Holy Family Preschool

The Catholic Early Learning Centre has a fantastic team of dedicated and enthusiastic staff including:

All our educators are fully qualified with child protection training, first aid, asthma and anaphylaxis training. We keep our knowledge and skills current and up to date by regularly attending training sessions and working together as a team.

The centre is conveniently located next to the grounds of Holy Family Primary Emerton. Parking is available in the Luxford Road carpark, walk up the stairs and you'll find us on the left.

As of 2022, our fee scale per daily session is as follows:

	Base Fee Aged 4-5	Equity Fee Age 3-5	3 year old fee
Holy Family Emerton	$16	$14	$20

* Equity Fee is for children of families with a low-income and other concession cards

Please note there is a voluntary payment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families in lieu of regular fees.

Notes on fees

• Fees are charged at a daily rate and are reviewed annually.
• A non-refundable enrolment fee of $40 per child is payable on application.
• All fees will be paid at least in full- two (2) weeks in advance at all times.
• Pay bond before the child commences at the CELC.
• Note that fees are payable when a child is absent from the CELC for any reason and parents/carers should contact the CELC to make staff aware of their child’s absence.
• If you are leaving or changing your days, two (2) weeks’ notice in writing is required. The child’s last 2 weeks in the CELC will be covered by this advance payment.
• Any bank charges related to dishonouring of cheques will be an additional fee charged to the family.
• At the end of the CELC term, parents/carers will be provided with a statement of usage.  Parents/Carers can present this statement to the Family Assistance Office in order to claim the child care benefit for register care providers.
• Please note account balances must be $0.00 in order to claim your child care benefit for the term.
• If a child is still at the CELC after closing time, the parent/carer will be phoned and asked to come and collect the child.  The parent/carer is issued a warning notice that the child has been collected after closing time.  The next occasion the child is collected late, the parent/carer will be charged a ‘Late Pick Up Fee’ in terms of the Fee Policy.  We understand that at times there are reasons why a parent/carer may be late e.g. traffic, crisis.  This policy has been developed to safeguard children, families and staff.  As part of licensing requirement it is illegal to care for a child outside of the approved hours of operation except under extenuating circumstances.

Curriculum and learning program

The NSW Curriculum Framework, The Early Years Framework and the NSW Children’s Services Regulations 2011 provide the framework for our centre. Our motif focuses around children being, belonging and becoming. Our curriculum is based on the principles of a child-centred program where children play, learn and create with the guidance of their teachers (see Our Philosophy).

We record and document the children’s progress by use of a portfolio that parents have access to. We use a range of observation and documentation methods to put together a portfolio of your child’s learning. Our Centre also includes a program on exploring scripture where children can learn about the Catholic values and tradition through stories and play.

Inclusive Practice
Children with additional needs are included in all aspects of the program as well as having an individualised program, to meet their specific needs. Staff will work together with families and liaise with professionals and support agencies to provide the best care and education for all children. More information on this is in the policy folder in the foyer.

Staff and parents communicate and work together by:

• Attending social events
• Sharing their culture, talents, skills and experiences within the centre
• Inviting families to spend time at the centre
• Assisting with odd jobs
• Providing feedback on policies and procedures
• Discussing issues with staff regarding the centre and their child.
• Daily interactions with staff, communication books, photographic documentation and notice boards.

The centre wants to create a unique relationship with all families at the centre.

The relationship between staff and families is one key component in the development of a sense of belonging and caring which is central to the vision and philosophy of the centre. We aim to address any concerns with the emphasis on resolving issues in a professional manner. Please come and make centre personnel aware of your concern, for more information see the policy folder.

In our ministry in Catholic Early Learning Centres (CELC), we strive, as a work of love, for the full human development of children, grounded in the teachings of Christ and at the service of society.

All staff members share in the evangelising mission of the Church, as they endeavour to bring culture and faith into harmony in their CELC and their communities. The Parish Priest, families, children and educators work in partnership to realise their mission.

The Early Years Education & Care Philosophy

Early Years Education & Care) views children as capable, competent individuals. We value childhood as a time for children to develop an awareness of their identity and build positive respectful relationships within their community while broadening their understanding of their world.

We view children holistically, implementing a play-based pedagogy with child lead enquiries to support children’s learning, wellbeing and social development in each of our Preschool and Before and After school services. We believe that children are theory builders and problem solvers who learn best by making meaning of their world through play, relationships and experiences.

We acknowledge and respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and the path they have travelled before us and the path we continually travel alongside them. In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land in which our Diocese sits, the Darug and Gundungurra people.

Reflecting our Gospel values and Catholic beliefs, we are committed to providing a nurturing and inclusive environment where the dignity of every person is fundamental with children and educators collaborating and learning from each other.

The principles of Respect, Encouragement, and Care guide our interactions and relationships with children, between colleagues, with families and within the wider community which includes parishes, schools and our professional community.

The establishment of positive relationships is seen as fundamental to support children’s development and learning as they develop their sense of belonging and identity within their family, Preschool, out of school hours care, school and the wider community. We value the social nature of children and recognise that they co-construct knowledge with peers, their families and our educators. We value the formation of respectful relationships as this support the provision of high-quality care and education for children.

Each of our Preschool and Out of School Hours Care services is a unique reflection of the community in which they are a part of.

At Catholic Early Learning Centre Holy Family Emerton we:

• listen to our children as they are using their “hundred languages”- a hundred hands, thoughts, ways of thinking, playing, speaking and listening, marveling, discovering and inventing
• recognise our family’s contributions, as part of the preschool and wider community. Valuing their role as the child’s first teacher
• create an environment that engages the interests of our children, promoting creativity, problem solving, investigating, hypothesising and experimentation
• are committed to fostering our image of the child as involved, insightful, creative, spiritual, natural and connected
• provide opportunities for children to make choices and be independent through play, make contributions to the program, be involved in small and large group experiences, with educators embracing their role in intentional teaching, modelling and scaffolding the children’s learning
• encourage Catholic values through daily prayer and meditation and participating in traditional ceremonies, whilst celebrating and respecting the uniqueness and diversity of our children, families and community
• believe each child is connected to their world in their own unique way. We aim to support their curiosity and encourage them to appreciate the world around them
• value our role in supporting children to feel confident in taking ownership of their education, setting a foundation for lifelong learning.

The core principles in this Code of Ethics are based on the fundamental and prized values of the profession. They act to guide decision making in relation to ethical responsibilities.

These core principles require a commitment to respect and maintain the rights and dignity of children, families, colleagues and communities.

• Each child has unique interests and strengths and the capacity to contribute to their communities.
• Children are citizens from birth with civil, cultural, linguistic, social and economic rights.
• Effective learning and teaching is characterised by professional decisions that draw on specialised knowledge and multiple perspectives.
• Partnerships with families and communities support shared responsibility for children’s learning, development and wellbeing.
• Democratic, fair and inclusive practices promote equity and a strong sense of belonging.
• Respectful, responsive and reciprocal relationships are central to children’s education and care.
• Play and leisure are essential for children’s learning, development and wellbeing.
• Research, inquiry and practice-based evidence inform quality education and care.

 

Our centre follows the guidelines by the Department of Health in regards to infectious diseases. With so many children attending the centre, we must ensure the well being of all the children. Children with infectious diseases are not permitted in the centre. Please notify the centre if your child has an infectious illness. Children showing signs of any infectious disease will be asked to stay at home until a doctor’s clearance certificate is presented to the office or staff on duty. Any vomiting, diarrhea, or high temperatures must be clear for at least 24 hours before returning to the centre. There will be more information on this in the policy folder which is located in the foyer.

The centre has written procedures for safety checks. These include checks on the building and equipment, opening and closing of the centre, accessing potentially dangerous substances etc. Material Safety Data Sheets are kept on all products used in the centre. All hazardous substances are stored in a locked cupboard and are inaccessible to children. ‘Warning’ signs are displayed on these areas. More information on this is in the policy folder which is located in the foyer.

Allergies and Special Diets

If your child has a particular food intolerance, or special allergy requirement, please discuss this with the Director. Should they require a specific range of products, you may be required to supply specific foods. Changes to your child’s food or allergy requirements will need to be made in writing.

Anaphylactic Response

If your child has been diagnosed with a life threatening allergic reaction, please provide the centre with a letter form the doctor with instruction on the procedures for the appropriate emergency response. Families are to provide medication, with written authorisation and are responsible for monitoring the ‘use by date’ on medication. More information on this is in the policy folder in the foyer.

The centre has elected to be a ‘nut free’ environment.