Tag: goonellabah

NEWSLETTER FROM THE OFFICE (Jan - Mar 2018)

Danielle is excited to announce my appointment of the position as Assistant Director. "I am lucky to work with a fantastic, supportive team that is so dedicated to their positions and your children." This year, we also welcome Carren and Ana to the team. We are excited to have Jackie working in both her Chef’s position and educator position.

You will notice some changes to the playground and classrooms, if you have any ideas for our revamp, please feel free to share.

Danielle's office hours vary depending on my roster shift each day. However, Danielle is currently in the centre 5 days a week, either prior to 9am or after 5pm. So, please feel free to see her for any queries.

Fees

Please be aware that early education is not a free service. Therefore, paying your fees is a requirement each and every week. You are required to pay at least up to the amount due at the end on the current week, as per your weekly statement. Or your child(ren) position a Nestle In may be restricted, until such time as fees are up-to-date. If you are currently having difficulties paying your fees, please come and see me.

Child Care Subsidy (CCS)

You have heard or seen advertising with regards to childcare fee relief changing in the media.  This paragraph will provide you with an overview of the changes as we know them so far.

CCS is the revised childcare package which will take effect 2 July 2018.

Child Care Subsidy (CCS) will replace Childcare Benefit (CCB) and Child Care Rebate (CCR).

There will be 3 factors that will determine your level of CCS:-

• Family Income – combined family income
• Activity Test – activity level of the parent undertaking the least activity
  • The higher level of activity = more hours of subsidy per fortnight
    • Less than 8 hrs for a family earning up to $65,710 = 24 hrs
    • 8-16 hrs = 36 hours
    • 16-48 hrs = 72 hours
    • More than 48 hrs = 100 hours
  • Service Type – type of childcare service (so for us it will be long daycare (LDC))
  • $11.55 hourly cap rate (indexed to CPI annually)

What families need to do….

Look out for Centrelink letter (early April)

Log into your myGov (April-May)

• Access Centrelink online account
• Confirm current details and provide new information:-
  • Family income estimate
  • Activity test
  • Childcare details
  • Confirm enrolments

We will provide further information to you with regards to CCS as soon as it becomes available, however if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to chat to me.

Sign In & Out

It is a legal requirement to sign your child in and out of the service every day. This includes days they are absent and public holidays, on these day please write the word absent and sign your name. If you child is not signed in and out daily your child care benefits may be affected.

The centre will soon be transferring over to an electronic sign in & out system via an electronic IPad. To assist with this transition there will be changes to the centres entry and exits. As of the 23^rd April 2018, the gate in to the playground will be EXIT ONLY and the only ENTRY will be via the main wooden door near the office. Please also note that sign in & out folders will also be located on the bench outside the office door. Thank you for your corporation in this change.        

From the Tadpole Room –

The children have settled in getting back into routines and learning new ones. We’ve had lots of development and new skills, with children progressing with physical, social and verbal development. This will be, out focus for programming in the upcoming weeks (months), as we involve children in lots of language experiences, using familiar songs and rhymes. While, introducing new songs to extend on children’s vocabulary. Particularly, animal songs and stories, puppets and flash cards.

The children have a strong interest in vehicles and balls, we use this items to extend on the babies’ hand/ eye coordination, with the introduction of large balls and add other sized balls as we go along. The children are also enjoying sensory exploration with play dough and art activities with lots of opportunities for fine motor development and creative expression, with different tools and materials. We look forward to collaborating with families as we travel together on yours babies learning journey.

From the team, Mel and Amber.

From the Starfish Room –

Welcome back to the Starfish Room, children have now all settled in. As the weather continues to be warm, we are really focusing on our toileting. As we all know with toileting comes accidents, so please ensure that you are sending your child with lots of nappies, undies and shorts.

In the Starfish room we have be really exploring our Nursery Rhymes. This has included using lots of visuals and make our own visuals to display in the rooms. The Nursery Rhymes that we have focused on so far are; ABC, Humpty Dumpty, 5 Cheeky Monkeys and we are starting Wheels on the Bus next week. The children love pointing to the visuals during group time, as we sing the songs.

Please make sure that you are having a look at your child’s journal, our most recent developmental summaries have just been completed. Thanks from Linda and Lizzy.

From the Turtles Room –

The turtles have welcomed a new educator Carren to our room 3 days a week. The children have formed nice friendships with Carren and Carren is settling in quickly.

The children have shown a lot of interest in animals. To follow on this interest we have made an animal table in our room for the children to explore and have been incorporating animals into our group time with counting and colour recognition.

The children have shown an interest in sensory exploration, we have been exploring Slime, Jelly, rice and ice play. The children enjoyed exploring these activities and we will continue to extend on this interest.

We are currently trialling an indoor/outdoor program (weather permitting) so the children can explore both fine and gross motor activities. This has been working well so far.

As we are programming based on your child’s interests, please let educator know if you child has any special interests they would like to share and we could incorporate into our play environment.

We have just completed your child’s developmental Summary which is now in their Journals for you to view. Please feel free to talk to educators should you have and queries or concerns.

Thank you from the educators Kahla and Carren.

From the Whales Room – 

Welcome back families and Whale children!!

This is an important year for our Whale friends before the transition to primary school education.

Throughout this year the Whales will undergo the school readiness program within the Whale room. This program focuses on various school readiness content and also the individual development and needs of each child. This is to ensure that they are emotionally, socially and mentally ready for school next year.

Already this year we have looked at the interest area of self-identity. This is where the children looked at ways to visually represent themselves. We have just finish exploring multinational countries with the Winter Olympics and Commonwealth Games. The children have enjoyed watching some of the highlights of the games, experimenting with artwork and having meaningful discussions, in relation to the countries involved, the locations of the games and sports that the athletes participate in.

I would like to take this opportunity to encourage any family input to the program. As I am, always interested in what you as parents would like to see in the program and any input is greatly appreciated. Looking forward to a big year ahead of our Whales.

Thanks from Kas the Whales teacher.

In the Kitchen with Jackie –

My name is Jackie, originally hailing from north England where I classically trained as a chef in French cuisine. Although my extensive travelling has equipped me with skills in a variety of different international cuisines, my passion has always been in health food and nutrition. I believe that positive relationships with food and nutrition start as soon as we are able to eat and the importance of a nutrient dense diet is vital in children's growth. I have been the chef at Nestle in for 15 months and believe it is my most important job role to date. I am also studying my certificate in childcare to continually improve and love the rewards and challenge of working with children.

Please try our recipe at home, your children love it and I’m sure you will too!

Pumpkin and kale macaroni cheese

(Serves family of 4)

Ingredients

1x 250g macaroni pasta
250g light cream cheese
2 zucchini grated
4 frozen portions kale
¼ pumpkin peeled and grated
1 tsp garlic
¼ cup flour
1 cup grated cheese (extra to sprinkle on top)
500ml litre lite mil
2 tbl mixed herbs 1 tbl thyme
2 tbl oil

 

Method
Fill a large pan with water to boil the pasta.
Sweat the pumpkin, zucchini garlic and herbs in a heavy bottom pan in the oil on a medium heat until soft 5-10 mins.
Add the flour and stir into the veg for 1-2 mins until all veg is coated.
Add the milk and turn the heat down stirring the mixture frequently to avoid it sticking to the bottom
The mixture will start the thicken as it starts to heat up. Avoid boiling.
Add the cream cheese and kale and stir until all is combined using a hand Blender, blend until smooth then add the cheese.
Add pasta to boiling water and cook for 7-10 mins or until cooked.
Put the mixture back on the heat and cook for a further 5-10 mins to ensure the flour has been cooked sufficiently (the mixture may need more milk depending on thickness, you are looking for a pouring cream consistency).
Drain the pasta and put into a large serving dish, add the sauce and mix, coating every piece of pasta.
Pour the pasta into a baking dish, add extra cheese on top and grill until the cheese has melted and the top in golden brown.

Policy of the Month;

FEES

Statement

Our service has a commitment to ensuring our fees are as affordable as possible and that all families have access to any subsidies that are available to reduce these fees. The setting and payment of fees takes into account all requirements of the Education and Care Services National Regulations, Australian Tax Office, Privacy Act and the guidelines contained within the Australian Government Child Care Service Handbook. All records held at the service will be maintained in accordance with the service Confidentiality and Privacy Policy. Families will be provided with accurate fees statements and clear information regarding fee payment processes.

Goals

To enable our service to provide high quality early education and care for children we need to ensure we are financially viable at all times. Our service’s financial health and access to our service will be maximised by ensuring families are aware of all fees and fee payment requirements upon enrolment.

Strategies

Fee Payable/Accounts

• The Approved Provider will determine the required fee level to meet budget prediction for the year.
• The fee schedule and fees payment policy will be fully explained to families during the enrolment process.
• Fees payable will be based on either daily or weekly amounts.
• Families will be given a minimum of 14 days’ notice of any fee increase.
• The same fee will be charged to all families for equivalent care arrangements.
• A statement of fees will be sent to parents/guardians monthly, in advance.
• Families are required to pay fees in advance. A dated receipt, in accordance with Australian Government Guidelines, will be provided for each payment.
• Families are required to pay fees on public holidays if the holiday falls on their regular booked day.
• Fee payment will be recorded according to Australian Government Guidelines. Families may also view details about their child care usage and total fees charged and the fee reductions calculated by the Centrelink office (FAO) on the View Child Care Attendance online statement available through the FAO website.
• Families should contact the service and disclose the child’s inability to attend as soon as this is known. Fees will still be required on days the child would normally attend. 

Child Care Benefit (CCB), Child Care Rebate (CCR) and the Child Care Management System (CCMS)

• Our service will comply with the Australian Government requirements to be an approved education and care service for the purposes of Child Care Benefit (CCB) and the Child Care Rebate (CCR). The online Child Care Management System (CCMS) reporting requirements and any other requirements for claiming and administering CCB and the CCR will be maintained by the service.
• It is the enrolling parent/guardian’s responsibility to complete and lodge their CCB and CCR applications with the FAO.
• All fees are charged at the full rate and submitted to the CCMS office. Each family’s eligibility for CCB and CCR is then calculated and the service is then forwarded these funds. Deductions may then be made to each individual family’s accounts.
• Any changes in a family’s financial circumstances may result in cancellation of CCB and CCR. It is the family’s responsibility to contact the Centrelink office if they wish to dispute this or discuss it further.
• CCB and CCR will be deducted from a family’s fees within 14 days of the service being notified of the amount via CCMS.
• Families will only be eligible for CCB and CCR if child care attendance records are accurately completed and signed by the parent/guardian or other responsible adult, and other eligibility requirements are met.
• Families are entitled to 42 absence days for each registered child in each financial year. CCB is paid for these days provided that the child would normally have attended on that day, and fees have been charged.
• Additional absences can be claimed when the first 42 days have been used. Supporting documentation may be required for approval of additional absences.
• All documentation pertaining to CCB and CCR will be kept for the specified period of time and made available to Australian Government Officers on request.

Payment of Fees  

Fees are payable from the agreed commencement date and must be paid two weeks in advance.

Fees may be paid by cheque, electronic funds transfer by direct deposit (internet banking) or by EFTPOS. Fees are charged at $97 0-2yrs and $92 2-5yrs per day.

Overdue Fees

Parents/guardians with overdue fees will be encouraged by the Director to discuss any difficulties they may have in meeting payments and make suitable arrangements to pay, including the option of a payment plan. If this is not done, or the agreed arrangements are not kept, the matter may be referred to a debt collector and/or cancellation of the child’s booking may occur.

Late Collection Charge

Our service reserves the right to implement a late collection charge when parents/guardians have not collected their child/ren from the service before closing time. This charge will be set at a level determined by Management and based on the service’s need to recoup expenses incurred in employee overtime wages.

Roles and Responsibilities

Approved Provider and Nominated Supervisor

• Ensure the service operates in line with the Education and Care Services National Law and National Regulations 2011.
• Reviewing the current budget to determine fee income requirements.
• Developing a fee policy that balances the parent’s/ guardian’s capacity to pay, with providing a high-quality program and maintaining service viability.
• Considering any issues regarding fees that may be a barrier to families enrolling at the service and removing those barriers wherever possible.
• Providing parents/guardians with a monthly statement of fees and charges.
• Ensuring that the Fees Policy is readily accessible at the service.
• Notifying parents/guardians within 14 days of any proposed changes to the fees charged or the way in which the fees are collected.
• Collecting all relevant information and maintaining relevant documents regarding those with entitlement to concessions, where applicable.
• Notifying parents/guardians within 14 days of any proposed changes to the fees charged or the way in which the fees are collected.
• Ensuring a notice outlining the fees charged by the service is displayed prominently in the main entrance to the service.

Early Childhood Educators and Certified Supervisors

Referring parents’/guardians’ questions in relation to this policy to the Approved Provider or Nominated Supervisors

Families

• Reading this policy and referring any questions, queries or concerns to the nominated supervisor.
• Obtain a Customer Reference Number from Centrelink as soon as practical before or after enrolment at the service.
• Record the arrival and departure times of their child or children attending care.
• Pay for any booked day of education and care which falls on a public holiday.
• Ensure all fees are kept two weeks in advance at all times.
• Provide documentation for additional absence days as required.
• Provide 2 weeks notice of withdrawal from service. If child does not attend during this 2 week notice period full fees will be chargeable ie no CCB reductions are possible.
• Notifying the Approved Provider if experiencing difficulties with the payment of fees.

Monitoring, Evaluating and Review

This policy will be monitored to ensure compliance with legislative requirements and unless deemed necessary through the identification of practice gaps, the service will review this Policy every 18 months. Families and staff are essential stakeholders in the policy review process and will be given opportunity and encouragement to be actively involved.

Sources

Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) www.acecqa.gov.au
CCB Information: www.humanservices.gov.au
Related Guidelines, Standards, Frameworks
National Quality Standard, Quality Area 7: Leadership and Service Management - Standard 7.3
Related Legislation
Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010
Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011: Regulation 168(2)(n)
Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), as amended 2011

CALENDAR 

• 13/05/2018 – Mother’s Day
• 15/05/2018 – 21/05/2018 – International Families Week
• 05/06/2018 – World Environment Day
• 11/06/2018 – Centre Closed (Queen’s Birthday)
• 08/07/2018 – 15/07/2018 – NAIDOC Week
• 19/07/2018 – Pyjama Day
• 18/08/2018 – 24/08/2018 – Childrens Book Week
• 02/09/2018 – Father’s Day
• 01/10/2018 – Centre Closed (Labour Day)
• 26/10/2018 – Grandparents Day