Settling at kindergarten

Children vary in how long it takes to settle at kindergarten. Here are some ideas that might help:

• spend time at kindergarten with your child, and join in activities
• you may like to talk to other children, ask their names and encourage your child to introduce themselves
• as your child gains confidence, slowly move away to allow your child’s independence to grow
• talk to your child about the teachers, their names, and encourage them to ask teachers for help
• talk to the teachers about when you might leave your child for the first time
• let your child know when you are going – and tell them when you will be back
• gradually extend the time that you are away
• when you leave – stick to your plan. This helps your children feel secure
• ask for support from a teacher if you need to
• teachers and parents working together can foster independence until your child is comfortable and happy to remain at kindergarten alone

Remember - we will always contact you to come back if necessary. Please ring us if you wish to check how your child is settling.  

Attending kindergarten

When your child attends regularly it helps develop a sense of belonging and builds up friendships with children and teachers and helps their learning.  

Your child is expected to attend when they are enrolled unless they are sick or due to other family circumstances. If your child is away or there is a change in their attendance – please let us know. Absences can affect the funding we receive from the Government.

When you arrive

Encourage your child to take responsibility for their bag, a lunchbox and drink bottle. In some kindergartens, children may find their name tag and put it on a board or tree.

Sign the Attendance Register – this is important, so we know who is at kindergarten if there is an emergency, and it is also a requirement from the Ministry of Education.

When you collect your child

Always ensure a teacher has been informed that you are taking your child. Sign your child out and ensure the gate is closed behind you – do not let any other child out the gate.

Fees, Whānau Contributions and WINZ Subsides

The Government provides up to 20 hours ECE per week to all three, four and five year old children, and we extend this at most of our kindergartens by offering 20 hours free ECE to under three's. Please contact your local kindergarten to confirm their individual fee structure. 

You will be asked to sign a Fees Contract when you enrol your child at kindergarten.  Fees are invoiced and collected through the Whānau Manaaki office, and you will receive statements and reminders if your fees are unpaid.

We prefer automatic payments or internet banking for fees.  Click here to find out more about Fees and Contributions. 

WINZ subsidies

If your child is enrolled for more than 20 hours a week and you are studying or working, you may be eligible for a WINZ subsidy for up to an additional 30 hours per week. Please call WINZ 0800 774 004 to find out more.

Whānau Contributions (Voluntary Donation)

Whānau Contributions are voluntary donations that help us pay for our kindergarten costs.  These are not compulsory and are classed as donations by IRD. A receipt will be sent at the end of each tax year.

The suggested amount for Whānau Contributions is 50c per hour (up to a maximum of $10.00 per week). You will receive a request for Whānau Contributions at the beginning of each term.

Portfolios

When your child starts kindergarten, we set up a portfolio record of your child’s learning. We assess your child’s learning using photographs, written comments and samples of their work.  You can look at your child’s portfolio at any time and add any comments.

We give feedback about your child through their portfolios, as well as trying to talk with you frequently. You can always approach any teacher to ask about your child.

Kindergarten teachers are here to help you and your child with whatever support and assistance you need so do not hesitate to approach any of us with concerns that you may have about your child.

Many kindergartens use Storypark to document children’s learning. Teachers will discuss this with you.

Parental involvement

We encourage parents to spend time with their children at kindergarten. There are many ways to contribute and get involved, including:

• coming on excursions
• sharing your culture with us (including language, celebrations, songs or food ideas)
• bringing in resources for art projects, mending equipment
• participating in social events
• being a parent helper, or helping at tidy up time
• sharing a skill
• just spending time with us

To find out more, visit our Get Involved page.

Parent communication

Many kindergartens use a whiteboard outside the kindergarten to write notes and keep you updated with information about the kindergarten. Copies of our policies, procedures and other important documentation are displayed to see, and programme planning is displayed on the walls.

We may send out newsletters and emails from time-to-time. Our kindergartens have Facebook pages where we celebrate learning and post useful information.

Illness

If your child is unwell, please keep them at home. If your child has had vomiting, diarrhoea, conjunctivitis (sticky eyes) or fever, please make sure they are clear of these symptoms for two days before they return. This protects your child and other children. These guidelines come from the Ministry of Health.

If your child becomes unwell at kindergarten, we will contact you immediately.

Accidents

We always call you if there is anything we feel you need to know about your child while they are at kindergarten. It is important that your emergency contacts are up to date in case we are unable to get hold of you.

All teachers are trained in first aid and can provide basic first aid.

An accident report is completed for all incidents at kindergarten and a copy is given to families.

For serious accidents the teachers will call for medical help, if necessary, as well as contacting you.

Medicines and allergies

Please let us know if your child has any allergies.

Please let us know if your child has any medical conditions or changes in their health. This helps us give them the best care possible.

If your child needs to take any medication at kindergarten – including using an asthma inhaler – please let the teachers know. We have a process to ensure that this is done safely.

We need permission from you to be able to give your child any medication.

Please do not leave medication in your child’s bag.

Immunisation

We are required to keep a register of children’s immunisations and will ask for an immunisation certificate when your child enrols at kindergarten. You can get this from your family doctor.  Please let us know if your child receives any more immunisations after enrolment.

Emergencies

Our emergency procedures are displayed on the wall, a teacher will explain these to you.

We carry out fire and earthquake drills with the children on a regular basis.

We have emergency supplies and an equipment kit at our kindergartens in case of a civil emergency.  

Read more about our policies here.

What to wear

Clothes that allow creative and messy play, including water and sand play.

Named clothes are preferred, and at least one change of clothes. Please include warm clothes in winter, and a sunhat in the warmer months.