Family Information - Shire of Baw Baw · Affordable-Child Care Benefit and Child Care Rebate available to eligible families Family Day Care is open to the general community. Requests

N:\Children and Family Services\Family Day Care\Families\2017 new family information booklet

Family Information

Baw Baw Family Day Care…. an Australian Government Child Care Service Sponsored and operated by Baw Baw Shire Council

Introduction

Welcome to Baw Baw Family Day Care!

Family day care is a network of selected and approved Educators

offering a quality, personalised and monitored home based child care

program for children.

Care takes place in the Educator’s home.

Care may be work or study related or for non-work reasons

Family Day Care offers:

Small groups- a maximum of four pre-school children

including those children residing in the Educator’s own

home

Quality educational program

Flexible routines

Brothers & sisters may be placed together

Family matched with Educator

Parents choose Educator with similar values

Convenient geographical locality

Access to local kindergartens and schools

Monitoring & support by Coordination Unit staff

Maintenance of neighbourhood network

Participation in the community

Affordable-Child Care Benefit and Child Care Rebate

available to eligible families

Family Day Care is open to the general community. Requests for

care are prioritised according to Australian Government levels of

priority. Children at risk and children of parents who are working,

or looking for work, studying or training are in a higher category

than any other child.

Our vision

To be a flexible, responsive and nationally assessed and rated service

that provides quality outcomes for children and supports parents in

their childrearing role.


About our Educators

Family Day Care Educators are carefully selected and screened for suita-

bility.

Initial and ongoing training is provided and child placements are moni-

tored and supported by the Coordination Unit staff who regularly visit

during care hours.

Minimum Certificate 3 qualification in Child Care

Home Safety Check

Current First Aid including Asthma and Anaphylaxis Management

Current National Police check (all household members over 18 years)

Current Working With Children Check. (all household members over 18

years)

Certified medically fit for childcare tasks

Committed to ongoing training & development

Responsible for meeting the National Quality Framework

National Regulations and service policies are adhered to at all times

· Responsible for planning a quality child care program

Over 18 years old

Educators are not employees of Baw Baw Shire. They are registered

contractors who operate their own child care businesses and are valued ser-

vice providers.

About home based care

Home based child care is professional care that occurs in the context of a

home and family. Each day is planned around the developmental needs and

interests of the child and the small group of up to four young children. Our

program is derived from the Early Years Learning Frameworks which we con-

sider to be embedded in our practice.

Family Day Care

Educators choose to

provide Family Day Care as

a professional career in

early childhood care and

education.

What do I look for in an Educator? Choosing an Educator with whom parents and

children feel comfortable and who relates well to

children is most important.

Parent/s or guardian/s will need to meet the

Educator and find out about their approach to

care. It is important to ascertain the educator’s

ability and willingness to meet the child’s individual needs and form

a positive partnership with you when caring for your child.

What is the main purpose of the meeting? You have the right and responsibility to decide whether the

Educator shares similar values and whether your child will be

happy in care. The Educator has the right to decide whether the

child’s needs and parental needs and expectations could be met

through the placement.

The meeting is a two way process and both parties need to be

comfortable with care arrangements. Parents and Educators are

not obliged to accept any placement.

What should we discuss at the meeting? A first meeting should be pre-planned for a time that is convenient

to both parties so that adequate discussion can occur.

General family information, contact numbers, the child’s needs and

routines including general medical information and specific health

details should be discussed openly.

Behaviour guidance strategies used at home and in care should be

be discussed. Information about the child’s development and

current interests should be shared.

Elements of care important to your family should be identified and

discussed. The Educator will take this time to show you the care

environment. Ask questions that occur to you so that all the

information needed to make a decision is obtained.

What happens next? Please notify the Coordination Unit of your decision within two

working days of the meeting by telephoning 5625 0216.

Choosing an Educator.....some answers


Discussion Points Educator’s name_____________________________________

Educator’s telephone contact____________________________

Educator’s address____________________________________

1. General family information share / contact details

2. Information about the care group and how the child would be included

in the care group

3. The child’s medical information (including general health, any allergy /

sensitivity, asthma, any medication) shared

4. If child has any allergy, sensitivity or medical condition, has an Action

Plan been completed and discussed? Yes / No

5. Information about the child’s development & interests

6. Routines ( ask what a typical day involves)

7. Experiences and opportunities available to the child indoors and out.

View care environment.

8. Trips, outings, playgroups & excursions/ car restraints

9. Behaviour guidance strategies used at home & in care

10. Sleep / rest patterns and needs

11. Nappies / toileting

12. Provision of nutritious food & drinks/ food allergies / dietary needs/

child’s likes -dislikes/ prevention of choking

13. Use of TV / videos/DVD’s / electronic media

14. Policies & Regulations

16 Safety practices first aid training police checks/

WWCC/pets/ SunSmart

17. Information exchange / communication occur,

18. Feedback, concerns or complaints

19. Times / respite care days may need to be reviewed / timely fee

payment preferably via direct bank deposit, holidays, absences

Disc

ussio

n P

oin

ts

What is a Family Day Care Coordination Unit? A Coordination Unit is the small team of staff who recruit, select and support

Educators, organise family day care placements, monitor the quality of care

provision and administer parents’ fee subsidies from the Australian Government.

Who are the staff ?

The Family Day Care Coordinator

The Coordinator’s role is to plan and co-ordinate

the delivery of a high quality family day care service.

The Family Day Care Coordinator has appropriate qualifications and experience

in the management of a child care service.

The Field Officers

The qualified and experienced Field Officers recruit, coach, support and resource

educators and monitor the quality of care provision and safety standards.

Field Officers also plan, organise and evaluate playgroups and have administrative

tasks.

The Administration Officer

This role provides customer service, processes children’s timesheets and other

records and administers parent fee subsidies from the Australian Government. It

also prepares accountability data that is the basis for reports to the Australian

Government.

The Coordination Unit is situated in the

Baw Baw Shire Family and Children’s Services Building.

144 Normanby Street Warragul.

Office hours are Monday to Friday 9.00am –5pm

Telephone: 5625 0216 Fax: 5623 1942

Postal address: PO Box 304 Warragul 3820

Coordination Unit staff


When your child first starts care, a visit will be made within the first month.

Staff will contact you about your child’s progress in care, using a follow up

feedback form.

You will receive a regular Family Day Care newsletter that will update you and

support your child care arrangements.

If at any time during the placement there are concerns in relation to the

development and/or well-being of your child, issues will be discussed with the

parent and Educator at the earliest opportunity. Staff would be pleased to have

telephone contact with parents and can schedule a time to meet if face to face

contact is preferred.

Contact with staff is encouraged and welcomed. Your views about Family Day

Care and improvement opportunities are actively sought. You will be consulted

when planning and reviewing service provision and policies (available on

request telephone 5625 0216)

It is important for the child’s well being that the home and care environments

are in harmony. Good communication will assist the development of a

partnership between the parent and Educator.

Parents need information about their child’s experiences in care, their daily

routines and about the child’s achievements and learning. Educators need

information about the child’s current interests and development, likes and

dislikes, health, favourite stories/ songs , special times and the way child

behaviour is managed at home. Families are encourage to read and make

entries in their child’s journal and to send photos from home .

Two way communication between families and

Educators is important so that planning to meet

the child’s needs can occur.

Staff will be pleased to assist parents in

communicating with their child’s Educator.

Contact with staff

Working in partnership

Contact with staff

Code of Ethics for Family Day Care at Baw Baw

………………………….the way we do things here

We understand and accept our roles and responsibilities in providing quality home based childcare that meets individual needs of children and the changing needs of families. We adopt the following Code of Ethics:

We recognise that each child’s development progresses at an individual rate and the Family Day Care program needs to be play – based & flexible

We are committed to developing a relationship with each child based on mutual respect, trust and an appreciation of the child as an individual

We plan and provide experiences and opportunities to assist the child’s learning and development, based on individual abilities, interests and needs

We strive to ensure high levels of safety, health and good nutrition so that the individual child’s well-being, growth and learning is promoted

We view each child in the context of the family, culture and community We care for the child in partnership with parents and seek to foster strong links to

home and family and support parents in their parenting role We encourage families to have a voice in matters affecting their child care We respect and value the views of children in care We develop ways to share information with families about the child’s health,

development, learning and care experiences We welcome diversity, equity and inclusion and reject discrimination and gender bias We form significant professional partnerships based on co-operation, respect and

open communication to ensure trust and provide exceptional outcomes for families

We comply with all Commonwealth, State, Council & service policies and apply practices and procedures consistently to all families

We support learning and will extend our knowledge and skills

In applying this code, we are committed to providing excellent Family Day Care. This means:

Providing accessible, affordable and responsive services Reporting to, engaging and consulting with service participants Reflecting on our practice and planning continuous improvement Maintaining the privacy & confidentiality of all participants Valuing all Educators, staff, families and children

Source: Early Childhood Australia Code of Ethics, 2006 http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/ Early Childhood Australia – Guidelines for Consulting Young Children http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/abtus_pol_consulting.htm Disability Discrimination Act 1992 Baw Baw Shire Council Plan 2012-2015 Developed in consultation with all service participants in 2012, reviewed and updated 2015

Code of Ethics for Baw Baw Family Day Care

http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/abtus_pol_consulting.htm


Baw Baw Family Day Care Philosophy

The Baw Baw Region is a community of quality rural areas, residential villages and larger town-ships where urban development is continuing at a rapid pace. Baw Baw Family Day Care acknowledges the diversity of families within the Shire. We believe all children and their families have a right to quality child care which has strong links to home, family, culture and community and provides the best possible outcomes for each individual child.

Children in their early years thrive in a small group with a primary Educator who is aware of and responsive to the individual child’s needs and cultural identity, thereby assisting each child to reach his/her potential. Educators plan to stimulate and challenge each child to reach their potential.

Each child's development and learning is unique and progresses at his or her own rate, as the child actively participates in a learning environment with others and the environment.

We recognise that each child’s self esteem has a critical impact on their development. Positive outcomes for each child, regardless of age, gender, culture or ability must be provided. The de-velopment, abilities, emerging interests and needs of the individual child will be the basis for planning child care provision. The safety and well being of the child will be first and foremost. The Child Safe Standards are being embedded in everyday practices as well as any policy updates.

We believe that the children’s views on matters that affect them are to be valued and respected and we will consult with children.

Parents, Educators and staff will aim to work in partnership based on co-operation, respect and open communication to ensure care promotes the child’s wellbeing and supports families. This approach means all participants will be actively encouraged to have their views heard and to contribute to the management and operation of the Family Day Care Service.

We acknowledge that Parents, Educators and Staff have a range of backgrounds, skills, inter-ests, strengths and life experience. Family Day Care Educators and Staff operate in a culture of support, solutions focus and continuous improvement.

Source: www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au, developed in conjunction with the Baw Baw Shire Corporate Plan 2014-2018 devel-

oped in consultation with Educators, Families and Staff. Reviewed February 2017

The wellbeing of

children and support for

parents in childrearing

is the focus of

Family Day Care

http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au

Settling in

When your child first commences care, you both may experience

strong and unexpected emotions such as crying, sadness, confusion

and doubt. Parents may feel anxiety, guilt and/or relief to have

assistance with care or the opportunity to return to the workforce.

These reactions are very normal.

Sometimes a parent may feel more overwhelmed at the separation

than the child and may feel upset that the child adjusts quickly.

Settling into care is based on individual needs and preferences and is best

planned between parent and Educator.

Together you can plan to meet your own needs as well as the child’s

needs.

Strategies to help settle your child:

· Believe that you have chosen approved, safe and monitored care

for your child. This should be a positive experience for you both

· Practice leaving your child with a friend or relative

· Try to cease any practices that cannot reasonably be continued

by the Educator, such as rocking the child to sleep in your arms

or carrying the child on the hip for extended periods.

· Plan, label and organise your child’s bag, bottles and belongings,

including sun- hat, 30+ sunscreen, hairbrush, wipes, tissues and

any security/ comfort item.

· For children aged from 20 months, having a clear photograph of

a parent in a soft plastic wallet or frame may help the child

adjust to separation.

· Leave with the child’s bag an item of clothing such as a cardigan

or something safe but special that the child identifies with you

· Be assured you are welcome to stay and settle the child

· A gradual introduction to care may suit

· Tell your child that you are going to leave

and will come back at a specific time.

Collecting your child on time is very

important.


What do I need to send ?

Please provide practical and

appropriate clothes and safe , well

fitting and flexible shoes to allow

active physical play.

You will need to provide at least one

change of clothes, extra underwear,

pants and socks, a sun hat (broad

brimmed or legionnaires), sunscreen

(30+ broad spectrum, water resistant) & a jacket and hat in cold

weather. Please send a drink bottle or spill-proof cup for water and a

comb or hairbrush. A security toy or blanket could be included.

Babies & toddlers will need nappies, bibs and wipes.

It is recommended that all clothing be labelled.

What about Sun Protection?

Every child must be protected from over

exposure to the sun’s ultra violet

radiation. Sun protection practices, based

on recommendations from the SunSmart

Early Childhood Program, Cancer Council

Victoria, are implemented in Family Day

Care from 1 September to the end of

April each year.

When outside, children will need to wear

hats that protect the face, neck and ears. Clothing with sleeves is

recommended. Parents are asked to supply SPF broad spectrum, water

resistant sunscreen.

What about food & drink?

Family Day Care is an Australian Government Child Care Service and

the child’s health and well being must be promoted. Provision of food

and drink by either parent or Educator must meet required standards

and be appropriate and sufficient to meet children’s needs whilst in

care .

We recommend milk and water as the preferred drinks. Fruit juice

and cordial are not encouraged. Please be mindful of foods that may

cause a choking hazard.eg. Hard lollies, popcorn, nuts etc.

Physical care provision

Nutrition

The food children eat affects their growth & development. Eating

habits formed in early childhood continue throughout life. Food and

drink provided in Family Day Care by either Educators or parents

should be well balanced, nutritious & safe and meet the individual

needs of the children. Foods with little/no nutritional value are

“sometimes foods” and should be eaten only occasionally. It is

recommended that these foods are not included in everyday lunches

& snacks in Family Day Care.

- Food & drink requirements, the provision of food and the type &

varieties of food & drink needs to be discussed.

- Educators will provide food and drink that is consistent with Baw

Baw Family Day Cares nutrition policy or will actively encourage

families to provide food that is consistent with the policy.

- Any special requests from families in relation to cultural or

religious aspects of eating, drinking and food handling are to be

discussed and respected.

- Educators and staff must be made aware of children’s food allergies

and intolerances/sensitivities and must adhere to allergy plans

and/or necessary food practices .

- Food provided by either parent or Educator is to be nutritious,

safe, adequate, varied & appropriate .

- All children need to bring a water bottle. Food and drink

containers are to be clearly identifiable.

- Children need to drink water, rather than fruit juice/cordial.

— If food provided by parents is inadequate or inappropriate, the

Educator may provide & charge

for additional food.

Food needs to be transported to

care safely. Freezer bricks or

insulated containers may be

necessary.

Family Day Care follows

recommended nutrition

guidelines

Nu

trit

ion


Food variety

Each day children should be offered food

from each of the 5 basic food groups:

1. Bread & cereals, rice & pasta

2. Vegetables & legumes

3. Milk, yoghurt & cheese

4. Fruit

5. Lean meat, fish, poultry, eggs, legumes

All Australians are encouraged to eat 2

fruit and 5 vegetables each day. A variety of fruit & vegetables

should be offered daily.

Mothers are to be supported to continue breastfeeding as long as

possible Breast milk or infant formula should be continued until 12 months Cool boiled water should also be offered Solid food should be introduced gradually by 6 months of age A variety of textures and finger food should be introduced as

appropriate Infants should be held when bottle feeding - never “propped” Bottles should be warmed only once & leftovers discarded

Infants & Children 0 – 2 years

Reduced fat milk and skim milk should not be used.

Children 2 – 5 years

Reduced fat milk & dairy products can be offered. Skim milk is not

suitable for children under 5, except in cooking.

Children Over 5 years

Skim and Reduced fat milks and diary products are appropriate.

Bottles and bottle feeding

Bottles and milk formula will be prepared, handled and stored safely

and hygienically to ensure the safety of babies and toddlers.

Parents need to provide milk/infant milk formula powder and clean

bottles/ teats. Parents are to supply the number of sterilised bottles

and amount of formula to meet the baby’s needs including clear

directions for the educator.

Cool boiled water must be used to make up the formula until the

baby is 12 months of age. Formula must be made according to the

manufacturer’s directions, using the scoop provided. No sugar or

flavourings should be added. Bottles must be clearly identifiable. A fresh

bottle must be used for every feed and should not be used after 24 hours.

Nutrition, drinks & bottles

Policy: Children are very vulnerable to the effects of food poisoning.

Any food prepared, stored or served to the children

in Family Day Care must be safe from contamination

and bacteria, parasites and viruses that cause food

borne illness.

Personal hygiene

·Thorough hand washing is important

-Every food handler must maintain a high standard of

personal hygiene

·All wounds or cuts on hands / arms are to be covered with brightly

coloured, waterproof wound dressings & disposable glove.

Gastro-enteritis

· Any person with gastro-enteritis must not handle food for 48 hours

Raw food

·Raw food must be kept totally separate from cooked or ready to eat &

stored below cooked food in the fridge

·Use separate utensils, chopping boards & other equipment for raw

foods or thoroughly wash & sanitise equipment between uses.

Wash food

·Fruit and vegetables must be thoroughly washed before use.

Quality food only

·Dented cans, leaking food packages, or cracked eggs must not be used. .

Canned/ packaged food must be within the use-by date

Thorough Cooking

·Food should be thoroughly cooked above 75’C, especially those of

animal origin. When cooking meat ensure food is not pink.

Re-heating

·Food that must be re- heated must be brought to piping hot

temperature and allowed to cool before serving.

Frozen food ·Frozen food must be thawed in the refrigerator or microwave,,

provided that the food is immediately cooked.· Food that has been

thawed must never be re-frozen.

Refrigerator storage

·Cold food must be kept cold – below 50C. Cover food with lids, foil

or plastic film.

Food safety


Contact with staff Food safety continued

· Raw food should always be stored beneath cooked food to prevent

contamination

· Cover food with lids, foil or plastic film. Once a can is opened, any left over

food should be transferred to a suitable container and not stored in the

can.

Kitchen & Food Preparation Areas

· Ensure the kitchen is cleaned effectively, frequently and regularly.

· Ensure kitchen equipment, including the refrigerator and freezer are

maintained in good condition & at correct temperature

· Kitchen equipment e.g. chopping boards should be sanitized daily

after cleaning, with a bleach solution (4%-2.5 ml per litre)

Food brought into care by parents

· Food provided by parents is to be stored in the refrigerator

· Food must be adequate in quantity, quality and safe : Food Act 1984 Food Standard Code, Chapter 3.2.2, Food Safety Practices &General 01.

Meals & snacks

Your Educator or Coordination Unit staff will be able to help with sugges-

tions for meals or snacks upon request. Telephone the Family Day Care

Office on 5625 0216 & tips sheets from the Victorian Government can be

posted out.

Bathing

The Educator is not responsible for bathing family day care children. It is

the responsibility of the parent to ensure the child is delivered to the

care provider clean and bathed.

In exceptional circumstances e.g. parent illness / hospitalisation, child illness

(vomiting diarrhoea), toileting “accidents”, extended overnight care or

extreme heat wave conditions, bathing may be appropriate, or bathing may

take the form of a wash. Child safety must be paramount.

In the case of school aged children, safety and privacy are important

considerations and bathing/showering procedures must be discussed and

agreed upon with the parent.

“Mistaken behaviour is a natural occurrence:

the results of attempts by inexperienced,

developmentally young children to interact

with a complicated, increasingly impersonal

world. When mistaken behaviour occurs,

adults significantly affect what children learn

from the experience.” (Gartrell, 1998 cited

Porter, L 2004)

Family Day Care Policy:

The aim of behaviour guidance is to enable children to develop self-control

and thoughtful and considerate behaviour. Children need to learn social

competence and coping mechanisms: how to respect themselves and express

feelings, and how to interact positively with other people and world around

them.

The most effective tools are a guiding / leadership approach and a caring

relationship with sensitive, child centred communication. Behaviour needs to

be seen as an expression of feelings. When a child acts thoughtlessly, the

Educator needs to consider how and why the behaviour occurred and adjust

planning to enable more considerate behaviour and to meet children’s

emotional needs. This will promote more cooperative, thoughtful behaviour.

For behavioural disruptions, Educators shall use positive child behaviour

guidance strategies, which maintain children’s self-esteem, dignity and rights

and which take into account the child’s developmental level of understanding

and ability.

Parents are essential partners in the child’s care and education. Behaviour

guidance strategies used at home should be discussed to ensure consistency

and positive support for the child and family

For all children in care, Educators will strive to:

develop positive relationships and enhanced communication with the

child

provide a positive atmosphere by encouraging fun and laughter

be sensitive to the child and aware of the many factors that influence

behaviour, including physical, emotional, family or group aspects

be consistent and show no bias or favouritism

guide their own children using similar, positive strategies

understand that each child is an individual with unique needs,

preferences and abilities learn about child development & child behaviours.

Educators will speak to children & listen to them with friendliness &

respect and encourage consideration of self, others and the environment

Behaviour Guidance Policy


In encouraging appropriate behaviour, Educators will:

· develop & apply developmentally appropriate limits

appropriate social interaction between children.

· use gestures, eye contact, facial expressions & words to encourage

· use positive instructions in terms of “do’s”, not “don’ts”,

· try to eliminate the words “No” and “Don’t”

· notice and encourage considerate behaviour

· encourage appropriate ways of expressing feelings

· avoid comparisons with other children & competition

· clearly communicate expectations.

In planning a child- friendly environment to minimise

difficulties:

· allow choices and alternatives when possible.

· modify the environment to give space for play & movement

· provide cosy, safe places where a child can be alone away from

· provide adequate resources, experiences, opportunities and materials.

· plan an individually appropriate program

· develop routines that give balance & calm time through the day.

As individuals concerned for the welfare of children

Educators :

· be fully aware of the facts & take time to assess the situation before

reacting to a child’s actions.

· respond calmly in line with service policies and procedures

· focus on the behaviour, not the child.

· consult with staff if difficulties arise.

When inappropriate behaviour occurs ,appropriate behaviour

management techniques will be used by the Educator:

distraction

redirection

explanation

helping children speak up

logical or natural consequences

Educators receive initial and ongoing

training in appropriate behaviour

management techniques

Safety The safety & wellbeing of all children placed in Family Day Care is of

paramount importance. Annual and ongoing safety checks are conducted

at the homes of registered Educators. All environments are to met

service safety requirements based on the National Regulations.

Educators are responsible for maintaining a safe and hygienic

environment at all times.

Pets All pets, especially dogs, must be separate from the children at all times.

The exception is when holding, grooming or feeding a pet as part of the

program e.g. feeding a baby lamb, holding the baby rabbit. Written

permission for experiences involving animals must be obtained.

Transport/ Car restraints Parents & Educators need to discuss routine outings/ excursions,

transport arrangements and car restraints. By law, children must be

properly restrained at all times when travelling in a car. Family Day Care

children are never to be left unattended in a vehicle.

Supervision Children are to be supervised by the registered and approved Educator

at all times. The children shall not be left with any person who is not

registered with Family Day Care, except in the rare situation of a life &

death emergency.

Supervision at delivery & collection times is important. When parent and

Educator are talking, responsibility for care can become confused. As

accidents can occur, information exchange should take place inside the

home.

Collection / delivery of children Only persons authorised by the parent in writing may collect the child

from care. In an emergency, a parent with lawful authority may give

authorisation over the telephone to the Educator. Proof of identification

is required on collection. The authorised person must be at least 16

years of age

All children under 12 years of age must be delivered to and collected

from care by a responsible adult. In certain circumstances, exemptions

to this policy may be considered. If approved, arrangements will need

written parental authorisation.


Uncollected children In the event of a child/ children being left without notification

past agreed collection time, the Educator will attempt to

contact both parents at work and at home.

If the parent/ s cannot be located, after one hour the Educator

will contact the Family Day Care Coordinator and attempt to

contact an emergency person listed on the Child Information

Record Form. After two hours past agreed collection time, if

unable to gain assistance from any emergency contacts listed,

the Child Protection Unit, Department of Human Services will

be notified

The above child welfare agencies may agree that the child/

children concerned may remain with the Educator whilst

the whereabouts of the parent/s are investigated. If the Educator

cannot provide this care, the Child Protection Unit will

organise alternative care. At all times the child’s welfare will be

most important.

Excursions / outings

It is an indicator of quality care that in family day care homes

there is a balance between staying home and going out.

Written permission for routine outings is obtained from parents

when the child enters care or whenever the Educator’s situation

changes throughout the year.

Non-routine outings / excursions are to be in the interests of

the child and discussed with the parent. Specific written

authorisation must be obtained.

Privacy/ census It is the right of all parties in family day care to

have confidentiality & privacy maintained. Personal

information to meet duty of care /accountability

requirements and may be disclosed to staff, your

child Educators & Commonwealth & State

Governments as required eg child care census.

Information must be current & can be updated

through forms or by contacting the Coordination

Unit. Requests for access to & correction of

information should be made to Council’s Privacy Officer on tel:

5624 2411

Gu

idelin

es

What happens if my child is sick?

Children who are unwell, unable to participate in

the day’s activities and / or impact the ability of

the Educator to safely supervise other children

must not come into care. Children with vomiting

or diarrhea, conjunctivitis, undiagnosed rash,

infectious illness or untreated head lice will not

be accepted into care.

What happens about medication?

Written authorisation for any medication must

be provided by the parent/ guardian with lawful authority.

Medication must be specific for that child, in the original bottle and

within the use-by date.

Medication must be handed to the Educator & not left in the

child’s bag.

What if my child develops asthma, a medical condition,

allergy or sensitivity?

Your child’s Educator and the Family Day Care Coordinator need

to be made aware of any health condition and of the management

plan for that condition.

Where your child has a health condition requiring preventative

measures, monitoring and / or medication or treatment, a written

management Plan based on medical advice must be provided to the

Coordination Unit. A copy of the Plan will be provided to the

Educator/s. This Plan should always be current & reviewed annually

and as needed.

What if my child’s Educator is sick or unavailable? Educators who are sick should not provide care and should

contact you and the Coordination Unit as soon as possible.

If alternative care is needed, coordination staff will make every

effort to transfer your child to a suitable placement, subject to

availability. Please consider your alternative plans in case of

Managing illness and other conditions


Absences from care Please notify the Educator at the earliest opportunity before your

usual arrival time if your child will be absent from care for any

reason.

Usual fees will still apply for absences, including holidays and public

holidays.

Child Care Benefit will be paid for up to 42 absences for each

child per financial year across all approved childcare. Please let the

Office know if you have used an absence in another service.

You will receive a record of the number of absences used every

quarter on a statement . Please check this statement & contact

the Office if your record differs from ours.

Child Care Benefit is not limited to 42 days for approved absences

in cases of illness of child, parent or sibling with a medical certifi-

cate, RDO’s, rotating shift work, pupil free days at school, court –

ordered shared custody or attendance at pre–school. These ab-

sences must have supporting documentation.

Timesheets/Attendance Records

Family Day Care is accountable for the expenditure of Australian

Government funds. The Coordination Unit is responsible for the

storage & maintenance of documents including children’s time-

sheets and attendance records. These records must be stored un-

til children are aged 25 years and must be accessible for Depart-

mental scrutiny on request. Parents are required to sign these

documents to verify the accuracy of details.

Attendance records must show ACTUAL times of arrival and

departure. Timesheets must be signed to verify accuracy.

Where booked hours

form a pattern that

does not match actual

hours, the booked

hours must be changed

Blank timesheets must never be signed by parents.

Hours of Care

Care must be organised through the Coordination Unit. Any changes

should be negotiated with the Educator and the Coordination Unit.

Any hours over the limit approved by the Family Assistance Office do

not attract Child Care Benefit.

Fees & Receipts 5

Family Day Care fees are reviewed each year in consultation with all

service participants. The fee schedule addresses the sensitive balance

between affordability for parents and adequate remuneration for

quality care provision.

Any Australian Government Child Care Benefit due is deducted

from the total fee due to the Educator each fortnight.

You pay your Educator via direct bank transfer/cash on receipt of

your account. The Australian Government specifies that a receipt

must be given to you.

It is very important that fees are paid on time. The fees payable are

for the previous fortnight of care. The Educator of your child needs

to know the care provided is valued and respected. Fees are very

reasonable and no Educator should ever have to ask repeatedly for

payment.

Financial hardship

The financial problems that may arise for some parents are not

related to the Educator’s right to payment for service provision.

Parents experiencing temporary financial hardship for exceptional

reasons may ring the Coordinator on 56 250 216 to discuss possible

problems with child care fees.

Debt recovery Educators are obliged to inform the Coordination Unit if timely fee

payment is not received. Care may be ceased within two weeks &

outstanding debts will be rigorously pursued by the Educator with

support from the unit.

Compliments and Complaints Please tell us how Family Day Care is for you and your child!

Educators & staff appreciate compliments and praise. It is also OK to

complain. Tell us about any concerns so we can improve our services.

We will listen to you and concerns will be dealt with without

disadvantaging your child. Complaints may be made to the Educator,

any staff member, or to Management.

Educators and staff will need to have the opportunity to respond. and

often the parties will be able to resolve the complaint. together. If this

cannot happen, the Manager Community Services or the Director

Community & Corporate Services will help. Avenues external to the

service such as mediation or the Department of Education and

Training are also available.


Child protection and well-being

Family Day Care supports the United Nation Convention on the rights of

the child, including the right to be protected from neglect, exploitation or

abuse and the right to have protection and assistance from the State .

Child abuse is an act that endangers a child or young person’s physical or

emotional health or development and is a common problem in any

community. Children have a right to be protected and their well-being must

remain paramount. Educators will supervise children carefully, use

appropriate guidance techniques and be aware of early signs of abuse.

Educators, staff or families who form a reasonable belief that abuse is

occurring need to take action & refer the matter to the Coordination Unit

and or Child Protection. Baw Baw Shire Council adhere to the Child Safe

Standards and they are embedded in everyday practices as well as any policy

updates.

Support services for families

Any families in need of support services please contact

Baw Baw Family Day Care .

If you know of any person who would be interested in providing home based child care for 3 to 5 days

per week, please ask them to contact the

Family Day Care Office

ENQUIRIES Baw Baw Family Day Care Baw Baw Shire Council 144 Normanby St Warragul 3820 [email protected] Telephone: 5625 0216 Monday to Friday

FDC FamilyInformationBooklet06

National Quality Standards Baw Baw Family Day Care is assessed and rated as

Exceeding the National Quality Standard.

Your child is special

…..so are our Educators!

(photo courtesy The Gazette

Documents

Family Information - Shire of Baw Baw · Affordable-Child Care Benefit and Child Care Rebate available to eligible families Family Day Care is open to the general community. Requests