Microsoft word - childrens individual needs and experiences policy.doc

WOODVILLE DAY NURSERY AND KINDERGARTEN
CHIL DREN’ S EX P ERIENCES A N D IN DIVIDUA L NEEDS POL IC Y
Links to NCAC Principles: QA (1-5 &6.4)
Policy Statement

The Woodville Day Nursery and Kindergarten believes children learn through play. (Please refer to the Centre’s Philosophy) The Centre recognises that the individual needs of children are important factors in their development. The Centre recognises that the individual abilities and strengths of children and families are important factors when staff plan and evaluate children’s experiences. The Centre Understands that the individual needs of children can, at times, affect their play and learning, which effects how staff plan for children’s experiences. The Centre recognises and acknowledges that staff and families have varying knowledge and skills regarding children’s play experiences, and that all parties opinions, ideas and comments are respected and valued. The Centre is committed to maintaining positive lines of communication when collaborating with children, families, staff and external agencies. It is understood by staff, children and families that there is a shared responsibility between the centre and other parties that Children’s experiences and Individual needs Policies are accepted as a high priority.
Rationale
The Woodville Day Nursery and Kindergarten believes that Children’s individual needs and experiences are an important part of children’s learning and growth. The Centre abides by: Children’s Services (child care Centre) Regulations 1998 National Health and Medical Research Council (2005) Staying Healthy in child care: Preventing infectious disease in child care (4th ed) Canberra
Strategies and Practices

Individual health and developmental needs
Children’s individual health needs are detailed on their enrolment form and letters obtained by their general practitioner and/or specialist. The Centre follows instructions given by general practitioners/specialists with their clear instructions and signed consent. The Centre does not allow self administration of medications and Qualified staff are the only people allowed to administer medication. Allergies and dietary needs are met. All staff are aware of Children’s individual needs, especially the cook. All allergies and dietary needs are displayed on the wall in the kitchen, baby room and outside in kindy room. Families are required to bring, and leave at the centre, any relevant medications that may be needed. Eg: Epi-pen, Ventolin puffer. Individual needs are important factors when staff gathers information about children’s developmental and interests, which assists in planning children’s experiences. Staff observes children on a monthly basis and collate information around strengths and weaknesses, developmental stages, likes and dislikes and routine times. Staff plan for each child based on their observations. The centre, staff and parents will be included in the development of the curriculum. EYLF is based around family input and participation to extend and enhance children’s learning. Therefore family participation in developing our curriculum is vital. Knowledge of Children’s development
Staff provide individuals and groups of children with experiences that encourage and challenge children’s development and set achievable goals. Knowledge of Children
The knowledge of individual children, their life experiences, behaviours and interests is an important aspect in planning children’s experiences. Having an awareness of how individual children interact and play are important factors when staff gather information. Observing Children and documentation
Staff observes children on a monthly rotation. Staff observes all areas of development including likes and dislikes, routines, interactions and strengths and weaknesses. Staff document children’s individual information in their books, located in each room. Protective behaviours and practices
Children learn through example and modelling is an important way to teach children about behaviours and practices. Staff, students and volunteers must comply with the Children’s individual needs and experiences Policy.
Policy review
The Woodville Day Nursery and Kindergarten will review the Children’s individual needs and
experiences policy as new information becomes available or interested parties provide feedback.
Families and staff are essential parties in the policy review and are encouraged to collaborate with
the centre to review the policy and procedures.
Sources and further reading
National Health and medical Research Council (2005) Staying Healthy in Child Care: Preventing infectious diseases in child care (4th ed) Canberra. Centre for Community Child Health- www.rch.org.au/ccch/index.cfm.doc_id=427 Raising children network- www.raisingchildren.net.au Stonehouse, A & Gonzalez-Mena, J (2004). Making Links: A Collaborative approach to planning and practice in early childhood service. NSW. Pademelon Press.

Policy created date: November 2008
Reviewed: September 2009
Reviewed: September 2010
Updated and added: Parent participation into the program as per regulation 36
December 2010

Source: http://www.woodvillednk.com.au/policy_pdf/wdnk_policy1308743118.pdf