Management and staff to work in co-operation with the families in the local area to provide the community with a range of services to meet the needs.

MISSION

To promoteand establish a quality Centre to meet the requirements of all families.

Arrivals and Departures

Centre inspection / starting in the centre
1. Parents will be shown the centre, showing them the fire procedure, escapes, the rooms and toilets.
2. Parents are introduced to the Primary contact staff
3. Parents are show where a copy of the Policies and Procedures are and ask to become familiar with it.
3. Parents are introduced to the person in charge. ! ! 4. I know I need to supply a hat. ! ! 5. I know the centre opens a6 7:30am and closes at 6:00pm, Monday to Friday. ! ! 6. I know the fee, when it is due and about the arrears fee. ! ! 7. I know that the child must be signed in and out every day of care. ! ! 8. I know what to do when I wish to express any concerns. ! ! 9. I know about the fees policy and where the fees safe is located. ! ! 10. I know where the fire escapes are located ! ! 11. My children have been shown around the centre ! ! 12. My children have been introduced to their teachers ! ! 13. My older children know where the toilets and wash basins are ! ! 14. I know how the car park works ! ! 15. I am aware of the Centres' Child Protection Policy', D-16 (Risk of harm)

SIGNING IN & OUT POLICY
1  Children must be signed in and out each day by the parent/carer, on the sheet provided in each room. This folder will always be kept next to the front door.
2  In case of emergency, it is important that we know who is in the Centre, so parents are to ensure that they sign their child in and out.
3  Absences for whatever reason MUST be recorded in the Attendance Roll so as to conform with the allowable absence policy - currently 42 days per year.
4  The records are also used in a crisis such as fire to ensure the safety and accountability of all children.
5  “Extra day” children need to be written up and added to the end of the sign in sheet.

A record of all child attendances will also be kept by the staff in the "Attendance Roll", which is marked by the staff after morning tea and after afternoon tea each day.

A temporary record will be kept of parents who have not signed out (inc. time of departure) and a comment will be put in the sign in/out roll requesting parents to sign in/out.

A sign is on the outside of the front door requesting all parents to sign in and out.

FEES POLICY
Pls follow this link to fees charged

1. Fees are payable one week in advance (see 13. below).
2. A non-refundable Enrolment Fee is payable once a place has been reserved for your child in the Centre
3. A bond (equivalent to Two weeks fees) is required to be paid prior to the first day of attendance at the Centre. The bond is fully refundable and will be used to cover the required 2 weeks notice when leaving the Centre, fees in arrears or the last 2 weeks of care when leaving the Centre.
4. Fees are payable for Public Holidays or when the child is absent due to holidays, sickness or occasional absences. For parents on subsidy; if the number of absences exceeds the number allowed by the FAO, in one calendar year (ie. 42 days), fees for additional absences will be payable at the full rate. The Centre will NOT be closed for two weeks over Christmas.
5. The Centre does not offer replacement days for absences or Public Holidays.
6. Any parent or caregiver experiencing difficulty in paying the required fees should discuss the matter with the Office Administrator within the week the fees are due or risk losing their child's place at the Centre.
6. Hardship in paying fees due to death, loss of job, hospitalisation of a family member etc. may make parent eligible for additional CCB subsidy for a period of 13 weeks. Please speak to CentreLink.
7. Any parent or caregiver who has been sent our letter requiring payment or cancellation of place on three occasions will be required to pay a bond equivalent to 4 weeks for care in the area, and the additional burden on administration that recovering late fees creates, ANY parent (at the discretion of the Director) with fees in arrears greater than two weeks as at 5.30pm on Friday afternoon may have their child’s place at the centre cancelled.
8. Fees will be adjusted as per the CCB%, when CentreLink informs the Centre, in writing, of the childs %. The CCB % reduction in Fees will be backdated to the date that CentreLink informs us of. It is the parents responsibility to contact CentreLink, as per CentreLink policy.
9. Fees are displayed in the Front Foyer of the Centre and on this site at FEES.
10. Fees may be adjusted twice yearly.
11. At enrolment, parents will sign a Late Fee agreement, where an additional fee will be charged if their child is not collcted by the Centres closing time of 6:00pm. If a parent arrives after 6:00pm, they will be requested to sign the 'sign-in/out' book stating the time of pick-up and their awareness of the cost involved, countersigned by the staff present..
12. Statements are issued every two weeks, detailing all outstanding accounts. These will be placed in the youngest siblings pocket.
13. Once Fees payments fall in arrears (previous week not paid for), an 'Arrears Fee' will be added to the child's account for every week they are in arrears, until the behind fees are paid. A child will not be permitted into the Centre if any of the previous weeks fees are not paid. In addition, a child will not be permitted into the Centre if their current weeks fees are not paid. Every Monday, a llist of children not permitted in the Centre due to non-payment of fees, will be on the main office desk and their name highlighted on the Sign-On sheets. If a child enters the Centre whom is on this list, then the parent is to be informed by staff that the child cannot stay and that the parent should contact the Director or Office Administrator. If the parent immediately pays all fees up to date, witnessed by the staff into the fees safe, the child may stay.
14. Fees are only to be paid via the 'Fees safe', by 'Internet Transfer' of deducted from your pay by your paymaster. They are NOT to be handed to any staff member. We can accept 'Cash', Money Order' or 'Cheque' via the 'Fees safe'. Your 'Receipt' will be processed usually the next day and placed in the child's pocket.
15. To pay via 'Internet Transfer' our banking details are BSB: 802084. Account number:131823. Reference number: Childs Surname, childs first name. Bank is Prospect Credit Union.
16. To pay by payroll deduction, the BSB is 802084, Account number is 131823 and Ref is Jillys. Ask the Paymaster to include yourEmployee Number also. Please then inform our office of these details so to be able to identify you on our Bank Statement.
17. It is the responsibility of the 'Office Manager' to implement this policy. All complaints and enquiries regarding Fees are to be delt with by the 'Office Administrator' and NOT addressed to the Director.
18. If there is any dispute over fees that cannot be handled/resolved by the Office Manager, then the matter should be put in writing as per the'Disputes Handling Policy'..
19. Confidentiality will be maintained regarding any portion of this Fees Policy with the Parent involved.
20. Fees are based on a daily charge, reduced by a calculation on the CCB %. There is no fee reduction for any other reason. For LDC the day is fixed at 10.5 hours per day. For Morning Care the time is fixed at 2 hours per morning and for Afternoon care the time is fixed at 3.5 hours per afternoon. The time for Vacation care is based on 12 hours per day.

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EMERGENCY CARE POLICY/PROCEDURE
Emergency care will be given to those children who are already attending our Centre, on the provision that we have adequate child/staff ratios and we do not exceed our licensed places. (I.e. if a child is absent due to sickness or holidays we can accept another child for emergency care).
Emergency care which causes our licensed numbers to be exceeded can only be granted by the Director or Second In Charge.
All emergency care/extra days will need to be brought to the Director's attention and negotiated with room staff. The final decision can only be made by the teacher in charge of that room in conjunction with the Director.
Emergency care is defined as:
    *     a death in the family
    *     emergency hospitalisation of parent/guardian
    *     domestic disputes
    *     severe illness in family
Any other cases will be assessed individually by the Director
Care WILL NOT be given where:
    *     the child misses a day due to holidays or sickness
    *     social occasions arise

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INCLUSION, DIVERSITY AND MULTICULTURAL POLICY
Australia is a multicultural society; therefore there are many diverse cultures, beliefs, care giving strategies and religions. It is essential that two-way communication be exchanged between the family and the service to incorporate family practices, equality and consistency of care.

Aim/objectives: For the service/staff, children and parents to develop positive and respectful views on diversity. To incorporate a variety of experiences that reflect the diversity of society this includes accessing appropriate resources and services for families and the program.

Rational: To provide recognition, acceptance, and understanding of cultural diversity, religious practices and values. Thus heighten the morale of the stakeholders of the service.

Procedure / Implementation:
Staff: - Recognition and promotion of respect for the diverse languages, cultures, religious practices and values are promoted with in the childcare setting. They are promoted in the program (experiences and activities), displays within the centre and upcoming cultural events. - Staff ensures that the Rights of the child are protected in the environment. The United Nations Convention of the Rights of the child was adopted by Australia in 1990. This meant that the government supports the rights of the child and promotes the following rights that are associated with inclusive practices: " "The right to have what follows regardless of race, colour, sex, language, religion or other opinion, or national or social origin." " "The right to special care if handicapped in any way." " "The right to go to school for free, to play and to have equal chance to be what they are and to learn to be responsible and useful." " "The right always to among the first to get protection and relief." " "The right to grow up in a healthy and normal way, free of dignity." - Staff foster the awareness and acceptance of other cultures through the integration of multiculturalism into the day-to-day program. - Staff develop positive relationships with the children and their families, based on trust and respect. - The menu reflects the cultural diversity of the service and caters for individual needs. - Staff implement experiences that link with families cultural heritage. - The service is a member of Liverpool SUPS program, where cultural materials and resources are available to borrow, to enhance the program and present new ideas and concepts to the children, thus extend the children's development in all areas (Cognitive, social/emotional, physical, language and creative.) Children: - Children have the opportunity to learn about and respect both their own culture and that of others. - Children are encouraged to participate in discussion and share knowledge of their culture. - Children are encouraged to actively participate in large group-times, which consist of language activities/aids, songs in a variety of languages, books that represent inclusiveness and challenge creative/cognitive thinking skills. - The service encourages the children to give thanks as an appreciative gesture before children commence eating lunch. The statement that children express to show their gratitude states: "For our friends, our family and our food we say thank you." - At the commencement of each day the children participate in singing 'Good morning songs' in a variety of languages as the carers mark the attendance role. If you would like a copy of these songs, do not hesitate to ask staff, they will provide you with a photocopy. - A Buddy System will be implemented. New children will be paired with another child from their school to help them be at the correct place for the first weeks i.e. where to wait for the bus.
Parents/families: - Parents are encouraged to share their knowledge with the centre. Various ways may include: traditional clothing, assist with making a cultural meal for lunch, add objects to cultural learning centres etc. - Parents have access to a variety of services related to any issues concerning many topics; the centre has a contact list of services for parents and staff to consult with in all occasions. This can be sighted in the front foyer. - The centre has an 'open door policy' where families can come into the centre at any time and participate in the routine this may include meetings, administration, settling in process, lunch, celebrations eg birthdays or to drop off/collect their children. - Staff consult with families when there may be differences between the centre's philosophy and the family's values. - Staff promote partnership with families for the care and development of diverse children, as a response to families similarities and differences.

The following is to be added to this policy

OVERVIEW To foster children's self esteem, independence and middle childhood development through developing a programme that considers the unique interests, abilities and learning needs of individuals. We should reflect an attitude of inclusion and respect for all children and actively identify barriers to learning and participation that hinder or exclude individuals or groups

OUR COMMITMENT
Identify needs of children and families
Parents are requested to advise us of cultural, religious and specific needs of children on enrolment. ?? Families are encouraged to communicate to staff when needs arise or are not being met (see communication policy) ?? Staff will document concerns regarding children or family feedback in the daily reporting book.
Child involvement ?? We will actively seek to involve children in the planning of our program and rules. ?? Children will be given the opportunity to voice their views, concerns and opinions. ?? Our philosophy of "free play" means children are given choices with regard to food, activities, and rest while encouraging them to develop new skills.
Children with additional needs - These include children who ?? Have a disability. ?? Are from a culturally and linguistically diverse background. ?? Have challenging behaviours. ?? Are from minority communities. ?? Have specific medical needs. ?? Are gifted or talented.

FUNDRAISING POLICY
At Jillys, we hold “Fund-Raising Events” from time to time in order to purchase extra equipment and enhance contact and communication between families.
All fundraising events will have a co-ordinator to ensure that all money raised is used for the purchase of new equipment.
Any equipment purchased with funds raised will be displayed for parents, or mentioned in the monthly newsletter.
We welcome suggestions for fund-raising, keeping in mind that this is a large Centre and as such the value of a fundraising event needs to be weighed against the organisation and human resources required. We understand that the staff and parents of the Centre are very busy.

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PARENT LIBRARY POLICY
1  Any staff member is able to act as “librarian"
2 Books and resources will be available on bookshelf in foyer.
3  Parents wishing to borrow resources must fill out index card for nominated resource including:
    -      date of borrowing
    -      date of return
    -      name
    -      child’s name and room
4  All resources must be signed out by a staff member, and signed in upon returning.
5  Only parents of children attending Kincumber Kids Factory may borrow resources. Students, volunteers and others may view resources whilst in the Centre only. Please note: there is a limit of one book at any one time.
6  A late fine will be imposed if not returned within two weeks of due date.
7  Lost or damaged resources must be replaced or pay replacement cost immediately.

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RELIEF STAFF POLICY
The Centre will keep a list of relief staff, both trained and untrained eg. Teachers, and Assistants.
Relief staff will be called in on a minimum 4 hour basis. These staff will be called in by the Director or Authorised Supervisor.
Relief staff will wear a name badge to assist parents with identification.
It will be noted on the Room’s whiteboard/notice board that staff member is absent and relief staff member is relieving duties.

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WORK EXPERIENCE & STUDENTS ON PRACTICUM PLACEMENT
1     Students: The Centre will accept students from related courses at university and TAFE for practicum and students from high schools for work experience. Volunteers will only be accepted at the discretion of the Director. NB a letter should be sent from the Uni, TAFE or school prior to the student’s date of commencement at the Centre. This letter should state name of student, commencement date, and times of visits.
2     Students will be required to sign on and off each day in the visitor’s book, located in the staff room.
3  It is suggested that students make contact with the Centre prior to commencement date in order to arrange a time to visit the Centre, meet the staff and familiarise themselves with the Centre.
4  A limit of one student per room at any one time will apply.
5  An information sheet and/or booklet regarding policies and the Centre’s expectations of students whilst in the Centre, will be presented to students.
6  A copy of the Code of Conduct will be given to the work experience student.

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PARENT/STAFF COMMUNICATION POLICY
Our aim is to have positive relationships between our parents and staff. We aim to be of support to parents in the caring of their children.
Parents can help staff increase their understanding of the children, this can be fostered through day to day contact between parents and staff.
Some guidelines for parents/staff to consider are:
    i) Begin with an attitude of respect for staff
    ii) Ask staff questions such as what do they like/enjoy about child care, what do they like about your child/ren, what help do they need?
    iii) Talk with staff. Establish a pattern of conversation and exchange of information at arrival and departure. Acknowledge the work they do.
    iv) Keep in mind that staff are not just workers, they may be parents, have other relationships, hobbies, goals.
    v) Accept that staff work hard and may not always have the time to spend assisting you as you may want.
    vi) Utilise the suggestion box that is situated in the front foyer.

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