Clic
PARENT INFORMATION
CELCI Mission Statement:
“Children have the right to reach their full potential, feel they belong in this place and believe in themselves.”
53 Monaghan Street, Cromwell
03 4450095
celci@xtra.co.nz
www.cromwellearlylearningcentre.co.nz
Facebook: www.facebook.com/@celci
CONTENTS
Welcome to Cromwell Early Learning Centre
Our Philosophy 3
Environment and Programme 4
Parent Involvement 5
Hours
Operating Hours 5
Holiday Closures 5
Starting at Cromwell Early Learning Centre
Visiting 6
Enrolment 6
What to Bring 6
Arrival Procedures 7
Saying Good-Bye 7
Health and Well-being
Immunisation Register 8
Vision and Hearing Tests 8
Dental Nurse Visits 8
Illness 8
Accidents 9
Administering Medication 9
Emergency Procedures 9
Keeping you informed and involved
Communicating with Families 10
Daily and Weekly Information 10
Newsletters 10
Children’s Profiles 10
Planned Reviews and Consultation 10
Policy Folder 10
Parent Library 11
Parent Committee and Family Events 11
Communication and Complaints Procedure 11
Ways You Can Help Us With Your Child 12
Fees and Accounts
Payment and Account Information 13
Fee Schedule 13
20 Hours ECE for Free 14
Childcare Subsidy/WINZ 14
Notification of Withdrawals 14
Absences 14
Welcome to Cromwell Early Learning Centre
Cromwell Early Learning Centre provides quality care and education for children aged from 2 to 6 years old and is a not for profit, incorporated society. A Governance Committee plays a key role in overseeing the preschool’s purpose is met and guiding the future direction of CELCI.
This information booklet is designed to introduce your family/whanau to the centre, and includes essential information about our Centre. We welcome your feedback on any topic or issue.
Our Purpose
For children to build relationships, be happy, and learn!
Our Vision
A sense of wonder is nurtured; relationships are central, and a belief in never ending possibilities
Relationships – Ngâ Honanga
Gaining a sense of belonging and ownership through reciprocal and positive relationships
Curriculum priorities (Belonging/Mana whenua)
Collaboration, integrity, community connections
Respect – Holistic development/Kotahitanga
Thinking and acting in a positive way towards ourselves, others and the environment
Curriculum priorities: (Wellbeing/Mana Atua)
Manners, honesty, gratitude, compassion, kindness & listening skills, promoting care takers of our living world
Inquiry/Thinking – Holistic development/Kotahitanga
Life- long learners, promoting creativity, critical, logical and abstract thinking through play
Curriculum priorities: (Exploration/Mana Aotûroa)
Participation, oral communication & questioning, exploration, investigation, reflection, ako approach – following children’s interests, exploring key curriculum areas.
Resilience/Independence – Empowerment/Whakamana
Attributes and dispositions to support life’s transitions – to be confident to be yourself
Curriculum priorities: (Contribution/Mana Tangata)
Emotional robustness, self regulating, coping with change, taking risks, accepting failure
Culture: Family and community/Whânau tangata
Honouring the unique place of Mâori and Tangata whenua with a commitment to Te Tiriti O Waitangi. Children’s unique cultures are celebrated, promoted and acknowledged
Curriculum priorities: (Communication/Mana reo)
Celebrating difference & diversity, exploring uniqueness, honouring past, present and future, Te reo & Tikanga
Environment and Programme:
Cromwell Early Learning Centre prides itself on quality education. Our Centre has fully qualified teachers, and staff in training who all participate in professional development
We provide a positive, warm and inviting environment that caters for all the needs of the children and their families. Our safe, stimulating and challenging environment caters for children’s holistic development. We encourage children to problem-solve, be self-confident and self-motivated while respecting each other and the environment.
The teachers are continually observing the children to find their strengths and interests. Once an area has been identified, the teachers plan activities to further extend their interest and knowledge.
Whaariki time is shared time that allows all the tamariki to gather together. Our centre believes these types of gatherings are essential to developing the skills, concentration and abilities required to have an effective transition to the next level of education.
A sleep room is provided with child stretchers for children who would like to sleep. This is monitored at regular intervals.
The tamariki are encouraged to return equipment to where it belongs and tidy up their own workspace. We have a tidy up time before the end of each session. We work with children as they develop skills in positive conflict resolution and looking to share and teach strategies for dealing with conflict as it arises.
A transition to school programme in conjunction with 'Sky Bridge' at Cromwell Primary runs every Tuesday afternoon for our eldest children. This provides the children with an understanding of school routines and expectations before they begin their formal visits. Teachers liaise with new entrant teachers from both of our local primary schools endeavoring to make our children's transitions positive.
Each Thursday afternoon, we hold our Adventurer’s Programme. This is where our ten eldest children, along with their teachers, go out into the beautiful Central Otago region to explore and learn in nature. The aim of this programme is to investigate, discover, explore and foster a love and awareness of nature. We help children to develop respect and a sense of responsibility for the well-being of both the living and the non-living environment. They will receive instruction in survival skills and learn self-help skills along with ways to support and care for each other.
On occasion the children will be taken on small excursions out of the Centre, including visiting the Old Cromwell town, local playgrounds and Care and Friendship. Approval for these is to be given on enrolment.
Parent Involvement:
Family/Whanau involvement is valued as a vital part in children’s preschool education. We operate an open door policy and appreciate your participation at the Cromwell Early Learning Centre.
Parent helpers are an essential part of our sessions and philosophy. We welcome your contributions to our curriculum and invite you to participate and extend the learning opportunities for children (especially around our current learning inquiry – that is displayed in the foyer area). We also have a list of “Jobs to do” On the fridge in the kitchen if you would like to help out in this way – these can be done with the children.
Cromwell Early Learning Centre relies on fundraising efforts and help from parents such as occasional working bees. We aim to have at least one fundraising event and one working bee per term.
Our Hours
Operating Hours:
8.00 am – 5.00 pm (Monday to Friday)
Holiday Closures:
CELCI is closed for statutory holidays and for Christmas. We close for 3 weeks over the Christmas period (dates to be advised each year).
Starting at Cromwell Early Learning Centre
Visiting:
Families, whanau and caregivers are always welcome to visit the preschool prior to enrolment.
It is helpful to phone first so an appropriate time for a visit can be made. In order to make the transition to the preschool as smooth as possible, we invite you to stay with your child for as long as it takes to settle. Below is some advice on getting prepared for preschool.
Key Teachers:
Your child will have a “key teacher” when they begin. This teacher will help support you with the transition of settling your child into celci and ensuring that you have a person to talk to that understands your aspirations and supports developing strong connections from home to here. They will also discuss your child’s individual planning and assessment and develop their learning pathways with you.
Enrolment:
When your child starts you are asked to provide/complete the following forms:
Enrolment form
Identification verification (birth certificate/ passport)
Immunisation certificate
Medical information/consents
Food allergies
Publicity and Marketing consent
If you have any queries, please talk to your child’s teacher.
What to Bring:
The following items are a guide of what to bring:
A lunchbox with enough healthy food options for the times that they attend.
Please ensure you children are adequately dressed. In term 1 and 4; a t-shirt (NO SINGLETS) and a sunhat (compulsory). We provide sun block at the centre but please let teachers know if your children have allergies to this. In term 2 and 3; warm clothes for the outdoors, a jacket and warm hat.
Change of clothes, clearly named.
Spare named socks, pants, underwear if toilet training
Nappies and wipes if applicable
Arrival Procedures:
Help your child find their name tag and place the tag next to a hook that they choose to hang their bag on.
Ensure your child takes their lunchbox from their backpack and places it in the trolley beside the kitchen.
Attendance sign-in for your child:
Parents/whanau/caregivers must record the arrival time on the attendance roll next to your child’s name and your signature. You must repeat this process on departure. This is situated in the foyer and children’s names are listed alphabetically. A clock is available so please use this and record the accurate time of arrival and departure.
This information is important as it is used in the event of an emergency, as well as documentation required by the Ministry of Education.
Any changes to your child’s session times must be discussed with the Manager and a change form signed.
Authorisation to collect children:
On enrolment you will be asked to identify persons authorised to collect your child. If, for some reason your child is to be picked up by someone other than yourself, please notify the Centre in advance.
Children will not be released to any person unauthorised to have access.
Saying Good-Bye:
These strategies can ease the jitters of separating on your child’s first day at preschool.
Plan to stay a little while. Staying for 15-30 minutes on that first morning can help ease the transition. Together, the two of you can explore the classroom, meet some other children, and play with a few toys. When you see that your child is comfortable, it is time to leave. If they are having a harder time getting engaged, you may want to ask a teacher to stay with your child as you say good-bye so that when you leave, they can turn to another caring adult for support.
Keep your tone positive and upbeat. Children pick up on the reactions of the trusted adults in their lives. So try not to look worried or sad, and don’t linger too long. Say a quick, upbeat good-bye and reassure your child that all will be well.
Think about creating a special good-bye routine. For example, you can give your child a kiss on his or her palm to “hold” all day long. Good-bye routines are comforting to children and help them understand and prepare for what will happen next.
Resist the rescue. Try not to run back in the classroom if you hear your child crying, as upsetting as this can be. This is a big change and your child may, quite understandably, feel sad and a little scared. But if you run back in, it is likely to prolong your child’s distress and make it harder for them to adapt. Be assured, teachers have many years of experience with helping families make the shift to preschool. Instead, you can wait outside the classroom for a few minutes to ensure that all is well, or call the preschool a little later on.
Health and Well-Being
The following procedures ensure your child’s health and wellbeing:
Immunisation Register:
A register containing details of each child’s immunisation record is required for Crown Health notification. Information is confidential. This register may be used to identify children who are not immunised during an outbreak.
On enrolment please bring your child’s Well Child book and a copy of their immunisation certificate as this must be sighted and details recorded. You are asked to update this record as necessary.
Vision and Hearing Tests:
Staff from the local Health Community come into the preschool to check the vision and hearing of children aged 4 years as part of the b4 5 check. (www.cdhb.govt.nz)
Dental Nurse:
Your child is eligible to be enrolled with the dental nurse from the age of 18 months. We urge you to contact her as soon as you think your child will co-operate, to ensure their teeth are healthy and maintained in your child’s preschool years. You can contact either Primary School to find out when the dental nurse will be in town.
Illness:
The preschool’s Health/Sickness policy applies to all children enrolled at the preschool.
Please note that children cannot attend if they have a cold (yellow/green discharge), sores, discharging eyes (conjunctivitis), rash, fever or diarrhoea or vomiting within the past 24 hours.
The Head Teacher has the right to refuse a child who is obviously infectious or whose well-being is being jeopardised through attendance. Parents/whanau/caregivers are asked to notify the teachers if a child has been exposed to a contagious Illness or if they have contracted head lice.
Accidents:
All accidents of a significant nature and/or requiring medical attention are recorded in an accident Register and parents/whanau/caregivers notified. Serious accidents require an in-depth report and are advised through Manager/Head Teacher to the Governance Committee. Incidents not requiring attention may also be recorded, if of a significant nature.
Administering Medication:
If your child is to be administered first aid or medication by staff, this information is to be recorded on enrolment. A register is used to record details of all medication (prescription medication only will be administered) given to the children while attending the preschool. Parental consent is required and recording of medications administered ensures the practice is systematic & authorised.
Emergency Procedures:
Evacuation plans and meeting points are displayed in the preschool and a copy of the emergency procedures are in the Policy Folder In the event of an emergency all parents/caregivers are contacted via text messaging/phone calls/email, depending on technology available at the time.
Keeping You Informed and Involved
Teachers work collaboratively with you in the interests of your child. You are most welcome to share in your child’s preschool experience, whether it be spending time in the preschool or assisting with excursions.
Communicating with Families:
CELCI aims to communicate with families in an open and responsive manner. If you would like to discuss any aspect of your child’s preschool experience, please approach a teacher, however please bear in mind that drop off and pick up times can be busy and we may ask you to make arrangements to meet outside of regular session times if further discussion is required.
Daily and Weekly Information:
Please make sure you check the daily noticeboard in the foyer for information. As appropriate, individual notices will be emailed to parents or displayed on the sign in sheet area.
Newsletters:
Our in-house newsletter is prepared and emailed to families on a regular basis and includes information on happenings at CELCI, upcoming family events, and information from the Centre Management.
Children’s Profiles:
Your child will have an Individual Learning Profile, which is a documentation of the child’s experiences at preschool. We believe in multiple voices, so all teachers are responsible for documenting learning stories and notes about your child’s experiences, interests and achievements at preschool and you have opportunities to add your ‘Parents Voice’. We encourage you to sit with your child and share and discuss their learning in their Individual Learning Profile. Please add anything you wish to contribute. Grandparents and other family members are also welcome to contribute, if you wish to share your child’s profile with them.
Planned Reviews & Consultation:
Policy and Centre reviews will be displayed on the notice board regularly to get your views and comments. Please ensure you read the document and add your comments. Your views are important to us. These will be reviewed in each committee meeting.
Policy Folder:
The Policy Folder which contains information on our policies and procedures is available in the foyer. The latest Education Review Office report, Early Childhood (Centres) regulations and copies of all our Teacher’s qualifications are also available on request.
Parent Library:
A parent library is available and contains books, brochures and publications of interest to parents. If you have a particular interest or request, please let us know and we will endeavour to assist in finding the information that you require in our parent library (kept in the office).
Parent Committee and Family Events:
We hold Parent Committee meetings during the year to discuss fundraising. Please express an interest if you wish to join this small committee at some point. Another way of contributing is via parent help for the Adventurer’s programme and any other planned excursions. There is also a Governance committee who oversee the operations of this centre – if you feel you have skills or would like to be involved in this committee then please ask.
Family events are held once per term and we encourage everyone to participate. These evenings provide a great opportunity to strengthen relationships among our CELCI families.
Communication and Complaints Procedure:
The lines of communication for complaints is displayed on the parent noticeboard. If you have any queries or concerns you are encouraged to talk to the Manager/ Head Teacher in the first instance and, if necessary, the matter may be referred to the Governance Committee. Any complaints in writing will receive a written reply.
Ways You Can Help Us With Your Child
Help your child attend regularly and on time, except when ill
Teach self-reliance and independence by encouraging children to do things for themselves: to put on, take off, hang up jackets, put away toys, eat regularly and properly, and get plenty of rest
If you need to confer with teachers about any concerns you have we encourage you to do this away from your child
Take time to listen to daily experiences
Read to your child everyday
Take an interest in the preschool and in the work your child brings home
Help your child become aware of and care for the world we live in
Don’t be afraid to say “NO”
Volunteer as Parent Help to help with special activities
Be honest about the way you feel about the preschool. If there is a problem or something you don’t like or understand, please talk with the teachers or centre manager
Please let us know if there is anything you would like to see added, changed, or just love! Remember you are as important to us as your child and your suggestions are always welcomed.
Fees and Accounts
Payment and Account Information:
Cromwell Early Learning Centre is a cashless centre. Fees are invoiced at the end of each month and are to be paid via automatic payment or internet banking.
To enable you to keep on top of your account you may select the frequency of payment that best suits you – weekly, fortnightly, and monthly.
Please use your child’s name as the reference with the word fees and deposit payment into the following account:
Bank account number: 031369027381200
Fee Structure:
Per Day Charges
Under 3yrs
3+ years
Not Using 20 ECE Hours
3+ years
Using 20 ECE Hours
Full Day
8.00-5.00pm
$36.00
$36.00
$4 per hour
over and above ECE hours
School Day
8.45am – 3.15pm
Or 9-3
$26.00
$26.00
$4 per hour
over and above ECE hours
Morning
8.00am-12.00pm
$4 per hour
$4 per hour
Free
Afternoon
12:30-4:30pm
$4 per hour
$4 per hour
Free
Extra Hours
$4.00 per hour or part there of
Children using 20 ECE hours are entitled to a maximum of 6 hours per day, 20 hours a week
Parents will be charged full fees for all booked sessions regardless of whether a child attends or not, with the exception of when the Centre is closed for 3 weeks due to the holiday break.
A late fee may be charged of $1 per minute to cover cost of teacher who may need to stay.
Failure to keep up to date with your fees may result in the dissolution of your child’s enrolment.
20 Hours ECE for FREE:
CELCI implements the 20 hours ECE to 3 and 4 year old children enrolled at the Centre. Children claiming 20 hours ECE can claim a maximum of 6 hours per day.
On enrolment, you must complete and sign the section which outlines the Preschools and your obligation for enrolling children under the 20 hours ECE. You are also required to complete an Attestation from, confirming you are not attending another early childhood centre at the same time as you have applied for funding at CELCI.
If you wish to change your child’s enrolment hours you must complete another form and give 2 weeks’ notice of proposed changes.
Childcare Subsidy/WINZ:
Children who attend a licensed early childhood service for at least three hours a week can, under certain criteria access subsidies.
Contact: www.workingforfamilies.govt.nz
Notification of Withdrawals:
For children who withdraw, the parent/caregiver must give 2 weeks’ notice in writing and fees paid or payment in lieu thereof.
Absences:
The preschool cannot claim funding for child absences that continue into a fourth week and beyond.
If a child is absent for more than 21 days without a written explanation, the child is withdrawn from the roll. Fees are charged for sick days. For further information please refer to the Fee’s Policy.
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