March Newsletter
Monash Caulfield Childcare Centre
A note from Rukmini
We have been busy welcoming several new families and spending time on supporting their transitions and settling them into the new environment.
Welcome to the following children and their familes:
WAA ROOM:
Elliot: (Emily and Cameron)
William (Minh and Thi)
Anika (Elena and Atul)
Raniya (Dinara and Rishat)
Omar (Cynthia and Lameck)
BINBEAL ROOM:
Derek (Mozhu and Zhe)
Lachlan (Casey, Chris and Josephine)
Harry (Emily and Cameron)
BUNJIL ROOM:
Welcome back, Maryam (Latifa and Majed)
Please do not forget, sometimes the Office is unattended as we are busy spending time with the children around the Centre; call these alternative numbers:
Binbeal: 9903 2305
Waa: 9903 2307
Bunjil: 9903 2308
Staff Room: 9903 2302
Exceeding National Quality Standard
Health and Wellbeing Update
Here is what families said:
- Healthy Eating, Oral Health and Mental Health and Wellbeing were the highest ranked issues of importance to be addressed.
- MCCC could be improved by ........ larger spaces for physical activity, more incursions and excursions, continue to encourage children to eat veggies and fruits, discussions with children about healthy eating.
- There was an overwhelming response that MCCC provides a positive environment for children to learn and develop.
- All respondents think a preventative approach to health and wellbeing is important.
- All respondents would like to attend parent info sessions run by MCCC, like nutrition for children, resilience etc.
Here is what Staff said:
- Physical Activity and Staff Mental Health and Wellbeing were the highest ranked issues of importance to be addressed.
- MCCC could be improved by ....... regular staff exercise programs, eg: yoga, Pilates. More space, planning room/ meeting room and other educational program room to be separate from staff dining area for lunch and breaks.
- All Staff think that MCCC provides a positive working environment for staff.
- All Staff think that MCCC provides a positive environment for children to learn and develop.
- All Staff think a preventative approach to health and wellbeing is important.
Here is what the children said:
- Healthy foods is....... apple, pear, cheese, veggies, tomatoes, Nami's sauce
Because...... it makes you taller, you have to eat it all up, makes your body strong - Is Nami's food healthy? ...... YES!!!
- What is sometimes foods, foods that are not so healthy? .......... Chocolate and chips because you can only have them at parties, lollies could put holes in your teeth.
- What is active play? ........... running, skipping, scoring goals in soccer, basket ball, scooter, skateboard, sportsbuzz.
- Why is active play good for you? .......... because they bring you some energy, because that's practice (practicing soccer skills)
- Does MCCC do a lot of active play? ........ YES!!
- Does Yoga help you to be healthy? ........ Yes because it gives you sleep, stretching and energy.
- Why is MCCC a healthy place to be? ........... Because you can learn stuff.
- Is there anything else you want to tell be about being healthy and active? ...... We can be quiet when other's are still asleep, be a good friend, be kind, hands to yourself, no biting, saying stop it i don't like it.
- Do you think being kind to your friends is being healthy? ....... YES!!
Children's pictorial understanding of healthy foods
Children's pictorial understanding of being friendly and kind
Inclusion and Equity at MCCC
What does MCCC Inclusion and Equity Policy say:
"To ensure all adults and children at the Centre are treated equitably and with respect, regardless of their background, ethnicity, culture, language, beliefs, gender, age, socio-economic status, level of ability, additional needs, family structure or lifestyle"
"To promote inclusive practices and ensure the successful participation of all children at the Centre"
What does MCCC Philosophy say:
"A strong foundation of respect, awareness and inclusive practice ensures that we recognise and respond to all learning styles and that the needs of children from all cultural and social backgrounds are met."
"We communicate these values which underpin our philosophy through our daily activities and interactions, engaged always in intentional teaching and guided by key values of respect, social justice and contentedness.
What does Early Childhood Australia (ECA) Code of Ethics say:
"Work to ensure children and families with additional needs can exercise their rights"
"Work to ensure children are not discriminated against on the basis of gender, age, ability, economic status, family structure, lifestyle, ethnicity, religion, language, culture, or national origin."
What does the UN Convention on the rights of the child say:
"The Convention applies to everyone whatever their race, religion, abilities, whatever they think or say, what ever type of family they come from"
"All organisations that are concerned with children should work towards what is best for each child"
"Children have the right to live a full life. Governments should ensure that children survive and develop healthily."
What does the Department of Education Early Childhood Development say about inclusion:
"An inclusive kindergarten/ childcare fosters the development of a sense of belonging and respects individuality and diversity, in order to promote learning, development and well-being in a child's early years."
What does the national Quality Framework (NQF) say:
"Each child's current knowledge, ideas, culture, abilities, and interests are the foundation of the program. Each child is supported to participate in the program. Each child is supported to feel secure, confident and included. The dignity and rights of every child is maintained at all times. Access to inclusion support assistance is facilitated"
What does Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) say:
"Early childhood educators who are committed to equity believe in all children’s capacities to succeed, regardless of diverse circumstances and abilities. Educators recognise and respond to barriers to children achieving educational success. In response they challenge practices that contribute to inequities and make curriculum decisions that promote inclusion and participation of all children."
Centre Closed for Easter from Friday the 3rd of April till Tuesday the 7th of April, Inclusive.
Regular charges apply on Friday 3rd and Monday 6th April.
No charges apply on Tuesday 7th April.Re-open at 7.45am on Wednesday 8th April.
Monash Caulfield Childcare Centre
Email: caulfield.chilcare@monash.edu
Website: http://www.monashcaulfieldchildcare.vpweb.com.au
Location: 22-24 Derby Road, Caulfield East, Victoria, Australia
Phone: (03) 9903 2366