Parents and carers are very welcome to participate in the life of our centre in any way they can. We recognise the important role parents play in the education of their children and greatly value your participation and involvement. Here are some ways you can offer support and also be involved in your child’s day:

• Spend some time with your child at the centre – join us for lunch or share a cuppa at the beginning of the day. Tea and coffee are available in the staff room. (However, HOT DRINKS are not permitted in the children’s area);
• Helping staff in developing interests for children by sharing ideas and/or resources, completing child’s interest sheets weekly;
• Acting as volunteers for excursions or events;
• Sharing your own experiences with your child’s class;
• Attending parent meetings;
• Taking part in social and fundraising events: our annual Mother’s Day & Father’s Day events, Easter Picnics, Christmas Celebrations;
• Collecting scrap materials and loose parts for children to use in creative pursuits

Families are encouraged to speak with their child’s educators about their child’s progress or any concerns they may have. Open and positive communication between families and educators helps build close connections between home and childcare and enhances your child’s learning experiences and outcomes.

Families can ask for information about the following:

• A general description of the activities and experiences given by Allies Early Learning:
• Our philosophy about learning and child development outcomes and how it is intended the outcomes can be achieved.
• The goals about knowledge and skills to be developed through the activities and experiences.
• Viewing of the Office for Early Childhood Education and Care Compliance history log book which is located in reception.  This log contains any history from the 1^st of July 2010 of compliance notices given to the centre from the Office for Early Childhood Education and Care. To date Allies Early Learning has not received any compliance notices from when we opened in 2004.

OPEN COMMUNICATION POLICY

“Open Communication Is the Key to our Happiness”

Dear Parents,

You are a very important part of our centre family and your input and precious time is highly valued.

The most important avenue of keeping in touch is through verbal communication on a daily basis. Educators ensure that each child is greeted and farewells are made each day and this is an important time for families to communicate and pass on messages about the child’s feelings, moods, progress, etc.

Our educators welcome comments and suggestions to improve the quality of care of your child. When areas of concern arise, the problem should be brought to the attention of the Group Leader who will hear your suggestion or grievance and attempt to work through the problem. If additional communication is necessary, the problem can be taken to the Director.

On enrolment, families are given a Centre Handbook, which contains Centre Policies and Procedures and other relevant information. This is an important document for families to gain information on the centre, management and general matters.

There are also many other ways to keep our communication channels open. Each room has a specific Communication Book on display for families to leave messages for educators. This also allows educators to write about activities during the day, providing families with an updated account of the program and a basis for which to encourage conversations with children at home. Each room also provides a Weekly Program to advise families of upcoming activities, events and interests being extended.

The Centre provides parents with a Noticeboard, Suggestion Box, Newsletters, private Facebook Parent Hub and regular emails to keep you updated on numerous topics specific to your child.

The Director also has a communication book on the front desk so at any time you can write down a message if she is unavailable.

We believe in the emergent approach where communication and collaboration between educators and families is paramount to the children’s interests being fostered, extended and evaluated.  We, as educators, can learn so much more about your child and program to their individuality if you openly share their interests, likes and feelings.

Remember we are here to work in partnership with you. ‘A problem shared is a problem solved’”

Yours Sincerely,

Staff of Allies Early Learning Centre