The Comet room can accommodate up to fifteen children aged from 3 year to 4 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 sleep or rest (time slept and woke up relevant information for that day. A full record of nappy changes and if the nappy was wet, soiled or dry

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.

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.

Sleep and Rest

5 Star Childcare provides individual mattresses and sheets for each child to sleep on. All children whose parents request a sleep will be encouraged to join in our sleep area. Children who only require a rest will gather together and participate in quiet activities in our quiet area during this time. If your child has a special comfort toy to help them settle you are encouraged to bring it along to help make sleeping more comfortable. Staff fully 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.