Your First Day
We are so pleased you have decided to join us. The initial settling in period can be a bit daunting for both you and your child, so we’ve created this simple guide to help you. Please feel free to ask the teachers or myself if you have any questions.
What to bring each day
In a school bag please pack:
- 2 x sets of spare clothes (named)
- A sunhat / warm hat (depending on the season)
- Nappies if required
- A lunch box containing enough healthy food to last your child for the day and a drink bottle with water only. Please ask us for lunch box ideas. Please ensure NO NUT PRODUCTS are sent in children’s lunch boxes as we have children that are severely allergic. Thank you.
Please leave special toys at home as they can get lost or damaged.
What to do on your child’s first day
On your first day please come and see me so we can settle you into the centre, show you where things go and explain what the procedures are.
What to do in the morning
- Complete the sign in sheet and scan your child’s name on the bar code located by the kitchen area.
- Hang bag away on a hook located in the area next to parent pockets.
- If your child needs medicine, fill out a medication form (located on the board in the kitchen) and give the named medicine to a teacher. Please do not leave medication in your children’s bag or on counter in office area. This is a safety hazard.
- Place lunch box on the trolley next to the water cooler.
- Settle your child by either engaging them in an activity or approaching a teacher. Remember that initially it’s helpful for you to stay a short while to help your child settle and for you to get to know their teachers.
- To help with the initial separation it’s best to say something like, “Bye, I’ll be back this afternoon” rather than leave unnoticed. Please feel free to discuss the separation process with me or the Head Teacher if you are unsure at this time.
What to do in the afternoon
- Complete the sign out sheet and scan your child’s name
- Collect your child’s bag, lunch box and other belongings
- See a teacher to collect medicine (if applicable)
- Check daily notices and day’s activities board located above parent pockets
- Check your parent pocket for any notices or invoices
- If you wish, have a quick chat with a teacher to find out more about your child’s day
- Find your child in the mat room– if they haven’t come out and found you already!
Special Achievement Journals and our Policies
- Your child has a Special Achievement Journal / Portfolio which chronicles their achievements and learning stories. We encourage you to review and contribute to it on a regular basis. Please ask me or any of our teachers how you can contribute. The Journals / Portfolios are kept on the rack by the sign in desk.
- All of our policies are kept in the Policy Folder which is located on the kitchen bench. You are welcome to view these at any time.
Daily Flexible Routines
8.45-10.15am: Inside and outside activities
9.15am: Extension group with older children
10.15am: Music and movement / discussion time
10.30am: Morning tea
10.50am: Inside and outside time
12.30pm: Lunch
1.15pm: Letterland Learning time and inside / outside activities
2.45pm: Tidy up then quiet time in mat room while waiting for parents to arrive.
Programming
You will often hear us talk about ‘programming’ and see displays up on the walls. Programming is the focus of children’s learning and is based on the needs and interests of individual children or groups of children.
For example, some of our children may develop an interest in aspects of nature. So we support and guide the children’s learning around this by doing research, doing a “show and tell” with nature items from home and we’ll go and explore in the garden etc.
Additionally, we encourage you to get involved and help continue this learning at home. To find out more feel free to talk to me or any of our teachers.
Remember…
We encourage you to call and check on your child. We understand that it’s hard for parents to leave their child with us for the first few times, and often it’s more upsetting for the parents than the child! So please feel free to call us as often as you need.
We also realise that the initial settling in period can be hard on some children. Don’t worry; our teachers will keep a close eye on your child and will always be there with lots of cuddles for them.
And finally…
Welcome! We look forward to working with you to help your child develop, grow, learn, laugh and make friends.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to talk to me.
Kind regards,
Mandy Hope,
Centre Manager