A Typical Day at the Centre

This routine is flexible and will change according to the weather and the children’s interests and responses.

Morning

  • Greeting and settling in
  • Indoor/Outdoor free play and activities
  • Morning tea
  • Group learning experiences

Lunch

At meal times children are encouraged to be as independent as possible in a relaxed, social atmosphere.

Afternoon

  • Sleep or quiet time
  • Indoor/Outdoor play and activities
  • Afternoon tea
  • Group learning experiences
  • Indoor/Outdoor play and activities

Evening

  • Stories
  • Quiet time

Rooms

Educators in each of our three rooms plan an educational program of learning experiences based on children’s current knowledge, ideas, culture, abilities and interests. Written programs are on display in each room and/or are available on the Centre’s blog.

Each room in the Centre has a desired age group. Movement between rooms occurs when the children leave the Centre, creating space for children in other rooms or from the waiting list. Should a vacancy become available, educators consider indicators such as the age, ability and maturity of children who might be ready to move from one room into another.

Nippers Room

0-2 year olds

We believe children in the Nippers Room should feel relaxed and happy in a trusting, warm and friendly environment. We endeavour to be consistent with all children, allowing them to progress developmentally in a secure setting. Our particular aims are to encourage children’s independence and to provide support and information to parents.

Adventure Playroom

2-3 year olds

In the Adventure Playroom staff aim to create an atmosphere that promotes happiness, security and respect for others. Staff like to provide a balance between independence and security by having specific limits at times and allowing freedom to make choices at other times. In this way, children have a foundation from which to grow in all areas of development.

Magic Room

3-5 year olds

In the Magic Room children will…
  • Play, learn and grow together
  • Listen, question and theorise
  • Wonder and explore
  • Dig into kindness
  • Imagine and create to make their ‘ideas’ real
  • Make mistakes and solve problems
  • Care for our community and environment
  • Be fair, responsible and respect rights
  • Express themselves and be themselves.

When leaving your child we suggest the following:

  • To ensure your child settles in, spend a little time to make them feel comfortable and happy before you leave.
  • Don’t leave without saying goodbye directly to your child.
  • Don’t try to discourage tears; let your child express their feelings.
  • Always tell you child that you will return.
  • On returning say, ‘I came back’, letting your child know they will not be abandoned.
  • Say goodbye cheerfully and lovingly but never cling, however hard it is to let go.
  • Talk to staff about anything you feel may be helpful to them while caring for your child (for example a bad sleep the night before).

When collecting your child we suggest the following:

  • To assist staff, be on time to collect your child and notify staff of any expected delay.
  • Feel free to talk to staff about what your child did that day – children like you to take an interest.
  • It’s important that artwork is valued and appreciated. Therefore we suggest that when taken home, artwork is displayed for a while and any special pieces placed in a scrap book.

Things to Remember

  • Sign the book when you leave your child and sign out when you pick up your child.
  • Medicines should be handed to staff and parents should sign the ‘Medicine Book’, making sure to include details on timing and dosage.
  • Please inform staff if your contact number for the day is different from the number on your enrolment form or if there is any change to the time or person who will pick up your child.
  • Check your ‘pocket’ for receipts, notices and information.
  • Read notice boards for current information about meetings, discussions and other activities happening both within and outside the Centre.
  • Feel free to ring the Centre at any time concerning your child’s wellbeing.
  • Try to make your morning goodbyes “short & sweet” – a loving but matter-of-fact goodbye that gives simple but clear information about when you will return seems to be most helpful for young children. You are most welcome to spend as much time as you like at the Centre before leaving at the end of the day.
  • We take a flexible approach to ‘settling in’ new children so that the needs of children and parents are recognised and met.