Learning and development
LUECC will ensure that:
- Te Wháriki is used as a guide for all programme planning, assessment and evaluation on individuals and groups of children.
- The programme that LUECC offers builds on a child’s current interests, strengths and play by allowing and providing children choices of learning experiences and by encouraging them to take responsibility for their learning.
- Planning and assessment of the programme and the physical environment will be continually or regularly modified in the light of evaluation to ensure that it meets the needs of the children within the curriculum goals.
- LUECC will ensure that positive guidance is used at all times when dealing with children’s behaviour. The staff will also encourage children to solve their own problems before they intervene.
- LUECC will provide full support for families/whanau of children who are assessed as having special needs. We believe that they have the same right to high quality early childhood care and education as children of the same age who do not have special educational needs.
- Programme planning at LUECC focuses on the individual children and their environment, based on the socio-cultural play that is observed by staff and recorded in the Learning Stories format. LUECC staff are assigned to different age groups for which they are the primary caregivers.
- The LUECC assessment system fully involves family and whanau and is team based and responsive to each child’s individuals interests and strengths.
- The LUECC assessment procedure is based on learning stories, observations and the physical environment. The assessment of children’s learning and development involves intelligent observations of children’s play, which will then be written up as learning stories. The learning stories will also contain an analysis and ideas for what is to happen next with this learning, for example; to celebrate, scaffold or extend it. The learning stories will be linked to the curriculum goals of Te Wháriki.
- At monthly planning meetings the staff will discuss the features of key learning stories and observations and create a dialogue that involves staff as a team discussing, ’What learning is happening here?’ and “How can we scaffold, celebrate or extend the learning?’ This will be recorded thoroughly in the planning folder.
- LUECC will ensure that the learning environment enables children to set and pursue their own goals.
- The LUECC policy on health and safety will ensure that all families/whanau are kept safe and feel secure within a safe environment.
- The LUECC programme will reflect the use and display of Maori language and resources. Staff members use Te Reo with the children in the everyday programme. The culture of the centre will reflect our commitment to Te Tiriti O Waitangi.
- The LUECC programme will reflect the multi-cultural nature of our staff, children and families. The display of natural artefacts and languages will help children from other cultures in their sense of belonging at LUECC. In conversations with parents we will try to find out cultural information that will help their child settle at the centre.
- Adults respect and encourage children's home language and enable children to have easy access to resources that enable them to express themselves creatively and to help develop concepts of literacy and numeracy. Families/whanau are welcome at the centre at all times. Families are encouraged to contribute to the centre programme by providing a language-rich environment, music, food, customs, artefacts, natural resources and rituals from all cultural backgrounds.
- Routines will reflect individual children's abilities and small groups will be given preference to promote a home-like atmosphere.
- Links to the local community and family are encouraged by trips to University Departments, parent's workplaces, schools, local library and other centres.
- The programme will offer and provide opportunities for children to interact with a range of adults and with children of the same and different chronological and developmental ages, particularly for children with special needs.
- LUECC will provide resources and equipment which encourages spontaneous play, learning experiences and practising of skills for individuals or in small groups.
- LUECC offers a wide variety of learning experiences for exploring, planning, reasoning and learning using the indoor and outdoor environment, the Lincoln University facilities and the local community.
- Children's transition in the centre from under two's to the over two's, through different age groups and then to school are supported through primary care giving and specific adult responsibilities for infants, toddlers and young children.
Communication and consultation
LUECC will ensure that:
- The enrolment form will reflect legal requirements, cultural values, child skills, abilities, interests and permissions for staff/students to take photos for observation, assessment and planning purposes.
- Parents/whanau will be welcome to visit the centre at any time and stay for as long as desired. Refreshment facilities will be available in the staff room.
- A copy of the ERO Report will be available for viewing in the foyer and is to be kept on the centre's premises at all times.
- Copies of the centre's Parent Survey Report, Management Minutes and Centre Budget will be available in the foyer for parents to read.
- A suggestion box is available in the foyer for parents. Comments and feedback are encouraged.
- All information and resources relating to specialist services and health are available and displayed in the foyer.
- The Centre Coordinator will inform parents daily about visitors, staff/relievers working, parent's courses or workshops and centre requirements through the notice board.
- The Centre Coordinator is responsible for putting up notices offering courses for parents/staff through the Early Childhood Support and Early Childhood Development newsletter and also the Lincoln Hospitality newsletters.
- Parent Information Evenings will be held on an "as need" basis. Topics may include Transition to School, Behaviour Management/Positive Guidance and Curriculum Information.
- The Licensee, Centre Coordinator and staff will produce a monthly newsletter. Parents/whanau are welcome to write comments or articles in the newsletter.
- Parents/whanau will be invited to contribute ideas and offer their expertise where appropriate and help with visits to places outside the centre.
- Daily information books will be maintained for infants in the under twos, and will convey information about the child's day. Parents will be asked to write information in these books. The under two's staff will also report informally to parents on a daily basis on children's learning experiences and routines.
- Daily routines e.g. sleeping, feeding and toileting are written each day, recording the child's name, time and staff member involved in this process.
- The over two's teachers and the toddler transition teacher will report informally to parents on a daily basis and report on children's learning experiences in a shared diary for the parents to read.
- Staff will be responsible for informing parents about the current learning stories involving their children and the progress of these. The intention is that this dialogue will be a continual two-way flow of information between parents and staff members. 'Parents Voice' and this verbal feedback will be used in the planning, assessment and evaluation process of the children's learning.
- A notice asking for comments will be written on the parent's notice board advising parents of new policies and current reviewed policies.
- An annual centre survey will be circulated to all families/whanau for them to comment with regard to our programme, possible improvements and successful events and satisfaction levels.
- LUECC uses a consultative process that reflects an atmosphere of openness, acceptance and support for family/whanau and community values.
- LUECC will display the Annual Plan which incorporates cultural celebrations, reviewing policies, parent's evenings, management meetings, staff appraisal, professional development and health visits throughout the year.
- Complaints may be made in writing to the Centre Coordinator as outlined in the complaints procedure, which is displayed next to the Licence in th centre foyer.
Operation and administration
The management will ensure that:
- Parent/whanau are kept informed about the centre philosophy, charter and policy statements through the Management Review Policy and the Communication and Consultation Policy.
- LUECC is running in accordance with the centre philosophy by providing quality curriculum and operating in accordance with the requirements of DOPs and legislation.
- The diversity and flexibility of the Centre's programme reflects the different needs of parents/caregivers and their aspirations for their child/ren.
- The unique place of Maori as Tanagata Whenua and the principle of partnership are indicated in the centre by the resources available, the use of Te Reo, Waiata and Tikanga Maori in the programme.
- Annual plans, health and safety checks, meeting minutes, policies and procedures and resources indicate the internal review process.
- The LUECC will adhere to personnel policies and practices covered by the Lincoln University Management Manual which contains provisions accepted as necessary for the fair and proper treatment of employees in all aspects of their employment.
- The LUECC operates an EEO employment policy and therefore staff will be impartially appointed on the basis of their qualifications, experience and two referees' statements.
- Staff appraisals will be done three times a year to promote the professional and personal growth of the staff. The centre recognises the need for ongoing staff development programme through courses and the use of Early Childhood Support and other relevant services available.
- The LUECC is adequately resourced and well maintained. The Centre Co-ordinator will have direct contact with the Licensee for any matters affecting the Early Childhood Centre.
- The Centre Co-ordinator will discuss regularly with the Licensee on budgeted and actual expenditure.
- Lincoln Hospitality Limited will approve an annual budget for the Early Childhood Centre. The annual budget will include: Operational budgets including salaries and equipment; Minor and major capital work budgets.
- LUECC will operate in accordance with all health and safety regulations and will ensure that health and safety plans are adhered to. The building will display a current warrant of fitness at all times.