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Here at Kidi Kingdom Child Care we understand
that along with the excitement of Christmas this
time of the year always seems to bring with it an
added level of chaos (as if we weren't already
busy enough!).
Most child care centres close down for some of
the holiday period. I am here to inform you that
we will not be closing down during the holiday
period except on the gazetted public holidays.
Our centre managers have already sent out to
parents your re-enrolments for the next year.
To make sure you aren't caught short as the year
draws to a close, here are a few key things you
need to ensure are done before you pack up for
the silly season.
1. Be Ready to Begin at Kidi Kingdom Child Care
If your child is starting at Kidi Kingdom Child
Care for the first time in January, then get in
touch with Kidi Kingdom before the end of the
year to make sure all the paperwork and start
dates are in place. It's a good idea to meet
with your child's new educator to discuss
routines, what your child needs to bring, and to
raise any concerns or queries.
Aside from the practicalities, it's also
important to prepare your child emotionally for
their first day in care. To do this, the Raising
Children Network recommends that several weeks
before they start, you:
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Ask the service provider for a copy of their
daily schedule and make this your child's
daily routine at home by following the
service's lunch, play and nap times.
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Find out who your child's main educator will
be. Try to get a photo of them to show your
child and mention them by name to build a
sense of familiarity.
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Make short visits to the service so your
child can get used to the child care
setting, educators and toy collection.
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Talk positively about the service, the
people and the activities. It helps to read
or tell happy stories about starting child
care and making friends.
2. Claim the Child Care Subsidy
Another very important thing is the Child Care
Subsidy, which has replaced the Child Care
Benefit and Child Care Rebate. If you are a new
family using child care for the first time, you
need to establish whether you're
eligible for the Subsidy, and if so,
complete a new claim form. For details about how
to claim the Child Care Subsidy,
click here.
Also,
the No Jab, No Pay policy continues under
the new scheme, so your child will need to fully
be vaccinated, or on a catch-up schedule, to be
eligible for the Subsidy.
3. Re-enrol for the New Year
If your child is returning to one of our Kidi
Kingdom centres, you will need to re-enrol them
to ensure they have a place in the New Year.
This is an opportunity for you to book
additional days!
4. Update your Child Care Subsidy Information
If your child is continuing to attend one of our
Kidi Kingdom Child Care Centres, it's important
that your Child Care Subsidy details are
up-to-date. If your
circumstances have changed, then you need to
log on to Centrelink via
myGov and tell the government about:
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Your child starting school next year.
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Changes to you or your partner's activity
details or income.
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Changes to your care arrangements or
personal circumstances.
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Your new address
5. Check for any Room Changes
Your child may be going into a new room come
January, so check with your centre manager and
child's educator about any changes to
facilities, routines or procedures you should be
aware of. It's worth visiting the new classroom
ahead of time and discussing your child's
particular needs with the teacher, for example,
if they have an allergy or have any special
requirements.
6. Prepare for School
If your child is making the move to big school,
then you have a bit of parent homework!
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Speak with Kidi Kingdom Child Care about the
transition.
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If you need vacation care, book your place
at our centre.
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Share your contact details with any child
care friends, especially if they're going to
the same school.
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Double-check your school orientation pack
and make sure you have everything in order
before school starts, such as getting your
child's uniform and school supplies, schools
usually provide a list of what is needed.
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Say 'thanks' to your educators for the great
start they've given your child.
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