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)
- Pre-prepared bottles of formula (named) if your child is under 2 years old
- Nappies if required
- A comforter if required
- A lunch box containing enough healthy food to last your child for the day
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 or my 2IC so we can help re-orientate you to the centre, show you where things go, and let you know what the procedures are etc.
What to do in the morning
- Complete the sign in sheet located in the main room
- Scan your child’s name on the bar code sheet located in the main room
- Put bag away – your child’s locker or bag hook will have their name on it and is located in the main room
- If your child needs medicine, fill out a medication form (located in the Medication Form Folder which is kept in the kitchen) and place the named medicine in the fridge.
- Place nappies on the shelf in the bathroom
- Place pre-prepared formula bottles in the fridge in the kitchen – please ensure they’re named
- Place their lunch box on the bench in the kitchen
- Settle your child into the room by either engaging them in an activity or approaching a teacher. Don’t forget 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 in your child’s room if you are unsure at this time
What to do in the afternoon
- Complete the sign out sheet
- Scan your child’s name on the bar code sheet
- Collect your child’s bag and any belongings that may have slipped out
- Collect formula bottles and medicine (if applicable) and their lunch box
- Check daily notices and day’s activities board located in the session room. If your child is under 2 check their daily diary to see when they slept, when they had a bottle etc.
- 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 – if they haven’t 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 in on the shelf in the main room.
- All of our policies are kept in the Policy Folder which is located in the cupboard under the sign in desk.. You are welcome to view these at any time.
Routine
7.30am               Centre opens, children settle in
9.15am               Play and learning
9.50am               Whariki (mat) time – all children
10.00am             Morning tea
10.20am             Play and learning
11.00am             Extension session for 4 year old children
11.50am             Whariki (mat) time
12.00pm             Lunch
12.20pm             Play and learning
2.30pm               Whariki (mat) time
2.45pm               Afternoon tea
4.50pm               Late snack
5.30pm               Centre closes
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.
Don’t forget…
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,
Myone Raynbird
Acting Centre Manager