Parent handbook

At One World for Children, we believe every child has the right to grow, learn and flourish in an environment that nurtures the whole child. Through play-based learning we inspire curiosity, build self-esteem and foster respectful relationships in a culturally safe and welcoming community.

We uphold every child’s right to be heard and to feel safe, and we create environments where these rights form the foundation for learning.

By nurturing essential life skills, we support children to grow as caring cooperative community members who can participate meaningfully in society.

We embed environmental sustainability in all that we do – nurturing a respect for nature, protecting our shared world, and fostering deep, lasting connections to the environment from a young age.

We build strong, authentic partnerships with families, recognising and respecting the diverse cultures, values and perspectives each family brings to our community. Our team works alongside families as valued partners in providing high quality education and care for every child.

We value and respect our team as dedicated professionals who learn, reflect and grow together championing best practice and advocating for the rights and wellbeing of all children.

One World Children’s Centre is committed to the cultural safety of all children, including Aboriginal children, children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and to provide a safe environment for children with a disability. We will continue to build partnerships with parents and guardians to ensure the responsibility around children’s health, safety, wellbeing, and development is a shared priority.

We understand our legal and moral obligations to treat any child safety concerns seriously. We report any allegations and wellbeing concerns to authorities to implement effective strategies to assist in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. Our Service will act in the best interest of each child, assisting them to develop to their full potential in a secure and child safe environment

At One World for Children, we have clear policies and procedures in place to support every child’s safety, wellbeing, learning and care. These policies guide how we work with children and families each day and help ensure our service meets its legal and regulatory responsibilities. For a summary of policies, please click here. Full policies are available on request and are provided during enrolment.

Our vision for reconciliation at One World for Children is a commitment to creating a culturally responsive community where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives are valued, respected, and celebrated.

We seek to deepen our awareness and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ cultures and histories and to share these learnings with current and future generations of children.

We recognise and acknowledge the importance of the Land to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ and show our respect and ongoing commitment through sustainable practices.

We will walk this journey of reconciliation together as a community of educators, children, and families as we build respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members.

Most families are eligible for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), which helps reduce your childcare fees. Your CCS amount depends on your household income, your activity level (such as work or study), and your child’s age and care hours. You can check your eligibility and apply at www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/child-care-subsidy. Our team can assist you with setting up CCS correctly before your start date and ensuring your enrolment matches your approved hours.

We offer long day care to support different family schedules. The centre is open from 6:30am to 6:30pm with flexible booking options. CCS is applied based on your booked hours and eligibility. Your CCS percentage and approved hours will directly impact your out-of-pocket cost, so it is important these are confirmed before your child starts.

Fees are charged weekly and adjusted based on your CCS. CCS is applied directly to your account and you are responsible for paying the remaining gap. Fees apply for 52 weeks of the year, including school holidays, public holidays, and all absences as childcare operates year-round. If CCS is not set up before your start date, full fees may be charged until it is applied.

All children must be signed in and out each day using the centre system. This is required for child safety, supervision, legal compliance and CCS attendance tracking. Only authorised nominees listed on your enrolment form are permitted to collect your child.

Our program follows the Early Years Learning Framework, Australia’s national approach to early childhood education. Children learn through play-based experiences that support relationships, confidence and independence. The program focuses on developing communication skills, social skills and early learning foundations, based on each child’s interests and development.

We operate under the National Quality Framework, which sets the standard for early childhood education in Australia. This includes educator qualifications, child safety requirements, learning programs and centre operations. More information is available at www.acecqa.gov.au/nqf/about

Before your child starts, use this checklist to help everything run smoothly:

• Ensure your Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is approved and linked to the centre
• Complete your enrolment form, including emergency and medical information
• Confirm authorised contacts who can drop off and collect your child
• Pack a labelled bag with spare clothes and any required personal items
• Share your child’s routines, preferences or any concerns with educators
• Allow extra time at drop-off during the first week to support a smooth transition

To start kindergarten, you must complete enrolment prior to your child’s first day. This includes providing child and family details, medical and emergency information, and confirming eligibility for funded kindergarten. Completing this early helps secure your place and allows time for orientation.

Funded kindergarten is available for eligible children. Kinder 3 is for children turning 3 by 30 April and Kinder 4 is for children turning 4 by 30 April. Children attend 15 hours per week, equating to 600 hours per year. This program supports your child’s development and transition to school. More information is available at www.vic.gov.au/free-kinder

Before your child starts kindergarten, use this checklist to help everything run smoothly:

• Complete your enrolment, including medical, emergency and authorised contact details
• Confirm your child’s eligibility and enrolment in Kinder 3 or Kinder 4 (15 hours per week)
• Attend orientation or meet your child’s educator where possible
• Pack a labelled bag with spare clothing and any required personal or comfort items
• Dress your child in comfortable, practical clothing suitable for indoor and outdoor play
• Share any important information with educators about your child’s routines, interests or needs
• Allow extra time at drop-off during the first week to support a calm, confident transition

Before starting kindergarten, you will have the opportunity to meet your child’s teacher. This allows you to share important information about your child, understand the program and help your child feel more comfortable in a new environment.

Children should wear comfortable, practical clothing suitable for active play. Clothing should allow free movement, be suitable for indoor and outdoor activities, and support independence such as toileting. Children will be involved in hands-on learning and may get messy.

Children should bring a labelled bag with personal belongings, including spare clothing and any required health or comfort items. Specific requirements will be provided during enrolment and orientation.

Healthy eating is part of the kindergarten program. Children are supported to develop positive eating habits, participate in shared mealtimes and learn about hygiene and independence. Mealtimes are also used as social and learning experiences. All meals are provided.

Childcare fees are charged weekly and operate across the full year (52 weeks), including school holidays, public holidays, and all absences. The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is applied directly to your account based on your eligibility, and you are responsible for paying the remaining gap. Your out-of-pocket cost will depend on your CCS percentage, approved hours and booked days. If CCS is not set up before your child starts, full fees may be charged until it is applied. You can learn more or apply here: www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/child-care-subsidy

Funded kindergarten is available for eligible children attending Kinder 3 and Kinder 4. Children attend 15 hours per week (600 hours per year) during the 40-week kindergarten program. The Victorian Government Free Kinder funding is applied to your account during term time to reduce your fees. If the funding does not fully cover your fees, you will be required to pay the gap. During school holidays, public holidays, and all absences, standard childcare fees apply as the funded kindergarten program does not operate.

Early Start Kindergarten provides access to funded kindergarten for children who may benefit from additional support. To be eligible, your child must be three years old by 30 April and meet specific criteria set by the Victorian Government. Our team can help you understand whether this applies to your family and guide you through the process.

Childcare operates year-round, while funded kindergarten applies during term time only (40 weeks). This means your weekly fees may vary depending on whether government funding is being applied. CCS continues to apply across the full year, including school holidays, public holidays, and all absences. Fee statements and any gap payments will be clearly communicated to families.

Before your child starts, you will be provided with an estimate of your gap fees based on your CCS and funding eligibility. Your actual fees may change if your CCS details, bookings or eligibility change. We recommend keeping your details up to date to ensure your fees are accurate.

All accidents, injuries and incidents are managed promptly and recorded. Families are informed by telephone or on arrival whichever is practicably possible. Clear procedures are followed to ensure child safety at all times.

Health and hygiene practices are embedded into daily routines. Children are supported to wash hands regularly, follow safe hygiene practices and develop independence in personal care.

The centre has clear emergency procedures in place. This includes regular evacuation drills, trained staff and structured processes to ensure the safety of all children.

Up-to-date immunisation records are required for enrolment and attendance. This helps protect all children within the centre. Records can be accessed via www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/australian-immunisation-register

Medication can only be administered with written authorisation from a parent or guardian. Medication must be clearly labelled and accompanied by instructions. All medication is managed in accordance with centre policies.

Nutrition is supported as part of children’s overall wellbeing. Children are encouraged to eat balanced meals, participate in mealtimes and develop independence in eating.

We value and respect all children and families. Our program promotes inclusion, reflects diverse cultures and supports each child’s sense of belonging.

All child and family information is treated as confidential. Records are securely stored and only accessed by authorised staff. Information is shared only when required.

Sun safety is part of daily practice. Outdoor play is managed with appropriate supervision and protective measures to ensure children’s safety.

Clothing should be suitable for weather conditions, active play and independence. Children should be able to move freely and manage their clothing comfortably throughout the day.

• We have a zero-tolerance approach to child abuse and maltreatment.
• Child safety is prioritised across our culture, practices and decision-making.
• We are committed to acting in the best interests of children and young people.
• We support children in environments that are safe, respectful and inclusive.

• We respond to incidents, injuries and trauma as soon as possible and apply first aid where needed.
• Families are notified as soon as practicable after an incident, injury, trauma or illness, and records are completed.
• Medication is only administered with parent or authorised written permission, or under medical direction in an emergency.
• Medication must be in its original container, clearly labelled, and checked and witnessed by staff.
• Sleep and rest practices are guided by children’s individual needs, with safe sleep procedures and active supervision in place.
• For children under two, physical sleep checks are documented during sleep and rest periods.

• We use positive behaviour guidance to help children recognise, manage and express their feelings in safe and respectful ways.
• Our approach focuses on support and emotional regulation, not punishment.
• Children are treated as individuals, with strategies adapted to their age, development and needs.
• Where needed, behaviour guidance plans are developed in consultation with families and relevant professionals.
• Corporal punishment and unreasonable discipline are not permitted.

• Children cannot commence care until required enrolment information and documents have been completed.
• For kindergarten enrolment, families must provide approved immunisation evidence in line with No Jab, No Play requirements, unless a medical exception applies.
• Orientation is part of the enrolment process and is tailored to support each child’s transition into care.
• Families are given fee information and an estimated gap fee before enrolment is confirmed.
• Weekly statements, payment methods and subsidy information are communicated to families as part of enrolment and account management.

• Personal and health information is collected, stored and managed in line with privacy requirements.
• Information is only shared with those who need it for care, management or where required by law.
• Families are asked to keep enrolment and emergency information up to date.
• We value regular communication with families and see parents and carers as partners in each child’s care and learning.

• We employ sufficient staff with consideration to qualifications and experience.
• The service has systems and processes in place to oversee accountability, performance and governance.
• Roles and responsibilities are clearly defined across leadership, management and educators.
• Policies, supervision and staffing arrangements are in place to support safe, quality care.

Full policies are available on request and are shared with families during enrolment. Please contact our team if you would like a copy of any policy before enrolling.