FAQ
Q. WHAT IS A TYPICAL DAY AT THE VILLAGE?
A. Please click here to view our daily routine.
Q. WHAT TO BRING EACH DAY?
A.
Spare set of clothes including socks and underwear (size and season appropriate) and bed sheets
Bag to carry things – small enough to fit in your child’s locker
Hat with a brim
Comfortable shoes that support the foot e.g with laces, buckles, or velcro. Thongs and slide-on shoes are difficult for children to run and climb in and are not recommended. In the warmer months children may go barefoot at times
Lunch and a drink bottle with water only
Please make sure all your child’s belongings are clearly labelled
Q. WHAT TO DO ON ARRIVAL?
A.
Sign your child in on arrival and out on departure
Read the communication diary in the sign in area. You can record any messages to staff in the communication diary
Assist your child to apply sunscreen
Ensure your child places their sheet bag in the sheet basket
Please provide a healthy lunch in a small container or paper bag (clearly labelled) and ensure your child places it in the fridge
Ensure your child places their drink bottle (water only and clearly labelled) in the drink bottle container
Check your child’s communication file for notices, forms, newsletters and information
We only administer medication prescribed by a doctor or supplied with a letter from your doctor. Please inform a staff member if your child requires medication and they will ask you to fill out a Medication Form which must be signed at the end of the day to acknowledge that medication has been administered. Please refer to the Medication Policy.
Q. HOW LONG SHOULD I STAY IN THE MORNING?
A. When settling your child at preschool it is beneficial to develop a goodbye ritual. We encourage you to let your child know before hand what this ritual will be. For example: You may want to read one book, do a puzzle, water a plant and then agree to say goodbye. When you say goodbye it’s important that you leave, even if your child appears upset. The teacher will settle your child at an activity and provide cuddles! Please arrive by 9am as we believe this will assist your child to transition. We want our service to be a place where parents can have a chat, however we ask that this is done in the front garden to avoid the room being crowded and children getting upset.
Q. HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CHILD IS READY FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL AND HOW DO YOU PREPARE CHILDREN FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL?
A. The Village provides a program that prepares children for a smooth transition to school. We work in conjunction with local primary schools to ensure all expectations are met. Determining school readiness is based on a number of factors and outcomes being met, based on the early years learning framework and the NSW school curriculum. We will have a number of parent/teacher meeting in the year to set goals and talk about how your child is tracking. This will allow an opportunity for shared decision making, goal setting and anything else you would like to share.
Q. WHAT TYPE OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM DO YOU PROVIDE?
A. We incorporate children’s interests, milestones, developmental outcomes, family goals and teacher initiated experiences. Teachers and children act as co-constructors of learning and meaning. Individual portfolios, reflections of the day, documentation and displays of the children’s discoveries and work will enable you to see what we are focusing on. We will always have a program displayed so you can talk to your children about what they are doing at preschool and share your thoughts and ideas. Please see our program and philosophy page for more information.
Q.DO YOU TEACH THE PRESCHOOL CHILDREN HOW TO READ AND WRITE?
A. We provide your child with the opportunity to develop all the skills needed to start reading and writing. The preschool room does not provide formal lessons in the way that a school does. We have a clear understanding of the NSW Primary School Curriculum and know what is expected of children when entering school. Our environment is full of opportunities and resources for children to make meaning at their own pace. This includes:
Name cards
Labelled belongings
Labelling their own work
Phonics program
Documentation displayed
Signing themselves in
Letter recognition
Games and group times
Creative expression
Resources to encourage grip for writing
Q. WHAT IS YOUR POLICY ON BEHAVIOUR GUIDANCE?
A. Children are respected as active contributors to our community. We implement an approach that allows children to learn their reciprocal rights and responsibilities in society. We set clear and firm expectations that are age appropriate. We encourage positive behaviour through guidance and role modelling while children learn to interact with their friends, solve conflict, negotiate and collaborate with others.
Q. WHAT IF I WANT TO DISCUSS SOMETHING ABOUT MY CHILD?
A. We encourage open communication with families and carers and will always be available for a discussion at drop off and pick up. We are also happy to make a time for a meeting.
Q. DO I NEED TO LET THE EDUCATORS KNOW IF MY CHILD IS SICK?
A. Yes, a quick phone call is appreciated. Please let us know what your child has so we can keep an eye on contagious illnesses to safeguard all children and provide information to families.
Q. WHAT HAPPENS IF MY CHILD IS SICK OR HAS A TEMPERATURE AT THE CENTRE?
A. We will contact you and you will need to collect your child. We are guided by the Staying Healthy in Childcare Handbook for exclusion periods.
Q. I DON’T KNOW ANYONE IN THE AREA. ARE THERE WAYS TO MAKE CONNECTIONS WITH OTHER FAMILIES?
A. With the family’s permission, we distribute a list of names and phone numbers for each room group. This will be part of the parent enrolment pack. We encourage all families to have play dates and will have social events throughout the year. We also have an open door policy and invite families into the centre to be part of our day when they can.
Q.WHAT TYPE OF FOOD SHOULD I PACK FOR MY CHILD?
A. Healthy food that is prepared at home is the best. We try to be as waste free as possible so we ask that you minimise packaged food in your child’s lunchbox.
Here is the link to the Healthy Kids government site.
Q.WHY CAN’T MY CHILD BRING NUTS AND PRE-PACKAGED FOOD?
A. We are a nut-free zone. Some children suffer from anaphylaxis as a result of contact with certain type of foods containing nuts or nut products. We ask that you avoid pre-packaged foods to assist us with this and work towards a zero waste environment.
Q. WHAT DO I DO IF I NEED SOMEONE ELSE TO PICK MY CHILD UP?
A. You need to make sure that you have listed the person on the collection authority form. You should also phone the teachers on the day or write a note in the communication diary. Please advise the person collecting your child that they will be asked to provide ID.