Equal opportunity

Policy Statement

Cybertots Child Care Centre is committed to the principles of Equal Opportunity in relation to community access to the centre and the appointment of staff Individuals will be treated with respect regardless of their gender, race, religion, age, health, impairment, marital status, political conviction, pregnancy, family responsibility or family status. The centre will actively promote the positive aspects of diversity and encourage acceptance and appreciation of individual differences. Child care will be made available to the community in accordance with the Commonwealth "Priority of Access Guidelines".

Considerations:

• Philosophy - Equal opportunity for all.
  • Federal and State Equal Opportunity Legislation. Priority of Access Guidelines.
• Children's needs - Equal access and rights regardless of gender, race, religion, impairment, family status, age.
• Parents needs - Equal access and rights for children regardless of gender, race, religion, impairment, marital status, political conviction, pregnancy, family responsibility, family status. Priority of access if within Commonwealth guidelines.
• Staff needs - Equal employment opportunities regardless of gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion, political conviction, impairment, family responsibility or status and age, protection from harassment due to sex, race or impairment.
• Management needs - To reflect the community in which the service is located. To obtain an equal balance between sound management practices and individual rights.

How Policy will be implemented (Specific Policies and Procedures):

• The centre will have up to date information regarding Equal Opportunities Legislation.
• Parents and staff will be given clear instructions about the Commonwealth "Priority of Access Guidelines".
• Equal Opportunity principles will be an integral part of the centre's daily programs and routines. Children will be given positive experiences, which encourage equal opportunity. Programs will actively include opportunities for the children to experience diversity of culture, gender roles, etc.
• Staff will treat individual children and their families with respect. They will take into account individual differences in language, attitudes, abilities, assumptions and expectations.
• Children who have a disability will not be discriminated against and will be afforded access to the centre where:
  • a place exists
  • they meet the required priority of access
  • and the centre resources are able to adequately care for the child.
• All staff will be selected and employed according to equal opportunity guidelines.
• Where the community the centre services comprises of a particular ethnic group, management will make every effort to include suitable workers from that group at the centre.
• Applicants with disabilities who apply for advertised positions will be assessed according to the selection criteria and will not be discriminated against because of their disability.
• During orientation the centre will provide relevant information to staff concerning procedures to be followed in the event of harassment or discrimination in the workplace.
• Clear guidelines on Grievance Procedures will be developed in accordance with the state and Federal Equal Opportunity Legislation and made available to staff.
• Staff members with pre-school aged children will not be discriminated against in relation to their employment at the centre.
• The centre will at all times train supervisors to:
  • identify discriminatory and harassing conduct
  • publicise Equal Opportunity policy and complaints procedures to all staff
  • train all staff on steps as to reporting current complaints
  • investigate and document complaints.