Early Learning Centre Parent Handbook - St Luke's Anglican School

EARLY LEARNING CENTRE
CRN: 407 058 469 J
PARENT HANDBOOK

Aims and Goals 2
Contacting the ELC 2
Philosophy 3
Introduction 4
Operation of the Early Learning Centre 4
Staff 5
Fees and Enrolments 6
Fees 6
Attendance 6
Hours of Operation 7
Sign In and Sign Out 7
Communication 9
Term Dates and Holidays for 2013 9
Parents and Friends’ Association 9
Early Learning Centre Curriculum 10
Kindergarten Funding Scheme 13
Kindergarten Daily Routine 16
Pre-preparatory Daily Routine 17
Requirements – what your child requires for pre-school 18
Kindergarten 18
Pre-preparatory 18
Rest time 18
Special days 18
Shoes versus bare feet 18
Birthdays 19
Treasures from Home 19
Communication 19
Excursions 19
Policies
Enrolments
Inclusion
Relationships with Children
Delivery and Collection of Children
Excursions
Concerns or Grievances
Behaviour Guidance, Children’s Rights and Rights of Others
Students and Volunteers
Workplace Health & Safety
Storage of Chemicals and Cleaners
Exclusion from Care
Health & Hygiene
Illness
Administration of First Aid

Children Safe during Water Activities
Child Protection
Suns Protection
Medication
Medical or Allergic Conditions
Immunisation Policy
Parent Communication and Involvement
Compliance Log Book
Record Keeping and Privacy
Visitor and Students Involvement
Staff, Staff Training and Professional Development
Emergency and Evacuation
Our Shared Role
EARLY LEARNING CENTRE AIMS AND GOALS
The needs of the child shall be the first and greatest consideration. With care and education we
will enhance the development of the child and support the family.
We will provide a caring, stimulating and aesthetic environment. This will be a reflection of the
children as they develop at their own pace through learning opportunities that are reflective of their
individual needs.
We will provide a stimulating program making learning a fun, enjoyable and natural experience.
These will incorporate developmental areas including language and literacy, social skills, physical
and cognitive development.
The Early Learning Centre will reflect our cultural diversity, heritage and Christian philosophy. Our
staff will offer guidance with patience, care and skill.
Be a child and have fun.
Experience success through developmentally appropriate activities i.e. creative art, music and
drama, storytelling, manipulative and other forms of play.
Be provided with activities to develop an understanding of mathematical concepts such as shape,
colour, size and numbers. Be provided with experiences to develop an awareness of our
environment, living things and scientific ideas.
Be provided with pre-reading and pre-writing activities and experiences to enrich language and
communication.
Develop a positive self-image and self-esteem by gaining an understanding of their own
uniqueness.
Develop an awareness of health and safety, hygiene and cleanliness.
Develop physical growth and muscular co-ordination through a variety of educational and
playground activities.
Learn appropriate skills necessary to carry out given tasks and develop independence through
play and routines.
CONTACTING THE EARLY LEARNING CENTRE
St Luke’s Early Learning Centre
4 Mezger Street
Bundaberg, QLD 4670
Telephone: 07 41327539

ST LUKE’S EARLY LEARNING CENTRE PHILOSOPHY
In relation to children
St Luke’s Early Learning Centre views learning as both a collaborative and individual journey
whereby children are encouraged to participate and have ownership of their involvement. We
believe play is an integral part of a child’s experiences.
We believe children learn and develop in an all-inclusive environment where they are happy and
secure and have the opportunity to experience a wide range of developmentally appropriate
learning experiences and activities.
Teachers participate in children’s play and support children to negotiate their rights and the rights
of others. Teachers provide direction sensitively when children experience difficulty in resolving a
disagreement.
In relation to families
St Luke’s Early Learning Centre believes that families have their own culture and belief system
which makes us all unique, and we will provide an environment whereby we are respectful of
these differences. We encourage families to participate and share in the children’s learning
journey and to communicate and work collaboratively with staff.
In relation to colleagues
St Luke’s Early Learning Centre staff promote and make teamwork a priority, encouraging each
other to view learning as collaborative, and supporting each other to achieve common goals. We
recognise the differences in our individual strengths and skills, and therefore we value each other
as individuals and work together as professionals.
In relation to the community
St Luke’s Early Learning Centre acknowledges that family and the wider community influences
children’s lives and we encourage their involvement in the centre’s programs and children’s
learning. We welcome members of the community to engage and work with us to promote a
sense of community and belonging.
Inclusion
St Luke’s Early Learning Centre staff are actively involved in the development of appropriate
resources which will support and implement an all-inclusive, cross cultural program through the
Early Learning Centre which is reflective of all families and the diversity present in Australian
society.
St Luke’s Early Learning Centre believes children develop confidence and self-worth and a
positive self-image as they begin to recognise their uniqueness in an environment that values a
Christian Ethos as practised in the Anglican Community.
St Luke’s Early Learning Centre Philosophy statement reflects the guiding principles underpinning the National Quality
Framework and the National Quality Standards, (ACECQA, 2011, p.7). The Philosophy also reflects the Early Years
theorists who inspire us; Vygotsky, Piaget and Reggio Emelia.

OPERATION OF THE EARLY LEARNING CENTRE
St Luke’s Early Learning Centre’s Licensee is The Corporation of the Synod of the Diocese of
Bribane, Licence Number 25966 and based at St Luke’s Anglican School, 4 Mezger Street,
Bundaberg, Queensland 4670. The Nominated Licensee is Mrs Susan Wilson, Head of St Luke’s
Primary School. The daily running of the Early Learning Centre is managed by the Centre
Director, Mrs Catherine Donaldson. A staff member with an approved supervisor certificate may
be placed in day-to-day charge of the ELC in the absence of the Centre Director. The Centre is
licensed for 72 children and opened from7.30-5.30pm.
The Early Learning Centre is licensed and regulated by the Office for Early Childhood Education
and Care. The Education and Care Services National Regulations and the Education and Care
Services National Law (Queensland) Bill 2011 are the official documents that outline procedures
for the Centre. Our Service Identification Number is 1-6PX-697.
Parents wishing to discuss any part of the Centre’s operation can contact:
The Office for Early Childhood Education and Care
Maryborough Regional Office
102 Lennox Street (PO Box 142)
Maryborough Qld 4650
Telephone: (07) 4190 3871
Facsimile: (07) 4190 3870
STAFF:CHILD RATIOS
The Early Learning Centre is licensed for 72 children and has three classrooms.
Ages of children in class Staff:Child Ratio Maximum Class Size
Pre-Preparatory Class A 1:12 24
Pre-Preparatory Class B 1:12 24
Kindergarten 1:12 24
The Centre also provides Before/After School Care, Occasional Care and Vacation Care and the
staff:child ratio is 1:15.
These ratios are determined by our licensed capacity and the Child Care Regulations 2003,
sections 22, 24 and 25. It is Centre policy to ensure that we comply with the Child Care
Regulations 2003 at all times.

ST LUKE’S EARLY LEARNING CENTRE STAFF
Centre Director
Catherine Donaldson
Pre-preparatory A Teacher,
Nora Johnstone
Pre-preparatory B Teacher
Jane Bridges
Kindergarten Group Leader
Karen Scutts
Pre-preparatory A – Teacher Aide
Janine Lawrence
Pre-preparatory B – Teacher Aide
Rachel Wellings
Kindergarten Assistant
Terrina Booth
After School Care Group Leader
Primary School
Wendy Gillard
ELC Afternoon Group Leader
& Lunch Relief
Alison Jarvis
After School Care Educator
Primary School
Jennifer Ryan
ELC Afternoon Educator
Katie Taylor
B.A. (Hons) Early Childhood Studies
Certificate IV Training and Assessment
Diploma in Management
Bachelor of Education – Early Childhood
*Educational Supervisor
8.00 am - 4.00 pm
Post Graduate Certificate of Education (R-7)
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Literature & History
8.00 am - 4.00 pm
Diploma in Children’s Services
Certificate III in Children’s Services
7.30 am – 3.30 pm
Diploma in Children’s Services
Certificate III in Children’s Services
8.00 am – 4.00 pm
Diploma in Children’s Services
7.30 am – 3.30 pm
Certificate III Children’s Services
8.00 am – 4.00 pm
Diploma in Children’s Services
3.00 pm - 5.30 pm
Diploma in Children’s Services
12-00 pm - 3.00 pm
3.00 pm - 5.30 pm
Diploma in Children’s Services
3.00 pm -5.30 pm
Diploma in Children’s Services (studying)
3.00 pm – 5.30 pm
* Educational Supervisor monitors programs being implemented, to ensure that programs meet the
requirements of the Early Years Learning Framework and the Kindergarten Learning Guidelines.

FEES AND ENROLMENTS
Fees for Pre-preparatory, Kindergarten, Before School Care and Vacation Care programs are
subject to change in 2013.
Note: A penalty rate of $10 will be charged for every 15 minutes after 5.30 pm.
Fees for each period (either term or holiday) are due on the date shown on the fee statement.
Fees are payable for all days of enrolment regardless of attendance, absences.
Child Care Benefits may be claimed for the Early Learning Centre, Vacation Care and Before and
Afternoon School Care. The Centre’s Service ID Number 1-6-PX-697 when contacting
Centrelink.
ATTENDANCE
Kindergarten Classroom
Children can be enrolled for two days (Thursday and Friday), three days (Monday to Wednesday)
or five days each week, with a maximum of 24 students in each daily group. Children must have
reached the age of 3 years before they are eligible to commence Kindergarten. Children attending
the Kindergarten program are between the ages of 3 and 4 years.
Pre-Preparatory Classroom
Children can be enrolled for two days (Thursday and Friday), three days (Monday to Wednesday)
or five days each week, with a maximum of 24 students in each daily group. Children must turn 4
years of age before 30 June in the year of entry to be eligible to commence Pre-preparatory.
Children attending the Pre-preparatory program are between the ages of 3½ and 5 years.
The Kindergarten program is implemented between 8.00 am - 4.00 pm (this includes outdoor
activities from 3.15 pm until 5.30 pm).
Before and After School Facilities
The Centre offers an out of school hours care program. This program includes Before and After
School Care as well as Vacation Care. Before School Care operates from 7.30 am - 8.15 am.
Staff to child ratio is 1:15.
At 8.00am they will be escorted to St Luke’s Primary School. After School Care operates between
3.00 pm - 5.30 pm. Primary children are collected at a central point at St Luke’s Primary School
and escorted to the Early Learning Centre by staff members. Afternoon tea is provided. The
My Time, Our place out of school care program provides opportunities for children to plan the
sessions and select their own activities and experiences according to their ideas and interests.
Educators will collaborate with children to facilitate routines.

HOURS OF OPERATION
The Centre operates from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm each day.
A child may be dropped off and collected at a time suitable to the parent; however, a full day’s fee
will be charged regardless of the number of hours a child is in attendance.
TERM DATES FOR 2013
Term 1:
Term 2:
Term 3:
Term 4:
Tuesday 29 January – Thursday 28 March
Monday 15 April – Friday 21 June
Tuesday 16 July – Friday 20 September
Tuesday 8 October – Thursday 5 December
THE CURRICULUM
The St Luke’s Early Learning Centre Programs are guided by The Early Years Learning
Framework for Australia. This is a National Early Years Learning Framework for early childhood
educators to extend and enrich children’s learning from birth to five years and through the
transition to school.
KINDERGARTEN CLASSROOM
The Kindergarten program implements the Early Years Learning Framework which involves a
collaborative approach with both children and teachers. The framework of this curriculum is
outlined in the following:
OUTCOME 1.
• Children have a strong sense of identity
• Social and Personal Learning
• Developing confidence, empathy, care and concern
OUTCOME 2.
• Children are connected with and contribute to their world
• Sharing, co-operating, listening, developing independence
• Contributing to their environment
• Child initiated activities
OUTCOME 3
• Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
• Health and Physical Wellbeing
• Fine and Gross Motor
• Music and movement

OUTCOME 4.
• Children are confident and involved learners
• Cognitive Learning Process
• Early Mathematical Understandings
• Thinking/Problem Solving
• Creativity and craft
• Imagination
OUTCOME 5.Children are effective communicators
• Language and Communication
• Conversation
• Sharing thoughts and ideas
• Stories/Books
• Pre-reading
PRE-PREPARATORY CLASSROOM
The Pre-preparatory program is based on the Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guidelines.
This document outlines the following Early Learning Areas as being associated with later success
in school.
While the EYLF focuses on children from birth to five years, the Queensland Kindergarten
Learning Guideline aims to specifically enrich children’s learning in the Kindergarten (Prepreparatory)
Year. In Queensland, the Kindergarten (Pre-preparatory) Year is the year before the
Preparatory Year of schooling. Throughout the Pre-preparatory Year, children’s right to
experience the joy of childhood is fundamental and learning is promoted through play, emergent
and planned learning experiences and collaboration between teachers and children.
Foundation Learning Area 1 - Identity
A kindergarten child who has a strong sense of identity:
• is building a sense of security and trust
• acts with increasing independence and perseverance
• is building a confident self-identity.
Related EYLF learning outcome: Children have a strong sense of identity.
Foundation Learning Area 2 - Connectedness
A kindergarten child who is connected with and contributes to their world:
• is building positive relationships with others
• shows increasing respect for diversity
• shows increasing respect for environments.
Related EYLF learning outcome: Children are connected with and contribute to their world.
Foundation Learning Area 3 - Wellbeing
A kindergarten child who has a strong sense of wellbeing:
• is building a sense of autonomy and wellbeing

• explores ways to show care and concern and interact positively with others
• explores ways to promote own and others’ health and safety
• explores ways to promote physical wellbeing.
Related EYLF learning outcome: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing.
Foundation Learning Area 4 - Active learning
• A kindergarten child who is a confident and involved learner:
• is building positive dispositions and approaches toward learning
• shows increasing confidence and involvement in learning
• engages in ways to be imaginative and creative
• explores tools, technologies and information and communication technologies.
Related EYLF learning outcome: Children are confident and involved learners.
Foundation Learning Area 5 - Communicating
A kindergarten child who is an effective communicator:
• explores and expands ways to use language
• explores and engages with literacy in personally meaningful ways
• explores and engages with numeracy in personally meaningful ways.
Related EYLF learning outcome: Children are effective communicators.
The children are introduced to many skills during the year. Each child develops at an individual
rate. Mastery of these developmental skills will vary from child to child. Each child’s development
in the Early Learning Area will be recorded in their folios. Folios will record development in all
areas throughout the year.
The Teacher uses their professional judgment and observations of the child to record their
findings. This document is used with other child study tools including a reflective teacher diary,
photographs, work samples, notes from parent interviews and other relevant checklists or
assessment tasks plus information from other services and professionals if applicable.
Each child has a Learning Story folio which includes photographs, observations, children’s work
samples etc. This Learning Story folio is added to on a weekly basis and is available for
parents/guardians to look at and revisit with their child at any time.
Queensland Kindergarten Funding Scheme
There is a range of criteria that approval of a service as a Kindergarten program provider is
assessed against. These include:
• Children in the year prior to Prep (who are 4 years old by 30 June in the year participate in
an approved kindergarten program) for at least 15 hours per week and 40 weeks per year
• is aligned with the Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guideline and the principles of the
national Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)
• Program is delivered by:
- an early childhood education teacher, who holds an early childhood qualification(s) that
meets the requirements of the Child Care Act 2002 and sections 113 [(a) to (c)] or 114
of the Child Care Regulation 2003.

Kindergarten Daily Routine
7.30 am Before School Care – Kindy classroom
Table and play mat activities
8.45 am Bell rings. Pack up time.
Group Time (on mat) – Good Morning, School Prayer, Mark the roll,
Weather Chart, What’s on today in kindy. Children and teachers
will plan the day together, including teacher and child initiated tasks,
activities and play (explicit teaching – focused teaching planned).
9.10 am Outdoor activities – including obstacle course
10.20 am Children will pack up within their area and transition to morning tea.
Grace and Morning Tea.
10.30 am Morning Tea. Teachers will join with the children at the table for conversation and to
encourage healthy choices and socially appropriate behaviours.
11.00 am Music and Movement program: Dance, musical instruments, singing,
finger-plays, creative expression.
11.20 am Transition to small groups for child initiated tasks and intentional teaching-directed
activities (early literacy/language/mathematics/and science concepts).
12.20 pm Bell rings. Children will pack up their area for transition to the bathroom. Children
will make up their beds for rest period.
12.45 pm Grace and Lunch. Teachers will join the children at the table for conversation and to
encourage healthy food choices and socially appropriate behaviours.
1.15 pm Rest Period – Children are provided with an environment that is quiet, calm and
peaceful. Children are not required to sleep, however, they
are encouraged to rest their bodies.
2.30pm
Pack up beds
2.50 pm Carpet Time – intentional teaching, reflect upon the day’s events and
experiences, share a story and conversation.
3.00 pm Classroom doors open at 3.00 pm.
3.15 pm Outdoor program and free play.
5.30 pm

Pre-Prep Daily Routine
7.30 am Before School Care Program begins.
8.00 am Parents and children are welcomed by their teachers.
Activities provided – indoor/outdoor
8.30 am Bell rings. Group Time (on mat) – Good Morning, School Prayer, Mark the roll,
Weather Chart, What’s on today in Pre-prep. Children and teachers will plan the day
together, including teacher and child initiated tasks, activities and play (explicit
teaching – focused teaching planned).
8.45 am Outdoor Program children will have access to a variety of teacher and child initiated
free choice activities.
10.00 am Bell rings. Children pack up their area and meet on their verandah.
10.05 am Music and Movement program: Dance, musical instruments, singing,
finger-plays, creative expression
10.20 am Grace and Transition to bathroom.
10.30 am Morning Tea. Teachers will join with the children at the table for conversation and to
encourage healthy choices and socially appropriate behaviours.
11.00 am Indoor session commences – spontaneous learning will happen and underpins what
happens next day (teacher initiated periods).
.
Small groups for intentional teaching directed activities.
(early literacy/language/mathematics/science concepts).
12.45pm
Bell rings. Pack up time.
Children will make up their beds for rest period.
1.00 pm Grace and Lunch. Transition to bathroom and out to lunch. Teachers will join
children at the table for conversation and to encourage healthy food choices and
socially appropriate behaviours.
1.30 pm Rest Period.
Children are provided with an environment that is quiet, calm and peaceful.
Children are not required to sleep, however they are encouraged to rest
their bodies.
2.45pm
Carpet Time – Intentional teaching, reflect upon the day’s events and
experiences, share a story and conversation.
3.00 pm Classroom doors open at 3.00 pm.
3.15 pm Outdoor program and free play.
5.30 pm

REQUIREMENTS - WHAT YOUR CHILD REQUIRES FOR KINDERGATEN & PRE-
PREPARATORY
Each child will need a large bag to hold lunch and morning tea, school hat and ELC uniform shirts
(which can be purchased at St Luke’s uniform shop), spare clothes and a labeled drink bottle
containing water.
Morning Tea and Lunch in a named lunch box – for morning tea we suggest;
• fresh or dried fruit, raw vegetables, cheese or yoghurt.
A nourishing, wholesome lunch of fresh food is also desirable; –
• sandwiches, spaghetti, baked beans, chicken, salad, cheese, crackers, fruit salad,
fresh fruit, yoghurt are good options.
To encourage good nutritional habits, please no;
• chips, lollies, soft drinks or chewing gum, popcorn or canned drinks.
To keep children safe from allergic reactions;
• NO peanuts, or food containing peanuts in children’s lunchboxes.
Please note that it is important not to send food in tins, tin food to be placed in plastic
containers.
Please use plastic containers for food and drink. Glass containers are not permitted.
We have a refrigerator for any items that need to stay cold. To promote sustainability we
requested limited use of plastic sandwich bags. Smaller plastic containers inside lunchboxes are
preferable.
Sheets and Sheet bag – The children will need a sheet and a sheet bag. The sheet needs to be
approximately half a single sheet. A drawstring bag to hold this sheet is also required. The child’s
name should be on both items in large letters. The beds will be available for measuring at your
request should you wish to make a fitted sheet.
Spare Clothes – Please send along a NAMED set of spare clothes as we do messy and wet
activities each day or in case your child has an ‘accident’.
Please send your child in sensible play clothes, not good clothes, as they may get paint or dirt on
them. Please make sure your child can handle his/her clothing at toilet time as this becomes
frustrating for them if they can’t manage themselves. Pre-preparatory blue shirt is compulsory and
can be purchased at St Luke’s uniform shop.
.
STATIONERY ITEMS REQUIRED
The following items are required for the children’s daily program.
Kindergarten
1 x ream A4 white paper
1 x Plastic Pockets box 100
1 x A4 White 4 ring Binder (38mm)

1 x Glue sticks
1 x family box of tissues
1 x Oil Pastel Crayons
1 x Felt Tip pens (thick)
Pre-prep
1 x uncovered A4 scrap book - Olympic #325
1 x A4 White 4 ring binder (38mm)
1 x ream A4 white paper
1 x Plastic sleeves (box of 100)
1 x A3 Sketch Pad
2 x Glue sticks
1 x family box of tissues
1 x Felt Tip pens (thick)
Please put your child’s name clearly on scrapbooks.
REST TIME
A licence condition of our centre is that the service may provide one or more periods during a day,
totalling not more than 2 hours during the day. The Early Learning Centre has rest period from
1.30pm to 2.30pm. Rest periods are a time when children have a chance to relax and engage in a
period of quiet time. Staff will be sensitive to the needs of your child during this time.
SPECIAL DAYS
After the completion of themes or because of special times of the year, we plan to have party
days at the Early Learning Centre - parents are most welcome to join in and be part of the fun.
Information will reach you via the newsletters and notices.
SHOES VERSUS BARE FEET
Our Early Learning Centre recognises the benefits of bare footed play for children’s safety and
growth and the development of sensory awareness. Shoes can be hazardous in outdoor play
areas. Bare feet provide the safest climbing grip and promote more effective balance and control
eg, during music or when climbing.
Children should arrive and depart School with footwear on. It is important that EVERYTHING is
clearly named.
BIRTHDAYS
A birthday is a very special time for a child at the Early Learning Centre. On this special occasion
you are welcome to bring along a cake for your child to share with his/her friends. Children whose
birthdays fall in the holidays may share their birthday before or after the holidays.
TREASURES FROM HOME

While we don’t wish to dampen your child’s enthusiasm, we would appreciate it if toys brought
from home were limited to those received on a special occasion. We are not responsible if
anything gets broken or misplaced. However, your child is encouraged to bring to the Early
Learning Centre any type of interesting specimen or object - rocks, shells, insects, etc. to enrich
the science program. Please be careful to provide air holes for insects to breathe. Plastic
containers are safer than glass.
ABSENCES
All parents are requested to notify the Early Learning Centre of their child’s absence as soon as
possible. If the absence is due to an infectious disease notification must be given immediately
after the diagnosis. A child will not be readmitted without a written clearance from the child’s
doctor.
COMMUNICATION
We feel open communication between teachers and parents’ is very important and builds trust.
Please feel free to discuss your child’s progress or any concerns you may have with the teacher. If
you wish to speak at length about something, please arrange a mutually agreeable time out of
sessions.
The Early Learning Centre produces a bi-monthly newsletter that highlights forthcoming events
and special days relating to the children. In an effort to promote responsible environmental
practices, these newsletters are preferably distributed via email, so we would appreciate you
updating the School with changes to your email address.
CONCERNS OR GRIEVANCES
Aim: to ensure that there is a procedure to follow in the event of any queries or concerns.
Open communication is the key to successful partnerships within the Early Learning Centre and
between families and staff. Having a procedure to follow encourages this and allows issues to be
dealt with thoroughly, comprehensively and with sensitivity towards all concerned.
Concerns of Parents
• Each classroom has a parent feedback box and parent communication boxes should
parents prefer to put any concern or grievance in writing.
• We also encourage constructive feedback on any aspect of the Early Learning Centre as
any point raised will provide the opportunity to continuously reflect and improve on the
quality within our Centre.
• Parents are encouraged to discuss any concerns or thoughts directly with Centre Director
or the teachers.
• Whereby the issue is not fully resolved parents may contact Head of Primary on 41327525.
• Should parents feel the need to contact The Office for Early Childhood Education and Care,
the contact details are:
Office for Early Childhood Education and Care

Wide Bay/Burnett
Maryborough Regional Office
102 Lennox Street, P.O. Box 142
Maryborough, Queensland 4670
Tel: OECEC Officer: Jillian Frith (07) 41903871
Concerns of Staff Members
The Early Learning Centre’s goal if for staff to have an enjoyable and fulfilling workplace.
We acknowledge that there may be times when staff members are unhappy with their role
or have been upset by the actions of another staff member. Where such a situation exists it
is best for the issue to be resolved quickly by the following procedures:
• See the person concerned and talk out the issue in an appropriate environment. Attempt to
come to a mutual agreement.
• Where agreement cannot be reached it is recommended that the Centre Director be invited
to mediate.
• Staff are encouraged at any time to offer suggestions regarding any aspect of the Centre.
STUDENTS AND VOLUNTEERS
The Early Learning Centre is committed to high quality and training opportunities including the
opportunity for students and volunteers to experience work experiences. Where students and
volunteers do not have the requisite training and qualifications to work in preschools the following
provisions will apply:
• The student/volunteer holds a current positive suitability notice.
• The student/volunteer will sign in/out using the visitor’s log book.
• The Centre Director will interview student/volunteer who will assign tasks consistent with
perceived skills and experience and provided with Centre policies and procedures.
• The student/volunteer will not form part of the formal Centre team and will not be given no
responsibility for supervision of children.
• The student/volunteer will not be left alone with children at any given time.
• Parents will be informed of any students in the Centre via a notice on parent notice board.
SCHOOL COMMUNITY CODE OF CONDUCT
All children, students, parents, teachers, staff, volunteers and families have the right to be safe,
and feel safe, in their school community. The School Community Code of Conduct sets clear
standards of behaviour, which are expected of members of the School Community. With this right
comes the responsibility to be accountable for actions that intimidate or put at risk the safety of
others or oneself.
ENROLMENTS
Parents may submit an Application for Admission any time after their child’s birth for their child’s
name to be placed on the waiting list. Prospective students are placed on the waiting list in order
of application dates received and by payment of a non-refundable fee of $100. Parents will be

contacted the year prior to their child’s attendance in the Early Learning Centre and offered a
place, should there be a vacancy. An enrolment confirmation fee of $80 and a refundable deposit
of $200 is payable at this time. Total fees payable before your child commences at the Early
Learning Centre is $380 – $200 deposit is refunded, when your child departs St Luke’s, providing
there is no outstanding debt and that a term’s notice is given in writing, advising of your child’s
withdrawal. No other fees are payable as your child moves from the Early Learning Centre to
Preparatory Year and beyond.
Children attending Kindergarten or Pre-preparatory will automatically be offered a place for the
following year in the relevant year level, depending on their age. However, it is not a requirement
to continue on through the St Luke’s School. Early Learning Centre places are offered in strict
order of the waiting list and via the selection process set out by Government guidelines and
School policy. Children already attending the Centre and who remain for another year at the
Centre are given priority.
Families will be orientated around the Early Learning Centre by St Luke’s School Marketing and
Development.
The Early Learning Centre’s Orientation Day is an opportunity for children and families to meet
and greet teachers before formal commencement. There will be an Orientation Day at the start of
school year, and an Open Day in Term 3.
INCLUSION
When children enter an Early Childhood setting, they bring with them a rich variety of cultural and
social backgrounds and experiences. St Luke’s Early Learning Centre recognises the individuality
of each child and family and observes a policy of acceptance regardless of race, creed, gender,
disability, class or culture.
Our policy is to provide non-discriminatory access to all children. We do not exclude children from
other races or cultural backgrounds, or those who have physical disabilities.
RELATIONSHIPS WITH CHILDREN
St Luke’s Early Learning Centre views learning as both a collaborative and individual journey
whereby children are encouraged to participate and have ownership of their involvement. We
believe play is an integral part of a child’s experiences.
We believe children learn and develop in an all-inclusive environment where they are happy and
secure, have the opportunity to experience a wide range of developmentally appropriate learning
experiences and activities.
Teachers will participate in supervision and provide direction sensitively when children experience
difficulty in resolving a disagreement.
BEHAVIOUR GUIDANCE, CHILDREN’S RIGHTS AND RIGHTS OF OTHERS
Teachers will participate in children’s play and will support children to negotiate their rights and the
rights of others. Teachers will provide direction sensitively when children experience difficulty in

esolving a disagreement. Staff model appropriate behavior to children and will provide a
supportive environment where children are given consistent opportunities and positive guidance
and encouragement toward learning acceptable social behaviours.
DELIVERY AND COLLECTION OF CHILDREN
When you bring your child to the Centre it is very important to sign your child in and out each day.
It is required by Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) and
Child Care Regulation 2003 that parents/guardians name, sign and specify the time of arrival and
name, sign and specify the time of departure of their child/ren from the centre each day. Name
and signature of parent/guardian also apply should enrolled child/ren be absent for any reason
The Child Care Regulations state that each child must be delivered to and collected from the
Centre by an adult and collected by a parent/guardian of the child. Alternative arrangements can
be made by the parents; however, authorization must be in writing and must indicate who else
may deliver and/or collect their child from the Centre. Without written authorisation the Centre
Director has the right to not allow a child to leave the Centre.
It is permissible for you to arrange for an adult other than yourself to collect and drop off your child
only if you have given your written consent for them by completing a Departure Authorisation form.
Identification will be required.
EXCURSIONS
On occasions, the children will be taken on excursions to complement the curriculum. At other
times visitors will be invited to the Centre to offer the children an extension of their current
program. Parents will be notified of forthcoming excursions through newsletters. A Risk
Assessment will be carried out before an excursion takes place.
Risk assessments will identify and assess risks that the excursion may pose to the safety, health
or wellbeing of any child being taken on the excursion. Risk assessments will also specify how the
identified risks will be managed and minimized.
It would be greatly appreciated if parents could assist staff with supervision of these days.
Permission slips will be issued for each excursion and must be signed by parent(s) prior to
departure. Children are required to wear suitable closed-in footwear and sun smart clothing on
these occasions.
CHILDREN SAFETY DURING WATER ACTIVITIES.
Water activities or water play will at all times be closely supervised by a staff member.
Water trays and containers will be emptied and stored safely away after water play activities.
Risk assessments will be carried out for any activity or event that involves being near water or in
water outside the centre.
Source: Education & Care Services National Regulations
(under the Education & Care Services National Law, 2011)

WORKPLACE, HEALTH & SAFETY
Workplace, Health and Safety is a priority at the Early Learning Centre and we are committed to
providing a safe environment for everyone. All risks are identified, evaluated and dealt with
promptly. The Centre ensures that:
• Personal protective equipment is supplied as necessary..
• Records of all children’s injuries and illnesses are kept.
• A Health & Safety representative is elected.
• Health & Safety concerns identified by staff and addressed by WHSO.
• Safe systems and procedures are in place. Procedures protect families, children,
staff, volunteers and all other stakeholders. Procedures includes evacuation procedures
and regular safety audits.
Source: Work Health & Safety Act 2011
STORAGE OF CHEMICALS AND CLEANERS
• The Centre has data sheets concerning all chemicals on premises
• Emergency action documents are kept in kitchen and at cleaners ‘ cupboard.
• All other chemicals and hazardous substances are clearly labeled and are stored in a safe
manner out of children’s reach.
Source: Workplace, Health & Safety Regulation (1997) Part 13 (Hazardous Substances,
sections 87 to 114): Education & Care Services National Regulations
(under the Education & Care Services National Law, 2011)
EXCLUSION FROM THE CENTRE
The Centre reserves the right to refuse or withdraw children from care, temporarily or permanently,
for any of the following reasons:
• Children with contagious or communicable diseases
• Inappropriate behaviour on the part of a child
• Inappropriate behaviour on the part of a parent/guardian
• Non-payment of fees (payable fortnightly)
• Children who have not been immunized
• Children with head lice
• Children who are visibly unwell or have a temperature over 38 degrees centigrade.
Staying Healthy in Child Care 2012, 5 th edition – Preventing infectious diseases
HEALTH & HYGIENE
To keep our children healthy the following hygiene procedures apply:
• Staff and children are to wash their hands after wiping a nose, before handling food,
after toileting, after handling cleaning products or touching blood.

• Staff to wear protective gloves when handling food, assisting with toileting, handling
soiled items, wiping noses and attending to wounds.
ILLNESS
Children who are sick cannot attend or remain at the Centre. If a child has any of the following
illnesses, parents/guardians will be called to collect their child immediately:
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Conjunctivitis
• Rashes and blisters
• Impetigo (school sores)
• Hair lice
• Temperature over 38 degrees
• Or any other condition that may put other children at health at risk
Where a child has been sent home with sickness or illness children must remain absent from the
Centre for 24 hours.
If a child should become ill or has an accident during session times, a parent will be contacted in
regards to this. Please ensure all contact numbers are current. In the event of neither parent being
contactable it is the Early Learning Centre’s policy that staff will telephone emergency contacts
and then medical attention will be sought at the teacher’s discretion. If considered necessary we
will obtain the service of an ambulance to take your child to hospital.
Source: www.health.qld.gov.au – Time Out 10/12
ADMINISTRATION OF FIRST AID
In the event of a child sustaining an injury, the following procedures will be followed:
A staff member holding a current first aid certificate will render appropriate first aid to tchild.
The cause or site of the accident is made safe.
The child’s parent/guardian is immediately informed.
A full description of the accident including names of any witnesses are recorded in an
incident report as soon as possible after the accident and brought to the attention of the
director. Additional details to be recorded include time and date of accident, parent
contacted and by who, details of first aid administered, any strategies for future prevention.
Should an injured child require hospitalization the director will ensure that the Office of Early
Childhood Education and Care is informed as soon as possible.
CHILD PROTECTION
• Under the Child Protection Act 1999 staff have the right and obligation to document and
report any suspected cases of child abuse (physical, emotional, sexual, neglect) to the
appropriate authorities with the Department of Child Safety.

• Staff will follow the School’s procedure on documenting and reporting any suspected cases
of child abuse. A staff member is not liable, civilly, criminally or under an administrative
process for giving a report of ‘likely sexual abuse’.
• Suspected incidences of child abuse or neglect are to be reported immediately to Centre
Director. Centre Director will compile relevant reports and inform the Licensee, Principal
and report to the Office of Early Childhood.
Source: Child Protection Act 1999 / Independent Schools Queensland:Child Protection
SUN PROTECTION
As part of our sun-safe policy, the Early Learning centre requires:
• We implement the “No hat, no outdoor play” policy. All children to wear the recommended
Early Learning Centre hat (or wide brimmed or bucket hat) and clothes which offers adequate
sun protection.
• Staff will ensure that all children playing outside are protected with a sunscreen with a 30+
rating prior to outdoor activities.
• Children are encouraged to make use of shaded areas for play activities.
• Parents will be provided with current Sun Smart information via brochures displayed at the
Centre
• The Centre will provide and display sun care literature from the Queensland Cancer Council
and Sun Smart education is delivered as an integral part of our program.
Source: www.cancerqld.org.au
MEDICATION
We will administer prescribed medication to your child on your request only and within the
following guidelines:
• Details regarding a child’s medication must be entered on the medication form by the
parent/guardian, upon arrival at the centre, recording the following: Child’s name, Date,
Drug, Dosage, Time(s) due and Signature.
• The staff member administering medication and witness must sign the medication form
when medication is given.
• Staff will only administer medication to a child if his/her name is on the label.
• All medication must be handed to a staff member for safe storage/handling. Under no
circumstances must any medication be left in a child’s bag.
The request is to be made in writing each day the medication is to be administered.
Prior written consent by the parent is required on enrolment with respect to paracetamol before the
initial dose of paracetamol will be administered for high fever.

POLICY – MEDICAL OR ALLERGIC CONDITIONS
If your child has an allergy parent/guardians are required to provide a medical management/action
plan for the child. This plan will be followed in the event of an incident relating to our child’s health
care need, allergy or relevant medical condition.
To minimize allergic reactions the ELC has a ‘no peanut’ request for parents not to send any food
containing peanuts in children’s lunch boxes.
Please ensure that the ‘Student, Family and Medical Details’ form is kept up-to-date including
immunisations. Parents are required to put in writing and notify staff of any changes to medical
conditions or allergies your child may have. All staff hold a current First Aid Certificate. Your child’s
physical safety is important to us.
Queensland Government website: National Immunisation Program Schedule
POLICY - IMMUNISATION POLICY
The School requires a copy of your child’s immunisation records. Parents who have made the
decision NOT to immunise their child, will have to sign a Statutory Declaration agreeing to the
removal of their child from the centre in the event of a contagious disease being present in the
Early Learning Centre.
Queensland Government website: Recommended Immunisations for Early Childhood Educators
and Staff
PARENT COMMUNICATION & INVOLVEMENT
Parent involvement is an important part of the Early Learning Centre program. We believe that
this experience is a partnership between teachers and parents and positive relationships are the
key to a successful and effective learning environment for our children.
Parents and families are encouraged to be involved in the program through sharing skills and
hobbies with the children, e.g. music, craft, etc, or visiting the Centre to participate in, and
experience the program with your children. Classroom teachers are available to discuss the
program and provide information explaining the activities and experiences offered and the
Centre’s philosophy relating to learning and development. Parents are able to access their
child’s folio at all times and are able to discuss their child’s developmental outcomes. Means of
communication from Early Learning Centre will also include Newsletters, Internal mail, notices,
reminders in your child’s pigeon hole, information sheets. Parents means of communication can
also include Parent Communication book located in each classroom, Parent-Administration
Forms and meetings with teachers and ELC Director.
In keeping with Workplace Health and Safety requirements, parents and visitors to the Centre
are required to sign the Visitors’ Book, together with arrival and departure times.

COMPLIANCE LOG BOOK
A compliance log book is kept at the Centre which details any contravention notices as issued by the
Office of Early Childhood and Education. It is available upon request. Please see Centre Director
RECORD KEEPING AND PRIVACY
The Early Learning Centre complies with the National Privacy Principles, which form part of the
Privacy Act 1998, in that we will only collect information that is necessary and explain why we
need this information. Family’s personal information will be protected from unauthorized access
and confidentiality will be maintained at all times.
VISITORS AND STUDENTS INVOLVEMENT IN THE CENTRE
St Luke’s Anglican School believes it has a responsibility to the development of tomorrow’s
teachers. From time to time, Universities and TAFE colleges request the placement of student
teachers as part of their training process at the School. The acceptance of these placements is
based on the children’s needs and the program during the period of placement. Students are
always under the supervision of the teacher in charge of the class.
Volunteers are also welcome at the School. However, these volunteers must comply to the laws
governing volunteers working with children in the community. Prior written consent by the parent
is required on enrolment with respect to paracetamol before the initial dose of paracetamol will
be administered for high fever.
STAFF, STAFF TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Staff are familiar with the Centre’s policies and procedures and are able to recognize when a
particular action or activity is in breach of these policies. At the commencement of employment
the Centre Director willeach staff member will be issued with a copy of the Centre policies. The
policies contains information concerning the expectations the Centre of all employees, policies
and procedures.
Staff are encouraged to attend seminars, conferences and professional development
opportunities. The Centre recognizes the importance of in-staff training and encourages staff to
participate in further studies. Staff members current academic studies or training are recorded
on a regularly basis by Centre Director.
EMERGENCY AND EVACUATION
• Emergency, evacuation and lock down drills are practiced each school term (with the
Primary, Middle and and Senior School).
• Each practice is reported in the appropriate record.
• Details of evacuation plans are displayed prominently throughout the Centre.

• The role each staff plays in an emergency is established and rehearsed.
• A sign indicating that fire drill is in process will be placed on the front door.
• The attention of parents/guardians is drawn to the requirement for each child to be signed
in to the Centre upon arrival and signed out upon departure.
• Staff are familiar with location and use of fire extinguishers.
• In the event of a fire, staff will undertake procedures as follows:
- Assist anybody in immediate danger
- Close the doors to affected areas
- Activate fire alarm
- Ring 000 and ask for fire brigade to come to St Luke’s Early Learning Centre,
4 Mezger Street, Bundaberg
- Evacuate to assembly area, call rolls, ensure all children and staff are accounted for.
OUR SHARED ROLE
I dreamed I stood in a studio
And watched two sculptors there,
The clay they used was a young child’s mind,
They fashioned it with care.
One was a teacher, the tools they used
Were books and music and art;
One a parent with a guiding heart.
Day after day the teacher toiled
With touch that was deft and sure,
While the parent laboured by their side
And polished and smoothed it over.
When at last their task was done
They were proud of what they had wrought,
For the things they had moulded into the child
Could be neither sold nor bought.
And each agreed they would have failed
If they had worked alone,
For behind the parent stood the school,
And behind the teacher, the home
Author unknown
St Luke’s Early Learning Centre
4 Mezger Street
Bundaberg, QLD 4670
Telephone: 07 41327539