Family Participation

Our services have an Open Door Policy and actively seek and encourage families to be as involved in their child’s early years journey. This can range from evaluating and adding input to your child’s program and observations, volunteering within the service or at Bush Kinder/Incursions/Excursions and sharing skills & experiences that the children and the program will benefit from.

Your involvement can be as formal or active as you like as time permits. We respect that time is limited for most families and we ask that you inform us as to your preferred way of communication. We can arrange meetings with your child’s Educator at a time that suits you throughout the year and offer email, Newsletters, meetings, OWNA communication, and physical documentation. We seek input from families on all aspects of the service but in particular, your child’s goals, observations and program.

If, for any reason you question or do not understand any aspect of the service or your child’s experience we have a Grievance Policy that supports all stakeholders in our community and like all policies, is available for families to consult and implement at any time. Copies of our policies are available via OWNA. You are welcome to take a copy home and review at your leisure.

Family Skills, Interests and Talents

We welcome and encourage the involvement of all families at our services. Your ideas, experiences and skills are greatly valued and will enable us to extend each child’s interests, abilities and knowledge. There are many ways for your family to be involved. We understand that our busy lives can’t always afford the time, however any contribution no matter how big or small is much appreciated. Here are just a few ideas.

 Your Occupation or Hobby

You are the most important person in your child’s world. We welcome all parents/grandparents/relatives/ family friends to the service to talk about their occupation or hobby (eg music, craft, cooking). Everything adults do interest children, and these talks are the best educational resources you can provide.

We use information that has come from discussions about occupations and hobbies in our program and the ideas explored which can turn into interest projects providing valuable learning.

Your Home Culture

Your home culture is most welcome at Pooh’s. We would greatly appreciate if you were able to share aspects of your culture and family life. This would assist us to enrich the lives of all our families and children.

Reading (especially good for grandparents)

Children love to be read to. If you have a family member who loves reading (older siblings, grandparents, friends) and have the time please contact your room educators to organise a day for reading.

Recyclable Items

We are always on the lookout for recyclable items for the rooms. Empty food containers, ribbons, wrapping paper, towel tubes (not toilet, egg or milk because of hygiene and allergy issues), paper or anything interesting from your work is much appreciated.

Special Events

Pooh’s organise special events throughout the year. Keep an eye out as we welcome all children to participate and we would hate you to miss a scheduled special day, incursion or excursion.

Suggestions

Parents are welcome to visit or call the leadership team at any time. If you have any suggestions or ideas on how we best can work together please let us know.

Working with Children’s Check

We do ask that any families’ coming to the service or going on excursions please obtain a volunteer Working with Children’s Check via https://service.vic.gov.au/services/working-with-children.