At Jump Start Kids we believe that "the child" is the most important person. We aim to provide quality early childhood care and learning opportunities in a safe, welcoming, fun-loving, caring environment that is an extension of your family, sharing love and concern for your child as we work together to build a foundation for their happiness and success.

Guiding Principles

• the safety of the child is paramount.
• we promote each child's self esteem.
• we believe children learn best through play and that the skills learned in the early years stay with the child through life.
• we will encourage and support children and their parents to be open to new experiences and provide opportunities to become active learners.
• children will be encouraged to develop autonomy and co-operation, while promoting each child's self esteem.
• Children will be encouraged to be independent and responsible and develop social skills and appreciate different cultural values.
• we value partnerships with our families.
• we celebrate our bi-cultural heritage and welcome the cultural diversity of the community.
• we will develop, review and extend our Charter, policies and practices in consultation with management, staff, parents, care givers, whanau and community in accordance with the Ministry of Education Regulations.
• Staff have designed curriculum management systems based on Te Whaariki, the early childhood curriculum. Programmes are planned based on children's interests and needs. We regularly review the learning provisions to ensure that the environment continues to meet the needs of the child.

What to Look For in a Childcare Centre

Entrusting your child to the care of others is not a decision to be taken lightly. It's very important that you feel completely comfortable with your choice and we warmly invite parents and children to visit as often as they like before making a decision.

Take a look around and look for answers:

The ABC's of Jump Start Kids

Take a look through the description of our philosophies and services. Our mission is to provide the most comprehensive childcare learning environment to meet the needs of your child.
You'll find all the rights and responsibilities (ours and yours) on the Enrolment Form. Anything else you'd like to know, or any issues you'd like to discuss, please contact us at any time at Jump Start Kids Centre or on 09 846 8436.

Activities
Variety is the spice of life no matter what the age and Jump Start Kids offers activities that stimulate, challenge, excite. The approach is holistic focusing on emotional, intellectual, social, and physical development.
The day starts with 'name recognition' which is an important part of the programme. The children's names are taken from the board by the entrance and placed by the child on the display board in their area.
As well as a wide range of activities at the Centre, community excursions will be arranged from time to time.

Ages
Jump Start Kids welcomes all children from birth to school age, usually 5 years. The roll is limited to 50. The children will be in small groups, so they can each have individual attention.
Because of their very different needs children are placed in small groupings of babies up to a year, toddlers, and pre-schoolers. Transition between groups is determined solely by the learning and social readiness of the child, and availability of places.

Attendance
If your child is unable to attend we would appreciate notification before 9am. This will ensure your eligibility to take a sick leave day.
A make-up session may be offered depending on availability.
If your child is absent for a week without explanation we regret that we are unable to hold the place open.
It is important that your child is collected on or before the agreed time. Penalties for late collection are detailed on the Hours and Fees and the Enrolment Form and we must advise that they will be applied.

Behaviour
They're not always little angels and testing the boundaries is part of the learning experience. Jump Start Kids will employ positive reinforcement, encourage the child to understand the boundaries of acceptable behaviour, ignore unacceptable behaviour unless it's a safety issue. Absolutely never any corporal punishment, humiliation, intimidation or restraint.

Birthdays
Birthdays are for celebrating and we make it a special day for your child. You're welcome to provide a cake or biscuits to share, but no sweets or junk food please.

Clothing
No big deal here. Just be sure that clothing is appropriate for the weather and the activities. Your child more than likely WILL get dirty during their play. A change of clothing is always a good safety policy.

Communication
Communication takes many forms and is a critical element of Jump Start Kids philosophy. It features throughout this leaflet.

Babies and toddlers have a Notebook/Daily Diary that travels with them. It details times of nappy changing, sleep times, feeding times and the amount of formula/food taken and any other points of interest.

In each specialist area look for your child's special mailbox. Clear it - and use it, and remember that communication is a two-way process. Tell us if your child is upset or has any problem - it will help us take better care of your child if we have relevant information.

Confidentiality
Confidentiality is assured at all times. We ask that you respect the privacy of other Jump Start Kids families too if tales come home or you become aware of issues.

Curriculum
Staff and management have designed curriculum and programme planning based on the early childhood curriculum, Te Whaariki, which is based on four key principles: empowerment, holistic development, relationships, family and community. Within these principles there are five key areas of learning: well-being, belonging, contribution, communication and exploration. Te Whaariki means weaving or mat, and each of these strands is woven into the mat in curriculum design. We also incorporate other educational approaches.

Each day children are offered both structured and free-play activities in group and individual settings. This takes account of individual needs and learning abilities while ensuring that interesting and challenging play activities are offered. This might include sand and water play, music and movement, art and creativity, manipulative toys, reading and language, numbers. Computers with educational programs, as well as being fun, learning to use a computer improves concentration, hand-eye co-ordination and fine motor skills. All the time, we're focused on the whole person and engage every child in every activity that helps the development of the five senses.

Custody
It is essential that you make staff aware of any custody arrangements relating to your child (particularly if someone is not to take the child out of the centre). Please note on the sign in/out sheet if someone other than yourself is collecting your child.

Disputes
One we hope will never happen, but the full disputes policy is displayed on the notice board. A copy of the disputes policy is attached to the enrolment form.

Education
Education is what we're all about, but cleverly disguised as play. Children learn when they're ready and it is our obligation to ensure that each child is exposed to a wide range of experiences and challenges to maximize those learning opportunities.

Emergencies
Staff are trained in emergency procedures and Civil Defence knowledge. Fire and earthquake drills are practiced regularly and emergency supplies are maintained.

The Civil Defence form must be completed on enrolment.

Emergency contact details must also be completed on the enrolment form and staff will check that the information is up-to-date on a regular basis.

Enrolment
Enrolment Forms are included. Places are limited and we recommend early enrolment to ensure a place is available when you need it.

Excursions
Excursions are organized from time to time and may include a walk in the park, a visit to the library or the local shops, zoo, airports, or something more organized.Our excursions meet the safety requirements of the Education Regulations as they apply to Early Childhood Centres and the adult:child ratios comply with those regulations. The teachers will be able to provide you with information about the educational value of any of our excursions.

You will be advised of any excursion in advance and asked to sign a consent form though you will be offered the option of signing a permanent 'walking trip' authorization. You are welcome to join us on field trips but let us know in advance. It isn't compulsory for children to attend excursions, and we encourage parents to discuss any concerns with staff.

Fees
Fee structures. Read all about it under Hours and Fees.

Food
Food is all supplied by the Centre. Read all about it under Meals.

Health
Infections move like wildfire through child-care facilities. We ask that you keep your child home if any of the following are evident:

• vomiting or diarrhoea (your child must be clear of symptoms for 24 hours before returning)
• a high temperature
• measles, chicken pox, rubella or any unidentified rash
• inflamed throat, eyes or ears
• a cough or a cold
• any other contagious illness

If your child becomes unwell we will notify you to collect your child.
In the event of an emergency, you or another nominated contact person will be contacted. If this is not possible Jump Start Kids will seek appropriate medical attention and always act in the best interests of the child.

Medication will be administered by staff when an authorization form has been signed. Medication must be handed to a staff member who will register the information in the Medicine Register.
Allergies must be stated on the Enrolment Form.
In the interests of the safety of your child and staff it is important that all health issues are discussed openly and honestly.

Holidays Yours and ours
Jump Start Kids is open every working day and closed only on Public Holidays. The Centre closes only for statutory holidays at Christmas/New Year.

An entitlement of three weeks holiday, at 60% of the normal fees payable is given once your child has attended the centre for 12 months. This is based on how many days in a week your child usually attends. We need to be given two weeks notice of the holiday period and the holiday needs to be for at least one week.

Hours and Fees (click)

Immunization
The Centre must be provided with the immunization record of your child. Staff members will also maintain up-to-date immunizations.

Library
Jump Start Kids maintains a resource library for parent use at no extra cost. Your contributions are welcome. When borrowing books write your child's name in the "borrowing book" which can be found on the top shelf of the library bookcase.

Meals
Meals are all provided by Jump Start Kids. Menus are designed by a nutritionist with good health and young likes and dislikes in mind.

Morning and afternoon tea, lunch and a late snack for full-time children are used as an opportunity to teach children about healthy eating. Children are provided with plenty of water and fruit. There's more to meals than meets the eye!

Mat Time
Mat times are a very important part of the day for the centre. It is an opportunity for the children to get together in a group to sing songs, listen to stories, and be involved in puppetry etc. Mat time is a place where children are encouraged to share their news whilst socializing and developing communication together with language enhancement and self-esteem.

It quickly becomes an important part of the routine for all children and contributes to their feelings of settling in and security.

Nappies
Nappies are supplied by Jump Start Kids at no extra cost.

Newsletters
Newsletters are produced and distributed monthly. Questions, comments and contributions are welcome.

Notice board
A Notice board is available for the Jump Start Kids community but please check with staff before you place anything on it. Check it regularly for information up-dates.

Parents
Parents, without whom there would be no Jump Start Kids.

We value the trust you have put in us by choosing Jump Start Kids to be a partner in your child's early learning and invite you to participate at any level you wish.

We would love waste-materials for our art-collage-carpentry area, boxes, card, soft-wood, wool, ice-cream containers etc, almost anything. Please no glass.

Philosophy
Philosophy is detailed in the Guiding Principles at the beginning of this leaflet. But it is our focus to work with you to give your child skills and attitudes that build self-esteem and confidence that they'll carry right through life.

Policies and Procedures
These are displayed on the notice board and are reviewed yearly. Your input is welcome. Here's the list:
Personnel Policy

• staffing appointment
• induction procedure
• performance appraisal
• professional development
• discipline and dismissal

Health and Safety, injury prevention
supervision:

• sleeping
• accidents, staff injury/accident
• occupational safety and health
• illness - administering medicines
• first aid
• hand washing
• nappy changing
• cleaning procedure
• smoking policy
• sun protection
• taking children out of the centre
• maintenance

emergency procedures:

• fire evacuation
• earthquake procedure

healthy foods

Privacy Policy
Child Abuse Prevention
Behaviour Management
Complaints Procedure
Financial Policy
Settling and Transition Procedure
Assessment, Evaluation and Planning
Communication:

• with parents
• with staff
• with management

Portfolios
Portfolios are issued to each toddler and becomes a record of their time at the Centre detailing learning objectives, milestones and achievements. We'll include photographs, some of the artistic creations, monthly written observations from staff and twice a year, a slightly more formal progress report. It's designed to be interactive too and we really appreciate your input with photographs, news, comments or any information that you feel is of interest. The Portfolio doesn't take the place of face-to-face discussion and feedback though.

Check the Portfolio regularly, your child has access at all times to their portfolio, but we ask that you look in the one belonging only to your child. They're stored in the sign in/sign out corner and are yours to keep when your child leaves the Centre.

Progress report
This report is discussed during parent-teacher evenings, which are also held twice a year. Again this is an excellent way for parents to fully understand how their child is developing at Jump Start Kids, and for the parents to get to know staff and the other parents of the centre.

Respect & Rest
Respect is afforded every young person in our care, along with their family/whanau. We practice what we preach.

Depending on their age, all children are expected to rest quietly or engage in quiet activities, allowing those who need to sleep the opportunity to do so. Bedding is supplied, kept separate for each child and laundered weekly.

Routine & Ratios
Routine is followed as closely as possible to the home model for babies and a daily routine around play, meals and rest is followed.

We aim to operate within Early Childhood Ministry recommendations and where possible employ qualified experienced staff.

Safety
Signing in and out. It is essential as a matter of safety that you sign your child in and out each session. Each child must be left with and collected from a staff member and signed in and out of the register located at the main entrance. They may not be dropped off at the door.

• Fire Drills and earthquake drills are carried out regularly in a firm but non-frightening way.
  
• First Aid. No child or adult will be refused first aid at any time and all staff will hold current First Aid certificates.
  
• Sun Safety. 15+ UV protection sun block is applied before outdoor play and reapplied after meal times. Children will wear hats and cover-up protective clothing and will remain inside between 11.30am and 2pm unless they are in a shaded area. The same conditions are recommended to all adults at the centre.
  
• Child Abuse Prevention - check the policy statement on the notice board.
  
• Discipline. This is detailed under Behaviour and in our Procedures. In cases where behaviour is an on-going issue, parents will be consulted and appropriate actions discussed and agreed.

Settling in
You'll probably be more anxious than your child for the first few days! We strongly advise against sneaking away - just wait till until your child is happy to see you go, and while it may seem a little frustrating, that way you'll both be relaxed. Centre staff are there to help.

Special needs
Special needs children are part of our society and are welcome at Jump Start Kids. We work with parents/care givers and appropriate agencies to understand any special requirements and to develop the best possible programmes to fulfill that need. We look on this as a learning opportunity for everyone involved with the Centre.

Staff
Staff are the backbone of Jump Start Kids. They're selected for their professional skills and experience of course, but as much emphasis is placed on their warmth, sensitivity and love of children. We also ensure a variety of backgrounds, ages and nationalities to reflect the Centre's population and life in the real world.
All new staff are security checked with the police and are further checked by speaking with their referees. All staff attend an NZQA-recognised First Aid course specifically designed for children under the age of five.

We encourage on-going education and skill development for all staff and actively support them in this.

Toys
Jump Start Kids is like a magic toyland with toys chosen to stimulate all the senses. If your child is attached to a special toy from home you're welcome to bring it - but ensure it's named.

Transition
Transition to school programme between the ages of 4 and 5 is designed to make this transition smooth and trouble-free. Something as simple as knowing how to open your lunch box can become a major trauma if you're not prepared. The children work in small groups with a qualified preschool teacher. This is an opportunity to introduce children to letter recognition, language, early maths and handwriting skills they will learn at school - we also arrange school visits.

You are most welcome to visit the Centre anytime. There's a special Parent Area with its own tea-making and toilet facilities.

Toileting
It is not essential that children are toilet trained.