Orientation & Your Child’s First Day

On their first day, children can attend with a parent and spend a short time at Cuddly Bear Child Care and Kindergarten together, before you can then leave your child for a couple of hours. We judge each situation differently, but if the staff feel your child needs further orientation they will arrange more time.
We use this first visit to complete the required information sheets, including contact numbers for both parents, emergency numbers and all other relevant information about your child.

Arrival And Pick Up Times

Although there are many children who start early, we like all children to be present by 9.30 am, allowing them to enjoy all of the morning’s formal program. A child arriving late when the group is already in session can making settling in harder. It is also important to try and arrive at the same time each day to pick your child up, as they do get used to a routine – they feel more secure if they know, for example, that Mummy or Daddy comes each day after afternoon tea. You are always welcome to ring Cuddly Bear Child Care and Kindergarten and speak with your room leader at any time during the day to check on your child.

Signing In And Out

When dropping off and collecting children, parents are required to sign in and sign out their children using our electronic system located in the foyer. This must be done each time your child/ren are in care as it is a government requirement.

Saying Goodbye

Some children do get distressed when their parents leave them. This is quite normal behaviour at first, but usually disappears as the child becomes more used to his/her surroundings. Often the tears stop as soon as the parent has left. When the time comes for separation, it is best not to prolong the goodbyes, but reassure your child that you will return. As your child becomes more secure and safe in the knowledge that you will return, the moment or separation becomes less stressful.

Absent Days

If your child is away on any day, or arriving later than 10:00am, we ask that you please phone us as early as possible so we ensure everyone is accounted and catered for.

Who Can Collect Your Child

It is our policy that no child attending Cuddly Bear Child Care and Kindergarten can be picked up by persons other than those authorised on the enrolment form, unless previous arrangements have been made with us. Please remember to inform us if someone else is picking up your child.

What To Bring

We encourage you to pack your child’s favourite toy or comforter, a drink bottle, change of clothes and a hat.

Clothing

We believe that young children learn through play so their clothes and shoes should be durable to allow for outdoor play and climbing. They will be encouraged to explore a wide range of materials and activities, including some messy ones so please ensure clothing is:

• NOT your child’s best gear
• Can handle the dirt, and
• Clearly labelled