Family Participation and Communication
We recognise that families are the first and most important influence in a child’s life. Our educators are here to complement that relationship and aim to stay completely connected with families to share in decisions that affect the child and to incorporate your expectations into our learning goals. Any successful partnership is based on open communication. At any time, you are able, and encouraged, to contribute to the program or learning environment, share ideas or concerns or join in the serious fun that we have daily. Verbal face-to-face communication is important to us and helps to establish our relationship.
Communication will also take the form of emails, newsletters, displays and notices in the centre and digital forms such as Facebook, SMS and Storypark.
Storypark
Storypark is an app that houses your child’s learning and development profile as well as a space to communicate with your centre and fellow centre families. It is a completely safe and private platform, only accessible by you, your child’s educators and those whom you authorise. Educators use this tool to share your child’s achievements and milestones, funny events and photos of their day. The Storypark app is an ideal way of staying connected with families. You can even contribute to the content on the Storypark app, share family interests or weekend events and post photos of your own. Invite other family members, or other professionals that work with your child such as allied health or medical specialists, to join and contribute too.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.storypark.families.android
https://apps.apple.com/nz/app/storypark-for-families/id1133029596
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First day
Starting at an early childhood centre may be an exciting time for children and families, although it may also be an emotional or anxious time.
Before your child’s first day, an orientation is encouraged to familiarise both you and your child with the centre and the educators through our free stay-and-play sessions. The orientation will be tailored to you
and your child’s needs. It might be a quick drop in the day before, or it might be a series of short visits leading up to the first day. It may also involve shorter days once
the child has started to ease into the routine.
Please ask your Centre Manager how they can accommodate your needs over the orientation period.
The list provides a general overview of what you may be required to bring each day. Check with your child’s centre for specifics.
»Water bottle
» Wide brimmed hat
» Morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, late snack*
» A complete change of seasonal appropriate
clothes (a few sets if learning to use the toilet)
» A sheet set*
» A photo of the family
» A special comforter (blanket or teddy for
example, that the child may be attached to)
»Nappies*
» Alternative Formula sufficient for your baby’s
needs (if your baby is unable to drink the
formula we provide as standard)
» A dummy, if necessary, with a cap or container
for storage
Family Responsibilities
By enrolling at our centre, you agree to abide by our policies and procedures as outlined in this handbook and in the Affinity policy manual available at your centre.
It is a legislative requirement that you record your child’s attendance by signing in on arrival and departure times using our digital kiosks. On arrival each day, you can place your child’s belongings into a locker and any food or drink into the available fridge. Escort your child to where the children are grouped, and our educators will greet you and your child, assisting with the morning transition into our centre.
Please ensure you leave your child with an educator and never drop them off in a room unattended or in the foyer of the centre. If you arrive and outdoor play is underway, please ensure your child is wearing a hat. Sunscreen is available for you to apply to your child before you escort them outdoors to play.
When departing with your child, ensure you follow the departure procedure, inclusive of collecting your belongings and please inform an educator of your departure.
Our centre is a smoke-free area. Smoking is not permitted in or around a 10-metre radius of the premises including car park and perimeter fencing.
Our Programs
Nursery
Our nursery rooms and our program, Healthy Beginnings, provides your baby an environment that promotes a holistic growth and development approach to learning through the first year of life. We provide a warm and safe space for our caring and gentle educators to nurture and develop relationships with your baby, so your child will grow trust and a sense of belonging.
Toddler
Our Toddler room environments and Lifelong Learning Curriculum incorporates the Abecedarian Approach which is a progressive and personalised way for toddlers to learn to communicate their thoughts, emotions and intentions. Our educators take into account your child's opinions and ideas, keeping them engaged throughout their learning journey.
Preschool
Our Preschool rooms have been designed to facilitate the learning required for your child to be a resilient and confident learner, prepared for the transition to Primary School. Our Teachers deliver programs such as STEM and School Readiness, facilitating the social, emotional and physical development children require in order for their intellectual or academic areas to grow.
