Families seeking quality care for children are encouraged to consider what the best questions to ask are and what to look for in an Accredited child care service.
When choosing child care it is important to look at how carers and staff interact with the children and whether the atmosphere is warm, friendly and welcoming.
Am I welcome to visit my child at any time?
Of course! We have an open door policy that invites families to the centre at any time. Many of our parents work within the Norwest Business Park and visit their children throughout the day.
Is my child made to feel welcome?
Every morning your child is greeted by one of our friendly staff, and make to feel welcome, loved and settled.
Are family members encouraged to participate in activities?
Absolutely! We actively seek input from all of our families in a number of ways. You can come in at any time of the day and take part in our activities, you can book in a ‘special time’ to come to the centre to share your skills and talents, (can you play an instrument? Do you have time to read a story?). In addition, our program is based on our children’s interests, so we love to hear from our families any stories of what they’re enjoying at the moment, and suggestions for programmed activities!
Is information shared between the staff, carers and families?
Every single day we share information between staff, carers and families. We communicate informally, when you come in the mornings or evenings, as well as phone calls if required throughout the day.
For younger children we have daily sheets that families use to communicate with us, and we communicate with them. We also have ‘day books’ for the children, to communicate with families all of the exciting activities the children get up to during the day. We have a daily ‘photo display’ – we take around 100 photos of the children each day, and display them in each room so that you can see what they’ve been discovering throughout the day.
Throughout the year, teachers create ‘portfolios’ which you are welcome to review (and give us input and feedback!!) at any time, and take home as a ‘keep sake’ at the end of the year.
Is information readily available about the child care service's policies?
Yes, when you start at the centre you will be given our Parent Handbook. This outlines the basic policies of the centre. In addition we have a comprehensive Parent Policy Manual in our foyer at all times, and we invite all families to read and review the policies.
Are families informed about proposed changes to policies?
Policies are continually being reviewed by our families and staff to ensure that we are keeping up to date with ‘best practice’ in the child care industry, and reflecting the changing needs of our families. Prior to any changes, a draft is displayed in the foyer, with parents invited to add comments and suggestions. Once a final copy is made, this is communicated to families via newsletters. You are welcome to attend our Parent and Carers Interest Group meetings to raise concerns about particular policies you believe need review.
Is there a planned program of day to day activities for my child?
Yes, whilst our program is an ‘interest-based’ – emergent one, thorough planning and thought go into each activity. Displayed in the room are the planned indoor and outdoor activities for the children. This is then reflected each day in our “Day Books” - which are displayed for parents to read each evening.
Am I encouraged to talk to staff or carers about the program/s offered?
Yes, we encourage families to provide as much feedback on our programs as possible (see next point). Feedback and input can be given in a variety of formats, including (but not limited to); wiriting in the parent input / suggestions section of the day books, feedback via portfolios, informal discussions with staff and communications sheets.
Do the activities interest my child?
Definitely! All the planned activities and experiences are based directly on the individual interests of the children. Staff observe the children carefully, speak with them and communicate with families in order to find out what each child is really fascinated about. In this way, children are more interested in what they are learning as the subject matter is something that they are already curious about.
Will my child have opportunities for self expression, self direction and self discipline?
We encourage independence with the children in our care from an early age. They have many opportunities to guide the program through personal interests which they can share from home. Self expression is encouraged through open-ended activities and an emphasis on the process rather than the product. At any time of day there are a variety of activities for your children to choose from. The children are involved with setting appropriate room rules and developing fair consequences.
Are meal or snack times pleasant?
Yes, we have a designated dining area where most children eat their lunch, which allows the children to spend a relaxed and enjoyable meal time together without worrying about the space being needed for other activities. Meal times are viewed as a social event and children and staff sit together and enjoy the wonderful food that is prepared by our fantastic chef, Michele.
Will my child’s individual needs be met?
Of course! We have a commitment to caring for all children’s individual needs and we do this through an individualized program, and care, for each child. Portfolios are kept on the children, which provide families with detailed information on how their child is developing throughout the year. Parents are encouraged to communicate both formally and informally with staff about their child’s changing needs, staff then modify their routines, programs etc to meet the needs of all of our children.
Are there opportunities for my child to become familiar with the broader community?
Yes, we offer a range of experiences whereby the children have contact with the broader community, including a variety of excursions and incursions (where someone comes to us) throughout the year. Periodically throughout the year we will invite local community agencies into the centre to talk with the children. This may include the fire brigade, police or petting zoo. Other ‘internal’ excursions have included community organisations such as Wildlife Rescue Services and Multicultural Story tellers. We also take the children off-site to local, relevant places of interest for the children, eg local shops, looking at a construction site etc. In addition, our families are encouraged to spend time with the children in groups – for example reading stories, singing songs, playing instruments, doing cooking experiences. Our children are fascinated by the new experiences our families and the community can offer.
Are the children encouraged to explore and take on new challenges?
Yes, while all experiences are age appropriate, we aim to provide a program that constantly stimulates and excites the children by allowing them to try new things, learn new skills and investigate subjects that interest them. As the program is based on children’s interests, they are constantly learning about new and different topics. Staff ‘scaffold’ experiences – by observing what the children are doing, and consider how to extend and develop these activities, in ways that encourage the child to tackle a new challenge, or learn a new skill.
Are the equipment and play spaces safe for children?
We are extremely vigilant in ensuring that our equipment and the environment in general, are constantly safe for children. We have daily checks of the playground and indoor spaces and we remove or fix and hazards immediately. All of our equipment is safety certified, and configured in ways to avoid potential risks.
Are there clear procedures for raising any concerns I may have?
Yes, parents are welcome to talk to Room Leaders, the Director or the Licensee at any time when they have an issue or concern. The step by step procedures are clearly identified in our parent handbook, which is given to each family upon enrolment.
Back to Top
