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Toilet training
If you would like staff to assist in the process of toilet training we would be more than happy to do this. However, to make this successful, toilet training needs to be continued at home so that what happens in the centre and at home are consistent. This will result in your child being fully toilet trained as quickly as possible. It helps if the same routines are practiced at home and at the centre.
Please dress your child in appropriate clothing which will not hinder their independence; for example, overalls are not practical, as children need significant assistance with these. We provide a more detailed toileting sheet explaining the process at the appropriate time. Only children who are toilet trained move through to the three and four year old area. If your child is still in nappies please provide nappies. We have a nappy changing room in the centre which has viewing windows. All nappy changes are recorded for your inspection and everyone's safety and protection.
Behaviour management/settling children
Kiwicare Pre School has a sophisticated system for settling children as part of our behaviour management programme which incorporates the Madelyn Swift "Getting It Right With Children Techniques". This programme involves the child, the teacher, the supervisor and the parent/caregiver. It involves a three stage programme named Green, Orange, Red which enables all involved to establish the best end result for each child. The end result may be the child enjoying every aspect of the Kiwicare Pre School environment or it may be that the child is transitioned to an environment such as Barnardos or home care until the child feels comfortable in a group environment. Throughout this whole process your input as the parent/caregiver will be listened to and our input as professionals will be offered to ensure everyone accepts the final outcome.
We know that all involved desire that your child has a happy start to their time at Kiwicare Pre School. A settling in Green Plan for every child helps with this. It assists greatly if we know a lot about your child before their first day. All information is confidential and shared only with staff. For example: What are the names of important people your child interacts with regularly? What does your child like/dislike doing? What do you enjoy doing together as a family/unit (sports, hobbies, play etc)? Do you have any animals or contact with animals? What are your child's favourite animals? What values are important to you as a family? Any special needs? Any special skills? Can your child speak another language? Can they dance? Can they sing a song?
We encourage parental/guardian visits at anytime for children who are currently enrolled in the programme. However for new parents/caregivers a time must be set with the supervisor at a time appropriate for the parent/caregiver and the centre. Once enrolled, the first three times your child attends we would encourage you to attend for as long as you can. Always let the child know you are leaving; a hug or a kiss is appropriate. Be confident, even if you feel nervous – always leave straight away after saying goodbye. Do not hesitate or turn back, even if your child calls you or cries. Try to interact near a staff member just before you leave so this staff member can take over their play activity from you. The staff have many kind ways of settling your child and are experts in managing all eventualities in childcare situations. Please feel free to phone in and check how your child is settling.
A child is far more likely to be unsettled by a parent/guardian who sneaks away than by a parent who says goodbye even if the child is crying. Be positive; if your child shows some initial distress do not feel this is a reflection on you as a parent or us as a childcare centre. It is the well-identified phenomenon of separation anxiety. The child will overcome any issues as they learn that parents do return every day and that the day at Kiwicare is full of interest and intrigue. Do not show or feel guilt. Remember that if you are worried about leaving your child they will sense this and be upset too. Very soon your child will be getting more educational and social opportunities than they could experience in any other environment.
Amongst Kiwicare staff more than 16 different languages are spoken which assists children who speak the language of their or their parents' country of origin at home.
Sleeping
Provision is made for children who require a sleep each day. Sleeping children are in sight of a staff member at all times. All bedding will be provided for your child. The centre's linen and beds are stored separately and washed weekly or after each casual child's use as required by Ministry of Health regulations.
Food
All food that is provided meets the Heart Foundation requirements of "5+ vegetables or fruit a day". Please be sure to let us know if your child suffers from allergies and be sure to fill in the appropriate details on the enrolment form. We are aware of and provide for appropriate cultural or religious requirements e.g. no pork or beef, Halal food. We also provide for children with allergies.
Any food or drink needed during the day will be provided by Kiwicare. If your child has any food or drink with them when they arrive at Kiwicare this will be stored and returned to you at the end of the day. This is because food or drink that may be appropriate for your child may be forbidden to another child for allergic reaction, cultural or other reasons.
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