Kindy Kidz - Purpose and Programme

Kindy Kidz provides a well balanced, educational programme for children aged between 3.5 to 5 years. The children can attend sessions, according to their age, with a programme which is developmentally appropriate for their level. The programme integrates both care and education and at all times focuses on the overall individual needs of the children.

Activities include: theme activities large/small group activities active and quiet activities creative activities - painting, collage, sewing, printing etc. baking mat times inside and outside activities.

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Sessions

We have three different sessions:

Youngest Group - Mon p.m, Tues a.m., Wed pm, Thurs a.m. and Fri p.m.
Middle Group - Tues a.m., Wed p.m. and Fri p.m.
Oldest Group - Mon, Wed, Fri a.m., Tues and Thurs p.m.

During each session:

1. There is a specific inside time and the children:

are encouraged to complete the theme activity, so they can build on skills they already know, acquire new skills and learn to complete an activity; cutting out, gluing etc. can work independently or co-operatively on construction activities, blocks, lego etc. are encouraged to identify, and in the middle and older sessions, write their own name can choose other activities around the room, art table, painting easels, puzzles, books, family corner, collage table, playdough etc. are encouraged to express themselves through creative activities are encouraged to use natural resources to express their ideas are encouraged to assist with clean-up time.

2. During mat time the children are encouraged to:

• join in with songs, finger rhymes and games
• join in with group activities
• join in with discussions on the theme of the week
• listen to whoever is talking
• increase their concentration level by participating,sitting and listening
• take turns, and listen to other children's point of view
• listen and enjoy stories.

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After mat time, the children wash their hands, and sit down at the tables for morning/afternoon tea. The children are also encouraged to take responsibility for their own belongings, putting away their lunch boxes, and looking after their clothes.

3. During outside time the children:

can move freely from inside to outside develop on their gross motor skills - running, climbing, balancing, jumping, swinging etc. develop important co-ordination and muscle control skills, as well as sharing, taking turns, and organising play with others are challenged on the outside play equipment can dig, mould and create in the sand pit can experience play with water can enjoy the feeling of space, quiet areas, imaginative play, peddling, pushing cars/trucks.

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4. At the end of the session, the children come back inside, on to the mat, and we finish the session with a short story.

The parents/caregivers are encouraged to take home any work completed and talk to the staff about their child's day. if this is not an appropriate time, an appointment can be made.

Throughout the programme we have a strong emphasis on numeracy and literacy. This is incorporated into the daily programmes through:

• puzzles – problem solving
• matching activities
• counting objects, and counting in order
• matching numbers and colours
• understanding concepts of ‘before' and ‘after' with numbers
• identifying their name, and learning to write their name
• copying under stories
• developing their fine motor skills by cutting, writing and painting
• number songs and finger rhymes
• reading and listening to stories, and enjoying stories
• working in small groups, making up sets of objects
• finding things which are the same, and different
• working in their work books, and homework books.

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Enrolment Procedures

Parents are encouraged to enrol their children as early as possible. This does not guarantee them an earlier place at Kindy, but would certainly ensure their names are on the list, in case the rolls close. The management endeavours to be as fair as possible, making placements for children available in order of age, and/or circumstances e.g. transferring from other areas. Unless there are positions available, we are not obligated to place children who are also attending other kindergartens.

Four year old extension group

In the oldest group, we provide an educational programme for the children, so the transition from Kindy to School is made as easy as possible. The session starts off on the mat, with a discussion time, and children are encouraged to take part.

In this group we will encourage the children to: write their own name; first name and last name copying under their stories, and starting to write their own count and recognise numbers 1-5, 1-12, 12-20 recognise letters of the alphabet, names and sounds develop a love of books take a more active role in group discussions experiment with paints and colours develop skills to retell and illustrate a story explore the alphabet and print, and if ready, write their own stories word lists and reading books are available, if children are ready for this.

Children have their own workbooks, which have activities in it at their own level. At the beginning of each term the staff assess where each child is at, and they write up objectives for the term, and send these home, so parents are aware of what we are achieving for their child this term.

The children may be divided into two smaller groups to do their activities, so that they begin to feel more confident, and hopefully, participate more in the group situation because the numbers are smaller.

The children now also have the opportunity of attending a whole day on a Monday. The children attend the morning session at Kindy Kidz, have lunch, then move across to Kindy Tweenz for the afternoon session. This will help the children to cope with a whole day at school, and get them used to choosing morning tea, and leaving something for lunch time.

The opportunities for the children to learn will be available for them. Every child develops at their own pace, and therefore the staff plan the work carefully, to incorporate all the different levels and abilities into the programme.

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Homework books

Many children love to take a homework activity. This activity is an independent activity, which helps to reinforce what we are doing at Kindy. It is individual, and focuses on where the child is at. For example; your child may be learning numbers 6-10, so we may put activities in the homework book to reinforce this.

The homework book is put into the yellow box by the front door and picked up when your child goes home.

20 ECE hours

We offer the 20 ECE hours. In order for us to maintain our current standard, quality of education, resourcing and level of staffing, parents are asked to contribute $2.50 per hour up to 6 hours per day, 20hours per week (Quality Education and Resourcing Surcharge). For those parents who qualify for a child-care subsidy from WINZ, you may choose to keep that going or opt for the 20 ECE hours.

Policies and Practices

Fees:

• Fees are $16.50 per session
• Fees are charged as per sessions enrolled.
• There is no reduction in fees due to absenteeism.
• On Public Holidays normal fees apply.
• Accounts will be issued once a term.
• When withdrawing your child, two weeks notice is required, or 2 weeks payment.

For children who have completed a ECE Attestation Form:
$2.50 per hour Quality Education & Resourcing Surcharge up to 6 hours per day, 20 hours per week. $5.50 per hour for time over 6 hours per day/ 20 hours per week.

Absenteeism:
If your child is absent from a session, please advise the Kindy. If your child is absent for more than 2 weeks, a written note is required.

Session Times:
Morning session - 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.
Afternoon session - 12:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Food:
Please supply a healthy morning or afternoon tea and a drink for your child.

Clothing:
Please ensure your child is dressed in comfortable clothing. Items of clothing should be named. Please send along a change of clothes with your child.

Safety:
Staff will ensure that all equipment used will be safe and in good repair. Children will be supervised at all times.

Sign-In Book:
Please sign your child in and out each session.

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Excursions:
Staff need signed permission from parents and caregivers before children can leave Kindy to go on trips. All children transported in cars, are required to be restrained in an approved car seat.

Sunsafe Policy:
All children are encouraged to wear sunhats, and have adequate sun protection.

Child Management Policy:
Children are given respect and dignity, and guidance and control, but no child is subjected to any form of physical ill treatment, solitary confinement, immobilisation or deprivation of food, drink, warmth or shelter.
Every child is given positive guidance using praise and avoiding blame, harsh language, and belittling or degrading responses.

No Smoking Policy:
The Kindy is a 'No Smoking Zone'. No parents or other adults are permitted to smoke inside the fence of the Kindy.

Emergency Procedures:
We have an approved Evacuation Scheme. Trial evacuation drills are carried out once a term. Exit signs and procedures notices are displayed in the room.

Noticeboard/Newsletter:
The staff will issue a monthly newsletter informing parents about the weekly themes, and other important happenings at Kindy. A weekly notice sheet is also on the noticeboard.

Parental Involvement:
The staff encourage parents to be involved in their child's education. You are welcome to stay with your child during any session.

Suggestions and Complaints Procedure:
The staff welcome any suggestions, and these can be placed in the'‘Fees' box. If parents have any concerns, or complaints, please see the the supervisor, to discuss the problems.

Reporting to Parents:
The staff carefully monitor the children's progress whilst at Kindy. To keep parents informed, each term, the staff will assess where each child is at, and inform parents of objectives for the term, for your child. Each child has their own Kindy Profile book, which includes samples of work, photo's and observations.

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Updated March 2010