Orientation Visits
Orientation visits serve as valuable opportunities for parents and children to spend brief periods in the center, fostering familiarity with the environment and staff before the official commencement of day care placement. Parents are required to stay within the building during these visits, organized by the Coordinator.
These visits allow children to engage in activities, interact with staff and peers, and become acquainted with their surroundings. Acquiring familiarity with the center during these visits can alleviate any feelings of anxiety when the time comes to leave your child on their first day of care.
Family Grouping Times
Family grouping refers to designated time frames when children of all ages come together. Typically, these periods occur between 7.30am to 8.15am and 4:30pm to 6:00pm at this center, usually at the beginning and end of each day to accommodate reduced staff-to-child ratios.
During family grouping, younger children have the opportunity to learn from older peers, fostering a sense of empathy in older children, particularly beneficial when new siblings join the group.
What Do I Need to Bring?
All items must be labeled with your child's name. The center is not responsible for any lost items. Please ensure your child brings the following:
- A complete change of clothes
- A dummy if required, labeled and in a sealed container
- A soft toy for comfort if needed
- A separate bag with one fitted cot sheet and a blanket (no plastic bags), all labeled
- A labeled sunhat to remain at the creche
- A labeled water bottle, which will be taken home weekly and cleaned
- A happy smile to start the fun day
The center provides a wide range of educational toys and equipment. It is discouraged for children to bring personal toys, especially inappropriate ones, as they may lead to conflicts. If personal toys are brought to the center, the center will not be held responsible for any loss or damage.
Clothing
Children should be dressed in clothing suitable for day care, ensuring comfort, weather appropriateness, and freedom for various activities. Messy activities are part of their development, and smocks are provided. However, smocks do not guarantee cleanliness, so parents should dress children accordingly.
Outdoor play is crucial, and parents are required to provide coats for cool weather and a labeled sunhat that stays at the creche at all times. Footwear should be suitable for both indoor and outdoor play, easily removable, and safe.
All clothing items must be labeled. The center will not take responsibility for unlabeled lost clothing. Parents should provide an adequate supply of spare clothing in their child's bag, especially if toilet training. The center keeps emergency spare clothing, and if used, parents should launder and return them promptly. Unclaimed items in the lost property basket for over a month will be considered spare clothes or donated to charity.
Talking with Your Child About Their Day
Children might find it challenging to respond to broad questions like "How was your day?" or "What did you do today?" To facilitate communication, parents are encouraged to ask specific questions such as "Who did you play with today?" or "Did you sing any songs today?" These focused queries initiate conversation and help the child share details about their day.