﻿<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?><Search><pages Count="28"><page Index="1"><![CDATA[1-3 Redhaven Rise, Ashburton
                                     03 307 2088
                           admin@steppingstones.net.nz
                              Open 7.30am – 6.00pm

                        Riverstones 022 074 6859

                                         Welcome to



                                                    The

                                          Riverstones

                                                 Room












                                               Whānau settling in book.

                                                   All you need to know.]]></page><page Index="2"><![CDATA[All you need to know and more as you settle in.

       We are pleased to welcome you to Stepping Stones @
             Braebrook as part of our parent community.

     By now you have chosen us as your centre to care for your child and you
     should have had your first few visits arranged and be getting to know the
     teaching team.  We are hoping this handbook will help you and your child
     to  find  your  place  here  and  answer  some  of  your  questions  along  with
     sharing an outline of the key points of our philosophy and programme here
     at Stepping Stones @ Braebrook.

     Should  you  have  any  other  queries  or  have  questions  around  areas  not
     covered by this handbook please do not hesitate to ask any of the teaching
     team,  Makayla  or  Charlene.    You  will  find  more  information  regarding
     policies etc on our website www.steppingstones.net.nz]]></page><page Index="3"><![CDATA[Visits & Key Teachers


     Starting preschool can be an exciting time, but it can take time for your
     child  to  get  used  to  their  new  environment  and  the  kaiako  (teachers).
     Settling in can look different for each family and we ask families to do a
     minimum of three prearranged visits into the room.  These first visits we
     ask  you  to  stay  with  your  child  and  interact  with  them  within  the
     environment along with talking to your child’s key teacher.  We will then
     ask you to leave the room for a period of time (the amount of time depends
     on how you and your child are feeling).  The next stage, depending on your
     booking times, we will arrange for your child to do some shorter sessions
     working  towards  full  days/weeks.    This  will  allow  your  child  to  become
     familiar with the daily routine here in the Riverstones room.  Some children
     settle  in  within  a  week  or  two  where  other  children  may  take  several
     weeks.    We  will  work  closely  with  you  to  make  this  transition  into
     preschool as positive as possible for both you and your child.

     During these visits we work closely with you both to build positive, trusting
     relationships.  Please tell us as much information about your child and your
     whānau (family) as this helps us to care for your child.  It can be helpful if
     you write your child’s home routine down, we will then talk to you about
     what this looks like at preschool and create as much continuity as possible.

     We understand that you and/or your child may find it hard leaving each
     other.  Our wonderful team do everything we can to make this time as easy
     as possible.  We do use key teachers to support this process.  We work on
     building relationships during the visiting period.  A key teacher’s role is to
     help  your  child  to  settle  and  support  them  through  their  rhythms  and
     rituals of the day, allowing your child to get to know a small  number of
     staff at a time.  We all interact with the children and take part in their
     days,  particularly  as  they  are  becoming  more  settled.    This  process  also
     ensures you as a parent has someone who understands your aspirations for
     your  child  and  can  support  a  strong  connection  with  home.    Your  key
     teacher  will  also  discuss  your  child’s  individual  planning  and  assessment
     with you and is a point of reference for you as a parent.  Your child needs
     to feel safe and secure with us and needs to form a relationship as well.

     Their  relationship  with  us  is  built  through  the  relationships  we  form  as
     adults.    This  period  can  sometimes  take  a  couple  of  weeks,  sometimes
     longer to settle and feel confident in their new environment.]]></page><page Index="4"><![CDATA[Need to Knows


     Please make sure you sign your child in and out each time they come and
     go from the centre.  If you wish for someone else to collect your child, their
     details need to be in their enrolment folder or if in an emergency, call or
     text the centre with the details.  The register is situated in the foyer and
     children’s names are listed alphabetically.  A clock is available, so please
     use  this  and  record  the  accurate  time  on  arrival  and  departure.    This
     information  is  used  in  the  event  of  an  emergency  and  this  document  is
     required by the Ministry of Education.  Any changes to your child’s session
     times must be discussed with Makayla or Charlene and be signed for.  If you
     are unable to make a visit or a session, please make sure you text or call
     the centre as this will allow for us to plan our day more effectively and
     rearrange visits if needed.

     Each room has a cell phone, this phone is checked throughout the day, if
     you  are  needing  a  direct  answer,  please  call  this  number  or  the  centre
     phone.    The  teachers  will  use  this  number  to  keep  you  updated  on  your
     child’s day, particularly as they settle in, and it will be used as a form of
     communication.]]></page><page Index="5"><![CDATA[Tips & Tricks to Help the Drop Off Process





                   Settling Kaiako
            Some  children  prefer  to  be
            engaged  in  play  when  you
            leave where others prefer to
            have  support  from  a  caring
            adult.    The  teachers  will  be
            available  to  support  you  as
            you say goodbye.                          Plan to Stay a Little Bit
                                                   Particularly    at    the
                                                   beginning.    Together,  the
                                                   two of you can explore the
                                                   classroom,   meet   some
                                                   other  children,  and  play
                                                   with a few toys.  When you
                                                   see  that  your  child  is
                                                   comfortable,  it  is  time  to
                                                   leave.



               Transitional Objects
             Children are welcome to
             bring their own (named)
             cuddly, blanket, soft toy
             from  home  to  support
             them to settle.  We will
             do our best to take care               Pick Up Times

             of    these     special         Pick  up  times  are  just  as
             belongings  but  please         important  as  drop  offs.
             keep  in  mind  they  may       Some  children  may  cry
             end  up  with  a  bit  of
             paint etc on them.              when you return to them, it
                                             is  important  you  keep  the
                                             same     positive    body
                                             language trusting that they
                                             have  had  a  good  day  at
                                             preschool and praising your
                                             child  for  being  away  from
                                             you.]]></page><page Index="6"><![CDATA[Tips & Tricks to Help the Drop Off Process





                           Resist the Rescue
                Please  avoid  coming  back  into  the
                classroom if you hear your child crying.  We
                understand this can be an unsettling time.
                This  is  a  big  change  for  your  child  and
                understandably  they  may  be  sad  and  a
                little scared.  If you go back in it is likely
                to prolong your child’s distress and make it
                harder  for  them  to  adapt  to  this  change.
                Be assured, our teachers have many years

                of experience with helping families through
                this  transition.    Instead,  you  can  wait
                outside the classroom for a few minutes to
                ensure  that  all  is  well  or ask  Makayla  or
                Charlene to check in with us.  We will make
                sure to send you a message to let you know
                how your child is going, please also feel free
                to ring preschool a little later on too.






                                                    Keep Your Tone & Body
             Creating a Special                   Language Positive & Upbeat
              Goodbye Ritual                      Children  pick  up  on  the
           These   rituals   are                  reactions of trusted adults
           comforting   for   a                   in their lives.  Try your best
           child and helps them                   not to look worried or sad,
           understand    what                     once you have said goodbye
           happens next.                          it’s important not to linger
                                                  too  long.    Say  a  quick,
                                                  happy goodbye and reassure
                                                  your child they will have a
                                                  good day.]]></page><page Index="7"><![CDATA[What to Bring

            A backpack.

            A named lunchbox with enough food options
              for the times your child attends (keeping in
              mind  we  are  a  nut  free  centre),  this  is  to
              ensure the safety of all our tamariki.

            A  named  drink  bottle  –  Please  make  sure
              you check your child’s drink bottle regularly
              for mould.

            Please  ensure  your  child  is  adequately
              dressed.  In term 1 & 4 a t-shirt a sunhat is
              compulsory.  Make sure you apply sunscreen
              before preschool during this period.  We will
              re-apply  sunscreen after  lunch  and  3pm  in
              the  afternoon.    We  endeavour  to  use  a
              reputable sunscreen but please let us know
              if  your  child  has  an  allergy  to  any
              sunscreens.  You can purchase a bucket hat
              from Charlene.

            In  winter  we  do  enjoy  going  outside  so
                   please  make  sure  you  pack  a  jacket,
                   warm hat and some gumboots, please
                   take them home with you at the end of
                   the  day  as  we  don’t  have  storage  for
                   them.

            We  also  ask  that  you  pack  a  couple  of
              changes of clothes (named clearly).  We do
              enjoy lots of water and messy play.

            Wet bags – these are available for a small
              fee from Charlene.




            Nappies – you are able to bring in a pack of
              nappes,  the  kaiako  will  put  a  tag  on  your]]></page><page Index="8"><![CDATA[child’s bag when they are getting low.  If you
              would  like  to  use  cloth  nappies,  we  can
              accommodate  this.    Please  make  sure  the
              nappies have liners in them and a wet bag
              for the used nappies.  We also ask that you
              supply  a  small  amount  of  disposables  for
              incidentals.  If you would like to use pull ups
              at  preschool,  please  speak  to  your  child’s
              key teacher.  Wipes are supplied at a $4 fee
              per term.

            Things  your  child  needs  for  sleeping  e.g.
              sleep  sack,  a  special  blanket,  cuddly,
              dummy.  It can really help for your child to
              have  something  from  home  as  they  settle
              into their rhythm here.
            Bottles  and  formula/breast  milk  –  we  will
              talk  to  you  about  what  to  provide  during
              your  visits.    For  breast  milk  we  have  the
              correct  procedures  in  place  for  using  your
              liquid gold.



     * Handy tip – you can get name labels for your child’s belongings or simply
     use a special pen or label maker.  Teachers will try their best to remember
     whose pants are who’s but labelling clothing just ensures your belongings
     come back to you. www.stuck.onyou.nz seem to stick well.]]></page><page Index="9"><![CDATA[Lunch Box Ideas


     We understand that it can sometimes be a challenge to come up with some
     lunch box ideas so we thought we would kick start you with some ideas.
     We  do  have  access  to  a  microwave  and  fridge.    When  you  arrive  in  the
     morning, we ask that you unpack your child’s bag by putting their drink
     bottle and lunch box on the shelf, followed by any hot and cold food they
     have in the labelled grey trays on the top shelf.  We provide spoons, forks,
     cutlery etc for eating.





















     Please keep in mind what food choices are appropriate for your child’s age
     and stage, children’s ability to eat foods changes a lot from four months to
     two years of age and is individual to each child.  We are happy to support
     you with your food choices and provide you with ideas.  There are also many
     ideas when you search bento boxes or use Pinterest.

     Grapes and sausages need to be cut long ways and we are nut free centre
     wide.]]></page><page Index="10"><![CDATA[Your Child’s Health


     Your child’s health is one of our top priorities here at Stepping Stones.  We
     have great hygiene practices and a sickness policy outlining the procedures
     for different sickness.  If you want to find more information regarding this,
     please ask one of the kaiako or look under policies on our website.

     No one likes to impose a sick child onto anyone, we understand it can be
     hard for working parents who may not spend much time with their children
     before attending preschool.  We ask parents to please keep the perspective
     as  to  how  they  would  feel  if  another  family  brought  a  child  that  had  a
     contagious illness to preschool and exposed their child.  If your child has
     been unwell at home, please keep them at home, remembering to inform
     the centre as soon as possible.  If the illness is contagious, or suspected to
     be contagious, we may place a notice informing whānau of this occurrence.

     If your child has been prescribed antibiotics, they need to remain at home
     for 24 hours after the first dose allowing time for the medicine to start
     working  against  infection  and  giving  your  child  time  to  rest.    When  at
     preschool we will ask you to sign the medicine register allowing us to give
     your child the antibiotics.  The medication needs to have your child’s name,
     dose  and  date  on  it.   If  your  child  is  requiring  paracetamol  for  anything
     more than teething or bruises for more than a 24-hour period, we ask you
     to keep them at home as they could be fighting something off.

     Please  think  about  when  you  are  booking  immunisations,  children  under
     two need to stay away from the centre for a minimum of 24 hours after
     their vaccinations.

     Every  child  suffering  from  any  ongoing  allergy  will  have  an  action  plan
     completed.    This  gives  us  details  of  the  allergy,  symptoms  and  response
     plan.  Here you can give instructions for medicines to be given.

     Any child who is present at the centre that is unwell will be sent home.
     This is recorded in our illness register. Illness that warrants a child being
     sent home or not brought into the centre include the following:

         •   High temperature – 38.0C or higher.
         •   Coloured, consistent discharge from nose or eyes.
         •   Unidentifiable spots or rash.
         •   Constant cough which is not linked to asthma.]]></page><page Index="11"><![CDATA[•   Diarrhoea  and/or  vomiting  (stay  away  for  48  hours  after  last
             episode).
         •   If the child does not seem themselves and are not participating in
             the programme.

     Please keep in mind our kaiako get to know your child well and will do a
     thorough  assessment  along  with  other  members  of  the  teaching  team
     before making a call.  Our best interests are for your child and other children
     in our care.  We all love our jobs and want to have your children here.]]></page><page Index="12"><![CDATA[Riverstones Room Teachers











                                                            Victoria
             Maggie – Team Leader
             Bachelor of Education                         In Training











                      Meg
              In Training (Primary)                         Grace
                                                          In Training












                     Hayley                                 Rhonda
                  Experienced                             Experienced]]></page><page Index="13"><![CDATA[Riverstones Room Valued Learning

     Each  classroom  has  their  own  valued  learning.    These  are  the  areas  the
     kaiako  value  here  at  Stepping  Stones.    Teachers  use  both  the  valued
     learning below and the curriculum inspiration to guide their teaching and
     children’s  learning,  observations  of  tamariki  and  their  own  learning  and
     development.    These  both  sit  alongside  our  National  Early  Childhood
     Curriculum  Te  Whāriki,  other  Ministry  of  Education  documents  and  our
     centre philosophy.

            Relationships/Coping with Transitions & Change - Whanaungatana
      Developing  secure  and  trusting  relationships  with  toddlers  and  young
      children allows them to feel a sense of security and belonging.  Toddlers
      and young children understand that their needs will be meet and that
      adults care for and value their emotions.  Strong relationships between
      tamariki, kaiako and whānau members creates a safe environment for
      children.  Having these relationships allows children to trust and feel safe
      during transition periods.  Toddlers and young children feel secure in their
      environment  and  feel  comfortable  to  actively  explore  and  approach
      change.  Children learn how to predict and cope with change in routine,
      rituals and regular events within their environment.
                           Social Competence/Leadership - Toa
      Toddlers and young children start to develop the ability to understand
      others.  They become socially aware of others and gain an understanding
      to how to approach peers and work with and alongside others.  Toddlers
      and young children learn to enjoy solitary, parallel as well as co-operative
      play.    Through  relationships  and  communications  children  develop  an
      understanding of the needs and feelings of others.  Toddlers and young
      children  develop  a  range  of  reciprocal  skills  that  allow  them  to  share
      views,  negotiate  and  take  turns  with  their  peers.    Toddlers and young
      children learn how to navigate others and how they can collaborate and
      work together.
           Growing Self Identity/Self-Regulation/Cultural Intelligence - Tuakiri
      Toddlers and young children have the security through relationships to
      develop their own self-identity, where they learn who they are and what
      they are capable of.  Adults value children as being independent learners
      who are confident and capable within themselves.  Toddlers and young
      children  develop  a  range  of  appropriate  self-help  and  self-care  skills
      which allow the child to feel a sense of growing independence.  Developing
      an understanding of themselves is vital for young children as this allows
      them  to  develop  self-regulation  skills  where  they  gain  a  better
      understanding of their own emotions as well as the emotions of others
      helping to develop empathy within a child.  Understanding their limits]]></page><page Index="14"><![CDATA[and what they can do for themselves helps them to persist with difficulty
      and  work  through  challenges.    Developing  empathy  for  others  leads
      children  to  understanding  how  their  actions  affect  others  and  their
      environment.    Adults  teach  children  to  respect  and  care  for  the  world
      around  them.    Toddlers  and  young  children  are  confident  and  secure
      within themselves and develop a strong sense of cultural identity where
      they know their culture is valued.
                           Physical Development - Aho Matua
      Toddlers and young children develop physically, refining their motor skills
      and reaching developmental milestones at their own pace.  They develop
      control of their bodies and gain confidence within themselves to take
      calculated  risks  and  actively  explore  their  environment.    Developing
      spatial  awareness  through  their  physical  development  allows  them  to
      understand  personal  space  and  how  to  navigate  through  their
      surroundings.    All  these  aspects  of  physical  development  create  the
      foundation for children to learn and have the confidence to explore and
      try new things throughout their life.
                        Exploration/Discovery - Whakatomene
      Toddlers and young children are given the opportunity to explore different
      textures and create their own working theories.  These working theories
      will  help  children  to  make  sense  of  the  world  around  them.  Sensory
      exploration allows children to naturally use scientific processes while they
      play, create and explore.  Toddlers and young children are curious and are
      given  the  opportunity  to  ask  questions  and  explore  their  environment.
      Their curiosity leads them to be active explorers who are able to think
      critically  and  understand  the  world  around  them    Toddlers  and  young
      children  learn  to  work  with  and  alongside  their  peers,  developing
      relationships and understanding the views and opinions of others.
                             Communication - Mana Reo
       Toddlers  and  young  children  develop  communication  skills  through
       meaningful interactions.  Communication is an important part of a childs
       life  and  development.    They  learn  how  to  understand  both  verbal  and
       non-verbal cues from those around them.  Toddlers and young children
       develop  communication  skills  through  meaningful  interactions  where
       they  have  a  reason  and  need  to  communicate  with  others.    They  are
       encouraged to communicate with others both verbally and non-verbally
       and are given  the  opportunity  to  experience  symbols and stories  from
       their  own  as  well  as  other  cultures.    Toddlers  and  young  children  are
       encouraged  to  develop  imagination  and  creative  expression  through
       materials, music, movement and other sensory resources.]]></page><page Index="15"><![CDATA[Further Information on Planning & Assessment,

           Relationships/Coping with Transitions & Change,
       Learning Journey Expectations & Parents Involvement

     Part of our expectations as teachers is to plan and document your child’s
     learning.  This can look different at each centre.  Here at Stepping Stones,
     we  document  these  journeys  through  wall  displays  and  learning  stories.
     Teachers will talk to you often about your children’s learning at preschool
     and ask you what aspirations you have for your child, what you are wanting
     them  to  learn  while  at  preschool  and  the  things  that  you  are  seeing  at
     home.  Teachers will then plan a learning journey for your child, linking to
     the  above  documentation,  your  aspirations  and  most  of  all  your  child’s
     needs  and  interests.    Teachers  use  this  plan  to  guide  their  days,  to  help
     them  set  up  the  learning  environment  and  use  appropriate  teaching
     strategies.    We  use  Storypark,  an  online  forum  where  stories  will  be
     uploaded, you can then share these stories with other family members and
     friends.  There is also the opportunity to comment and share photos back
     with the teachers.  Your child will have a physical profile book which you
     can  take  home  on  request.    We  really  appreciate  your  comments  and
     feedback on your child’s stories.  It takes teachers a lot of time to plan,

     implement  and  document  your  child’s  learning  and  your  contribution  is
     vital  to  supporting  your  child’s  learning  opportunities.    Below  are  the
     expectations we have of our teachers for these stories.

     Month One
     A  welcome  story  which  includes  information  about  your  child’s  settling
     visits, what we have been learning about your child and whānau.

     Month Two
     Getting to know you story about how your child has settled in, relationships
     they have developed with kaiako and other children.  What they have shown
     an interest in and any more information from your whānau.

     Month Three
     Notice story – what their interests are at preschool, common threads of
     their  day.    What  they  are  learning/working  on  and  including  their  new
     aspiration.]]></page><page Index="16"><![CDATA[Recognise page
     Observation (notice) – a brief outline stating what we have noticed your
     child learning/engaging in at preschool.
     Individual  Learning  Aspiration  (recognise)  –  links  to  Te  Whāriki  strand,
     learning outcomes, valued learning and what they will achieve through this
     aspiration.
     Environment  and  Teaching  Strategies  (respond)  –  stating  how  we  will
     support your child to achieve this aspiration through environment setup
     and teaching strategies.

     Month Four
     Intentional teaching story – responding to the aspiration through the use
     of  experiences/teaching  strategies/spontaneous  moments.    There  will  be
     numerous  intentional  teaching  (respond)  stories  until  your  child  has
     reached their aspiration.

     Revisit stories – this is a wrap up of their aspiration and how your child
     has progressed throughout their journey, really celebrating their learning
     achievements.

     It is so important to us that you are involved in the process and let us know
     what your child is getting up to at home, we love to make the links and
     find ways we can support you and your child.  Please make sure to approach
     your child’s key teacher about your child’s learning if you are concerned.

     Parents are informed through email, our centre families Facebook page, the
     community section on Storypark and also through termly newsletters.

     There may be posters on the classroom door informing you of dress up or
     family days coming up (also shared on other forums).  Sometimes texts and
     calls from room phones may be used as a form of communication.

     Parent participation sends strong positive messages to your child that you
     support them and are part of the childcare environment.  The staff sincerely
     wishes for you and your child to be happy and feel welcomed at our centre.
     Be aware that a three way relationship between parents, caregivers and
     your child exists in this setting.  Communication is a vital ingredient to the
     success of this partnership.  We also enjoy a couple of different gatherings]]></page><page Index="17"><![CDATA[or special weeks/events throughout the year.  There may be opportunities
     for you to join your child on some excursions if you are available.  If you or
     one of your family members have a skill which could be shared with our
     tamariki please let us know, e.g. read with the children, play some music,
     make special art, carpentry etc.  If you have any ideas for our curriculum
     walls or internal evaluation (often displayed on the walls in the classrooms
     or reception), your contribution would be widely valued.

     We also have a parent’s library available to parents, this contains books,
     brochures and publications of interest to parents.  If you have a particular
     interest or request, please let us know and we will endeavour to assist in
     finding the information that you require.

     If  you  have  any  queries  or  concerns,  please  approach  team  leaders  or
     Makayla who also has an open door policy.]]></page><page Index="18"><![CDATA[Sign Language


     Sign  language  provides  the  ability  to  communicate  earlier  than  speech.
     Infants from about six months of age can begin to learn the basic signs,
     which  cover  objects  and  concepts  such  as  “milk”,  “eat”,  “sleep”  and  “all
     done”.  These signs are commonly used to alleviate the communication gap
     and reduce potential frustrations.

     Earlier communication can provide psychological benefits, such as enhanced
     confidence and self esteem.  Babies and children feel better about themselves
     when  they  are  able  to  effectively  communicate  with  the  people  around
     them.  Parents also feel more confident if they are able to meet their child’s
     needs and wants.

     Learning sign language aids in speech development and language skills.  Baby
     sign language helps children develop some of the mental processes that are
     used  when  speaking.    Studies  have  also  shown  that  signing  can  lead  to
     greater vocabularly growth.

     Signing with your baby is a wonderful bonding experience.  While signing, the
     parent  or  teacher  of  the  baby  are  talking,  laughing,  touching  and
     recognising  their  attempts  to  see  the  world  together.    All  of  these
     interactions can help create a special and invaluable bond with the baby.

     Some websites that are helpful when starting to use baby sign.
     firstsigns.co.nz
     kiwisign.nz
     rhymes for sign (phone app)
     nzslbabysign.nz


      Sign language is something we use alongside our rhythm and rituals here
       in the Riverstones room.  We encourage you to give them a go at home.
      We find the children and kaiako get so much enjoyment out of using sign
                        language as a form of communication.]]></page><page Index="19"><![CDATA[Sign Language



                  Sleep                Book                  Milk















               Thank you                Eat                 More














                  Done                Water







                                  Photo Collage]]></page><page Index="20"><![CDATA[Photo Collage]]></page><page Index="21"><![CDATA[Tips for Parents


                                           Help   your   child
           If you need to discuss          become  aware  of
           with  teachers  about           and  care  for  the

           any   concerns   you            world we live in.
           have  we  encourage
           you  to  do  this  away
           from your child.
                                                              Teach self
                                     Try your                 resilience and
                                     best to slow             independence by
                                                              encouraging
                                     down and                 children to do
           Take  an  interest  in    take your                things for
           preschool  and  in  the   time with                themselves eg
           work   your    child      your child.              put their jacket

           brings home.                                       on, put toys
                                                              away, eat
                                                              regularly and
                                                              properly and get
                                        Help your child       plenty of rest.
           Don’t  sneak  away.          attend regularly
           If might be tempting         and on time,
           to quickly leave the         except when ill.
                                        Keeping a
           room but your little
           one  will  feel  more        regular routine

           afraid    if   you           helps children’s        Be honest
                                                                about the way
           suddenly disappear.          learning thrive.        you feel about
                                                                preschool. If
                                                                there is a
                                                                problem or
          Use the pictures in this                              something

          booklet  to  talk  to  your     Your attitude         you don’t like

          child  about  preschool         and  vibes  are       or understand,
          and what to expect.             picked  up  by        please talk
                                                                with the
                                          children, keep        teachers of

                                          these  happy          centre
                                          and positive.         manager.

             Take  your  time  to  get  to
             know your child’s teachers as
             this is a strong foundation to             Read    to

             the  relationship  they  will              your  child
             form with their kaiako.                    every day.]]></page><page Index="22"><![CDATA[Frequently Asked Questions


     Will  you  follow  the  same  sleep  routine  I  do  at  home  with  my  child?  This
     question is often answered in the discussions that we have during the pre
     visits.  We do our best to ensure there is continuity between preschool and
     home and will talk openly with you about any changes that may need to
     be made.  We are fortunate to have a higher ratio that allows us to have a
     teacher in the sleep room with your child while they fall asleep and once
     asleep  we  do  five  –  ten  minute  checks  as  per  Ministry  of  Education
     requirements.
     Do you keep a log book or a diary for my child?   In the over two year old
     classrooms we do not keep an individual diary but all sleeps and nappies
     are recorded within the classroom and you are welcome to access these
     charts  at  the  end  of  the  day,  however  we  do  pride  ourselves  on  our
     communication with parents and teachers will relay the information to you
     at the end of the day.  If you are needing any further reassurance or records,
     please speak with your child’s key teacher or Kirsten.
     Will you let me know if my child is upset?  Yes, we certainly will, especially
     during the settling period.  We won’t hesitate to call you if your child has
     been unsettled.  We get to know your child very well and like to have open,
     honest communication with you about what we feel is best for the well
     being of your child.
     What happens if I pick my child up late, is there a late fee?  You need to notify
     the centre by text or call if you are going to be late.  If the centre isn’t
     notified  you  may  be  charged  an  initial  late  fee  of  $10.00  followed  by  a
     further charge depending on how late you arrive.  If you are constantly late
     we will discuss with you about changing your child’s booking so we can
     staff accordingly as staff may have to lengthen their shift if you are late.
     These expectations also apply for early drop offs, however only if you are
     to leave your child before their booking time has begun.
     Do you do profile books or online profile?  Yes, we use Storypark, an online
     learning profile at a fee of $20 per year.  Here you can invite family to read
     your child’s stories and interact within your child’s learning journey.
     Do you celebrate special events?  Yes we do.  We often do special person’s
     week, family events, Matariki and of course an end of year Christmas party.
     Can I bring a cake/muffin etc on my child’s birthday?  You sure can.  Please
     provide us with the recipe or ingredient list for our records so we can share
     it with all the tamariki.  We will do a special mat time and a kai time for
     your child and be sure to send you through the photos.  If you would rather
     not bring in a cake we can make a playdough cake instead.  We are aware]]></page><page Index="23"><![CDATA[some cultures/beliefs don’t celebrate birthdays etc and we are more than
     happy  to  accommodate  for  you  also  and  take  your  child  to  another
     classroom while the celebration is happening.
     What happens when my child transitions into the next room?  When the time
     comes  you  will  get  another  booklet  that  will  provide  you  with  all  the
     information you will need.  Your child’s transition teacher will talk to you
     about this as it gets closer and will support you and your child just as we
     are now.
     What is the ratio in the Riverstone’s Room?  We work between a 1:8 ratio if
     not better depending on the group and ages of our tamariki.
     When are your meal times?  We like to follow as closely as possible to the
     children’s  needs  and  will  adapt  kai  times  where  necessary.    We  have
     morning kai at 9.30am once all the children have arrived.  Lunch for the
     majority of children is at 11.30am however, if your child has a morning sleep
     our teachers are flexible and will be there to support them after their moe
     (sleep) and sit with them while they eat.  Afternoon kai is at 2.30pm.  Late
     snack  is  at  4.30pm  for  those  children  attending  later  in  the  evening.
     Children  starting  early  at  7.30am  are  welcome  to  come  in  and  have
     breakfast and the same applies to children who are here until 5.30/6.00pm,
     they are welcome to bring their dinner.
     Do you support toilet training?  We sure do, when children are beginning to
     show an interest in toilet training, we will offer them the opportunity to
     use  the  toilet  during  nappy  changes.    We  will  talk  with  you  about  the
     strategies  you  are  using  at  home  and  try  to  replicate  them  as  close  as
     possible.  If your child is out of nappies and using underwear we will remind
     them and take them to the toilet as often as we can, however we do ask
     that  you  supply  a  few  changes  of  underwear  when  first  starting  toilet
     training.
     My child’s sibling is in one of the other rooms, will they get to see each other?
     It  is  so  lovely  to  see  the  special  relationship  between  siblings.    We  are
     fortunate  to  have  a  shared  space  outside  with  our  older  children  in
     Cobblestones Room and can see our Pebbles Room children from our low
     gate outside.  We can also arrange times for either child to go into other
     play spaces.
     Can I leave my child’s spare sleep items at preschool?  As a general rule it
     helps us if you can bring these items each time unless your child attends
     for three or more days.  This is due to storage availability.
     Can I pick my child up early? Yes you can.  It is helpful if you can call or text]]></page><page Index="24"><![CDATA[us to make sure your child isn’t sleeping or out on a walk and so we can
     prepare their belongings for you.  If you have any questions regarding fees,
     please speak with Makayla or Charlene.


     Do you take the children on excursions?   Children  may  be  taken  on  small
     walks out of the centre.  Approval for these is to be given when completing
     the enrolment form.  Ratios for these small excursions is 1 adult:4children.
     However,  if  within  500m  of  the  centre  the  ratio  changes  to  1  adult:6
     children.  For excursions further away permission slips outlining the trip,
     transport cost and adult/child ratio will be given to parents to complete
     prior to an outing.  Children who are unable to attend the excursions will
     remain at the centre.]]></page><page Index="25"><![CDATA[Outline of Information Shared During Visit


       •   Introduced to all teachers and aware of who your child’s key
           teacher is going to be.

       •   Shown where to put lunchboxes/bags and where to put food.

       •   Shown where to check sleep/nappy records and who to ask.

       •   Aware of where wet clothing will be stored and how you will be
           informed.

       •   Aware of how you will be told your child is low on nappies/formula
           etc.

       •   Discussion about baking with children and appropriate lunchbox
           food – nutrition policy shown, suggestions made, parents aware of
           hot/cold food system.

       •   Shown where profile books go, process for assessment of children
           and when/how to take these home if they wish (in the school
           holidays etc).

       •   Shown where shoes, hats, jackets etc go.

       •   Discussion about sunscreen being put on at home in the morning
           and reapplied here at preschool.  Reminder about sun safe clothing.

       •   Children have been supported with toileting and handwashing and
           a discussion has been had about what happens at home.

       •   Allergy information/food intolerances.

       •   Policy information shown – focus on Health and Safety and
           expectations.]]></page><page Index="26"><![CDATA[Notes]]></page><page Index="27"><![CDATA[Notes]]></page><page Index="28"><![CDATA[Thank you for choosing us to be your centre and care
      for your child, we look forward to getting to know you

                               and your whānau.]]></page></pages></Search>