First Days

You are welcome to stay with your child on their first days, for as long as you are able, preferably until your child settles and seems happy to be left without you.  Each child reacts very differently to a new experience such as Day Care, some children settle well in their first week, others take much longer.  Be prepared for some difficult (and heart wrenching) moments, accept them while they are happening, but know that they will pass.

Saying Goodbye

Parents are encouraged not to just leave a child.  Rather, say “Goodbye, and I will come back and pick you up after I finish work”.
Parents are most welcome to telephone the Centre during the day to reassure themselves that their child has settled in.


Withdrawal of Children

Two weeks notice is required when withdrawing children from care or a reduction in days of care or two weeks fees will be charged.  Forms are available at the office.

Delivery and Collection Of Children

Children must be brought into the child's playroom, or through to the backyard when necessary, and collected from the Centre by a responsible adult.  Contact must be made with a member of staff by this adult before leaving the Centre.  When someone other than a parent is collecting the child, staff must be informed beforehand.  Please do not send other children to collect your child.  Children under 18 years are NOT permitted to collect children.

Signing In and Out

Children must be signed IN and OUT of the Centre each day by a responsible adult in order for parents to be eligible to claim Childcare Benefit. Children under 18 years are NOT permitted to collect children.

Absences

All families are entitled to 30 days Allowable Absences whereby Centrelink will continue to pay Child Care Benefit.  Absences from RDO’s, sick with a medical certificate and custody arrangements, i.e. holidays with other parent, are excluded from these days.  We only require a letter from employer / medical certificate / copy of court order for this to be implemented as Approved Absences.


Sleeping

No child is forced to sleep while at Gwydir Day Care, every child is provided with a rest period.  This provision of rest time is a guideline of our licence through Department of Community Services.  We do understand that some children require more sleep than others, and that for some parents, a day time sleep for their child means a late bedtime at night.  We do our best to operate within both the DoCS guidelines and the needs of the parents and the child.  Please do not hesitate to speak to your child’s group leader, or the Director, if you have concerns regarding rest time.


Birthdays 
                                                  
This is a very special day for your child and we are happy to share the occasion.  You are most welcome to send along a cake so your child may celebrate with his/her friends at the Centre.  If you do provide a cake please give a list of ingredients as some children may have food allergies. You are also welcome to leave a camera with the staff in your child’s room.  We will be happy to take some snaps, and then your camera will be placed in our safe.