Under 5

Child Care Centre

Greenlane

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Welcome to Under 5 Care and Learning.

As our name suggests we are a before school centre with an equal emphasis on care and education.
Please refer to our philosophy statement for how we set out to provide this service.

Hours of Operation

7.30 – 5.30 Monday to Friday. We close on statutory holidays only.
Your child may attend for half days or full days. A half day is either 7.30 to 12.30 or 12.30 to 5.30. We do not take children by the hour or on a casual drop in basis. However once enrolled, extra days may be able to be booked by appointment.

License

We are licensed for 35 children from three months to five years.
This relatively small number means our centre has a warm “family” feel with all staff getting to know each child and parent.

Under Twos

Under Twos and Over Twos have separate areas in the house to allow the little ones safety and freedom to learn at their own pace without the interruption of older children. They visit for meals so that they are familiar with all areas of the centre. All children get together for special occasions to allow some integration. Siblings are also given time together quite regularly.
There is a staff member for every four children of this age. Developmental experiences provided by the staff include:
Messy Play: Book Time: Song Time: Free Play time: Art work: Outside Play and Quiet Times. Children sleep according to their needs.
As children approach two they are gradually given more time with the older ones to facilitate a smooth transition.

Over Twos

The Over Two programme is relatively structured but child initiated. Teachers provide a range of activities inside and outside and the child chooses what he/she wishes to do with the teacher guiding and assisting as necessary.
There are also scheduled quiet times with stories and music an integral part of every day.
Children preparing for school are taken as a small group each day for more directed reading, writing and maths skills. Teachers judge when a child is ready for this experience in consultation with the parents. Teachers are also happy to advise parents on the things that can be done at home to help this transition to school.
Those children requiring an after lunch sleep are put down on mattresses in a quiet darkened room. We follow your instructions on this matter. Those children not requiring bed rest also have a quiet rest time after lunch every day.


Meals

We provide a cooked lunch every day along with morning and afternoon tea.
Food is nutritious as well as enjoyable for children and has a four week cycle for good variety. We are happy to accommodate any special dietary needs that you advise us of although some of this food may have to be provided by parents.

How do I enrol?

In order to enrol your child at our centre there needs to be a place available within the restrictions of our licence.
If we do not have a suitable place for your needs at the time of enquiry we can take down your name and phone number on a waiting list as vacancies can come up very suddenly. We will contact the first person on the list for that time slot.
Enrolment involves filling out the enrolment form and returning along with a $50.00 deposit to ensure your definite place.
This deposit will be deducted from your first week’s fees after the child starts. In the case of the child not actually coming to Under 5 as arranged, the $50.00 will be kept to cover administration costs and is non refundable.
WINZ gives assistance for child care to those people who qualify. Contact your nearest WINZ office for information. We do keep application forms in the office.

How do I pay?

Once your child is enrolled, payments need to be made at the beginning of each week. These can be made by cheque or cash or alternatively automatic payments into the centre’s bank account can be organised. Statements will be issued by request or to those parents who are in arrears or who have had changes to bookings.
If you have any questions re payment please ask at the office where the computer record can be checked.
Cheques and cash (put into a plastic bag with name) can be posted into the payment box. Receipts will always be given for cash. Receipts for cheques can be printed weekly or monthly if you request this.

What if my child is unhappy when I leave?

When your child first starts you are welcome to stay for as long as you both need to settle in and feel comfortable. Short visits prior to the start date are a good way of easing the separation. You are also welcome to visit at any time that your busy schedule allows.
Parting may be stressful for all of you. Usually a quick hug and a smile is the kindest way. Please don’t sneak away as this may cause a loss of trust. If you expect an upset child please hand to a staff member as they are experts in distraction methods. Remember you are welcome to phone us to check on your child’s well being.

What about holidays?

The centre is open all year except for public holidays. Full fees apply on all statutory holidays.
If you are going away on holiday we need to have two weeks notice. In this case 60% fees only apply for the period of absence up to a maximum of four weeks per year. NB a week is calculated as the number of days a child is booked in each week, not necessarily five days

What if my child is sick?

If your child is unwell we cannot accept her/him in the Centre.
Children should be kept at home if they show any of the following symptoms
• A high temperature
• An unidentified rash
• Inflamed throat or eyes
• An upset stomach or diarrhoea
In addition we cannot have children with highly infectious conditions such as impetigo, conjunctivitis or head-lice. All children have close physical contact with other children and adults every day and we need to minimise the health risks to everyone.
We would appreciate a phone call in the morning if your child is not going to attend. This helps us with catering and sleep arrangements. Full fees apply.
Once your child is well enough to return but still needs medication we are happy to administer it. You must note this on the medicine sheet at the front desk and give the medicine to a staff member.
If your child has long term medication such as nappy rash cream you can sign a form which does away with the need to fill out the book every day. We can not administer any medication without signed permission from you.
If your child becomes unwell during the day we will phone you or the person that you have designated as the contact person. Notify us of any changes in contact phone numbers.

Who can pick up my child?

Your selves or any pre-arranged person can pick up your child. We will not release your child to the care of any one that we have not been informed about. It is vital that you let a supervisor know about any change to normal arrangements. The Centre management must be aware of any custody issues. Confidentiality will be maintained at all times.

What if I have any concerns?

Under 5 staff are always ready to listen to any concerns that you may have. It is best to speak to one of the supervisors as they have the training necessary to make good decisions. You are also welcome to speak to the owner/manager. Our formal Complaints Procedure is posted in the foyer area.

What do I bring?

Under Twos
• At least six disposable nappies for a full day
• Two or three changes of clothes
• Bottles you would like your child to have each day
• Any special cuddly or dummy they may need
• Any creams or lotions required
• Bedding for sleep time (At least one cot sheet, warm blanket or quilt.) You will be asked to take the bedding home weekly for washing.
• A pillow and pillow case is optional)
• Sunhat and Gumboots

Over Twos
• A school bag
• Two or three changes of clothes
• Nappies if necessary
• Extra undies and trainer pants if they are toilet training
• Sun-block and hats in warm weather
• Gumboots and coats in cool weather
• Sheets, pillow case and blanket if requiring sleep You will be asked to take the bedding home weekly for washing.
• Any medication for chronic conditions such as asthma
• No violent toys or sweets. (In general toys from home are not encouraged)
• Please name all personal belongings


Our Pledge

If your child becomes a member of our happy group we promise to
• Keep him/her safe and cared for at all times
• Provide interesting, stimulating and educational experiences at the appropriate level
• Treat him/her with respect and dignity
• Develop a warm and loving relationship with him/her
• Respect you as the parents and therefore the wisest advisors on your child