Important Information
What Children Need to Bring
- Please label everything your child brings to preschool.
- A backpack or bag (no plastic bags please).
- A broad-brimmed hat or legionnaire cap. Preschool hats are available for $20 at the office.
- Lunch. The preschool encourages healthy eating. Lunch must meet current standards and recommendations in relation to nutritional requirements (see details on back page).
- The preschool is a Nut Free Zone, please do not send your child with any nuts or nut products.
- A refillable water bottle with screw cap or cover over the top is recommended.
- Rest time bedding is required if children require an afternoon nap. A fitted cot sheet is ideal. This is a requirement of our regulations. A second sheet and small cushion are optional. Items should be named and stored in a fabric bag or pillow case.
- Children should wear sensible clothing. Messy activities are part of the programme. Please do not dress your child in party or good clothes. The preschool practices skin protective behaviour. A top with collar and a minimum of short sleeves is required, no singlet tops please. Shirts and hoodies are for sale at the office. Children need to be able to manage their clothes unaided. Overalls, braces and belts are discouraged. Remember safety: no thongs, clogs, slippers, ugg boots, shoes without tread or platform shoes. Wearing jewellery is discouraged.
No Pay—No Stay
If your account is not up to date, your child may not be able to attend and may lose their spot. If you have trouble paying fees, please talk to the Director to organise a Payment Plan.
Absences
Children suffering infectious illnesses must not attend preschool. We have a list of diseases and exclusion periods which you may look at, or phone us about, if you require more information. Please notify the preschool if your child contracts an infectious disease. If your child is unable to attend due to illness, family holidays etc please let the staff know. Fees must be paid if the child is absent, as the vacancy in the group is reserved for your child.
The most common exclusion is 24 hours from the last time a child has vomited.
Notice of Withdrawal
To terminate a child’s enrolment, at least 2 weeks term time notice must be given at the office. Failure to do this will mean that parents are liable for 2 weeks fees. If a child fails to attend for 2 weeks without notifying staff, their position may be given away.
Sunscreen
The preschool provides sunscreen and will ensure that children have 50+ water resistant, 3 hour sunscreen applied every 3 hours if going outdoors.
Photographs and Videos
Staff take photos and videos of children doing activities each day. Photographs are used in children’s individual profiles and are displayed on the Smartboard and Daily Journal. These photos are not distributed and are only viewed by parents and children. Videos are used in a similar way, but are also shared with additional needs workers if required.
Website and Facebook
The preschool maintains both of these social media. We welcome parents to gain immediate access to information about the preschool by liking our Facebook page—Gunnedah Preschool.
Excursions
Children are taken on various excursions during the year. A general excursion permission note for the year is provided in the enrolment form to be signed by parents. Parent helpers are required on most excursions, so please volunteer.
Allergies
Please ensure you inform staff, as well as noting on your child’s enrolment form, if they suffer from any allergy.
Medication & Illness
There are strict regulations governing what medication staff can give to preschool children and how they can give it. If your child requires medication please see a staff member. Medicines are never to be left in a child’s bag (including asthma puffers). The preschool is not able to care for sick children. Please take time to read 3.26 Illness, Injury, Accident & Medical Emergency policy.
Additional Needs
Children with additional needs are welcomed at the preschool, however time must be taken to ensure that appropriate and adequate supports are in place. Staff is well trained to provide additional assistance with children’s developmental needs.
Birthday Cakes
We encourage parents to send cupcakes (or a cake for staff to cut) to preschool for their child’s birthday. The cakes are shared with all of the children who attend that day. Children with allergies will have their own frozen cupcakes but it is great if you are aware of any allergy alerts when bringing in cakes.
Occasional Care
Enrolled children may attend an extra or occasional care day. You will need to ask at the office to make sure a vacancy exists on the day you require. Occasional care is charged according to the fee policy and the number of days your child attends.
Assessment of Children
Staff continually assess children and records are kept on each individual’s progress. If additional assistance is sought by professionals outside preschool, parents are approached before the assistance is sought.
Parent Participation
There is no compulsory parent roster. Parents are encouraged to visit the preschool as often as they like. If you have a particular skill, talent or interest e.g. craft activity or play a musical instrument, please share it with us. You may choose to assist with excursions. Your contribution to the children’s programme, policy/QIP development, board of management and service direction are also welcomed.
Reverse Garbage
The Preschool would love your egg cartons, wool, string, material scraps, match boxes, polystyrene trays, magazines, ice cream, yoghurt, milk, cardboard cartons etc, so please save them up and bring them in.
Security Items
These are welcome at preschool, especially for rest time. Parents will need to ensure that the child takes the item home with them, as staff cannot be held responsible.
Toilet Training
Children do not need to be toilet trained. The preschool has nappy change facilities and are able to toilet train children.