be provided for a child’s initial 42 days of absence.
Once 42 absence days occurred in a financial year, CCS and Additional CCS can only be paid for
any additional absences where they are taken for a reason defined in the Family Assistance Law.
CCS will not be paid for absences where a provider charges a family to reserve a place for a child
who has not yet started care.
If a child is booked into start at a service on a particular date, and does not start on that day, no
CCS will be paid until the child physically attends a session of care.
Similarly, a child care service is taken to have permanently ceased providing care for a child on
the day the child last physically attends a session of care. This means that CCS will not be paid for
absences submitted after a child last physically attends a session of care.
If a family has confirmed their child’s last day at a service, but that child does not attend their last
booked session of care, no CCS will be paid for any days after the child’s last physical attendance.
Cabonne/Blayney Family Day Care Parent Handbook
11 | P a g e Form Number: P/29
The National Quality Framework
Cabonne/Blayney Family Day Care is committed to the Australian Government National Quality
Framework (NQF) for Education and Care Services. The NQF was implemented across all early
childhood services nationally in 2012. This means that all Australian children, regardless of their
location, will get the best possible start in life through high quality early childhood education and
care and school age care services. The Framework will help providers improve their services in
the areas that impact on a child's development and empower families to make informed choices
about which service is best for their child.
The National Quality Framework includes:
• A national legislative framework that consists of the Education and Care Services National
Law and Education and Care Services National Regulations.
• A National Quality Standard.
• An assessment and rating system.
• A regulatory authority in each state and territory who will have primary responsibility for the
approval, monitoring and quality assessment of services in their jurisdiction in accordance
with the national legislative framework and in relation to the National Quality Standard.
• The Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA), the new
national body is responsible for providing oversight of the new system and ensuring
consistency of approach. For more information visit www.acecqa.gov.au.
The Early Years Learning Framework
Since the introduction of the Australian Governments' National Quality Framework for Education
and Care Services, Cabonne/Blayney Family Day Care Staff and Educators have embraced the
Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), developed to extend and enrich children's learning from
birth through to their transition to school.
The EYLF assists Educators to provide young children with opportunities to maximise their
potential and develop a foundation for future success in learning. In this the EYLF will contribute to
realising the Australian Governments' vision that:
“All children have the best start in life to create a better future for themselves and for the nation”
The EYLF forms the foundation for ensuring that all children in early childhood education and care
settings experience quality teaching and learning. It has a specific emphasis on play-based
learning and recognises the importance of communication, language (including early literacy and
numeracy), social and emotional development. The EYLF has been designed for use by early
childhood Educators working in partnerships with families, children's first and most influential
educators.
Cabonne/Blayney Family Day Care Parent Handbook
12 | P a g e Form Number: P/29
Access to Family Records
Accurate recording keeping assists in the management of the service, ensures the safety of
children and provides a level of transparency and accountability for the service, regulatory
authorities, and families.
The service recognises and respects the importance of privacy and confidentiality as an individual
right and a basis for building partnerships.
The service will ensure that information that is kept in a record as required by the National
Regulations must not be communicated (either directly or indirectly) with anyone other than:
• Educators who require the information for the education and care of the child.
• Medical personnel who require the information for emergency medical treatment of the
child.
• The parent of the child that the record relates (except for a staff record).
• The Regulatory Authority or an *Authorised Officer.
* Authorised Officer means a person who has been appointed by the Regulatory Authority to
monitor and enforce compliance with the National Law and National Regulations.
All family, child, Educator and Service records are collected, maintained, stored securely, and disposed of in accordance with the Education and Care Services National Regulation and the Service Managing Records and Confidentiality Policy. These records include:
• Child enrolment information
• Authorisations
• Attendance Records
• Photos (where authorisation has been obtained)
• Observations of children made by staff and/or educators
• Educator registration details Families are responsible to notify the educator and the service of any changes to your information that is required by Cabonne Family Day Care.
Cabonne/Blayney Family Day Care Parent Handbook
13 | P a g e Form Number: P/29
Key Policies and Procedures
Delivery, Collection and Access to Children
Cabonne Family Day Care has a policy to ensure authorised, safe and documented arrival and
departure of all children at each of the educator’s homes. Key points for families are:
• Parents/Guardian or Authorised Person must ensure that they supervise their children on
delivery and collection at the educator’s premises.
• To ensure attendance records are signed and that the actual arrival and departure times
are entered by the Parent/Guardian or Authorised Person at the time of delivery and
collection.
• Parents/Guardians must notify the Principle Office of court orders or changes to court
orders which affect the delivery and collection of the child.
• Educators cannot deny access to any parent unless Court Orders are in place to refuse
access.
• Where Court Orders determine that the children are in 'shared care' between two parents, a
separate enrolment form from each parent will be required if the children use an educator
whilst residing in 'shared care'. In this case each parent must register with Centrelink for the
purpose of claiming entitlements. We acknowledge dealing with different departments can
be confusing so please contact our administration staff if you have any questions.
Excursions and Outings
Many educators enhance the program of activities delivered to children by including outings of an
educational value (e.g. playgroups, library story time, parks, and visits to other educators to play).
It is important that parents and educators discuss any excursions thoroughly. Parents can contact
the Principle Office if there are any concerns in relation to a child attending an outing. Cabonne
Family Day has a policy outlining the process required for conducting an excursion or outing.
Key points for families are:
• Educators plan safe appropriate excursions and regular outings with consideration to each
child's interests, abilities, and educational value.
• Educators conduct Risk Assessments and obtain written authority from parents/guardians
prior to any excursion or regular outing.
• Educators must ensure children are always adequately supervised and are appropriately
protected from sun exposure.
Illness and Medications
Cabonne Family Day Care understands that from time to time children may become ill, be involved
in an incident causing injury or suffer from a long-term illness whilst enrolled at the service. All staff
and educators are committed to ensuring we respond promptly when dealing with any incident,
injury, trauma, or illness and to minimise the spread of illness between children and educators.
Parents and educators must discuss and complete any necessary forms relating to the
management of illness or injury.
Cabonne Family Day Care has the following policies in relation to childhood illness that are
available upon request at your educator’s home or from the service:
Cabonne/Blayney Family Day Care Parent Handbook
14 | P a g e Form Number: P/29
• Accident, Injury, Trauma, and Illness
• Infectious Diseases
• Medical Conditions including Asthma, Anaphylaxis and Diabetes
Key points for families are:
• All educators have current First Aid Qualifications.
• All educators have a fully stocked First Aid Kit.
• Children with an illness (where the illness is contagious or where the illness prevents the
child from participating in the day to day program of activities) must not attend the
education and care service
• The service must be closed if an educator, or any other member of an educator’s family,
suffers from an illness.
• Where a child suffers a long-term medical condition (e.g. Asthma, Anaphylaxis), the parent
must provide a Management Plan written by a doctor and a Risk Minimisation Plan,
completed by family and educator, prior to the child commencing care with the service.
• Parents are responsible to update information to the educator in relation to their child's
health when necessary.
• Authorisation to administer medication must be obtained (written form) prior to an educator
administering medication.
• Parents will be notified immediately if their child becomes ill or suffers any incident or
trauma whilst in care.
• All Incidents, injuries, traumas, and illnesses are recorded, signed by the educator and
parent, and retained on the child's file.
What happens in an emergency?
If a serious incident, injury, trauma, or illness occurs the educator will:
• Administer emergency first aid, including administering any asthma medication or Epipen
treatment for children who have a Management Plan
• Contact 000 or relevant emergency service
• Contact the service
• The service or educator will inform the family
• If required, service staff will assist in the care of all other children to allow the educator to
travel by ambulance with the child.
• In the case of an emergency the educator can gain the assistance of any other responsible
adult over the age of 18 years until Coordination Unit staff can arrive.
Parents are advised to obtain Ambulance Transport Insurance as the service will not cover the
cost of transporting children for medical or dental emergencies.
Immunisations
It is a requirement that child attending Cabonne/Blayney Family Day Care are fully immunised for
their age. The Principle office requires Australian Immunisation Register History Statements after
each immunisation. If a child has not be immunised within 2 months of the due date or because of
their parent’s vaccine conscientious beliefs, their enrolments will be suspended or cancelled.
Cabonne/Blayney Family Day Care Parent Handbook
15 | P a g e Form Number: P/29
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my educator is unable to care for my child?
Your educator will let you know as soon as possible if care is unavailable. The educator will also
ask you if you require an alternative educator for that day (or period of leave). Educators have
emergency telephone access to the Coordinator after hours. The Principle Office will find an
alternate educator for your child, where possible.
Who do I pay if I use an alternate educator for my child?
Educators are not paid when their service is unavailable, therefore you would pay the alternate
educator. Please note that each educator has a different fee schedule so your fees may vary at
the alternate educators.
Do I pay fees when my educator takes leave?
No, educators cannot charge for any period when their service is unavailable (this includes partial
days e.g. if your educator finishes earlier in the afternoon than usual).
Do I pay fees when my child does not attend due to illness, public holidays, or family
holiday?
Yes, fees are still payable when your child is absent for any reason.
Who can I talk to if I have concerns about my educator or the service?
Cabonne Family Day Care encourages open communication between educators and parents,
however, if you have any concerns beyond that you may contact the Principle Office or
Coordinator on (02) 6392 3219.
If you have concerns regarding the Principle Office you can contact Cabonne Council on (02) 6392
3200 and ask for the Department Leader of Community Services. If you have serious concerns
regarding the management of the service you can contact Department of Education.
Useful Websites
Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority - www.acecqa.gov.au
Department of Education and Communities - www.dec.nsw.edu.au
Australian Government Department of Education - www.education.gov.au
NSW Family Day Care Association - www.nswfdc.org.au
Family Day Care Australia - www.fdca.com.au
Raising Children Network www.raisingchildren.net.au
Australian Family www.australianfamily.com.au
Department of Human Services - My Child www.mychild.gov.au
Cabonne/Blayney Family Day Care Parent Handbook
16 | P a g e Form Number: P/29
What Parents Say
"Our educator knows my children very well and knows all their interests, strengths, and areas that
need growth. Documentation is available upon request. We particularly love the Facebook
statuses as it gives us a glimpse of their day that I can read and discuss with the children"
"The girls at Cabonne/Blayney Family Day Care are great to deal with and are very helpful finding
care for my son. Our educator is a god sent. She is always helpful, listens and takes great care of
our boy. We can't thank her enough"
"Our educator is lovely towards children. I love that my little boy, who is very hesitant to go to
anyone but me goes straight to her happily"
"Cabonne/Blayney Family Day Care is a great system, we love our educator, and our kids are
happy when they are there with her! We would definitely recommend to other parents!"
"Our educator's interactions with the children are fantastic. She is educational, while also being
creative. My son adores her and loves his day care days"
"Our educator has a wonderful relationship with us all and is very open and responsive at all
times"
"I am always informed on what’s happening within the organisation. I have always found the
service professional including the interview and have an open relationship with all involved"
“I found the parent interview very important and great insight into the values of the service. I have
heard many great feedback on this as I hear many other family day care organisations aren’t very
personal. I loved Cabonne/Blayney Family Day Care for their interaction and personal touch. Very
helpful and informative"
"Our educator is kind, informative and caring. She takes an active role in children's development”
Cabonne/Blayney Family Day Care Parent Handbook
17 | P a g e Form Number: P/29
Contact Details
Cabonne Family Day Care
Phone: 02 6392 3219
Fax: 02 6392 3260
Email: [email protected]
Rachael Geddes (Coordinator): 02 6392 3277
Jacinta McMullen (Support Coordinator): 02 6392 3279
Georgia Chilcott (Administration Officer): 02 6392 3219
Cabonne Council
Phone: 02 6392 3200
Fax: 02 6392 3260
Email: [email protected]