PARENT INFORMATION BOOK -...

Parent Information Book March 2012 of 35

Bonkers Beat®

Music Kinder & Childcare Aspendale

®

Enrolment Kit

Bonkers Beat® Parent Information Book

Bonkers Beat® Music Kinder & Childcare Aspendale Updated March 2013 of 35

INDEX

1. About Bonkers Beat p.2 2. Absence p.6 3. Anaphylaxis Management Policy p.6 4. Attendance p.6 5. Behaviour Guidance p.7 6. Birthdays p.8 7. Centre Information & Hours of Operation (See page 5) p.8 8. Clothing p.8 9. Code of conduct p.8 10. Communication p.9 11. Complaints (See page 5) p.10 12. Contacts & Enquiries (See page 5) p.10 13. Delivery and collection of children p.10 14. Enrolment process p.10 15. Excursions/visitors to the centre p.11 16. Feedback p.11 17. Fees/ Fee Payments p.11 18. Food & Nutrition p.13 19. Holidays p.14 20. Hygiene p.15 21. Illness p.15 22. Immunisation p.16 23. Medication p.17 24. Nappies p.18 25. Notice of withdrawal p.18 26. Orientation/Settling in p.18 27. Parent participation p.18 28. Parking p.18 29. Philosophy (See p.2) p.19 30. Policies p.19 31. Privacy p.19 32. Programs (See p.3) p.19 33. Quality p.19 34. Separation p.20 35. Sleep/rest time p.20 36. Special events and celebrations p.20 37. Staffing and staff development p.20 38. Starting - what do we need to bring? p.21 39. Students and Volunteers p.21 40. Sunsmart p.21 41. Supervision of children p.22

APPENDICES A. Fee Policy p.22 B. Separation Anxiety – hints p.30 C. Fee Payment Agreement Form p.32 D. Parent Permission Form p.33 E. Parent Information Acknowledgement Form p.34

These last 3 pages

must be signed and returned -

before your

child/ren may commence



PARENT INFORMATION BOOK - INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the unique culture of Bonkers Beat Music Kinder & Childcare Aspendale. We value and respect all families involved with the centre and aim to make you and your child’s stay with us as educational, exciting, diverse and caring as possible. This information book is designed to answer many questions. If you require further information please call, email, drop in and speak with our centre director or staff members.

On the completion of reading the Parent Information Book – please complete the last 3 pages and return these to the centre before your child attends.

1. About Bonkers Beat Music Kinder & Childcare Aspendale The Bonkers Beat Music program is designed to nurture each individual and develop every child’s potential and sense of identity through play and learning. The Bonkers Beat curriculum aims:

- to develop a strong sense of wellbeing and health,

- to develop confident and active learners,

- to create effective communicators,

- to promote creativity through art, music, movement and movement, and to develop fine and gross motor skills.

The concept of the program allows and invites partnerships with the whole family and the community. A strong supportive system offers all the staff at Bonkers Beat – continuous training as well as professional and personal development on a weekly basis.

“Bonkers Beat Philosophy”

Bonkers Beat VISION

“To be a leader in Early Childhood Education by enabling every child’s potential through the power of music, wellbeing, play and learning.”

Our MISSION

“Through the partnership between dedicated and inspiring staff, families and community, Bonkers Beat Mission is to provide comprehensive, innovative educational programs and to lay the foundation for each individual child to develop and grow into well balanced citizens of our society.”

Our Values/Philosophies

Values are the core principles of the centre – that guide the way operations are conducted

The Bonkers Beat Philosophy is based on Five Principals: Respect for all people Respect for all animals & living creatures Respect for all plants & nature Respect for kinder & personal belongings Respect for yourself

At Bonkers Beat Music Kinder & Childcare Aspendale we aim to:

Support families and communities through strong partnerships



Provide play based, adult facilitated programs that meet the needs of individual children, their families and the community

Nurture each child’s qualities and potential

Respect parents/guardians as their child’s primary model and teacher

Provide opportunities for children with additional needs to be supported by our programs

Make a positive difference in the lives of children, families, staff and in the communities where we live and work

Create a work environment that encourages professionalism, growth and diversity

We believe in:

All children and families having access to high quality care and educational programs that provide a safe, stimulating, developmentally appropriate and caring environment

Children’s rights being respected, valued, and promoting happiness and positive self esteem in each child

Each child being encouraged to reach his/her full potential and sense of identity through play and experiential learning

Providing programs that help children learn about themselves, others and their environment

Bonkers Beat Music, Yoga and Meditation programs are valuable foundations for children’s learning

Encouraging children to be independent, problem solve, explore, question in order to ensure strong foundations for learning

Respecting children’s cultural identity and recognising each child as a unique individual

Valuing our staff and the effectiveness of teamwork

Identifying and valuing the importance of parent/family involvement and encouraging parent participation

Profile: Galina Zenin The Bonkers Beat Music Program Director, Galina Zenin, is a qualified music and voice training teacher, music educator and composer. She writes her own music and brings to her program a wealth of European and Australian experience and a high level of professionalism. Galina has been a highly respected founder and director of children’s choirs in Moscow. During the last seventeen years in Australia she has worked with the Australian Children’s Choir, the Australian Girls’ Choir and has taught music from early childhood to VCE in a number of schools in Melbourne, including the Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar School, Xavier College and St. Leonard’s College. From 2000 to 2004, Galina held the position of Head of Junior Music at Korowa Anglican Girls’ School in Glen Iris.

Galina is the founder and Director of the first music kindergarten in Australia – Bonkers Beat®. She has a warm personality, passion and an excellent rapport with young people.

Programs at Bonkers Beat The Bonkers Beat® Kinder program features music as an integral part in all lessons, including physical movement, languages, literacy and numeracy, using the highly-regarded teaching approach of Kodaly and Orff.

The Bonkers Beat® Educational Program consists of: Music and movement, yoga and meditation, art and craft, language and physical development programs. It is designed to nurture each individual and develop every child’s potential and sense of identity through play and learning. The Bonkers Beat Music Kinder curriculum aims to develop a strong sense of wellbeing and health, to develop confident and active learners, to create effective communicators, to support creativity through activities such as art, languages, music and movement, and to develop every child’s fine and gross motor skills.



The new concept of the whole program allows a partnership with the whole family and the community. A strong supportive system offers all staff at Bonkers Beat Music Kinder continuous training, as well as professional and personal development on a weekly basis. The Bonkers Beat Educational Program is ideal for gifted, ASD (autistic) children or children with special needs. At Bonkers Beat® there are currently four specialised activities in progress - the Bonkers Beat® Music Program, Wellbeing Program, Bonkers Gym® and the Art & Craft Program.

Bonkers Beat® Music Program: With this delightful introduction to music your child will learn to appreciate music, sing in groups and solo, develop rhythm and beat, express themselves creatively, develop confidence in their musical abilities and much more.

Yoga & Meditation with Bonkers the Monkey Program: Yoga is an ancient Indian philosophy that dates back thousands of years and is recognised as a practice which promotes physical strength, flexibility, body awareness, balance and mental focus. Meditation is also a fantastic way to increase children’s focus and concentration and to reduce stress and anxiety. It helps build self-esteem and confidence and encourages children’s imagination and creativity. At Bonkers Beat Music Kinder we believe that regular practice of yoga and meditation may produce many health benefits and wellbeing practices for life! We encourage parents to listen at home to Yoga & Meditation with Bonkers the Monkey CD’s and incorporate these wellbeing practices in your daily family routines.

Bonkers Gym® – Physical Development (Perceptual Motor) Program: Bonkers Gym is aimed at promoting fine and gross motor skills as well as balance, hand-eye co-ordination, confidence, body awareness and control.

Art & Craft Program: A wide range of art and craft activities support children’s learning and help them to understand concepts taught in class visually. Throughout the year the children will be working on their art projects and at the end of Term 4 will present to their parents their own copy of “Bonkers Beat & Me” book. We have received an overwhelmingly positive response from past parents regarding Bonkers Beat® CD’s and books, which they will treasure for years to come.

Toddlers program encourages children to: Develop in all areas, building positive relationships with their friends. Messy play and art activities provide them with plenty of opportunities to be creative! Language skills are enhanced with story times, songs and puppet play. Self-help skills are encouraged and reinforced.

3 Year Old Kinder program based on: Developing confidence and self esteem in children, giving them the chance to experience a vast range of music and movement activities, experimenting with art materials, helping children to overcome separation anxiety and building up social and communication skills.

4 Year Old Kinder program focuses on: Developing language and aural skills, fine and gross motor skills, developing children’s creativity through art, music and movement, learning about the world we live in and nurturing your child’s background and culture. All our programs are relevant to the child’s age and learning capabilities and are designed to give your child the best start to their education.

Enrolment types Full Time: Full time care is when the child attends the Centre 5 days per week on a permanent basis.



Part Time: Part time care is when the child attends the Centre between 1 and 4 days per week on a permanent basis.

Casual Days: There are times when parents require extra days above the permanent days booked. Casual Days are available subject to availability.

Booked Hours of Care: Booked hours of care relate to the hours that parent/s select at the time of enrolment and at the end of each year for their children to attend Bonkers Beat® Centre. Booked hours of care determine Staff rosters and therefore, it is imperative that parents notify the Director of any changes.

The Education & Care Services National Regulations have strict guidelines about the number of staff required to care for children. Therefore, if parents increase their hours of care without notification, there may be inadequate staff to care for the number of children left at the Centre. This is particularly problematic for staff rostered on at the beginning and end of each day. It also places children and staff at risk of not having their needs met, alters the program quality and safety, and could result in Bonkers Beat® losing its Child Care license. If parents wish to alter their booked hours of care from those selected at the time of enrolment, notification needs to be given either directly to the Director.

Centre Information and hours of operation

Telephone: 9587 8786 Fax: 9587 8775 Mobile: 0404 118 311 (text messages only) Address: 49 Laura Street Aspendale VIC 3195 Email Address: [email protected] Website: www.bonkersbeat.com

Hours of Operation: 7.30am – 6.00pm (Monday to Friday) Weeks: 52 Weeks a year (Closed on Public holidays and 3 staff curriculum

days per annum. Please note that fees are charged for these days)

Fee Structure: Toddlers: Amount

The 4

th and 5

th day are discounted at a rate of $90.00 per day

3YO & 4YO Kinder Amount

The 4th and 5

th day are discounted at a rate of $88.00 per day

Contacts & Enquiries Approved Provider: Bonkers Pty Ltd Person with Management or Control: Yuri Zenin (CPA, ACIS), Director Mobile: 0414 664 943

Program Director: Galina Zenin (B.Mus.Ed. Dip.Teach.)

Mobile: 0414 726 789

Centre Director/ Mirelle Goudy (Dip.Teach. – Early Childhood)

Part Time $92 per day

Full Time $ 456 per week



mailto:[email protected]

http://www.bonkersbeat.com/



Nominated Supervisor: (Grad Dip - Early Childhood Studies)

0404 118 311

Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DHS - Southern Metropolitan Region)

Telephone: 9096 9595 Address: 280 Thomas St, Dandenong Website: www.education.vic.gov.au

The Family Assistance Office Telephone: 13 61 50 Website: www.familyassist.gov.au

Centrelink Telephone: 13 61 50 Website: www.centrelink.gov.au

Kingston City Council Telephone: Tel: 9581 4741 Website: www.kingston.vic.gov.au

Complaints We welcome feedback and encourage all parents to comment upon the standard of care provided at our centre. Parents Feedback Forms are available at reception. Please feel free to raise any concerns with:

1. Never address a child with your concern. 2. Ask for a copy of the service's Complaints and Grievances Policy 3. Initially talk to the person involved or submit your complaint in writing 4. If you feel uncomfortable doing this or if you feel that your issue is still unresolved, speak to the Director (Nominated Supervisor): Mirelle Goudy on (03)9587 8786 or 0404 118 311 or arrange a time for the Director to help you to discuss and address the issue 4. The Director (Nominated Supervisor) will inform the Approved Provider - if the complaint escalates and becomes a grievance, or a notifiable complaint 5. You could contact your local DEECD (Department of Education and Early Childhood Development) Dandenong Branch on Ph: 8765 5787

1. Absence It is important that parents notify the centre as soon as possible if their child is going to be absent. Please contact Bonkers Beat® Centre ph:9587 8786 or email: [email protected] or text: 0404 188 311. When calling outside of business hours please leave a brief message for our staff. Fees are payable for all absences, including when a child is absent due to illness. If your child is ill it is important for us to notify others if the illness is contagious. If a parent wishes to cancel a child’s place or reduce a child’s days, four (4) weeks notice must be given in writing to the Director to provide adequate opportunity for the position to be filled by other children in need. Written notice is also required if a parent wishes to alter days of care.

2. Anaphylaxis Management Bonkers Beat Music Kinder and Childcare Centre Aspendale believes that the safety and wellbeing of children who are at risk of anaphylaxis is a whole-of-community responsibility. We have an extensive Anaphylaxis Policy which reflects this. Our Anaphylaxis policy also states that Bonkers Beat Music Kinder and Childcare Aspendale is committed to:

http://www.education.vic.gov.au/

http://www.familyassist.gov.au/

http://www.centrelink.gov.au/

http://www.kingston.vic.gov.au/

mailto:[email protected]



Providing, as far as practicable, a safe and healthy environment in which children at risk of anaphylaxis can participate equally in all aspects of the children’s program and experiences.

Raising awareness about allergies and anaphylaxis amongst the centre community and children in attendance.

Actively involving the parents/guardians of each child at risk of anaphylaxis in assessing risks, developing risk minimisation strategies and management strategies for their child.

Ensuring each staff member and other relevant adults have adequate knowledge of allergies, anaphylaxis and emergency procedures.

Facilitating communication to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children at risk of anaphylaxis.

Bonkers Beat Aspendale DOES NOT ALLOW any food or drinks to be brought

into the centre.

Bonkers Beat is an Egg Free & Nut Free Centre. We do not use any of these products .

For more information, please refer to the Dealing with Medical Conditions Policy located in the

centre foyer.

3. Attendance Each child must be signed in and signed out each time they attend the centre by a parent

guardian or approved person.

Please let us know if your child will not be attending for any reason. This assists us with staffing and also confirmation of infectious diseases.

Under the Family Assistance Office guidelines, each child is allocated 42 days of allowable absences per financial year (where they can still claim Child Care Benefit).

4. Behaviour guidance Bonkers Beat Music Kinder and Child Care Aspendale is committed to:

Respecting the importance of positive interactions and relationships between children, families, staff and committee

Acknowledging that children have the same rights as adults and recognising the diversity that exists in everyone

Protecting children from aggression by providing them with a safe and secure environment, and the opportunity for positive and respectful interactions with adults and other children

Recognising that children’s behaviour reflects their level of development and is influenced by a range of factors

Providing a learning environment that supports the growth, wellbeing and development of the whole child

Respecting cultural practices and beliefs and working in partnership with parents/guardians and other professionals with issues relating to the guidance of a child’s behaviour

Encouraging children’s learning in identifying their own rights, needs and feelings with those of others, to interact effectively and, in doing so, to gain an understanding of empathy

Engaging only in practices that are respectful of, and provide security for, children and that in no way degrade, endanger, exploit, intimidate or harm them psychologically or physically

Reflecting the values, attitudes and current recommended strategies that promote positive behaviours.



For more information, please refer to the Behaviour Guidance Policy located in the centre foyer.

6. Birthdays We love to celebrate your child’s birthday. Because we focus on healthy foods we provide a ‘make believe’ birthday cake and sing Happy Birthday. The birthday child has a special hat to wear if they wish. We promote good nutrition and healthy eating and from now on will be dropping the practice of some parents buying a cake from us. The focus of a birthday will not be on food but rather on the occasion. We believe that this is a fair system, as every child gets to celebrate their birthday in the same way.

7. Centre Information and hours of operation (Please see Introduction p.5)

8. Clothing Children at Bonkers Beat will have fun – learning through experience and often messy activities such as mud, sand water, dough, fingerpaint, goop, clay. Please dress your child so that messy play does not matter. Please ensure that ALL of your child’s clothing/belongings are CLEARLY named/labelled.

Spare Clothing: Children are required to bring, in their bag, a change of clothing for any unexpected accidents. If a child is in the process of toilet training, extra changes of clothing need to be available.

Colder Weather: During colder weather children will continue to participate in outdoor activities. Therefore, parents are required to ensure that there is appropriate clothing eg. jacket, hat, etc. in their child’s bag.

Warmer Weather: As UV rays are at their strongest during the warmer months, parents are required to provide a legionnaire style or brimmed hat for their children for outdoor activities. We recommend that this hat covers the child’s neck and ears as well as their face, to provide maximum protection from the sun.

Footwear: For the safety of children, we do not permit backless shoes such as thongs or crocs to be worn at the Centre. They slip off easily when children are playing outside and do not provide enough protection. The Centre recommends footwear that is comfortable, well fitting, and covers the toes. No thongs, open toed sandals or Crocs please.

9. Code of conduct We expect a certain standard of conduct at Bonkers Beat. Below are the Standards of conduct as listed in the Code of Conduct Policy (Located in the Policy Manual in the centre foyer)

Standards of Conduct - Behavioural practices to follow

In relation to children:

Be a positive role model at all times.

Always speak in an encouraging and positive manner.

Listen actively to children and offer empathy, support and guidance where needed.

Regard all children equally and with respect and dignity.

Physical contact with children other than your own should be avoided unless directed by staff or if the safety of a child is compromised (this should be reported immediately to staff).

Inform children if physical contact is required for an activity and ask them if they are happy to proceed.

All interactions with children should be undertaken in full view of other adults.



Never do things of a personal nature for a child that they can do themselves; for example, helping them go to the toilet or changing their clothes – thus encouraging independence

Respect the confidential nature of information gained, or behaviour observed, while participating in the program, in relation to other children and adults.

In relation to other adults (including staff):

Use courteous, respectful, encouraging and accepting verbal and non-verbal language.

Refrain from the use of profane, insulting, harassing, aggressive or otherwise offensive language.

Respect the rights of others as individuals.

Give encouraging and constructive feedback rather than negative criticism.

Accept staff decisions and follow their directions at all times. Speak with the staff member if you have a problem complying with any directions.

Be aware of routines and guidelines for children’s play within the centre, abide by them and seek advice when unsure.

Be aware of emergency evacuation procedures.

Accept that discipline of children is the responsibility of staff and therefore any matters or concerns related to managing children’s behaviour should be referred to staff immediately.

Avoid approaching staff to discuss a child during a session. Seek an alternative time when staff are free from contact duties with children.

Refrain from public criticism of children and adults at the centre.

Raise any issues or grievances as outlined in the Complaints and grievances policy.

Under NO circumstance should a child, parents/guardians or member of staff be approached directly in a confrontational manner.

Smoking is prohibited on the centre property at all times

In general:

The centre and staff are responsible for the children who are enrolled and signed in; that is, those children attending the children’s program.

Adults are responsible for all children who accompany them—for example, while on duty and at drop-off and pick-up times—ensuring they do not inhibit or disrupt the program in any way.

Parents/guardians must clean up after their children or following meetings and activities that are not part of the program, such as a working bee, and leave all areas as they were found.

Staff may ask parents/guardians to remove children not enrolled and signed into the program if they are disturbing the program.

Parents/guardians will also be responsible for children’s behaviour when attending other activities and the child is not signed into the program, such as working bees and family nights.” (Source: Bonkers Beat Code of Conduct Policy)

10. Communication We encourage all forms of communication. We value your feedback, ideas and contributions. We love to chat about your child and find out as much as we can about her/him! Please – feel free to have a chat with Mirelle or Lil, in the office, send an email, call us on the phone. We will:

- Send you a monthly newsletter,

- Post the program in each room,

- Provide communication books/charts regarding your child’s daily progress/activities,

- Provide the daily menu in the foyer



- Inform you of the latest on the notice board in the foyer

- ALWAYS be happy to chat with you

11. Complaints (Please see Introduction p.5)

12. Contacts & Enquiries (Please see Introduction p.5)

13. Delivery and collection of children The centre opens at 7.30am. Children are offered breakfast and participate in the family Grouping program – ie. All ages are together in the 3 year old area until 8.30/9am. Attendance books are located in this area (opposite the kitchen) for all parents/guardian to sign. All parents/ guardians MUST sign in and out each time they deliver or collect a child enrolled at the Centre. This is a legal requirement.(Children’s Services Regulations 2009)

In order to avoid your child becoming distressed, it is important to collect your child before 6pm, when the centre closes. The Centre has a late policy with a penalty fee for parents who are late. In the case of emergency or unforeseen delays, please contact the centre directly on 9587 8786.

Late collection of children: Penalty fees are charged for any collections made after the centre closes at 6.00pm. This charge is to cover the cost of keeping two staff members on site at overtime rates. Parents will be asked to countersign the attendance record and the late fee will be added to the child’s next statement. The late collection penalty is calculated at $5 for every 5 minutes or part thereof after 6pm.

14. Educational Programs & Practice Bonkers Beat Music Kinder & Childcare is guided by the Early Years Learning Framework for Australia 2009 and promotes children’s learning by providing opportunities to maximise their potential that will support them in their future learning. Through critical thinking and reflection and in partnership with families children’s learning will be promoted across the following best outcomes:-

Children have a strong sense of identity

Children are connected with and contribute to their world

Children have a strong sense of wellbeing

Children are confident and involved learners

Children are effective communicators Our aim is to enrich children’s learning experiences through purposeful actions by our educators in collaboration with children’s families. Daily routines and the Educational Program are displayed in each room and have a strong emphasis on play-based learning. They are available for you to peruse and we invite your contribution. Please speak to your child’s Room Leader, who can give you more information.

15. Enrolment process a) Complete Enrolment Application Form plus pay $100 non-refundable application fee. b) Enrolment Form (Blue) completed and returned c) Bond of 2 weeks fees PLUS 2 weeks fees (4 weeks in total) to be paid d) Orientation process



e) Parent Handbook Acknowledgment Forms (completed & returned) All forms MUST be returned at least one week before the commencement of care. Applications are added to the waiting list in the order in which they are received. Please refer to the Enrolment Policy, located in the centre foyer – for further information

16. Excursions/visitors to the centre From time to time we may have performers, parents with skills of interest such as a policeman, doctors, musician, builders and so on - visiting the centre. There may also be situations where a trip may be made to a place of interest. In any such situation the Education & Care Services National Regulations 2011, are very clear with regard to our obligations. Please see the Policy: Excursions, Centre Events Policy located in the centre foyer

17. Feedback From time to time we will provide a survey in order to gauge your satisfaction with our service. Please feel free to provide feedback at any time: forms available in the foyer near the office door for you to put suggestions in the suggestion box. Ring, email or just chat with us – we value and respect your opinion/s.

18. Fees/Fee Payments (Please see the Fee Policy – Appendix A) Payment of fees Fees will be charged fortnightly in advance. Accounts are due and payable before the first day of care. Invoices will be sent every Friday, fortnightly and are due within 7 days.

TODDLERS Amount

The 4th and 5th day are discounted at a rate of $90.00 per day Amount

3 & 4YO KINDER Amount

The 4th and 5th day are discounted at a rate of $88.00 per day

Payments can be made by cheque, money order, credit card, debit card or electronic funds transfer. A receipt will be issued ONLY upon request.

Bond: Please note that a Fee Bond equivalent to two week’s full fees (based on days booked) will be required once your booking is finalised. The bond will be used for your last 2 weeks fees upon cessation of care.

The bond is forfeited if the parent cancels the enrolment without written notice. Otherwise the bond is refunded at the cessation of care; provided that four weeks’ notice in writing has been given (the bond will be refunded against the child’s final statement).

In summary, after your enrolment is confirmed, the following amount is payable:

$100.00 - Administration Fee (non-refundable) $_____ - Bond (2 weeks fees, refundable at the end of the child’s enrolment) $_____ - weeks fees (required to be 2 weeks ahead with fee payment) $_____ - 1.5% surcharge if paying by Visa credit $_________ TOTAL







Educational Levy: The Educational levy covers different art and craft materials, the Bonkers Beat® CD, “Bonkers Beat & Me” book, Bonkers Meditation CD and Yoga with Bonkers the Monkey CD. Our kindergarten curriculum is complimented with music and the Bonkers Beat® CD and “Bonkers Beat & Me” book is part of our Educational levy. All children will be able to share their musical experiences and continue learning at home with their parents and siblings. Bonkers Beat® CD will be distributed to all families in July. The Educational Levy is $55.00 ($25 for a sibling over 3 years of age) for the whole year and will be added onto your statement one month after commencement. Throughout the year the children will be working on their art projects and at the end of Term 4 will present to their parents their own copy of “Bonkers Beat & Me” book. We have received an overwhelmingly positive response from past parents regarding Bonkers Beat® CD’s and books, which they will treasure for years to come.

Payment of accounts: Fees must be kept 2 weeks in advance at all times, failure to do so may jeopardise your child’s position at the centre. Fees must be paid for every day your child is enrolled, including public holidays and when your child is sick or on holidays. Furthermore, a full daily fee is charged regardless of the number of hours your child attends. Bonkers Beat Music Kinder & Childcare is a cashless centre and does not accept cash or cheque. All fees are required to be paid by our preferred Method of payment - Direct Debit (through the Ezidebit payment system) which directly debits your fees from your nominated bank account or credit card. Further information regarding Ezidebit is available from the centre Director who will discuss the process in detail with you to ensure you are fully informed of this payment method. WE DO NOT ACCEPT CASH PAYMENTS. Bonkers Beat does not keep any cash on the premises. 1. Issue of receipts

Receipts/Statements will be provided fortnightly for all fee payments. Families’ receipts will be sent electronically to a nominated email address or placed in the children’s allocated pigeon-holes.

Overdue accounts/Late payments All fees are payable TWO (2) WEEKS IN ADVANCE. All late payment of fees will incur a $20 Account Keeping Fee per week, unless a prior arrangement has been made with management. All outstanding fees must be paid within 3 days of the statement issued. Families experiencing financial hardship need to speak to the Director to discuss alternative payment arrangements

Late Payment/non-payment of fees procedure



If payment of fees falls into arrears and parents/guardians have not communicated the reasons for late or non-payment of fees, the Late Payment/non payment procedures will be implemented (This is outlined in our Fees Policy) Debt recovery Bonkers Beat Music Kinder & Childcare reserves the right to take legal action to recover debts owing to the Centre. The cost of this service will be passed on to the family.

Child Care Benefit (CCB) and 50% Child Care Rebate (CCR) CCB is a means tested subsidy paid directly to child care operators, reducing upfront fees for families. CCR is paid only if parents have registered for CCB.

Both CCB and 50% CCR are administered by the Family Assist Office. In order to take advantage of government child care subsidies it is important to register for CCB prior to or immediately after your child commences at Bonkers Beat® Music Kinder and Childcare. To register for CCB, the Family Assist Office can be contacted on 13 61 50 or through www.familyassist.gov.au. Parents with children enrolled in our Aspendale centre are eligible to receive both the Child Care Benefit (CCB) and the 50% Child Care Rebate (CCR) for out-of-pocket expenses. Fees will be charged fortnightly in advance with an invoice emailed to families prior to the commencement of the fortnightly period. Printed invoices can be arranged for families without access to email. Fee increases will occur each year. Fee increases are necessary to cover wage and rent increases. Cancellation of Care Four week’s written notification is required in advance when cancelling care. Verbal notice is not accepted. A Cessation of Care Form is required to be completed when giving four week's notice in advance for cancelling care. Failure to attend the centre during the last 2 weeks will result in my account being debited 2 weeks care at FULL FEES as CCB cannot be claimed if the child does not attend" If a child is withdrawn without any notice, 4 weeks full fees will be automatically charged to your account. A Cessation of Care form can be collected from the office when you hand in your notice to the Director. The four week notice withdrawal is effective from the date it is lodged with the centre.

19. Food and nutrition At Bonkers Beat® we pride ourselves in providing a well balanced menu and provide a cooked lunch every day. Bonkers Beat® offers a large range of tasty, healthy, nutritious and culturally diverse meals and snacks. Please discuss any special dietary requirements with the Director upon enrolment. Children’s diets should contain a balance of all the food groups. The menu has been developed to include a variety of foods with an emphasis on fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grain breads, meat, poultry and dairy products. Water and milk are provided with each meal as well as periodically throughout the day.

Bonkers Beat® provides breakfast, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. The menus are displayed weekly on the notice board near the kitchen and rotated monthly. We are open for any suggestions and parent input is appreciated. Please note again, that NO FOOD OR DRINK is allowed in the centre unless purchased by staff.

MEALS ARE PROVIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Meals Toddlers 3 Year Olds Kindergarten

BREAKFAST 7.30 - 8:10

MORNING TEA 10am 10.15am 10.30am

LUNCH 11.30am 12noon 12.15pm

AFTERNOON TEA 3.15pm 3.20pm




Please advise us about any special dietary requirements that your child may need. Should your child be allergic to particular foods, simply fill in these details on the Enrolment Form.

Bottles: If a child is on formula, bottles will need to be prepared at home. Bottles need to be clearly labelled with the child’s FULL name and covered with an appropriate top. For mothers who are breastfeeding, bottles are able to be stored in the fridge, again, these are required to be labelled as well as dated. All milk bottles should be placed in the fridge on arrival. Cow’s milk will be provided by the centre.

20. Holidays A reduced holiday rate is available for two weeks per calendar year, per child. The holiday rate is equivalent to 50% of the daily ‘Gap’ fee (Bonkers flat rate, with childcare benefit applied). The two weeks holidays may be taken as two consecutive weeks or as 2 separate weeks during the year. Families can apply for a 50% reduction in their ‘GAP’ fee, for a maximum of 2 week bookings pro rata of attendance days per calendar year, using the “Holiday Application Form”. Families must give a minimum of 4 weeks notice prior to going on holiday. Holidays must be taken as a minimum of a one week block pro rata. The Family Assistance Office will continue to pay Child Care Benefit for up to 42 unexplained

absences per year; this includes Holiday taken by families.

The 50% holiday discount will only apply to families that have applied for the discount using the

correct form within the required notice period. The discount will only be applied to families that are

following the centres fee policy, by keeping their fees two weeks in advance prior to their holidays.

Discounts will be applied to accounts AFTER the holidays have been taken to ensure correct

discounts have been applied.

Public Holidays and Staff Curriculum days. Bonkers Beat® is closed for all of the following Public Holidays (or days in lieu) which are charged at full rate:

Australia Day

Labour Day

Good Friday

Easter Monday

Anzac Day

Queen’s Birthday

Melbourne Cup Day

Christmas Day

Boxing Day

New Years Day

To maintain a high standard of educational programs at Bonkers Beat, we are required to provide at least 3 Curriculum Days for staff throughout the year. In order to run full day training, we need to have the attendance of ALL STAFF at Bonkers Beat. All parents will be notified in advance when the next Curriculum Day will be scheduled. Bonkers Beat® is closed for 3 Staff Curriculum days per year, which are charged at full rate: They will be held in Term 1, Term 3, and Term 4. Parents will be advised of the exact dates well in advance.



21. Hygiene All staff follow the strictest hygiene procedures. We have a variety of policies that encompass the hygiene procedures and standards at the centre. These include the following:

Hygiene Policy

Administration of medication

Communication

HIV/AIDS and hepatitis

Illness

Incident and medical emergency

Infectious disease

Occupational health and safety

Privacy

Sources of information used at the centre include but are not limited to:

DEECD, Children’s Services Guide

Department of Human Services, Food Safety Unit

NHMRC 2005, Staying Healthy in Childcare: Preventing Infectious Diseases in Childcare, 4th edition

Victorian Government Department of Human Services June 2000, Sure protection against infection and the Children’s Services Regulations 1998

22. Illness The health and well being of children at the centre is of the highest priority. Whilst we appreciate the demands on busy or working parents, the centre is not equipped with separate facilities and staff to care for children who are unwell. If a child appears to be unwell, staff will contact the parents to arrange for immediate collection. If parents are unable to collect the child, or if they cannot be located, the emergency contact person listed on the child’s enrolment form will be called. Staff will remain alert to any signs of a child being generally unwell, e.g. unusually tired/ lethargic, unexplained irritability, complaints of pain, breathing trouble- and will contact parents to consult about any concerns. If staff believe that a child is not well enough to cope with the daily routine or requires a level of care or supervision beyond the centre’s normal staffing provisions, staff will require that the child be kept at home, notwithstanding the supply of a medical certificate. The decision to send a child home is never made lightly. Staff draw on their many years experience and consult with the centre manager before a parent is called (or a child turned away upon arrival). Parents are required to respect and accept staff decisions as final.

Full fees are still payable when your child is absent due to illness.

The following exclusion criteria are set by the Health Department and apply for all illnesses and infectious diseases

Children with these symptoms MUST NOT attend the centre:

What must happen before the child may return:

Temperature of 37.8 degrees or higher particularly associated with nasal discharge

Fever free for 24 hours, or earlier with a Medical Certificate confirming that the child is able to attend.

Diarrhea. Gastric infections are easily transferred amongst children (and staff). If the child has a medical condition that regularly causes diarrhea please discuss with staff on enrolment.

No loose stools for 24 hours, or earlier with a Medical Certificate confirming that the child is able to attend.

Please feel free to read these policies, located in the centre foyer



Vomiting. Micro-organisms which cause vomiting are highly contagious.

No vomiting for 24 hours, or earlier with a Medical Certificate confirming that the child is able to attend.

Rashes, Spots, Swelling, Weeping Sores or Nose/ Ears Discharge that has not been identified, diagnosed and treated by a doctor.

Medical Certificate confirming that the child is able to attend.

Started a course of antibiotics (e.g. For an ear or throat infection).

Must be on the medication for at least 24 hours.

Conjunctivitis (discharge from the eyes) is especially contagious and requires specific medical attention.

Child has been on medication for at least 24 hours and the discharge has cleared, supported, when requested, by a Medical Certificate.

School Sores (Impetigo). Shows as red pimples which may become weeping sores when the blister breaks. Occurs most frequently in moist areas of the body, eg. Neck, groin, mouth/face, etc.

Appropriate treatment is being applied and sores are properly covered, supported, when requested, by a Medical Certificate.

Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease. Sore throat, fever and blisters on the surfaces of the cheeks, gums and sides of the tongue. Blisters on the palms, fingers and soles commonly occur. Occasionally blisters appear on the buttocks.

All blisters need to have dried up. Fluid filled blisters means that he child is still infectious. Medical Certificate confirming that the child is able to attend.

Cold Sores (Herpes Simplex). Painful sores, usually around the mouth.

Appropriate treatment is being applied and sores are properly covered, supported, when requested, by a Medical Certificate.

Head Lice. Children arriving with head lice will be asked to leave immediately as this ailment is very easily transferred.

The day after appropriate treatment has commenced, supported, when requested, by a Medical Certificate.

Any Infectious Disease: measles, mumps, chicken pox, etc. Please notify us immediately so we can implement infection minimisation strategies.

The minimum exclusion period prescribed by the Victorian Health Department has passed.

If a child is absent due to an infectious disease, PLEASE notify the Centre by 9.15am. A notice will be displayed in the foyer informing parents of any infectious diseases in the centre. This is to protect both staff and other children at the centre, as well as pregnant mothers. Some diseases can affect unborn children.

23. Immunisation The centre must have current records of a child’s immunisation details. It should be noted that if an infectious disease does occur at the centre, the Director reserves the right to exclude any unimmunised children from attendance for the minimum time recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council. During that exclusion period full fees are payable. Staff are advised to have current immunisation.

Staff practise and encourage recommended hygiene practices within the environment. The most effective method of the prevention of certain infections is immunisation as this protects the person who has been immunised. Parents must ensure that children receive the recommended



immunisations for their age group or accept possible exclusion if/when an infectious illness is confirmed and the child is not immunised.

Victorian Childhood Immunisation Schedule

Age Disease Vaccine Common reactions

Birth Hepatitis B HB VaxII Paediatric

Mild temperature

2 months Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)

Infanrix hexa Mild temperature, drowsiness, irritability/crying

Pneumococcal Prevenar Mild temperature, pain at the injection site

Rotavirus RotaTeq Mild temperature, vomiting and diarrhoea up to 7 days after immunisation









12 months Measles/mumps/rubella Priorix High fever (over 39°C), faint red rash, drowsiness, runny nose, cough or puffy eyes, swollen salivary glands

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)

Hiberix Mild temperature

Meningococcal C NeisVac C Mild temperature, loss of appetite, irritability/crying

18 months Chickenpox Varilrix High fever (over 39°C), mild chickenpox-like rash (usually at injection site), possible mild dose of chickenpox

4 years Diphtheria/tetanus/ pertussis/polio

Infanrix IPV Mild temperature, irritability/crying, drowsiness

Measles/mumps/rubella Priorix High fever (over 39°C), faint red rash, drowsiness, runny nose, cough or puffy eyes, swollen salivary glands

24. Medication Should your child require medication, it must be clearly labelled, handed directly to the staff caring for your child and entered into the Medication book (by the parent) If a child requires medication to be administered whilst in care, then the following requirements must be met: 1. The parent/guardian must give written authorisation; 2. Medication must be in their original containers bearing the original label



A Medication Record Book is maintained containing the appropriate details for medication administration. When arriving at the Centre, parents must hand the medication to the staff member, fill in the appropriate details in the Medication Book and ensure that the child’s full name is clearly visible on the medication.

If a staff member has any concerns regarding the dosage of a particular medication, they will check with the child’s doctor or the chemist before administering the medication. If still in doubt then the parent will be contacted and medication will not be given until the matter has been resolved. In the instance where medication needs to be administered and consent is given over the phone, it must be relayed to two members of staff. Written confirmation will also be required as soon as possible. If your child suffers from asthma, anaphylaxis reaction, epilepsy, diabetes or any other illness where emergency treatment may be required, it is vital to have an action plan which can be implemented in case of an emergency. These must be obtained from your doctor and a copy provided to the centre manager with the enrolment form. Please see the Administration of Medication Policy for further information.

25. Nappies You may provide your own nappies (please let staff know) or we can provide disposable nappies to use throughout the day. If we supply nappies, a fee of $2 per day will be added to the child’s next statement.

26. Notice of withdrawal Four (4) weeks notice in writing is required for all children to withdraw a child from the centre; otherwise the child’s bond will be forfeited in full. If the required notice is given, the bond will be refunded against your final 2 weeks fees.

27. Orientation Orientation days are booked during the enrolment process and are necessary to allow for a smooth transition into long day care. Orientation allows not only the exchange of information between parents and staff but also enables children to familiarise themselves with their surroundings, the kinder routine and most importantly, the staff at the centre. Orientation facilitates children in forming trusting relationships with staff so that when the time comes for a parent to leave their child for a full day, he or she feels comfortable in their environment. Only under extenuating circumstances will a child be allowed to commence care at Bonkers Beat® without orientation. The initial orientation day is a short, free of charge, 1 hour visit with staff, parents and their child. When your child commences their booking, shorter days may be recommended to help them settle. It is important that you allow approximately 1 to 2 weeks for 3 or more orientation sessions as some children require more time than others to settle in before being left for a full day.

28. Parent participation Parents and family members are always welcome to participate in centre activities. For example you may have an occupation or interest that would enhance the children’s learning experiences – policeman, doctor, musician, artist, builder and so on. We respect and value any feedback or suggestions/experiences you wish to share. Many changes have come about because parents have made excellent suggestions. Please COMMUNICATE with us about your child – the more we know, the better.

29. Parking



Please be very careful driving in the car park – hold on to children’s’ hands. Morning staff have been asked not to park in the car park to ensure space for our families.

30. Philosophy (Please see Introduction p. 2)

31. Policies Bonkers Beat Music Kinder and Childcare Centre Aspendale has developed the following policies with the assistance of Kindergarten Parents Victoria (KPV). These policies are always available for reading in the centre foyer.

1. Administration of First Aid Policy

2. Administration of Medication Policy

Anaphylaxis Management Policy

3. Asthma Management Policy

4. Behaviour Guidance Policy

5. Centre Philosophy

6. Child Safe Environment Policy

7. Clothing Policy

8. Code of Conduct (Staff) Policy

9. Communication Policy

10. Complaints & Grievances Policy

11. Dealing with Medical Conditions Policy

12. Dealing with Infectious Diseases Policy

13. Delivery & Collection of Children Policy

14. Dental Care Policy

15. Duty of Care – Legal Aspects of Child Care (DHS)

16. Emergency & Evacuation Policy

17. Enrolment & Orientation Policy

18. Excursions & Centre Events Policy

19. Fee Policy

20. Food Safety Policy

21. Governance & Management of the

Service – Including Confidentiality of Records Policy

22. Healthy Eating and Active Play Policy

23. HIV, AIDS and Hepatitis Policy

24. Hygiene Policy

25. Incident , Injury, trauma & illness policy

26. Inclusion and Equity Policy

27. Information Technology Policy

28. Interactions with Children Policy

29. Nutrition, food and beverages, dietary requirements Policy

30. Occupational Health & Safety Policy

31. Participation of Volunteers & Students Policy

32. Privacy Policy

33. Program Participation Policy

34. Sleep/Rest Policy

35. Staffing Policy

36. Sun Protection Policy

37. Supervision Policy

38. Water Safety Policy

39. Working with Children Checks and Criminal History Notifications Policy

32. Privacy Bonkers Beat Music Kinder & Childcare Aspendale is committed to:

Responsible and secure collection and handling of personal information

Protecting the privacy of each individual’s personal information

Ensuring individuals are fully informed regarding the collection, storage, use and disposal of their personal information and their access to that information

33. Programs – Educational, Music, Yoga, Meditation & PMP (Please see

Introduction p. 3)

34. Quality National Quality Standard (for Early Childhood Education) (NQS)

Bonkers Beat aims to ensure that children in our care have stimulating, positive experiences and interactions that will foster all aspects of their development and promoting quality care. Bonkers Beat volunteered to become a pilot centre, trialling the NQS, providing a framework for reviewing, measuring and improving the quality of the work being done by approved child care providers. NQS focuses on quality outcomes for children, staff families and communities. It encompasses processes of self-study and continuing improvement against principles of quality care.



Our service meets all standards and has received an overall rating of Exceeds National Quality Standard

35. Separation (Please see – Appendix B) Some hints to make separation easier.

36. Sleep/rest time Bonkers Beat® Music Kinder & Childcare Centre Aspendale considers sleep and/or rest time to be essential for the wellbeing of each child and their developing bodies. Rest time should be promoted as time when children’s bodies can rest, rejuvenate and grow. Children are encouraged to rest but are not forced to sleep. If you request that your child does not go to sleep during the day, Bonkers Beat staff will try to accommodate your wishes, however, we will not wake your child in the event of them falling asleep. As we aim to respond to the individual needs of your child, we believe that if you child falls asleep it is because she/he needs to sleep at this time. We will allow them to sleep for 30 minutes before waking them. Consulting parents about each child’s needs for rest and sleep can encourage continuity between home and the Centre. Sleep and rest time should be positive experiences for children and safety should be a concern for all children. Bonkers Beat Music Kinder & Childcare Aspendale aims to ensure:

safe and hygienic sleep procedures, equipment and areas

sleep and rest periods meet children’s individual needs for comfort and rest.

Parents to please:

purchase a sheet set that will be used on our mattresses upon enrolment

take the sleep set home at least once a week to be washed and returned to the Centre on the child’s next day of attendance

provide information about their child’s individual sleep and rest requirements on enrolment and update it when necessary during the child’s attendance at the centre (this may occur during daily informal discussions or via the group’s daily communication book or at other times when required), and

check the sleep register daily to see how long your child slept

All children are encouraged to have a rest during the day after lunch. We play soft, soothing music and kindergarten children may relax and/or meditate. Other children may rest quietly on their beds, read or partake in quiet activities.

37. Special events and celebrations Any special days for your child such as birthdays and any other significant days are acknowledged at the Centre. Cultural days that have special meaning to your family also will be incorporated into the program. Please make arrangements with the Staff before the day if we need to do any special preparation.

Bonkers Beat organises many different special events during the year. These include Parent Information Night, Family Fun Night, Grandparents/ Special Persons Morning, End of Year Music Concert and Music Morning – to name a few.

38. Staffing and staff development Bonkers Beat® is committed to employing quality staff that have completed an early childhood qualification. (Certificate III in Children’s Services, Diploma of Early Childhood/ Children’s Services) A pool of permanent part time and casual staff that are regularly employed will be used to backfill any annual or sick leave whenever possible. Staff ratios will be adhered to at all times as stated by the Children’s Services Regulations 2009.



To maintain a high standard of educational programs at Bonkers Beat centre, we provide 3 Curriculum Days for Staff throughout the year. In order to run full day training, we need to have the attendance of all staff. All parents will be notified in advance when Curriculum Days will be scheduled. As with public holidays, fees will be charged.

39. Starting – what do we need to bring? Please find below a “Help List” which will hopefully help you to be well prepared for your first day at Bonkers Beat® Centre. All children are required to bring to kinder in a Named bag:

Bag – to fit the following items Drink bottle - clearly named & dishwasher proof (to be left at the centre) A set of sheets (purchased from the centre upon enrolment) Spare clothes (clearly named) Sunhat - clearly named (to be left at the centre) Nappies (if you wish to supply your own for your child or we can provide nappies for $2 a day) 30+ Sunscreen will be provided by the centre. If your child has allergy/sensitivity to sunscreen,

please provide your own (sun screen should be applied by parents or guardians in the morning before bringing your child to the centre) All items should be named and labelled please

- what do we need to leave at home?

Due to some children suffering from Anaphylaxis – NO food or drink is permitted from home. Parents need to note that children will not be permitted to bring in any toys that are considered to be violent, such as toy guns, knives, swords, etc. Bonkers Beat® does not encourage aggressive play. NO “Transformers”, guns, knives, swords or other weapons are allowed to be brought to the centre. We do not recommend toys being brought in from home as it can cause disruption amongst the children. Soft toys from home are permitted, but parents must be aware that the staff at Bonkers Beat® Centre will not be held responsible should toys get lost or broken. Toys must be clearly labelled and taken home at the end of each day. Children are however welcome to bring their favourite books, photos, post cards or any small items for “Show and Tell”.

40. Students and Volunteers Bonkers Beat supports a number of Schools, Tafes and Universities (such as placement students studying Early Childhood at Monash, Lady Gowrie and Chisholm) along with volunteer workers interested in the field of early childhood. Making the Centre available to interested parties heightens the children’s awareness of the community in which we live. Children enjoy the company of new and interesting people in their lives and therefore we feel it is an important part of the program to include students and volunteers where possible. The Centre is a learning environment for all. All volunteers or students are to have undergone a police clearance and have a Working with Children Check before commencing at our centre.

41. Sunsmart Bonkers Beat Music Kinder & Childcare Aspendale is a ‘Sunsmart Centre’ and is committed to:

Providing all centre participants with protection from the harmful effects caused by too much exposure to the sun’s UV radiation during all aspects of the program

Educating children, parents/guardians and other participants in the centre on the harmful effects of too much exposure to the sun’s UV radiation

Ensuring children receive a healthy balance between too little and too much UV radiation. All staff and children must wear broad-brimmed, legionnaire or bucket hats and sunscreen outside. Permission to apply sunscreen is included in Appendix D.



Children do not go outdoors between 11am and 3pm for the months of October to April or if the temperature exceeds 30 degrees centigrade. Children, staff and visitors are encouraged to also wear sleeved tops, hats and sunglasses.

Please refer to the Sun Protection Policy in the Policy Manual situated in the centre foyer

Supervision of children Bonkers Beat Music Kinder & Childcare Aspendale is committed to:

Providing adequate supervision in all aspects of the centre’s program

Ensuring all children are directly and actively supervised by staff employed or engaged by Bonkers Beat Music Kinder & Childcare Aspendale

Maintaining a duty of care to all children at Bonkers Beat Music Kinder & Childcare Aspendale

Ensuring there is an understanding of the shared legal responsibility and accountability between, and a commitment by, all persons to implement the procedures and practices outlined in the Supervision Policy.

ALL children are to be supervised at ALL times. Please refer to the Supervision Policy in Policy for further information – located in the Policy Manual in the centre foyer.

Bonkers Beat Fees Policy

NQS

QA2 7.3.2 Administrative systems are established and maintained to ensure the effective operation of the service.

Education and Care National Regulations 2011

Regs 168 Education and care service must have policies and procedures (2)(n)

Purpose and Scope

To provide a clear set of guidelines for the setting, payment and collection of fees, which ensures the viability of the centre and the equitable and non-discriminatory application of fees across the programs provided. This policy applies to staff and to parents/guardians whose child/-ren is/are attending, or who wish to enrol a child at Bonkers Beat Music Kinder & Childcare Aspendale.

Policy Statement

Bonkers Beat Music Kinder & Childcare Aspendale (Bonkers Beat) is committed to:

Providing responsible financial management of the centre, which includes setting fees that will result in a

financially viable centre whilst keeping user fees at the lowest possible level.

Providing a fair and manageable system for dealing with the failure to pay fees, and/or inability to pay

outstanding debts.

Maintaining confidentiality in relation to the financial circumstances of parents/guardians.

Advising users of the centre about how the programs are funded and that they are reliant on parent fees

to operate the centre.

Providing equitable access to the funded kindergarten program for families eligible for the kindergarten

fee subsidy.



Complying with all legislative requirements.

Background and Legislation

The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) provides per capita funding as a contribution toward the costs of providing the four-year-old kindergarten program. In addition the Kindergarten Fee Subsidy enables eligible families to attend the four-year-old kindergarten program for no cost, or a minimal cost. There is no funding available for the three-year-old program. The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) provides Child Care Benefit to families to assist with the cost of child care. The Family Assistance Office (FAO) processes families’ claims for Child Care Benefit. Income from other sources, primarily fees, is required to meet the cost of the service. The DEECD requires that funded centres have in place, and communicate to families, a comprehensive written fees policy. The Victorian kindergarten policy, procedures and funding criteria, Kindergarten fee subsidy – fees policy, outlines criteria to be covered in the policy.

Definitions

Commonwealth Child Care Benefit (CCB) – Approved care: Approved care is care provided by a service provider that has been approved to receive Child Care Benefit payments on behalf of eligible families. Most long day care, family day care, before and after school care are approved child care providers. ECSNR: Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011 DVA Gold Card: A Department of Veterans Affairs health card for all conditions for Australian veterans. Fees: A charge for a place within a program at the centre. Fee deposit: A charge to secure a place that has been offered in a program at the centre. Health Care Card: A Commonwealth Government entitlement for low-income earners (incorporating the foster child Health Care Card, the ex Carer Allowance (child) Health Care Card and the low income Health Care Card). NB. This is not a Medicare card. Kindergarten fee subsidy: A state government subsidy paid directly to the funded organisation to enable eligible families to attend a funded kindergarten program at no cost (or minimal cost). Kindergarten fee subsidy – fees policy: An update to the Victorian kindergarten policy, procedures and funding criteria. It details requirements for organisations funded to provide a kindergarten program to administer the kindergarten fee subsidy and provide access to a free kindergarten program for eligible children and families. *Note: Children who have Approved Child Care Benefit applied to the kindergarten program fee are not eligible for the kindergarten fee subsidy. Kindergarten program: A universal early childhood educational program, funded by the state government, for children in the year prior to commencing primary school. Late collection fee: A charge that may be imposed by Management when parents/guardians are late to collect their children from the centre (Refer to the Enrolment Kit). Other charges: A charge for items not directly related to the provision of the children’s program, such as nappies or sheet set. Three-year-old kindergarten: An unfunded program for three-year-old children provided by an early childhood teacher.



Visa 447, 451, 785 and 786: Temporary Commonwealth Protection/Humanitarian Visas. Voluntary parent/guardian contribution: A voluntary payment for items not directly related to the provision of the children’s program. The voluntary contribution is not a condition of attending the centre. Management: Management consists of the Nominated Supervisor, Program Director and the Approved

Provider (Person with Management or Control) Fees Toddlers $92 per day (Bookings of 1 to 3 days per week, with a minimum of 2 days per week) $90 per day (Bookings of 4th and 5th day) Kinder $90 per day (Bookings of 1 to 3 days per week, with a minimum of 2 days per week) $88 per day (Bookings of 4th and 5th day)

At commencement with Bonkers Beat Music Kinder & Childcare Aspendale, a Security Bond equivalent to two week’s full fees (based on days booked) will be required once your booking is finalised. At the end of your enrolment at Bonkers Beat, the bond will go towards your child’s final payment.

Non-refundable Enrolment Fee of $100 and Bond can be paid by cheque, money order, debit or credit card. A payment processing fee of 1.5% applies for credit card payments. This bond, plus 2 weeks fees in advance, is payable one week before a child commences.

Educational Levy (currently $55) covers Music and Wellbeing programs, Bonkers Beat book and CD,

Yoga and Meditation CD’s, calico bag, and other supporting materials which are part of our curriculum.

This levy is charged once a year in March/April for all families and later during the year for the new

families. We trust that your child will be enhanced with the range of educational programs at Bonkers

Beat Music Kinder & Childcare Aspendale.

As part of the budget development process Bonkers Beat management sets fees for the programs for each year, taking into consideration:

Funding requirement to provide a minimum of 13 hours per week (four-year-old program)

Financial viability

Fees charged by other centres in the area

Level of government funding, including the kindergarten fee subsidy, provided for the programs

Availability of other income sources, for example, grants

Capacity of parents/guardians to pay

Reasonable expenditure, ensuring agreed program quality/standards

Requirements of the Kindergarten fee subsidy- Fees Policy

Legislative Requirements

Child Care Benefit (CCB) & 50% Child Care Rebate (CCR) CCB is a means tested subsidy paid directly to child care operators, reducing upfront fees for families. CCR is a 50% rebate applied to related out-of-pocket expenses and is paid after the financial year, subject to a tax return being lodged. CCR is paid only if parents have registered for CCB. Both CCB and 50% CCR are administered by the Family Assist Office. In order to take advantage of government child care subsidies it is important to register for CCB prior to or immediately after your child commences at Bonkers Beat Music Kinder & Childcare Aspendale. To register for CCB, the Family Assist Office can be contacted on 13 61 50 or through www.familyassist.gov.au. Parents with children enrolled in our Aspendale centre are eligible to receive both the Child Care Benefit (CCB) and the 50% Child Care Rebate (CCR) for related out-of-pocket expenses. Fees will be charged fortnightly in advance with an invoice emailed to families one week prior to the commencement of the fortnightly period. Printed invoices can be arranged for families who have no access to internet.




Claiming CCB as Lump Sum Payments Families wishing to claim CCB as a lump sum can contact the FAO and be allocated a Customer Reference Number for both the family and the child (CRN). After the end of the financial year, families can lodge their claim with the FAO. Holidays A Holiday Discount is available for two weeks per calendar year, per child. The reduced fee is available subject to written notice of the holiday is provided four weeks in advance. The holiday rate is equivalent to 50% of the daily ‘Gap’ fee (Bonkers Beat flat rate, with childcare benefit applied). The two weeks holidays may be taken as two consecutive weeks or as 2 separate weeks during the year. Families can apply for a 50% reduction in their ‘GAP’ fee, for a maximum of 2 week bookings pro rata of attendance days per calendar year, using the “Holiday Application Form”. Families must give a minimum of 4 weeks notice prior to going on holiday. Holidays must be taken as a minimum of a one week block pro rata. The Family Assistance Office will continue to pay Child Care Benefit for up to 42 unexplained absences per year; this includes Holiday taken by families. The 50% holiday discount will only apply to families that have applied for the discount using the correct form within the required notice period. The discount will only be applied to families that are following the centres fee policy, by paying their fees two weeks in advance prior to their holidays. Discounts will be applied to accounts AFTER the holidays have been taken to ensure correct discounts have been applied. Public Holidays and Staff Curriculum days. Bonkers Beat is closed for all of the following Public Holidays (or days in lieu) which are charged at full rate:

Australia Day

Labour Day

Good Friday

Easter Monday

Anzac Day

Queen’s Birthday

Melbourne Cup Day

Christmas Day

Boxing Day

New Years Day

To maintain a high standard of educational programs at Bonkers Beat, we are required to provide at least 2 Curriculum Days for staff throughout the year. In order to run full day training, we need to have the attendance of ALL STAFF at Bonkers Beat. All parents will be notified in advance when the next Curriculum Day will be scheduled. Bonkers Beat is closed for 2 Staff Curriculum days per year, and normal fees are charged. They will be held on the first day of Term 1, and last day of Term 4. Parents will be advised of the exact dates well in advance. Termination of a child care place Families are required to give the centre a minimum of four weeks notice in writing if they wish to relinquish part or all of their enrolled hours. If families leave the service before the notice period has expired, Child Care Benefit (CCB) will not be paid for the remaining childcare days during the notice period and families will be responsible for the full fee during the notice period regardless of attendance at the service.

Fundraising Staff organise various events throughout the year. Fundraising is an important part of the centre income, while bringing together families and the wider community. Participation in fundraising is voluntary; however the support of every family evens the load.



Fee Increases Fee increases will occur each year at the beginning of July and during the year (if necessary). Fee increases are necessary to cover wages, rent and other operational costs increases. Parents/guardians will be given notice 28 days in advance of any required fee increase.

Enrolment Application Fee A non-refundable Enrolment Fee of $100 dollars, a refundable Security Bond of 2 weeks full fees and a payment of 2 weeks fees in advance are payable on acceptance of enrolment. Toddler program Children are accepted in the toddlers program after 2 years of age. Three-year-old program Children are accepted in the 3yo program after 3 years of age. Children turning three during the year (if applicable). Children can commence the program if they have turned three before the 30

th of January.

Four-year-old program Children are accepted in the 4yo program after 4 years of age.

Invoicing, receipting and collection of fees Fee information will be provided to parents/guardians with the enrolment package sent prior to enrolment. Fee information provided will include: Fee Policy

Fee Schedule

Fee Payment Agreement (Appendix A)

2. Procedure for fees collection

Fees will be invoiced fortnightly in advance.

On acceptance of a child care place an Enrolment Fee of $100 is paid by families.

A refundable Security Bond of 2 weeks full fees, plus two weeks fees in advance are payable before the

child commences care.

• The centre will provide receipts to all families for enrolment fees received.

Normal fees are payable 52 weeks of the year.

All families will receive an invoice/statement detailing the charges for the period invoiced, absence days

used, CCB calculations and payments and the amount owing (if any).

Statements will be emailed fortnightly (or placed in children’s allocated pigeon-holes).

Fees are payable when children are absent due to illness / holidays / staff curriculum days and public

holidays.

If there is an overpayment of fees, these will be offset against further fees.

3. Payment of accounts

Fees must be kept two weeks in advance at all times, failure to do so may jeopardise your child’s position at the centre. Fees must be paid for every day your child is enrolled, including public holidays and when your child is sick or on holidays. Furthermore, a full daily fee is charged regardless of the number of hours your child attends. 4. Methods of payment

Bonkers Beat Music Kinder & Childcare is a cashless centre and does not accept cash. Direct Debit



Our Method of payment is by Direct Debit, through the Ezidebit payment system, which directly debits your fees from your nominated bank account or credit card. Fees will be debited via Ezidebit on a weekly or fortnightly basis as indicated on the Ezidebit Direct Debit Request (DDR) Form.

The amount debited from your nominated account will be the amount that is due on your childcare account statement on the date of each scheduled debit. The system is set up so that parents do not have to worry about whether or not they are up to date with their account, i.e. 2 weeks in advance at all times.

Please note that if an account is in credit, the weekly or fortnightly debit amount will not be taken and or may be automatically reduced to reflect the current account balance at the time of debit. The minimum debited amount is $1.00, and no funds will be debited for account balances below this amount. Parent/Guardians are responsible for ensuring that the Bank Account and/or Credit Card details provided are up to date, accurate and are required to notify the Centre, should Bank Account and/or Credit Card details change. Parent/Guardians are responsible for ensuring that there are sufficient cleared funds in the nominated account by the due date to enable the direct debit to be honoured on the debit date.

There is no set amount that comes out each week/fortnight. When you read and sign the DDR Form, you authorise us to withdraw the amount outstanding on the day you have nominated for the withdrawal to take place. However, there is an option on the form for a maximum amount of money to be debited.

The amount that is debited will usually be the same each week/fortnight (your gap fee). This will only change if your CCB % changes, you have an extra day, you have a holiday credit or if our fees rise.

If your gap fee does increase, then your next Ezidebit payment will reflect this; not only for the current week, but for the following weeks as well, so your account will not fall behind.

Transaction Fee: Debit from a bank account: $0.88c per transaction Debit from Credit Card: 1.87% of transaction

If your debit day is a Public Holiday, then your fees will be withdrawn from your account the next business day.

Further information regarding Ezidebit is available from the centre Director who will discuss the process in detail with you to ensure you are fully informed of this payment method. Deductions can be made from your Security Bond on termination, for fees in arrears. 5. Issue of receipts

Receipts/Statements will be provided fortnightly for all fee payments. Families’ receipts will be sent electronically to a nominated email address or placed in the children’s allocated pigeon-holes. Dishonoured payments/debt recovery/refunds procedures Difficulty in paying fees Parents/guardians experiencing difficulties in paying fees are requested to contact the centre Director to arrange a suitable Payment Plan set up via Ezidebit



Late Payment/non-payment of fees procedure Step 1: If payment of fees via Ezidebit is dishonoured (if there isn’t enough money in your account on the day) Ezidebit will charge you with a $9.90 fee 7 days after the failed transaction. The fees that do not get withdrawn from your account will be put back onto your child care statement. Step 2: Management will notify you of this payment dishonour via text message or a phone call. You will then need to pay outstanding fees as soon as possible (date will be negotiated with Management). The amount owing will be deducted manually via Direct Debit. All late payment of fees will incur a $20 Account Keeping Fee per week, unless a prior arrangement has been made with management. Step 3: If payments continue to be dishonoured, you child’s position within the centre will be terminated. If, at Management’s discretion, a decision is made to withdraw the child’s place at the centre, the parents/guardians will be provided with a notice by email and/or registered mail. The Director will ensure compliance with the Privacy Policy of the centre, and staff will not be involved in any stage of this process. Debt recovery The Centre Management reserves the right to take action to recover debts owing to the centre; this can include the engagement of debt collectors. Using a debt collector will be considered as a final option after implementation of the Late payment/non payment of fees procedures. Where a family owes 2 weeks child care fees to the centre, Management reserves the right to not allow any further family placements in any programs until all outstanding monies are paid, or a payment plan is agreed to by both parties and executed for a minimum of 2 weeks. Late Collection of children Fees The Centre has a Delivery and Collection of Children Policy with a penalty fee for parents who are late. In the case of emergency or unforeseen delays, please contact the centre directly on 9587 8786, prior to the conclusion of the session. This will enable staff to explain the reason for lateness to the child thus avoiding undue stress. Penalty Fees are charged for any collections made after the centre closes at 6:00pm. This charge is to cover the cost of keeping two staff members on site (Children’s Services Regulation) at overtime rates. Parents will be asked to countersign the attendance record and the late fee will be charged and added to the statement. The late collection penalty rate is $10 for every 5 minutes and time is calculated in blocks of 5 minutes. Refund of fees Fees are non-refundable. Refunds apply only in the following cases: • If a family has given notice to cease their child’s childcare place and an overpayment of fees has been made. • There will be no refund of fees due to a child’s short-term illness; public holidays; family holiday and staff curriculum days during operational times.

Key Responsibilities and Authorities

Management is responsible for:

Implementing and reviewing this policy, in consultation with parents/guardians and staff.

Setting fees according to the guidelines outlined in this policy.

Complying with the centre’s Privacy Policy in regard to any information it receives relating to the financial

situation of parents/guardians and the payment/non-payment of fees.

Notifying parents/guardians within 28 days of any changes to the arrangements for the payment of fees.

The centre Director is responsible for:

Informing the Program Director and the Licensee Representative of any complaints or concerns that have

been raised regarding the fees at the centre.



Informing the Licensee Representative of accounts that may have fallen into arrears and the action that has

been taken to recover the debt.

Providing a copy of the Fee Policy to all parents/guardians.

Collecting and receipting all fees as outlined in this policy including follow up of accounts in arrears.

The parents/guardians are responsible for:

Reading and adhering to the Fee Policy.

Signing and complying with the Fee Payment Agreement Form (Appendix A).

Notifying the Director if experiencing difficulties with the payment of fees.

Evaluation

In order to assess whether the policy has achieved the values and purposes, management will: Assess the effectiveness of the process for the collection of fees.

Take into account feedback from staff and parents/guardians regarding the policy.

Monitor complaints and incidents regarding the policy.

Review the number of families experiencing financial hardship and the effectiveness of the procedures for

late payment.

Related Documents

• Victorian kindergarten policy, procedures and funding criteria, www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/edulibrary/kindergartenpolicycriteria.pdf

Date: Policy implemented on 2

nd July 2012.

Next review date: July 2013



APPENDIX B

RESOURCE SHEET # 41 Coping with Separation Anxiety

Canadian Child Care Federation

Entering into a new child care arrangement can be an emotional experience for both parent and child. However, careful planning, and the knowledge that some separation anxiety and tears are normal, can make the transition from parent to caregiver as pleasant as possible. How quickly the child adapts depends on a number of factors including: the child's age and stage of development; the child's past experiences in the care of others; the skills of the new caregiver and appropriateness of the new setting; and the adults' ability to prepare themselves and the child for the separation. Here are some strategies to help make the process go smoothly. Share information with the caregiver Share your child's unique likes, dislikes, fears, eating/sleeping habits and anything else that will help the caregiver understand your child, ease the transition and provide care that is reasonably consistent with yours. Visit the new setting with your child Show children where they will be eating, sleeping, playing and introduce the new caregiver. Familiarity will make the actual separation easier. Children may enjoy having a book read to them about going to child care. Shorten the first few days Shorter visits will give your child more time to adjust and will allow him/her to learn by experience that you will return. Build trust Let your child see you and the caregiver building a friendly relationship. Include the three of you in a brief conversation or play activity. Children often use their parents as a "bridge" for developing a relationship of trust with a new adult. Prepare the night before An unhurried, pleasant start to the day is crucial to successful separations. If the child is old enough, involve him/her in the packing of a bag and the selection and laying out of clothes. For young children, a choice between two items (e.g., white or blue socks) is enough. Something from home Young children often use an object from home (such as a favourite teddy or blanket) to comfort themselves. Other children prefer to put a family photo or parent's familiar scarf or glove in their pocket or backpack. Eventually, the need for these "cosies" or transition objects diminishes. On the way, the first day Have a calm, positive attitude. Babies and toddlers are especially sensitive to your moods and are quick to pick up any tension in your voice, face, touch or mannerisms. Sing a favourite song or talk about what the child or you will be doing today. A specific detail ("I will be taking the elevator upstairs to talk to the boss") is far more interesting than a vague comment ("I will be working at the office all day"). In terms the child will understand, explain when and where you will be picking him/her up ("After lunch and sleep, I will come. You will probably be playing outside then. I will know where to find you"). A common fear is that you will not return or that you will not find each other. Develop a "goodbye" ritual Rituals are reassuring, especially during stressful times. Plan a special way to say goodbye, such as a wave through the window or a lipstick kiss stamped on the back of the child's hand. You might ask your older child,



"How shall we say goodbye? A kiss or a hug? One hug or two?" Giving them choices in little matters helps them feel that they have some control over what is happening. Take time to say goodbye Leave your child with a positive picture of what you will do together at then end of the day ("Save a big hug for me when I pick you up! Then we'll get your brother at school"). Regardless of how tempting it may seem, never sneak out while the child is distracted. This destroys trust and will encourage the child to cling more on future occasions. Avoid repeated goodbyes Once you say "I'm leaving now" and go through the established goodbye ritual, then go. Stalling can make the child more fearful and clingy. Accept and listen to negative feelings If you or your child are feeling upset about the separation, reassure yourself that you have taken all the required steps to place your child in a safe, nurturing and stimulating setting. Telling children that they are too big to cry or that they are making a fuss over "nothing" only aggravates their fears and fails to help them understand their true feelings. Saying, "I know you are feeling sad. I will miss you too," is more helpful. Accept the fact that a temporary period of adjustment and some feelings of parental guilt or worry are normal. If it would help, arrange for you and the caregiver to communicate by phone during the day to "see how things are going." Stress from separations and adjusting to new situations can be a real strain for parents and their little ones. However, with careful planning, the adjustment period can be brief.

Written by Carol Wagg, Special Projects Coordinator, London Children's Connection, London, Ontario.

Posted by the Canadian Child Care Federation.

http://www.cccf-fcsge.ca/

http://www.cccf-fcsge.ca/



APPENDIX C: Fee Payment Agreement Dear parent/guardian, Please complete this form and return it to the centre before your child commences care.

1. Bonkers Beat Music Kinder & Childcare Aspendale Program:

(Please tick appropriate program)

Four-year-old kindergarten program

Three-year-old kindergarten program

Toddlers program

2. Payment of fees

Invoices, receipts and collection of fees will be in accordance with Bonkers Beat Music Kinder & Childcare Aspendale Fee Policy.

3. Fee payment contract

Name of child: ____________________________________________________________ Name of Parent’s/guardian’s: _________________________________________________

(Please circle as appropriate) I/we agree to pay fees by Direct Debit.

I/we understand that fees are non-refundable.

I/we understand that fees are payable when children are absent due to illness / holidays / staff curriculum days (2 per annum) and public holidays.

I/we understand that all fees are to be paid by Direct Debit, through the Ezidebit payment system which directly debits your fees from your nominated bank account or credit card. I/we acknowledge that if fees fall into arrears the centre Director will implement the ‘Bonkers Beat Fee Policy – Late Payment of fees’ procedures, which could result in the cancellation of my child’s place at the centre. The centre will accept a payment plan at the discretion of the centre Director.

I/we agree that if our financial circumstances change and I/we am/are unable to pay as agreed, we will immediately notify the centre Director to request alternative payment arrangements.

I/we acknowledge that I/we have received and read the centre’s Fee Policy, which sets out the procedure for fee payment. Signed: _______________________________________ Dated: ________________ (Parent/guardian)



APPENDIX D Parent Permission Form (To please be completed and returned to the centre before the child commences)

Child’s Name: __________________________________________________

Ambulance

I AGREE / DO NOT AGREE (please circle) for an ambulance to be called for the above mentioned child in the case of an emergency.

Sunscreen

I AGREE / DO NOT AGREE (please circle) to apply a common brand of sunscreen to my child if sunscreen provided from home has run out.

First Aid

I AGREE / DO NOT AGREE (please circle) that my child can be given First Aid in such circumstances that the staff deem it an emergency and unable to contact me.

Panadol

I AGREE / DO NOT AGREE (please circle) that my child can be given Panadol at the recommended dosage should his/her temperature exceed 38 degrees Celsius. The Centre staff will always attempt to contact the parent/guardian before administering medication. Your child will Parent/guardian must sign the Illness form when collecting the child.

Visitors to the centre

I AGREE / DO NOT AGREE (please circle) for the above mentioned child to participate in any shows or visitors to the centre whilst attending Bonkers Beat® Centre. All such experiences will be relevant to the child’s learning process/educational program and will be an additional cost to the current fees.

Incursions / Local Excursions to Park (Glen Street Reserve), Aspendale Primary, St. Louis Primary, Surrounding (nearest) local streets

I AGREE / DO NOT AGREE (please circle) for the above mentioned child to participate in incursions excursions whilst attending Bonkers Beat® Music Kinder & Childcare. All excursions will be relevant to the child’s learning process/educational program. We will always maintain correct ratios for excursions.

Photographs

I AGREE / DO NOT AGREE (please circle) for photographs to be taken of the above mentioned child whilst attending Bonkers Beat® Centre. Photographs may be taken for individual portfolios for each child, Group experiences, occasional promotions and may appear in the form of photos, video or tape recordings, observation assessments, the Bonkers Beat® web page, Facebook or general publications (i.e. local press).

Head Lice

I AGREE / DO NOT AGREE (please circle) I give permission for a designated person (Diploma Qualified Staff or Director) to check my child’s hair for head lice and eggs. I understand any such check will be conducted sensitively. I understand that I will need to collect my child promptly if head lice are evident as a result of this check.

Comments: _____________________________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature: ______________________________________________



Printed name: _________________________________ Date: ___________________

APPENDIX E Parent Information Acknowledgment Form (To please be completed and returned to the centre before the child commences)

Child’s Name:

I have read the Bonkers Beat® Parent Information Book, Fee Policy, Enrolment Policy and AGREE to adhere to the requirements and processes outlined within. I understand that the Bonkers Beat® Parent Handbook and Policies are active documents to be updated as needed. 28 days notice will be given if any policies are altered. This acknowledgment MUST be signed by both parents / guardians please. Please return this signed page to Bonkers Beat® Centre prior to commencement together with Permission Form.

Parent/Guardian Signature: ______________________________________ Printed Name: ______________________________________ Date: _____________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature: _______________________________________ Printed Name: ______________________________________ Date: _____________________________________________ Thank you Mirelle Goudy Manager

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