Information for parents

Nutrition

Children are to bring their own lunches and for those over the age of 2 years old, a clearly labelled drink bottle.

We are a “nut free” (apart from the staff members- who are nuts) preschool. This means that we encourage parents/caregivers to ensure that no nuts are included in their children?s lunches, e.g. nutella, peanut butter, muesli bars, etc.

Infants or children still on formula are to have their bottles and formula clearly marked.  In line with Ministry of Education best practices for bottlefeeding, we advise parents to bring in the formula and bottles not already made up.  They will be made up just prior to being offered to the child. Children on formula will only be fed formula provided by their parents.

Clothing

Infants and children still in nappies are to bring their own nappies with them.  Wipes will be provided by the pre-school.  They are also to have a complete change of clothing, and also a warm hat (winter) and sunhat (summer), coat for outside and slippers if appropriate.

Older children are to have a complete change of clothing brought to pre-school as well as weather appropriate items such as hats and coats.

Immunisation

When a child is enrolled in the centre, you will be asked to provide the Manager with your child’s immunisation certificate.  An immunisation register is kept on all children so it is important to notify and provide evidence of updates to your child’s immunisation records.

We strongly recommend immunising your child.  If you have chosen not to immunise your child, we reserve the right to exclude your child from attending the centre if there are any instances or reporting of people infected with vaccine preventable diseases in the local community.  We will work with the local medical authorities and or Health Department to determine the period of exclusion.  During this time normal fees must be paid.

Medication

First and foremost your child’s medication should be administered at home.  If your child requires additional medication throughout the day, the following procedure should be followed.  Write your child’s name, medication, dosage and the time of administration in the medication book which is located in the classroom management folder.  The teacher on duty in your child’s room will counter sign the request.

All medication must be clearly labelled with your child’s name and dosage.  We are unable to extend any dosage amounts of the labels, or administer any medication that has expired.

It is illegal for staff to administer non-prescription drugs other than Paracetamol. Please ensure staff are aware of the appropriate way to store your child’s medication.  i.e. If it needs to be refrigerated.

If your child requires ongoing medication for conditions such as asthma, please ask the Manager or Centre Manager for a permanent medication form.  This form will include questions like severity of attacks, warning signs, method for acute care etc.  We may request a letter from your child’s Doctor with further information.

The staff administering the drugs will document in the Medication book the time of administering the drug and any other related information to this.

Choking Hazards (from the MOE)

For more information please read the document Reducing food related choking for babies and young children at early learning services here or click on the grey button below.