Family Day Care

ABOUT ME

Hi, I’m Haley. I’m a Mother to my almost 6 year old son, and a passionate caregiver providing Family Day Care in my home in the Trinity Estate in Alkimos, Perth, Australia. 

I have a background of over 20 years working with, caring for and educating children, including in a child care setting, managing private, not for profit and corporate child care services, as a Nanny, and in both private and government schools; most recently working with children to support a wide range of developmental needs, and now as a Family Day Care Educator and homeschooling parent. 

OUR FAMILY DAY CARE

If you’ve just started looking for care for your child, finding the right service to meet your family’s needs and aligning with your values is important. 

Read more about Family Day Care here - https://familydaycarewa.com.au/for-parents/

We are a small group of up to five children aged 3 - 6yrs and aged 4 - 8yrs dependant on the day. My primary focus is to form and foster a trusting relationship and secure attachment with all of the children in my care. Every child will be treated with respect, their individual needs catered for and each unique personality welcomed and celebrated. 

Our 3+ age group days may be very relaxed, full of activities or might include an excursion to the park; providing play and learning opportunities and following the children’s lead guides our daily program.  

For our older children, depending on the children’s individual needs and weather permitting, our days may be out and about engaging with a local sports session, homeschool group or enjoying an excursion. If we stay close to home for the day we may get some energy out at the local park. 

OPENING HOURS & VACANCIES

7am - 4:30pm

Tuesday & Thursdays (3-6 years)

Wednesday (Homeschool Care 2023 K- Yr 1 / 2024 PP - Yr 2) 

Overnight care available for enrolled families

Dates closed - Certain dates between Dec 22nd 2023 - Jan 3rd 2024 & all Public Holidays

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VACANCIES  - Updated 04/11/23

From 13/12/23

Wednesday - 1 vacancy 

From 11/01/24

Thursday - 2 vacancies

From 06/02/24

Tuesdays - 1 vacancy

ENVIRONMENT

We have an open plan indoor environment and the learning areas are weaved throughout my home. We have a spacious outdoor area with astro turf, native plants and a variety of equipment to support gross motor development and free exploration and play.

I am committed to a high standard of cleaning and hygiene, utilising natural cleaning products, pure essential oils and an air purifier in our environment with a focus on creating a healthy, allergy free space for all children.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

Our educational program is formed from children's needs, choices, interests & strengths, learning observations, family input, our calendar of events and incorporates self care & hygiene practices, protective behaviours and Indigenous perspectives. The program supports opportunities including dramatic and imaginative play, sensory discovery, individual and group experiences, fundamental movement skills and sustainability. Plenty of incidental learning occurs during our natural daily rhythm, and learning through play is the core of our program. 

As part of our sustainable living practices and guided by adopted educational approaches, we have a focus on process over product. We use our scrap books for drawings and writing, use photos to document art processes and group projects, and display art & craft in our play room. Where possible, the use of templated work is avoided and the children’s work is their own, using their own unique process and skills. 

Occasionally on our 3+ days we utilise the local parks for social and physical play. When numbers are below 5 we may extend our learning by visiting the library, parks out of the area and other places for programmed learning opportunities via car travel.

On our Homeschool care days we travel via car and public transport for excursions more regularly. Excursions will usually be planned for twice a month, with the children’s interests, skills and individual needs in mind. Parents will receive an Excursion Permission Form to sign after enrolment. 

Children’s needs for rest are always provided for. We have mattresses with cotton sheeting and bamboo blankets/Muslin sheets available should the children want some quiet rest time after lunch. After lunch we dim the lighting and listen to relaxation music to help us reset ready for the afternoon. During this time the children can engage with stories, quiet play, yoga or are given opportunities for age appropriate learning using technology. 

My philosophy, principles and practices are influenced and guided by theorists, approaches, educational theories and learning styles including - 

Daniel Greenberg, Susan Isaacs, Tina Bruce, Rudof Steiner, Reggio Emilia, John Dewey, Lev Vytgotski, Albert Bandura, Jean Piaget, John Bowlby and The Curiosity Approach. 

Our daily practices and educational programs are centred around the Early Years Learning Framework, My Time Our Place Curriculum and the National Quality Standards. 

FOOD & MEAL TIMES

The weekly menu is created according to the children’s likes, choices & dietary requirements, family and cultural input, the days program and availability of ingredients. The children are invited to assist in preparing  meals including collecting veges and herbs from our garden.  

I utilise where possible natural and organic foods and ingredients and avoid additives, preservatives and artificial ingredients.

The children can eat on demand when hungry, with a variety of regular meals and snacks served throughout the day. The menu includes breakfast in the morning and dinner if staying into the evening. 

Meal times are at the main table or in a picnic setting and are a relaxed opportunity for establishing healthy relationships with food; exposure to and trying new foods and giving children autonomy with their bodies. 

For our school aged children on all day excursions, plenty of food is packed and provided to the children throughout the day and we find a nice place to sit for lunch. 

PARENT COMMUNICATION

To assist in meeting the individual needs and supporting transitions for your child into care, clear communication is highly encouraged. Communication can be verbal, via message platform or by using the Kinderloop app features.

Daily communication such as how your child has slept, if they’ve had any changes at home, when they’ve last eaten and any other significant information can be helpful in supporting them during the day. This can be communicated via the parent app, message or at morning drop off. 

DROP OFF AND PICK UP

We are open from 7am - 4:30pm and families can use these hours as needed.
In the mornings parents are invited to come in and settle their child into care. Our mornings are generally relaxed while the children are eating breakfast or settling into play. There will be unlimited cuddles and support for saying goodbye, and the children like to gather at the door and all wave goodbye together. We will establish a goodbye routine together, and if your mornings are rushed, signing in and saying goodbye at the door may work better with your routine. I recommend once we establish an agreed plan for separation and once it is time to leave your child, that this is not prolonged so that we can establish the routine and it becomes predictable for your child and reduces any anxiety that may present. I will always check in to communicate how your child is shortly after leaving and throughout the day. The children’s well-being is important to me, and if your child is distressed for a certain period of time and can not be settled I will contact you. 

In the afternoons, we say goodbye with pick ups at the door. After a busy, social & stimulating day the children are getting tired, anticipating their parent arriving and may show signs of dysregulation with parents requiring my attention. It is priority that my focus remains on the supervision of the children still in care. All of your child’s daily information will be accessible in the parent app and I am available after care hours for any follow up communication. If there is any important information I need to pass on I will communicate this via message during the day. 

ILLNESS 

Clear guidelines for illness and exclusion protects the health of my family and the children in care.

A strict illness policy is in place guided by service policies, the Staying Healthy in Child Care handbook and various health department information and is always at my discretion. 

Exclusions apply for consistent runny noses, coloured mucous, persistent coughs and active cold sores. 

I encourage parents to seek my advice before bringing your child into care if there is any question about potential illness. If a child is brought into care and signs of illness are present then parents are called to arrange collection. 

As I like to provide clear communication and make sure my service is suitable for all families, please ensure you have alternative care arrangements accessible for these circumstances before enrolling.

ABSENCES, PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, CENTRE CLOSURE

Gap fees are charged for all absences, holidays and public holidays.

Although rare, I may need to close due to illness or holidays. Any holidays taken are advised well in advance and are usually listed under the Opening Hours tab.

For personal illness where closure is warranted, I will inform families with as much notice as possible. Please ensure you have suitable arrangements for alternative care should these circumstances arise. 

If the centre is closed due to illness or annual leave there is no charge to families. 

FEES, PAYMENTS, CHILD CARE SUBSIDY, CEASE OF CARE

Daily rate $142.50 before CCS

Chid Care Subsidy information and how to apply https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/child-care-subsidy

Please provide this information to me to receive an estimate of your Gap Fee based on your CCS% and eligible hours.

Bond payment = number of attending days x full fee payable ($142.50). Bonds are refundable after ceasing care and the CCS has been processed for your final bookings. Bonds will be used toward any outstanding fees owed after ceasing care before any refunds are processed. Bond payment is required before the first day of starting care. 

Casual rates apply and vary for hours outside of 7am - 4:30pm weekdays and overnight care.

Gap fees are direct debited weekly by West Coast Family Day Care Service and a direct debit request form will need to be completed and returned at the time of enrolment. Direct debits must be honoured each week for care to continue. A $10 weekly administrative fee applies to direct debits. 

Absences and public holidays are charged  at the same family gap fee rate. 

A two week notice period is required for cease of care. Please be advised that absences on the last day/s of care will not be eligible for CCS and full fee payment will be charged to families. 

BOOK A VISIT

For your initial visit I like to dedicate approximately an hour to spend time getting to know you and your child. This is a relaxed opportunity for your child to explore our environment, for us to engage in open communication about your child’s needs and most importantly explore whether we are the right fit for each other. Visits are scheduled on a day when I do not have children in care so I can dedicate my undivided attention and avoid any potential overwhelm for your child. 

I encourage parents to write down any questions for me and I will take notes of any relevant information given to me during the visit.

After your visit I will make contact to discuss our visit, answer any follow up questions and confirm suitability for enrolment. 

HOW TO ENROL

After your visit with me and your days of care and start date are confirmed, please email me your child’s DOB, your name, phone number and email address. I require this to send to West Coast FDCS to notify the pending enrolment and correctly link your child to my service. 
Email haley@cocoonkin.com.au 

Next, use the link below to enrol online via the West Coast FDCS website. Please have you and your child’s CRN and all required documentation ready to submit with your enrolment form. After submission you will be emailed a copy of the parent handbook and your enrolment will be confirmed. 

Once your enrolment has been confirmed, your bond payment of $142.50 (1 day) or $285 (2 days) can be transferred to me with a receipt provided to you upon receiving.

Enrol here https://www.westcoastfdcs.com.au/families/

ORIENTATIONS

We will work together to support your child’s transition into care. They may or may require an orientation period depending on whether they have been in care before and feel confident or anxious with separation. 
Prior to your official start date, I usually like to organise an hour visit for you and your child on a day that your child will attend. This way they can explore their new environment and interact with their new friends with the comfort of a parent being nearby. After this visit we can discuss goals for separation and this will be your official day of care. This may look like settling your child in for 10 mins and then separating for an hour, and then increasing the time as the days or weeks  progress. Of course if your child is comfortable and confident saying goodbye and coming straight into care, then an orientation period may not be necessary. 

INFORMATION FOR ENROLLED FAMILIES

Kinderloop

After enrolment you will be given access to our Kinderloop parent platform and your child’s profile. Please complete your child’s profile with all required information in detail and upload a photo. Once done please notify me so I can go through the information and add any notes if required. This will need to be updated with any changes to your child’s care needs.

Kinderloop is used for parent communication, to record daily care, document observations, planned experiences, share important notifications and parenting & educational resources. 

I kindly ask that all parents provide some interaction or feedback with the posts. 

Medication forms can be filled out in your Kinderloop app under the + icon. You will also receive any incident and illness records to view and sign via this app.

View the Kinderloop instructions here  https://kinderloop.com/assets/img/Kinderloop_family-ALL_v1.pdf

Once your receive your invite to join, please click on the Profile tab to complete your child’s information. 

Signing In & Out/ Invoices/ Timesheets

You will receive an email to set your parent PIN to use when signing your child into care and at collection time, and for signing attendance timesheets that I will email at the end of your weekly care. 

Invoices are emailed mid week usually the day before your direct debit occurs. Invoices show your gap fee, CCS and total amount to be debited. 

Emails from our software are addressed from Redbourne. 

ILLNESS & HYGIENE REMINDER

One of my main priorities is reducing the risk of illnesses spreading. Exclusions apply for all symptoms of illness and include consistent runny noses, coloured mucus, consistant or chesty coughs, active cold sores. Please seek my advice before bringing your child into care. Parents with a child displaying symptoms of being unwell will be contacted for collection. 

Hygiene practices are implemented with the children as part of our daily routine. Children coming in to care will be required to wash their hands on arrival and will learn basic hygiene such as washing our hands frequently, covering using our arm for coughs and sneezes and using a tissue for their nose. 

WHAT TO BRING

When packing your child's bag for the day, please refer to the checklist of required items below. When dressing your child ready for care, please ensure their clothing is sun safe, supports successful toileting and is non-restrictive for comfort and active play. Dresses and skirts may get in the way when sitting on the toilet; toilet learning including practicing independence with dressing is much easier for the children when they are wearing simple, comfortable clothing without tricky poppers or buttons. T-shirts that cover the shoulders are required to protect the skin while outdoors (please avoid singlet straps). 

We enjoy plenty of messy play and food exploration at meal times (and we eat blueberries!), so please dress your child in clothing that is suitable for this. Art aprons and bibs are provided and use of these will be encouraged but doesn’t guarantee all clothing will be protected. 

Please pack in your child’s bag - (if applicable)