For Families

Children experience a supportive environment where their individual needs are paramount. Children are encouraged to play within set limits and boundaries which promote self-esteem, social skills and fun, which in turn empowers them to learn.

Adults and children create a dynamic environment in which care and respect for themselves, others and equipment is promoted.
Families are warmly welcomed and experience an environment where their contributions are valued and partnership is fostered.

Settling children in:

Young children can sometimes find it difficult to settle into new and unfamiliar environments. At Kiwikidz we believe taking time to build trusting relationships with you and your child enables a smooth transition. Kiwikidz At the Beach Settling Procedure:

Visit as often as possible before your child is expected to attend. At these visits get to know your child’s teachers and key caregiver. All children will be appointed a key teacher that will be responsible for their routine, settling in, development profile, development updates, and your parent induction.

If it is possible, stay during the first stages of transition until your child is settled into an activity or happy with a teacher or peer.
Children are welcome to bring any special toys or cuddlies that might help them to settle.

Parents are encouraged to say good-bye once and then leave, as frequent coming and going is unsettling for children.

Communication with Parents:

KiwiKidz Educare At the Beach highly values its relationships with whānau and aims to make communication with parents and whānau as open, regular, and informative as possible. We recognise that while parents and whānau are interested in all aspects of the centre, they are often restricted by time. We have therefore implemented a variety of communication methods.

We have a KiwiKidz Facebook page that enables us to share upcoming events, photos of our daily programme, trips, and excursions into the community with family and friends of KiwiKidz at the Beach. We also find it a great way to share notices with our whānau. Termly newsletters provide parents with information regarding social events, parent education programmes, teacher professional development, equipment and environment initiatives, and any other relevant updates. A communication book provides two-way communication between teachers and parents in our under-2s environment when it is not possible to discuss matters directly.

We use a programme called Educa, where teachers share children’s learning and individual planning. This can also be found in their portfolios. Whānau aspirations for their children are acknowledged and documented at the time of enrolment and shared with the whole team.

Nappy changes, toileting, and sleep times are recorded in information books available for parents to view each day. Profile books for our under-2-year-olds are kept for each child to communicate information to parents about their development and daily activities. Parents are encouraged to communicate freely with teachers and management, and we value their contributions.

At KiwiKidz, parents and whānau are encouraged and welcomed to play an active role in contributing to centre life and our programme. By sharing ideas, skills, and knowledge, we strengthen and support the partnership between centre life and home life.

Sleeping and rest times:

Infants and toddlers individual sleeping patterns are retained as much as possible and they sleep in cots or beds with bedding. (Provided by KiwiKidz Educare). Older children have opportunities for a quiet rest time after lunch, or a sleep if requested by their parents.

Transitioning:

Once your child turns two, they may be ready to begin transition visits into the over-2s area. This process depends on several factors, including their developmental readiness, the availability of space in the over-2s area, and consultation with parents.

The under-2s teacher will communicate with the over-2s teachers about your child’s interests, strengths, sleep routines, and language development. This information helps the new caregivers gain valuable insight and ensures a smooth and supportive transition for your child.

Illnesses:

Please notify our teachers if your child is unwell and unable to attend. Your child should be kept home if you suspect illness, especially of an infectious nature.

In the event that any child becomes ill while at KiwiKidz Educare we would require a parent or guardian to collect them immediately.

Please see our illness policy for details of when it is necessary to keep your child at home or collect them from the Centre.

Meals:

Children provide their own healthy packed morning/afternoon tea and lunch. Water is provided throughout the day. Please notify our teachers if there are any foods or liquids your child dislikes or is allergic to.

Clothing:

Please provide a clearly labelled bag for your child. We will also have a bag tag for their bag. Please also provide at least two clearly labelled complete changes of clothing.

For children in nappies please provide enough disposable nappies for each day. Families are to supply all nappies and are responsible for restocking their child’s nappy basket.

If you choose to use cloth nappies and liners, they will be stored in a plastic bag ready to take home at end of your booked session (we do not wash cloth nappies at KiwiKidz).

In the summer please ensure your child has with them a clearly labelled sunhat.

In the winter please ensure your child has a labelled warm hat, jacket and gumboots. Each child can hang their bag/belongings on one of the hooks at the entrance.

Birthdays:

Children are most welcome to celebrate their birthdays at KiwiKidz Educare. Any special cake/foods should be provided from home. Parents are most welcome to join us or leave cameras for us to record the celebrations.

Complaints Procedure:

Should you have a complaint regarding any aspect of your child’s care or education, please take it up directly with the teacher concerned.

If this proves unsuccessful in resolving the issue please contact the Centre Manager of KiwiKidz Educare At The Beach. Please lodge written confirmation of this complaint within two days.