Children's environment and program

Policy Statement

Cybertots Child Care Centre will have a child-focused program developed in conjunction with all parties. This program will incorporate all areas of developments outlined in the centre philosophy.

Considerations:

• Philosophy - children encouraged to develop to full potential: in a healthy, safe and stimulating environment.
• Legislation - equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA), Community Services (Child Care) Regulations 1988 (WA). Commonwealth operational Guidelines - aims and objectives of program, Quality Improvement and Accreditation System (Cth).
• Children's needs - for individual needs to be met; the environment will be free from bias and facilitate mutual respect for people and physical surrounds.
• Parent needs - information about their child's activities, involvement and development; complementing their role as parent.
• Staff needs - job satisfaction; recognition of professionalism; training and development opportunities; adequate resources.
• Management needs - professional staff who are able to work with families and each other to provide appropriate programs.

How Policy Will Be Implemented (Specific Policies and Procedures):

• Ideas from all parties will be incorporated and correlated by the Team Leader of each room and a program formulated.
• Staff will attend staff development opportunities so that they may keep abreast of regular changes within the childcare field.
• The program will be balanced, ie provide for indoor/outdoor learning experiences and be flexible enough to allow for spontaneity and the unexpected.
• Respect of individual space will always be considered for groups (large or small) and for solitary occasions.
• Programs will be displayed in each indoor area and in a position where parents/guardians are able to see them and can discuss any aspect of the program with staff.
• Copies of written programs will be kept in accordance with National Childcare Accreditation.
• An inclusive approach will be used through all aspects of the centre life. In addition, the team will be proactive in the face of bias and promote a variety of beliefs and values. Areas of particular focus will be:
  • culture
  • origin
  • language
  • physical appearance
  • gender
  • lifestyle
  • social status
  • faith
  • family structure
  • ability
  • age
  • health.
  These beliefs and values will focus on the local community as well as society at large with promotion of respect for diversity and appreciation of the riches it can bring.
• The program and environment will be child centred and will allow children to experience a variety of materials with which they can pursue their own interest. There will always be alternative choices when a child does not wish to participate in a particular activity.
• Children will be appropriately supervised at all times. Staff will join in the childrens' play and encourage them to try new experiences.
• Caregivers will be supportive and encouraging and communicate with children in a friendly, positive and courteous manner. They will form a warm relationship with each child in their care. When communicating with children, caregivers will ensure they are at the child's eye level. Children will never be singled out or made to feel inadequate at any time.
• All communication interactions will be positive and honest. Honesty is considered to be a basic component of respect. This applies to communications between:
  • child-child
  • staff-child
  • staff-families
  • management-families
  • management-staff and conversely.
• All staff will be responsible for working co-operatively to monitor the individual development of each child within their care, and for evaluating the program in relation to the stated philosophy and goals.
• The portfolio developed on individual children will incorporate observations, videos, photos and art work that depict the different stages of development and interests of the child. Recommendations for individual program planning, and the relationship with the overall childrens' program will be made from these.
• Staff will initiate and facilitate regular on-going communication with parents concerning their child. Recorded information will be available for discussion and development of the program with the family.
• When children first attend the centre the needs of both parents and children will be respected. Parents will be encouraged to remain with their child when delivering or collecting them for as long a period as the parent and or staff feel may be necessary to ensure the child's well being. The parent may telephone the centre during the day for reassurance that their child has settled in. Staff will make a special point of discussing the child's day with the parent. Where possible new children and parents will be encouraged to visit the centre for short periods prior to enrolment to facilitate the child's orientation into the centre.
• As each child arrives at the centre he or she will be greeted by a staff member.
• The program will create a problem-solving atmosphere so staff can facilitate a life long learning approach for the children. This will include every day human needs ie toileting, eating.
• All aspects of the program will promote creativity through music and movement, art, craft, design, building, problem solving and social interactions with others.
• A fun atmosphere will be fostered based on children's choices.
• The facilitation of socialisation within the service will also be an intricate part of the environment. A positive yet honest approach will be promoted.
• The natural environment and the other creatures on this earth will be promoted as part of our being and imperative for survival. The use of recyclable goods will be constant and the growth of gardens, vegetable gardens and trees will be used.
• Opportunities for learning and extending problem solving skills will be seized on all occasions.
• All children will have ready access to their own personal clothing and possessions which will be placed in the allocated shelf or storage place.
• The importance of showing respect for other people's property will be explained to the children.