A DIVISION OF YMCA OF BRISBANE INC.
YMCA of
Providing service to the community since 1864
YMCA
VACATION
CARE
PARENT HANDBOOK
This
information is to help acquaint you with our service.
We
have tried to include everything that may be of interest to you.
If
you have any further queries our staff would be pleased to assist you.
Please
read this information in order to be aware of
our
Policies and Procedures.
YMCA VACATION CARE
Playing
safe & having fun!
YMCA Camp Warrawee
JOYNER QLD 4500
WE BUILD strong PEOPLE
strong FAMILIES
strong COMMUNITIES
Contents
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Cover page |
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2 |
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Contents |
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3 |
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Welcome What is Vacation Care Who goes to Vacation Care Programs Healthy environment |
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4 |
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YMCA of Program Goals |
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5 |
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YMCA Camp Warrawee
Vacation Care Philosophy |
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6 |
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Aims and Objectives For
Children Social / Emotional Cognitive |
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8 |
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Aims and Objectives For
parents and the community |
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9 |
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Daily routines and
general information |
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11 |
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Booking Procedure and
Payment of Fees |
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12 |
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Behaviour Management |
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13 |
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Medical and Accident
Policy |
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14 |
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Concerns or Grievances Contact Details |
Welcome to YMCA Camp Warrawee Vacation Care.
You are now a member of the YMCA family and therefore very important to
us. We hope that you will be very happy
here with us. The YMCA has been
established in
WHAT IS VACATION CARE?
A Vacation Care program is a place where children
attending primary school (Years 1–7) can go during the school holidays, to play
and relax in a safe and stimulating environment. The staff aim to provide a caring environment
incorporating a fun program of activities for the children.
WHO GOES TO A VACATION CARE
CENTRE?
Any child attending primary school (Years 1–7). Although most children have a sole parent or
both parents working, children whose parents are studying or seeking employment,
or children who simply want some friends to play with, all are welcome to
attend. Enrolment can be on a full-time
or on a casual basis, days only or staying overnight.
PROGRAMS
At YMCA Camp Warrawee Vacation Care we strive to
create a homely atmosphere; where your needs as a parent are respected, and
where you can feel that your child is well cared for. The staff are trained to provide interesting
programs for your child. The program
covers mostly outdoor activities (weather permitting) and usually includes one
adventure activity per day, crafts, sports and games. Please share your ideas and contribute at any
time. Your suggestions are welcome.
HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT
The service provides a smoke-free, alcohol-free,
drug-free environment for children and staff
Our aim at this
centre is to provide a warm, caring atmosphere where a child can feel welcome
and secure. We strive to develop a sense
of trust and partnership between parents, children and caregivers that will
evolve through being able to communicate our various needs knowing that these
needs will be respected. It is important
to develop a consistency between child care practices at home and those at the
centre to enhance the child’s general feeling of security within him/herself
and to develop strong relationships with the staff at the centre.
Through our
cross cultural, non- biased program, our aim is to provide experiences which
enable each child to develop to their optimum potential. In our centre, play is valued as an important
part of the learning process. In this
type of program children throughout the day are offered a variety of differing,
fun and exciting activities to participate in.
All of our staff
are dedicated in providing your child with quality care and education. All our staff hold a “Blue Card” and the
majority have First Aid Certificates. The
Staff: Child ratios as set out by the Department of Family and Community
Services, are strictly adhered to.
We encourage
active communication. If you have any
questions, queries or suggestions, please do not hesitate to speak to the camp coordinator
or leave a note in the suggestion box at the office.
Our policy with
regards to dealing with parental concerns is the following:
1)
It is
preferable to discuss any issues with the Coordinator.
2)
If
unresolved, the Director of Camping will assist in discussions.
3)
If
required, the Executive Officer of
We always work
towards a positive future for your child.
OF
The YMCA of
The YMCA of Brisbane is guided to achieve their
The dignity and intrinsic worth of all people
regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or belief.
The whole person, consisting of a body, a mind and a
spirit each of which is of equal importance.
Healthy communities based on relationships between
people which are characterised by love, understanding, mutual respect and a
sense of belonging.
Equality of opportunity and justice for all people.
The diversity of people, communities and nations.
Acceptance of personal responsibility.
CAMP MISSION
The YMCA Camp Program
provides young people with a “group living” experience that is fun and provides
each camper with the opportunity to develop mentally, physically and socially
in a safe and happy environment. The staff will endeavour to ensure this occurs
in a professional and responsible manner.
PROGRAM
GOALS
- Getting children and staff active in the
outdoors.
- A happy and safe experience for all children
and staff.
- For the children and staff to learn new
skills.
- To have fun.
YMCA
The Philosophy of YMCA Camp
Warrawee Vacation Care is based upon the YMCA Mission Statement with an emphasis
on the Rights of the Child
The dignity and intrinsic
worth of all people regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or belief.
All children are of equal value in our community and will
be treated accordingly. Children have the right to learn and grow in an
environment of positive guidance and nurturing. In the provision of child care,
the interests of the child are of paramount concern.
The whole person,
consisting of a body, mind and spirit each of which is of equal importance.
We believe that play provides
the best opportunity for children to develop their personality and creativity,
and their intellectual, social and physical abilities, to their fullest
potential. All children have the right
to be cared for in a physical environment which is clean, safe and welcoming,
which demonstrates respect for the child, and provides opportunities for play,
exploration and development of self reliance.
The protection of a child
from physical or emotional harm of any kind is the obligation of each member of
our community.
Healthy communities based
on relationships between people which are characterised by love, understanding,
mutual respect and a sense of belonging.
Parents have the primary
responsibility for the upbringing, protection and development of their children
and should be supported in that role. A child’s parents and family are the most
important influences in their life. In the provision of care for a child we
recognise and respect the role of the parents, and support the parent and
family by providing care in an atmosphere of mutual respect and support.
Staff, parents, carers and
members of the wider community will have the opportunity to communicate their
ideas, feelings and concerns in an atmosphere of respectful consultation.
Equality of opportunity and
justice for all people.
Each child will be afforded equal opportunity to participate in all
activities and experiences provided in the care environment regardless of the
physical or intellectual limitations of the child but taking into account issues
of safety for all participants in the program. Access to quality child care is
the right of each child regardless of the financial circumstances, cultural
background or geographical location of the family.
The diversity of people,
communities and nations.
Care will be provided in a way that reflects the
multicultural and multilingual nature of the community in which we live. Staff and carers will be provided with
training which enhances and values the diversity of our children and our
community.
Acceptance of personal
responsibility
Each child will be afforded opportunities and encouraged to
gain a sense of self worth, and a respect for the worth, dignity and rights of
others. Each member of the YMCA Community Outside School Hours Care community
accepts responsibility for provision of a safe, friendly, non judgemental,
stimulating and educational environment for the care of children.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
FOR
CHILDREN
The goals of YMCA
Camp Warrawee Vacation Care as expressed in our Philosophy include the
following Aims and Objectives in relation to the knowledge and skills children
will be encouraged to develop whilst a participant in our service.
SOCIAL / EMOTIONAL
These areas of development
will assist children to develop self - esteem and self confidence.
·
Encourage children to interact positively
with peers and adults. e.g. Through sharing,
turn taking, listening to each
other, resolving conflict.
·
Provide opportunities for children to be
assured of sense of accomplishment and feelings of satisfaction. e.g. through praise, encouragement, displaying art work, participating in
adventure activities.
·
Encourage children to respect others
ideas, feelings, culture and property. e.g. through listening – discussions
about experiences, feelings and differences.
·
Provide opportunities for children to
develop self help skills and independence. e.g. setting up their activity
areas, packing away equipment.
·
To help children gain self control and
take responsibility for personal behaviour e.g. setting boundaries and limits.
Using time out strategies. Follow up with discussion. Reinforce with positive
behaviour management.
·
Recognise and allow that children need
time to spend by themselves. e.g. Offer quiet areas / space and time
COGNITIVE
To assist intellectual
development, problem - solving, decision making and reasoning in children of
all ages.
·
For children to make decisions.
·
For children to think for themselves and
learn to solve problems. e.g. games & puzzles, initiative activities.
·
For children to learn about the world
around them.. e.g. nature activities, crafts
from other countries.
LANGUAGE/CREATIVITY
To assist children to develop communication skills and have the
opportunity to express themselves through music and art.
·
For children to have the freedom to express
themselves through art experiences, music and dance, by listening and
responding to their needs - asking questions.
·
For children to have ample opportunities to learn
new words through reading books, extending on interests, role modelling,
describing objects, events and feelings, discussing photographs and posters.
·
For children to respect each child’s home
language by asking parents to provide
songs and key words eg greetings, music/instruments from other cultures etc
·
For children to have appropriate level of language
skills to communicate effectively in a peer situation,
PHYSICAL –
FINE AND GROSS MOTOR SKILLS
Fine
motor development will assist in small muscle control, hand/eye co-ordination
and writing skills.
Gross motor development will enhance large muscle body control and
spatial awareness.
·
Fine motor - For children to develop small muscle
control through practice and repetition of the following experiences - drawing,
cutting with scissors, gluing, puzzles, painting and tying shoes.
·
Gross motor - for children of all ages to develop
large muscle control through practice and repetition of the following
experiences – running, ball games, dancing, obstacle courses and adventure
activities.
·
For children to attain and maintain a good level of
health and fitness through participating in active sport and recreation
activities.
FOR
PARENTS AND THE COMMUNITY
COMMUNICATION
The participants
in Vacation Care are expected to follow the process of communication set down
in the policies and procedures adopted by this scheme. The Management Committee of this scheme will
ensure that all parties involved, including parents and carers, have the
opportunity to communicate their ideas, feelings and concerns in full in an
atmosphere of proper consultation and consideration.
INFORMATION
Parents, carers
and staff will be provided with or given access to written information
outlining the service policies so that the participants fully understand their
rights and responsibilities and the rights and responsibilities of the other
parties involved. Additional regulatory
and work-based information will be provided to carers and staff at induction or
commencement with the service and whenever policies change.
Parents, staff
and carers are expected to provide the service with all the relevant personal
information in written form needed for the effective operation of the service.
Copies of the
Child Care Regulation 2003, the Child Care Act 2002, the YMCA Camp Warrawee Vacation
Care Policy Manual and National Childcare Accreditation Council Quality
Practices Guide, are available for perusal at our Vacation Care service and
relevant web sites.
PARTICIPATION
This service
recognises that everyone involved in Vacation Care, by the very nature of the
service, is a participant and that to share and take part is fundamental in the
development and application of policies and procedures, enabling all
participants to contribute to the goals and objectives of the scheme. All the
participants in this service are encouraged, by means of appropriate democratic
processes, to participate as fully as possible in the management and
development of the scheme.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Confidentiality
will be exercised as a standard approach when implementing any adopted policies
or procedures. While promoting the
principles of effective communication and full information to participants, the
scheme will treat details of a personal nature as strictly confidential.
Written
information concerning the child or the child’s family will be kept separately
and should be accessible only to the parent or staff members to whom the
records relate, nominated officers of the Management Committee and, where
necessary, the appropriate office of the Department of Communities and relevant
Commonwealth Government departments.
As well as
access to their own records of a
personal nature, parents are entitled to view the general records in relation
to excursions, copies of qualifications of staff members and facilities and
equipment used in the operation of the scheme.
Verbal
information in relation to all stakeholders will be discreetly handled and all
records thoroughly destroyed after elapse of the mandatory period of retention.
DAILY ROUTINES & GENERAL INFORMATION
HOURS
YMCA Camp Warrawee Vacation Care operates Monday to
Friday during the pre-determined Qld State School Holiday periods & is
closed for Public Holidays.
Childcare: 7.00am to 6:00pm. Residential: 7.00 am Monday – 6.00pm
Friday
Activities: 8.30am
to 5.00pm
NEW ENROLMENTS
All parents/guardians of children who attend the YMCA
Camp Warrawee Vacation Care program must complete a camp application form prior to their child/ren attending the
program. This form may be posted, faxed or emailed to camp. Please don’t
include payment details if you are emailing your form as it’s not secure.
Unless there is a problem with your application you
will not be contacted by the camp, however you are welcome to ring to get
confirmation of your child’s placement.
COLLECTING YOUR CHILD
If you are not collecting your child, you must notify
the Coordinator giving your permission for your child to leave with someone
other than yourself. You must write that
persons name on the sign in/out sheet next to your child’s name.
When collecting your child, please sign the sign
in/out sheet at the office before leaving with your child.
If your child is staying overnight sign them in on the
day they arrive at camp and out on the day they leave camp.
NO CHILD WILL BE ALLOWED TO
LEAVE THE CENTRE WITHOUT THE PERMISSION OF THE GUARDIAN. This is for your child's safety. Please don't forget to notify us if someone
else is collecting your child.
If you are late collecting your child from Vacation
Care, please phone to advise the Coordinator.
Late fees may apply if children are collected after 6pm.
CHANGE OF INFORMATION
Should there be a change in information regarding your
child, which you have supplied to the Centre on enrolment, please advise the
staff in writing and have the records amended.
This is a precaution for the safety of your child. Our staff needs to be able to contact you or
a nominated person at all times.
STAFFING
YMCA Camp Warrawee Vacation Care shall be under the
management of the Assistant Director of Camping at all times.
Our staffing ratios are usually one adult leader for
15 children and are in accordance to the regulation requirements.
REGULATIONS
All students must abide by the rules set down by the
Co-ordinator of the program. The
Co-ordinator reserves the right to exclude any child/children from the program
if continued misconduct disrupts the running of the program and affects the
welfare of the other children or staff. Please refer to our Behaviour
Management policies.
Fees are to be paid promptly and according to fees policy.
WHAT TO BRING
We ask that children do not bring in their own toys or
games. If a child brings a toy, mobile phone or any other valuable item, staff
will keep this in a safe place until parents arrive so that it won’t be at risk
of being damaged etc.
The YMCA takes no responsibility for belongings which
are lost or stolen during Vacation Care programs.
We are sun safe camp. All campers need to wear a hat, use 30+ sunscreen and
have shirts with sleeves every camp.