We recommend a small to medium sized back pack, so that all belongings remain together.

Please bring:

• Spare changes of clothes including socks, shoes, pants/shorts and singlets. Children are encouraged to explore the environment and to participate in activities such as waterplay and painting
• A coat or jacket (during cool weather)
• All of the bottles that your infant or toddler will need for the day, clearly labelled with your child’s name. (Anglicare provides cow’s milk and soy milk for infants’ bottles. If your child has formula, this can be provided to staff who will prepare the bottles as needed.)
• Raincoat and gumboots for wet weather/mud play

Please label all your child’s belongings.

Anglicare centres provide all food requirements and nappies for your child for the day. The Centre uses disposable nappies and Sudocream.

Anglicare centres are allergy-aware and you will be advised of foods and medications which cannot be brought to your centre.

Orientation

We suggest you come to the ELC and spend time here with your child prior to leaving them. How much time you spend here is up to you. You are very welcome to spend as much or as little time as you need. Do not hesitate to ask questions, either in person, by phone or email. Your piece of mind is our top priority. Our aim is that you are relaxed and confident leaving your child in our care.

First Day

A calm and unhurried routine will allow your child to feel calm too. Spend time signing in, putting their belongings away, talking to the educators and settling your child into an activity. Once your child is settled into an activity, give them prior warning that you will leave soon. Always say good bye and tell your child you will be back to pick them up after you finish work. This helps build trust.

If you are worried or concerned please feel free to ring us at any time during the day. We will call you if your child is upset or if anything unusual happens.

End of the Day

When you pick your child up, take time to talk to the staff who will tell you how your child has been during the day. The day book will also give you information about what the children have done, sleep times and how much they have eaten. Talk to your child about who they have met and what they have enjoyed doing. Ask your child to show you what they have been doing.

In the next few days your child may settle easier on some days than others. Talk to the staff about events in your child’s life such as how they are sleeping , eating or what they did over the weekend. This will help give educators an overview of wellbeing.

Always remember we are here to help you. Please feel free to talk to us at any time.