How many of us ask the question “what did you do today?” and get “can’t remember” or a “nothing!” in reply? After a busy day spent away from your child it’s only natural that you’ll want a blow-by-blow account of everything they’ve done since you dropped them off earlier. Children live in the moment, and we hope to share those moments with you through a handover at the end of the day. We provide meaningful learning observations which are implemented into the room’s curriculum plan. These can be viewed in the classroom or via the online app. Next Steps follow the VEYLF, EYLF and NQF.
Spoiler alert: no day is typical! This is because we respond to the ideas of our children and have the flexibility to incorporate spontaneous learning experiences.
Routines are individual to children; however, routines are beneficial, it gives children security to know what to expect and a sense of belonging.
It is perfectly normal for children to refuse foods and even more so eat foods in early learning but not at home (I know, annoying isn’t it!). We use many and varied positive strategies to encourage eating and we never use food as a punishment or ‘settle’ for an unhealthy option. For more information and guidance, please click here.
To find out more information on healthy eating and the guidelines we use, please visit www.eatforhealth.gov.au.
Information about the Education and Care Services National Regulations can be found at http://acecqa.gov.au/national-regulations.
Play clothes only please. They will get muddy, paint (even if wearing an apron!), food mess, holes and wet. We are committed to a ‘good’ time not a ‘tidy’ time so expect the worst and buy sturdy shoes, no ‘designer’ wear and a few changes of clothes is a must, especially when toilet training.
Email us on centreadmin@nextstepselc.com.au or call us directly on (03) 5244 2949.
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Please talk directly with your room leader, we all wish to help you and there are ‘no silly questions’, you are encouraged to do this as soon as possible, don’t out yourself through unnecessary anguish! Even if you want to pop it in an email… we respect confidentiality, encourage feedback in ANY form and you can contribute to making our service even more fantastic than it already is!
Email us at centreadmin@nextstepselc.com.au or call us directly on (03) 5244 2949.
More serious issues can be brought to the attention of the Educational Leader, the Director, or AP; especially if it is regarding the health, wellbeing and safety of the children or staff.
We have protocol to follow, and this may trigger a notification to the Department of Education and Training (DET). Don’t be worried, we are open to external scrutiny and sincerely committed to continuous improvement!
The Department of Social Services is responsible for helping to support Australian families and children. The Families and Children section of this website provides detailed information on the various forms of assistance available including programs, services, benefits and payments.
The Department of Human Services is responsible for the development of Australian Government service delivery policy and offers a range of social, health and other payments and services. Support is available through Medicare, Centrelink, the Child Support program, CRS Australia and Australian Hearing. You can go directly to the Medicare program or the Centrelink program.
Services are assessed and rated against seven quality areas of the National Quality Standard:
1. Educational program and practice
Your child is supported to participate in play and learning
2. Children’s health and safety
Your child is protected from illness and hazards
3. Physical environment
Your child plays in a safe and well maintained environment
4. Staffing arrangements
There are enough qualified staff to give your child the attention they need
5. Relationships with children
Your child is made to feel supported and welcomed
6. Collaborative partnerships with families and communities
Local community involvement and respect and inclusion of all beliefs and values
7. Leadership and service management
Your child is cared for in a positive environment
Services receive a rating for each of the quality areas and an overall rating based on these results. Services must display their ratings. These ratings range from Working towards to Exceeding the National standards. for more information go to the ACECQA website.
Yes, it is our policy that an enrolment with Next Steps will not be considered ‘active or confirmed’ without a full up to date vaccination record. Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR) records your child’s vaccinations and they cannot attend without this record. Your immunisation provider sends the record of immunisation to the register. It is important for your child to be enrolled in Medicare as soon as possible so that your child’s immunisation records are accurate. For more information, please follow the following link http://www.education.vic.gov.au/childhood/parents/health/Pages/immunisation.aspx
‘No Jab, No Play’ is the name of legislation that requires all children to be fully vaccinated unless they have a medical exemption to be enrolled in childcare or kindergarten in Victoria. For more information read the frequently asked questions about the ‘No Jab, No Play’ legislation.
Easy… just click here and it will whiz you straight through to the right place!
As with all children and families applying for a place in our fabulous centre, there is a government led ‘priority of access’ process. Click here to go to the government website.
