The Space Kids room can accommodate up to thirtyfive children aged from 4 year to 5 years (approx), depending on their individual development needs. The room is staffed by three staff members and extra staff if required is always on hand. This information sheet is designed to answer most of your concerns and questions that you may have. At all times our staff are free and willing to answer any questions that you may have.

Basic Daily Routine

Please note that these times are a guideline only and can be altered to suit any given circumstance.

Transition Period

At 5 Star Childcare we know that placing your child in care can sometimes be difficult and stressful for both parents and your child. Depending upon the child we recommend that a transition period be undertaken to assist with the adjustment into the childcare environment. Please discuss your individual requirements with us.

Information Board

The information board will contain information on your child’s day i.e. what they had for lunch, morning and afternoon teas and if your child had a rest and any other relevant information for that day. This is ideal for parents who are always rushing in and put of the centre.

Daily Routine

Indoor Plan: the indoor plan is designed to provide a different set of morning and afternoon experiences to meet both group and individual needs and interests.

Outdoor Plan: the outdoor plan is run daily and is very weather dependant. Our outdoor area is divided into specific areas catering for the particular age group. A copy of the daily outdoor plan is posted on the information board. 5 Star Childcare is a registered and accredited Sunsmart Centre which means that children are kept indoors between 11.00am and 3.00pm from September to April. When outside in the summer period children must wear sunscreen and a approved hat and in the winter period a coat and woolen hat.

Kindergarten Program

With a fully qualified Kindergarten teacher here at 5 Star Childcare your child will do such activities as name recognition, learning to write, writing their name, learning the alphabet, numbers, colours and sizes. During the months September to December the program becomes more school orientated, where children bring in lunch boxes, talk about school and much more.

Food and Nutrition

5 Star Childcare employs a qualified cook who prepares fresh nutritional meals on a daily basis. We run a 5 week rotating menu (the current week’s menu is displayed on the notice board). We encourage children to try all meals that are offered, with the exception of any special requests by you, or if your child is allergic to any ingredients or you have any specific religious food beliefs. If your child does not like lunch a variety of sandwiches will be offered to them. Second servings are always available to those children who would like more. A major emphasis is put on nutritional and healthy eating habits. Each day for lunch we serve fresh vegetables or salad with the main meal and we serve water with the main meal and offer both milk and water with morning and afternoon tea. We offer breakfast (toast and cereal) for early attendees and a late snack for any child being picked up after 5.00pm.

Rest Times

After 12.30pm most of the children in the centre are sleeping, this becomes a great time for the Space Kids to have a rest or join other children participating in quiet activities during this time. Staff supervise children during sleep and rest times.

Toilets

We provide two toilets in each bathroom and children are encouraged to use the bathroom when required. Children will be taught good hygiene practices with staff leading by example.

Extra Curricular Activities

5 Star Childcare offers extra curricular – programmed activities to children, which are at an additional cost. One example is the “Hey Dee Ho” a music program, where children learn to dance, use musical instruments and sing various songs. For further information about scheduling and costs please talk with staff or the Director.