﻿<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?><Search><pages Count="24"><page Index="1"><![CDATA[1-3 Redhaven Rise, Ashburton
                                     03 307 2088
                           admin@steppingstones.net.nz
                              Open 7.30am – 6.00pm

                    Cobblestones 022 657 1884

                                         Welcome to



                                                    The
                                        Cobblestones


                                                 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, the kaiako (teachers) and other
     tamariki.    Settling  in  can  look  different  for  each  family  and  we  do  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/settling
     kaiako.  When you and your child are happy and settled we will ask you to
     leave the room/centre 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 rhythms and rituals here in The Cobblestones Room.  Some
     children  settle  in  within  a  week  or  two  where  other  children  may  take
     longer.    We  will  work  closely  with  you  to  make  this  transition  into  our
     preschool as positive as possible for both you and your child.

     During these visits, we are working closely with you and your child to build
     positive, trusting relationships.  Please tell us as much information about
     your child and your whānau as possible as this helps us to care for your
     child.

     We understand that you and/or your child may find it hard leaving each
     other.  Our wonderful teaching team will do everything we can to make
     this time as easy as possible and talk you both through this process.  We
     are all happy to answer any questions or address any concerns you may
     have.

     We do use key/settling teachers to support this process.  We try our best
     for you and your child to build a relationship during the visiting period.  Our
     teachers do work on a rostering system so may not be there to meet you
     each day but we will endeavour for one of your child’s key/settling teachers
     to be available as much as possible.  If this cannot happen we will make
     sure to introduce you to the other kaiako that will be available at the drop
     off time too.  The key/settling teacher’s role is to help your child to settle
     and support them through their rhythms and rituals of the day and to be a
     familiar and consistent source of support and contact.  This process also
     ensures you as a parent have someone who understands your aspirations
     for your child and can support a strong connection with home.]]></page><page Index="4"><![CDATA[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.

                                 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 of 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  team  leaders  or  our  manager  and  be  signed  for.    The
     Cobblestones team leader is Amy.  If you are unable to make a visit or a
     session please make sure to text or call the centre as this will allow for us
     to plan our day more effectively for our teachers and children and means
     we can rearrange visits for you.

     Each room a has a cell phone, this phone is checked throughout the day, if
     you are needing a direct answer, please call the centre on 03 307 2088.  The
     teachers will use the cellphone number to keep you updated on your child’s
     day particularly as they settle in and use it 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 go to 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.    So  try  your
           child and helps them                   best not to look worried or
           understand    what                     sad,  once  you  have  said
           happens next.                          goodbye 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 (no singlets
              or  spaghetti  straps)  and  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.]]></page><page Index="8"><![CDATA[  Nappies – you are able to bring in a pack of
              nappes,  the  kaiako  will  put  a  tag  on  your
              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 teachers.  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.




     * 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.  Hot food is served on plates or in bowls but children
     eat their lunch independently from their lunch boxes.









     Please keep in mind what food choices are appropriate for your child’s age
     and stage, children’s ability to eat food changes as they grow as well as the
     amount of food they need.  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.  Remember we are a nut free centre (no peanut butter or Nutella
     sandwiches).
                              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]]></page><page Index="10"><![CDATA[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 whanau 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 over two
     need to stay away from the centre for a minimum of 12 hours after their
     vaccinations.  Please try to book these so your child has time to recover
     (maybe over the weekend).

     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.  This way
     we do not need signed permission that day but is must be signed off on
     collection  of  your  child.  Any  child  who  is  present  at  the  centre  that  is
     unwell  will  be  sent  home.    This  is  recorded  in  our  illness  register  and
     depending on the illness a child may be in a separate area with a member
     of staff until the parent arrives.  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.
         •   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="11"><![CDATA[Cobblestone’s Room Teachers










           Brandi – Team Leader                            Rachel
           Bachelor of Teaching                     Bachelor of Teaching
                   ECE                                    Primary










                  Cherie
           Bachelor of Teaching                             Karen
                    ECE                                 Experienced











                  Georgia                                  Rhonda
                In Training
                                                         Experienced]]></page><page Index="12"><![CDATA[Cobblestone’s Room Curriculum Inspiration


                                  Routines & Rituals
      We believe in the importance of routines throughout the day as this supports
      children develop predictability.  The routines of the day include special care
      moments, planned learning experiences, group experiences and free play.  We
      believe that having routines & rituals give children a sense of security and
      wellbeing.  Our day is predictable yet flows, it is not set in stone or inflexible,
      but is able to be moulded for the needs of the children and their families.  In
      the  Cobblestones  Room  we  work  towards  providing  support  and  learning
      opportunities  that  stem  from  children’s  interests,  capabilities  and  needs.
      Meal times are structured and are at generally the same time each day.  This
      supports children in becoming used to having set meal times when they are
      at school.
      Throughout the day the room will be set to cater for different age groups and
      interests, allowing the environment to be our third teacher.  We offer a wide
      range of experiences from quiet spaces, messy play, outdoor experiences and
      many  other  areas  of  play.    We  will  also incorporate  music  and  movement
      through both planned and spontaneous group times.
        Children – Tamariki – Our Learners   Community – Hapori – Our Networks
      Tamariki are encouraged to develop  We  value  the  relationships  we  have
      self-help  skills,  be  independent  and  with  families  and  the  learning  that
      know  who  they  are  and  their  can          come       from      them.
      individual value within the learning  Whanaungatanga in action.
      setting.                             Learning collaboratively, we develop a
      Respectful communication is valued   strong sense of community together,
      and  tamariki  are  encouraged  to   sharing  our  knowledge,  our  cultures,
      respect  and  include  their  peers  in   our  local  spaces  and  our  experiences
      play.                                to achieve success for our learners.
      Interdependence/Tuakana  Teina  is   Authentic and enjoyable shared events
      fostered, motivating children to use   allow  us  to  work  together  as  a
      their  skills  to  help  others  out  and   community  and  learn  about  each
      share their knowledge.               other’s cultural diversities.
        Environment – Taiao – Our Room          Teacher – Kaiako – Our Team
      Respecting our spaces is important   Regular,  honest  growth  feedback  is
      to us, valuing the role of each space   given  and  received  regularly  as  we
      as a place for learning and growth.     support  each  other  through  our
      Teachers and tamariki take pride in   interactions  and  balance  our  roles
      our  spaces,  keeping  them  tidy  and   throughout the day.
      accessible together.                 Role  modelling  enjoyable,  fun  and
      We  collaborate  to  ensure  our     respectful  relationships  is  important
      environment reflects the family and   to  our  team  as  we  learn  from  and
      ethnic cultures of our tamariki.     inspire each other.
                                           Rich oral language builds capability for
                                           both  adults  and  children  and  is  an
                                           important    part   of    our   daily
                                           interactions with adults and children.]]></page><page Index="13"><![CDATA[Cobblestone’s Room Valued Learning


                      Relationships/Coping with Transitions & Change
                                     Whanaungatana
      Developing secure and trusting relationships with children allows them to feel
      a sense of security and belonging.  Children understand that their needs will
      be met and that adults care and value their emotions.  Strong relationships
      between children, kaiako and whanau members creates a safe environment
      for children.  Having these relationships allows children to trust and feel safe
      during transition periods.  Children feel secure in their environment and feel
      comfortable to 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
      Children develop the ability to understand others.  Children become socially
      aware  of  others  and  gain  an  understanding  of  how  to  approach  peers  and
      work with and alongside others.  Through relationships and communication
      children  develop  an  understanding  of  the  needs  and  feelings  of  others.
      Children develop a range of reciprocal skills that allow them to share views,
      negotiate and take turns with their peers.  Children learn how to navigate
      others and how they can collaborate and work together.
                  Growing Self Identity/Self Regulation/Cultural Intelligence
                                         Tuakiri
      Children have the security to develop their own self identity, where they learn
      who they are and what they are capable of.  Adults should value children as
      being  independent  learners  who  are  confident  and  dependable  within
      themselves.  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.  Developing empathy for others
      leads  children  to  understanding  how  their  actions  affect  others  and  their
      environment.  Adults should teach children to respect and care for the world
      around them.  Children are confident within themselves and develop a strong
      sense of cultural identity where they know their culture is valued.
                                  Physical Development
                                       Aho Matua
      Children  develop  physically,  refining  their  motor  skills  and  reaching
      developmental milestones.  Children develop control of their bodies and gain
      confidence  within  themselves  to  take  risks  and  actively  explore  their
      environment.    Developing  spatial  awareness  through  their  physical
      development  allows  children  to  understand  personal  space  and  how  to
      navigate through their surroundings.  All these aspects of physical]]></page><page Index="14"><![CDATA[development  create  the  foundation  for  children  to  learn  and  have  the
       confidence to explore and try new things throughout their life.
                                 Exploration/Discovery
                                    Whakatomene
       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.  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.    Children  learn  to  work  with  and
       alongside  their  peers,  developing  relationships  and  understanding  the
       views and opinions of others.
                                   Communication
                                      Mana Reo
       Communication is an important part of a child’s life and development.
       Children learn how to understand both verbal and non verbal cues from
       those  around  them.    Children  develop  communication  skills  through
       meaningful  interactions  where  they  have  a  reason  and  need  to
       communicate  with  others.    Children  should  be  encouraged  to
       communicate with others both verbally and non verbally.  Children are
       given the opportunity to experience symbols and stories from their own
       as  well  as  others  cultures.    Children  develop  strategies  to  express
       themselves in different ways and their imagination is promoted.  They
       begin developing humour and enjoy storytelling.]]></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  journey’s  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.]]></page><page Index="16"><![CDATA[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.

     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]]></page><page Index="17"><![CDATA[coming up (also shared on other forums).  Sometimes texts and calls from
     room phones may be used as a form of communication.


     We operate an open door policy, where parents and family are welcome into
     the  centre  at  any  time.    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  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 in our parent library.

     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[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="19"><![CDATA[Our Spaces]]></page><page Index="20"><![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
     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 area with your child while they fall asleep and once
     asleep, we do five minute checks as per ministry requirements.
     Do you keep a log book or a diary for my child?   In the over two year old
     rooms  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 ourself 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 Amy.
     Will you let me know if my child is upset?  Yes, we certainly will.  During the
     settling period particularly, 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
     wellbeing of your child.
     What happens if I pick my child up late, is there a late fee?  You need to notify
     the centre either 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 prolong 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.
     Can I bring a cake/muffins 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 kai time for
     your child and be sure to send you through the pictures.  If you would rather
     not bring in a cake, we can make a play dough cake.  We are aware some
     cultures/beliefs don’t celebrate birthdays and we are more than happy to
     accommodate for you also and take your child to another classroom while
     the birthday is celebrated.
     What is the ratio in the Cobblestones Room?  We work between a 1:10 ratio
     if not better depending on the group and ages of our tamariki.]]></page><page Index="21"><![CDATA[When are meal times?  We have morning kai at 10.00am once all the children
     have arrived.  Lunch for the majority of children is at 12.00pm 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 tea is at 3.10pm.  Children starting 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 also 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.
     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 the children in other rooms.
     We can also arrange times for either child to go into other play spaces.
     Can I pick my child up early?  Yes you can, we have an open door policy.  It
     is helpful if you can call or text 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, payments, holidays please check our website
     for our welcome booklet or talk to Charlene or Makayla.
     Do you take the children on excursions/trips out of the centre?  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
     as follows.  Over 2’s    1 adult : 4 children, however if within 500m of the
     centre  the  ratios  are  1  adult  :  6  children.    For  excursions  further  away
     permission slips outlining the trip, transport cost and adult : child ratio will
     be given to all parents to complete prior to an outing.  Children who are
     unable to attend the excursion will remain at the centre.]]></page><page Index="22"><![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 they will be told their 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="23"><![CDATA[Notes]]></page><page Index="24"><![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>