January 2024
The Noongar year has six seasons which are recognized by changes in the environment, rather than counting days or months. When we look at the changes at this time of the year, it’s interesting how these environmental changes are also reflected in our society! In nature fledglings are leaving their nests and reptiles are shedding their skins, while in society this could be mirrored by people embarking on new adventures for the new year and shedding of old practices that no longer suite us. Enjoy this time of growth and forward planning!
Summer is here!
What you need to know about pram covers Covering a pram with a wrap, blanket or plastic cover is not the way to keep the sun off a little on in the pram! Did you know that covering the pram can significantly increase the risk of overheating and suffocation? Check out this article from Red Nose to see what you need to know about keeping babies safe this summer.
Telehealth Service with paediatric specialists
KidsDocOnCall is a 24/7 telehealth service specializing in providing medical consultations with paediatric specialists to families around Australia. This is a great resource to share with your families as it provides consultations for children from newborns to 17 years of age, from the comfort of their own home! To find out more about this convenient service (which is proudly partnered with Red Nose) go to their website for all the details.
Annual Re-enrolment Checks
Please take the time to double check emergency contact details and authorised person details with all your families. It is essential that you have all the correct contact information for families and their authorised persons. If you have any questions or need to check any details don’t hesitate to contact the office.
Supervision
During the Educator ECRU roadshow in November the authorised officers shared that in the months of Jan and Feb they see a large increase in incidents occurring relating to inadequate supervision. Supervision is everyone’s responsibility as a family day care educator you must ensure that all children in your care are adequately always supervised. January and February are when you may see changes to the children within your care. As you build relationships with your children it is recommended that you take the time to review your current supervision practices and make changes if required, this also applies to school runs and excursions. We encourage you to refer to the information sheet on supervision
KIDDO
KIDDO have launched a new website with so many more amazing resources and features. We would love to hear any feedback regarding KIDDO, the benefits and the new website. If you are not registered here is the KIDDO you tube video which shows you through the new website, it’s not too late to join the program, just send an email to Jo C – joanne@naturealliancefdc.com.au and we can register you.
Educator Visits
As a Service, Nature Alliance Family Day Care are obligated by the Regulatory Authorities to visit their Educators on a regular basis, especially those with pools. We understand that sometimes the dates and times that are made may not be suitable and the staff do try to be accommodating as much as they can. Due to the spread of Educators across the state and travel time, a visit on your preferred days / times may not be possible and we would like to thank you for your understanding.
Focus Word (or Term) of the Month – A Constructivist Approach to Learning
As an Educator you would be drawing on many theories which inform and guide your practice. Theories provide different lenses through which to gain and interpret knowledge. Because they all have strengths and limitations it is preferable for Educators to use a range of theories rather than rely on one. This month we thought we would share a bit of information about the Constructivist Approach to learning. This is where Educators recognize ‘active learning’ or ‘play-based learning’, where children learn by constructing new meanings for themselves across integrated emotional, social, physical and cognitive areas, usually through hands-on experiences with open-ended materials! To find out more about the theorists who were the main players in developing this learning theory click here.
RAP – The Dual Meaning of 26th January
As 26th of January quickly approaches there is a flutter on many early childhood forums discussing Australia Day experiences and activities to do with children. However, Creative Spirits writes on their website “To many Aboriginal Australians there is little to celebrate, and it is a commemoration of deep loss. Loss of their sovereign rights to their land, loss of family, loss of the right to practice culture… Aboriginal people call it ‘Invasion Day’, ‘Day of Mourning’, ‘Survival Day’ or, since 2006 ‘Aboriginal Sovereignty Day’. Educators bring their own cultural values, beliefs and practices into the classroom with them which subconsciously shapes the interactions and experiences that they provide for children. It can be difficult for educators to understand and facilitate culturally based experiences that are different from their own. In fact many don’t, not because they don’t see the importance of diversity and difference but because they are fearful of being offensive and doing the wrong thing. Are you looking for more support, ideas and guidance on how to approach January 26th? Check out this link on the Koori Curriculum website.
NQF E-Learning Modules
ACECQA have launched new National Quality Framework (NQF) professional development eLearning modules. We encourage you to explore the 4 e-learning modules as a useful refresher in preparation for assessment and rating. You can access the modules here.
Sustainable Development Goals in Early Childhood (SDG’s)
We are excited to share that on Feb 18th we have Bronwyn Cron from Real World Learning running an online master class called Sustainable Development Goals in Early Childhood where you will discover what implementing the SDG’s might look like in your FDC environment, program and daily practice. More information and registration links will be sent to your email next week.
Policy Updates
We will be reviewing the following policies during January & February 2023. Please click on the links to view the policies and provide us with any feedback or input you might have.
3.2 Infectious Diseases
21 Engagement and Registration of FDC Assistants
Office Hours
Our office hours are 8.30am to 4.30pm. If you have a query outside of these hours, please phone and leave a message. If you need to speak with someone in an emergency, please ring Beryl or Sue and if your call is not answered immediately, leave a message and they will call you back.
Phone Numbers
Kylie: 0431 449 567 (Mon – Fri); Nadia: 0431 449 567 (Tues – Fri); Joy: 0429 030 362 (Mon – Wed & Fri); Jo C: 0477 029 531 (Mon – Fri); Jo G: 0477 029 132 (Mon – Thurs); Lea: 0477 029 228 (Mon, Tue, Thurs & Fri); Sue: 0477 029 254 or Beryl: 0477 029 253.
To ensure that we respond to your emails promptly please send your queries to: info@naturealliancefdc.com.au
“Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see.” – John F. Kennedy