wellington public preschool - wellington · pdf fileour preschool children will exit with...
TRANSCRIPT
A handbook for new families.
Dear Parents,
You are contemplating the possible enrolment of your child in a preschool setting. This is your baby and you need to be reassured that you have found the right place to begin preparations for their formal education.
You have worked so hard to bring your child to his/her current level of development and you need to be assured that the preschool setting you choose will continue to foster that love of learning so that the ongo-ing learning grows to become a lifetime commitment.
Young children learn so much and so quickly. Like a sponge, they absorb all the knowledge they can in their quest to piece together the complex codes and experiences that allow them to make sense of their world. Our preschool provides the challenging experiences that will adequately equip them in their early years of development prior to entry into Kindergarten.
The way our preschool is structured under the rigid guidelines of the National Accreditation process you can be reassured that we have passed the intense scrutiny needed to be able to deliver exciting learning opportunities in a safe and stimulating learning environment.
We have a team of experienced people to look after the needs of your child and their commitment and care will assure you that your decision will be the right one.
Our preschool children will exit with learned outcomes that will enable our young students to transition seamlessly into Kindergarten at Wellington Public School.
Denis N Anderson
Principal
Wellington Public School.
National Quality Standards
Our Preschool is accredited under the
National Quality Standards.
It adheres to the required
standards under the
National Quality Framework.
Wellington Public Preschool Safe, respectful learners
Contents
Enrolment of Students
Philosophy
The Preschool Program
Voluntary Contributions
Preparing for Preschool
The First day
What to bring
Leaving and collecting your child
Attendance and Procedures for declaring a place
vacant
Illness/Accidents
Administration of Medication
Allergies/Asthma
Additional Support for students
Excursions and Preschool events
Clothing
Food
Preschool Transition to Kindergarten
www.wellington-p.schools.nsw.edu.au
Wellington Public Preschool — handbook for new parents
1. Enrolment of Students in Government Schools
Government Preschool Classes
The Department of Education and Community’s
key focus is delivering educational services for
school-aged children attending K – 12. In addition
to this key focus, the Department recognises the
importance of Preschool education.
General Principles Governing Enrolment
Children generally attend Departmental Preschool
classes for one year only.
In exceptional circumstances an additional year of
attendance may be approved by the principal.
Eligibility Criteria
Children are eligible for enrolment in Preschool
classes from the beginning of the school year if
they turn four years of age on or before 31 July in
that year.
Priority of enrolment will be given in the following
order:
1. Children living within the local school zone.
2. Children living outside the local school zone who
have siblings enrolled in the school.
3. Children living outside the local school zone.
Specific Enrolment Criteria
Enrolment in Preschool gives priority to:
1. Families of Aboriginal and /or Torres Strait
Islander origin.
2. Families experiencing financial hardship.
3. Families of children with a disability.
Waiting Lists
Where the number of applicants for enrolment in
the Preschool class exceeds the number of places
available, a prioritised waiting list will be
established based on the eligibility criteria and the
school’s specific priority enrolment criteria.
The waiting list application is valid for the year
prior to enrolment in the Preschool class and for
the Preschool year.
If a vacancy occurs during the year, the position
will be filled by the child with the highest priority
on the waiting list.
A waiting list form can be completed at any time
throughout the year prior to the starting year.
Preschool Class Enrolment Procedure
Application for Preschool enrolment is made by
the parent/carer by completing the Department’s
Student Enrolment Form. Applications for the
following year will be taken from Term 2 of the
current school year.
Documentation providing proof of age, such as a
birth certificate, passport, or personal health
record (blue health book), immunisation details
and proof of residence will be required to
complete the enrolment. In special circumstances,
alternative authoritative documentation may be
accepted with the approval of the principal.
Wellington Public Preschool — handbook for new parents
Preschool Hours
Preschool operates the following attendance
sessions:
Monday to Thursday 8.55am – 2.30pm
2. Philosophy
The Preschool caters for the needs of children and
families within the community of Wellington Public
School, endeavouring to make Preschool a
rewarding experience in preparation for later
learning.
Meeting Children’s Needs
At Preschool, children are encouraged to use a
’hands on’ approach to learning, exploring and
playing, using all five senses. The environment is
set up to challenge children to reason and solve
problems.
Staff use a positive approach to encourage children
to recognise boundaries. Children become familiar
with tasks by doing, and making choices so they
can:
Become independent.
Have confidence and self-discipline.
Prepare for kindergarten.
Children learn to respect and appreciate their own
work and the work of others. Preschool is free of
culture, gender or other biases.
Children’s home language and culture are valued
and recognised.
All children including children with special needs
will have opportunities and resources to help them
develop to their full potential.
Meeting Parental Needs
Parents are encouraged to be involved in their
child’s Preschool education by:
Asking their child about the day.
Valuing, praising and encouraging their work.
Sharing a story, song, craft.
Suggesting ideas for the program.
Attending Preschool events.
Reading newsletters and notes to keep up with
happenings at Preschool.
Meeting regularly with the Preschool teacher.
Helping on excursions.
Any views or concerns expressed by parents are
handled professionally and confidentially by
Preschool staff.
3. The Preschool Program
The Preschool provides an education plan for
children in their year before school. By attending
Preschool, children can gain skills and confidence
in language, cognitive, social, emotional, creative
and physical development.
The daily program includes:
Indoor and outdoor activities.
Music and Movement.
Language and stories.
Sensory Play.
Craft.
Wellington Public Preschool — handbook for new parents
Group Games.
Routines to help children gain independence.
Scheduled activities and themes for the week are
outlined in the Monday newsletter the “Whisp”.
The weekly indoor/outdoor program is modelled
on ‘The Early Years’ Learning Framework’;
“Being, Becoming, and Belonging”.
4. Preschool fees
From the beginning of 2012, the NSW government
imposed compulsory fees on DEC Preschool
placements.
Daily Fee Structure for 2014
Standard daily fee: $10
Aboriginal Students: $5
Health Care Card holders: $1
Fees can be paid through the school office or at the
Preschool.
5. Preparing for Preschool
In the days leading up to Preschool:
Talk about Preschool in a positive way – things
your child may be doing.
Practise opening and closing own bag,
lunchbox and drink container.
Practise nose blowing.
Practise taking off and putting on jumpers.
Learn to flush the toilet.
Read books with your child or tell stories.
Let your child know that you are happy that
they are going to Preschool.
6. The First Day
Preschool should be an enjoyable time. Treat
Preschool as a normal and happy experience. On
arrival, sign your child in. The sign-in book will be
on the foyer table. Help your child unpack their
bag and find a locker.
Take time to look around – meet the teachers.
Children love to see positive interaction between
their parents and teachers. It adds to their
security.
Write down messages for staff as well as telling
them. The first days are a busy time for everyone.
Engage your child in an activity, and when settled,
tell them that you’re going and will see them soon.
7. What to Bring
Each day your child should bring a bag
containing:
Lunch – a sandwich, a roll with filling, pasta,
salad, cold meats or other suitable fillings.
Morning tea - a piece of fruit, muesli bar,
yoghurt, dried fruits or an extra sandwich.
Drink – juice, water or milk.
Hat- for outside play. Sunscreen will be
provided.
Spare clothes and underwear – ‘accidents’ do
happen at Preschool. Perhaps two sets of
clothes if you are unsure.
Please label all your child’s belongings.
Wellington Public Preschool — handbook for new parents
8. Leaving and Collecting your Child
Preschool hours are strictly 8.55am to 2.30pm
Monday to Thursday.
It is the Department of Education and
Community’s Policy that children need to be
signed in and out as they enter and leave
Preschool.
Please collect your child on time. Children can lose
trust and feel anxious if they are the last one left.
Teachers will not be able to mind your child
outside Preschool hours.
If you are unable to collect your child on time:
Arrange for another reliable adult who is
known to the Preschool staff to come and
collect them.
Inform Preschool staff by written note of who
will collect your child. Parents informing of a
change in collection arrangements by phone
will be required to confirm their identity via
question; ie child’s birthdate etc.
Children will not be allowed to go with
strangers, unapproved persons or underage
siblings.
9. Preschool Attendance Policy for Declaring a
Place Vacant
While attendance at Preschool is voluntary, it is
expected that all children attend on a regular basis.
This is to ensure that:
Each child will be given planned activities which
are appropriate to their level of achievement.
Each child begins a successful transition to
Kindergarten.
Parents/Caregivers understand the importance of
establishing regular routines and the place it plays
in their child’s education.
If you know beforehand that your child is going to
be absent the next day or session, please let the
Preschool staff know. On return to Preschool,
please let the staff know the reason for the
absence.
Non Attendance
Consistent non – attendance affects your child’s
progress. Preschool numbers are limited and
places at Preschool are highly valued.
If there are periods of consistent non attendance
the following process will occur.
1) After two weeks of non attendance with no
satisfactory explanation parents or carers will be
contacted by telephone, letter, or the Aboriginal
Education Officer will do a home visit.
2) If the child still does not attend and there has
been no satisfactory explanation, an interview with
the Principal will be arranged, by telephone, letter
or AEO home visit.
3) Failure to attend this meeting will result in the
child’s placement in the Preschool to be DECLARED
VACANT.
4) If the meeting resolves the issue, the child will
be eligible to continue to attend
OR
The family may choose to forfeit their child’s
Preschool position. Upon forfeit of the position,
Wellington Public Preschool — handbook for new parents
the vacant place will be immediately offered to the
next child on the waiting list. Confirmation of the
decision will be sent in writing.
5) If the position is forfeited and the family wishes
the child to return to preschool, the child’s name
would be placed on the waiting list. The child
would be re considered for Preschool placement
when a vacancy arises.
Change of address / contact details
It is vital that you update any changes to your
address and telephone numbers, as well as those
of your emergency contact people.
All information provided to the School is kept
confidential.
10. Illness/Accident at Preschool
Children who are ill or have an infection should be
kept at home.
A list of childhood diseases and their exclusion
periods are listed below.
Chicken Pox—Until fully recovered – at least 7 days
after spots appear.
Measles—For 5 days after the rash appears.
German Measles—Until fully recovered or at least
5 days. (minimum)
Head Lice—Check regularly for head lice and nits.
Don’t be surprised or upset if your child is infected.
Head lice occur in all Schools. Keep your child’s
hair well groomed (girls need to have their hair
tied back.) See your chemist for suitable
treatment if nits appear. Children should be
excluded until all lice nits have been removed.
Scabies—Depends on severity and location.
Impetigo—Depends on severity and location.
Conjunctivitis—Until treatment has been affective.
Mumps—Until fully recovered –at least 10 day
after swelling occurs.
The Preschool has a number of health information
sheets available.
Children who are not immunised may be excluded
from school if an outbreak of a disease occurs for
which immunisation is available.
If a child becomes ill or has a minor accident at
Preschool:
Parents/ carers would be contacted to collect
them.
Meanwhile, all measures would be taken to keep
the child comfortable.
There are no facilities for sick children at the
Preschool.
Children with an infection need to be kept home to
prevent further spread of the infection and hasten
recovery.
If a serious accident occurred:
The Preschool would contact parents/ carers or
emergency contacts.
An ambulance would be called and medical
assistance sought.
The Principal will be notified.
Wellington Public Preschool — handbook for new parents
It is important that the Preschool is kept informed
of any new contact details
11. Administration of Medications
Preschool staff may administer medication only if:
An indemnity form has been completed and signed
by the parent.
It has been prescribed by a doctor.
The original doctor’s label with the child’s name
and dosage details are on it.
The Principal has given approval.
No medication or asthma puffers should be left in a
child’s bag. Medications are stored securely at
Preschool.
12. Health Care/Allergies/Asthma
Parents/ carers need to inform the Preschool staff
of any allergies their child has. (Food, medication
and insect bites are all examples.)
Children with identified conditions will need to
have a health care plan developed by the
preschool teacher, staff and parents of the child.
If a child has anaphylaxis or an identified food
allergy in the Preschool there will be a complete
ban on those foods.
A list of children’s allergies will be kept at
Preschool, for staff awareness.
13. Additional Support for Students
Learning Support Team:- The school has a Learning
Support Team that facilitates and coordinates a
whole school approach to meeting the needs of
students with difficulties in learning or behaviour.
Referral to the Learning Support Team may be
made by the Preschool teacher after consultation
with parents or carers so that students
experiencing difficulties receive ‘early’ and
appropriate intervention and support.
Aboriginal Education Officer:- (AEO) The AEO
works within the school and community forging
effective partnerships to support Aboriginal
students and families in achieving educational
goals.
School Counsellor:- The School Counsellor is
available on site 2 days per week and works with
the Learning Support Team to support identified
students by counselling or assessing students for
support programs.
Speech Therapy Program:- Wellington Public
School currently engages a speech pathologist 2
days per week to assess and develop speech and
language programs addressing identified student
needs. Programs are implemented by trained
tutors.
Occupational Therapy:- Wellington Public School
engages an OT to assess and provide weekly
programs to remediate difficulties with student self
regulation, readiness to learn and socialisation
issues for identified students.
Wellington Public Preschool — handbook for new parents
14. Excursions
At times children will be involved in excursions
outside of the Preschool. Parents/ carers will
receive information in advance and a permission
note will need to be returned before the day of the
excursion.
Parents/ carers will also receive notice of any
events to be held at the Preschool or School, and
will be invited to attend.
15. Clothing
There is no uniform requirement for Preschool.
Children should be dressed appropriately for:
The weather/season.
Ease of dressing/undressing – sometimes press
studs and overalls can be tricky for children to un-
do for toileting.
Clean, comfortable clothes are best.
A Sun hat and sturdy shoes are necessary for
Occupational Health & Safety reasons – Thongs are
definitely not allowed.
16. Food
A healthy lunch, morning tea and drink will give
your child energy and help him/her have a great
day.
Due to this consideration these items are banned:
roll-ups; lollies; chips ; red cordial; chocolate; soft
drink; ANY food containing nuts or nut traces
17. Weekly Newsletter
Each week on Monday you will receive a copy of
the daily newsletter ‘The Whisp’ All weekly
activities are highlighted in the Whisp, along with
other important messages and photos of your child
engaging in a variety of experiences at Preschool.
18. Preschool to Kindergarten Transition
Throughout the year, a program of activities is
undertaken to provide a smooth transition to
Kindergarten.
Initially, Preschool children are introduced to
school staff and teachers who visit the Preschool,
such as our Principal and Deputy Principal.
Important faces at school become familiar as the
year progresses.
Children attend school activities such as
Assemblies, Easter Hat Parades, the K-2 Athletics
Carnival and NAIDOC Week.
They may join in with Kindergarten for excursions,
in-school shows or fitness time.
Informal walks around the school also occur.
In Terms 2 and 3, Preschool children visit
Kindergarten classes and join in activities.
In Term 4, parents/carers accompany their child to
Preschool- School transition. This will occur each
Friday morning for two hours. Your child will
attend the same classroom every week. The
teachers carrying out transition will rotate through
each group as the program progresses.
If you have any questions, please contact
Preschool Staff who are always happy to help.