We would like to extend a big thank you to all our amazing children, parents, families, educators and community for your strong support during these unprecedented times. We understand you are all undergoing different challenges and changes due to the COVID-19 crisis, let's be strong during this time and continue to help and support each other.

Here at Kidi Kingdom Child Care Centres I am sure you would have noticed many new implemented policies and procedures to ensure that all the children, parents and educators at our centres are in a safe, hygienic and clean environment. We are regularly following all the Government guidelines and advice to ensure that we are adopting and continuing to provide a high-quality education and implementing best practices to hygienically clean the centres to reduce any risk of contamination. We know that this has had a big impact not only locally but worldwide. May we all continue to stay safe, ensuring that we are washing our hands regularly and staying strong and positive during this time. I am so proud to be a part of this reciprocal community; we will get through these uncertain times and be here on the other side once this is all over.

For all the families who are at home, please keep your spirits up and enjoy the chance to stay home and bond with your families. For those unable to, we will continue to provide our highest quality of care for your child/ren, engaging in play and learning experiences each and every day.

Warmest Regards,

Paediatrician Dr Alan Green says, "A fully functioning immune system is what keeps your children healthy." (Natural Health Magazine). The immune system is what your body uses as its defence mechanism against infectious organisms and other foreign invaders. Most of the time, the immune system does an excellent job of keeping you healthy. On occasion however, it can run into trouble which may lead to infections and illnesses. When you child's immune system seems to contract every bug that crosses their path resulting in recurrent runny noses, colds and repetitive gastro intestinal infections, it is time to take a closer look at their immune system. You don't have to accept your child's constant infections. There are many measures you can take in order to empower yourself with the right tools to boost your child's immune system. These measures can actually boost their defences as well as speed up the healing process.

It all starts with food - In order to maintain a healthy and strong immune system, fresh, real food is the key. It is important to keep packaged and processed food to a minimum. This includes crisps, chocolate, cakes and cookies. These foods should be given as an occasional treat food only. Focus on feeding your child foods such as fresh fruit and vegetables, poultry, meat, fish, whole grains, legumes, eggs and if there are no allergies, nuts and seeds can be included as well. It is also important to give your child water instead of fruit juices and cordials. Both of these are high in sugar which can be suppressive to the immune system, it can also cause inflammation and dysbiosis, amongst other things.

Maintain a healthy gut - Gut microbiota or gut flora are the complex community of microorganisms that live within your gut. These protect your digestive tract and play a role in supporting your immune system. In children as well as in adults, when the gut bacteria becomes imbalanced, your ability to fight off infections is altered and you may experience an increase in colds and flu. Probiotics are a supplement containing live bacteria. When taken they can boost your friendly gut bacteria. A supplement containing lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and acidophilus is a good place to start. Yoghurt contains live bacteria such as these. However, the supermarket is saturated with different types of yoghurt - most of which contain mammoth amounts of sugar. Opt for plain or Greek yoghurt rather than the fruit flavoured ones which contain very concentrated sugar levels. To add some sweetness to your plain yoghurt, try a dash of maple syrup, rice syrup or fruit!

Keep calm, support your immune system - In order for your child's immune system to thrive, they need time to rest. It is important for children to have lots of down time to relax as well as opportunities for creative and imaginative play.

Sleep - Sleep plays a very important role in the healthy development of your child. It is also very important in building a strong immune system. According to the National Sleep Foundation, toddlers between the ages of 1-2 years need 11-14 hours of sleep per night, pre-schoolers between the ages of 3-5 need 11-13 hours of sleep per night and school children between the ages of 6-13 need 9-11 hours of sleep per night. In order to increase your child's quality of sleep, it is important that your child sleeps in a room that is dark. This is because the sleep hormone, melatonin, is secreted in the dark. Make sure all electronic devices are off before your put your child to bed.

Supplement to boost immune function - When your child's immune system is a bit run down and colds and flu seem never ending, there are a variety of supplements that are very supportive to the immune system. Namely, these are zinc, vitamin D, fish oils, and probiotics. For individualised advice on the dose and brand of supplement you should be giving your child, please check with your health care professional.

Immune boosting foods for kids - Garlic - One of the best ways to boost and strengthen your child's immune system is to give them garlic. This amazing food contains anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. Garlic stimulates the immune cells and increases antibody production. It also contains the compound sulphur which has potent antioxidant properties. TIP: You can add garlic into your child's favourite meals such as the sauces of pasta dishes, spaghetti Bolognese. You can also add it to hummus to be used as a dip for those carrot fingers. When adding garlic into your cooked meals, always add it at the very end. This way you don't destroy too much of the immune enhancing properties.

Berries - Berries are one of the best sources of antioxidants and immune boosting nutrients. The beautiful and bright red, blue and purple colours get their pigment from the potent antioxidant called anthocyanin. They also contain vast amounts of vitamin A, as well as vitamin C, both of which bolster your child's immune system. TIP: Add a handful of mixed berries to your child's breakfast oats or morning cereal. A delicious snack idea could be a handful of mixed berries stirred through a bowl of plain yoghurt topped with a dash of maple syrup. You can even try and mix in some flaxseed meal for added nutrition.

Green leafy vegetables - Although incredibly healthy, kids just don't want to eat green leafy vegetables. Green leafy vegetables are exceptionally rich in immune boosting nutrients. One of these is iron which is important for the production of white blood cells and antibodies. Unfortunately, green leafy vegetables are not always the favourite option on your child's menu. Getting them to eat a handful of greens is often quite laughable. TIP: Try making a green 'Smurfie' smoothie. Throw some kale or baby spinach, frozen banana or frozen mango with your choice of milk into a blender and blend until smooth. You can add a tablespoon or two of maple syrup or rice syrup depending on the desired sweetness.

Source: www.kidspot.com.au/health/early-lifenutrition/food-for-toddlers/how-to-boost-your-childs-immunesystem-throuPpPppgh-food/newsstory/9d982ef8a6ba0ed7754288c0bea70610

Welcome Valued Families of Kidi Kingdom Child Care Centre - Coomera.

I would like to take the time and opportunity to introduce myself as your new Centre Manager here at Coomera. I have previously been the Centre Manager for our centre and I am excited for this opportunity again, we are sending Miss Bridget our best wishes for her future endeavours.

Thank you to all our families for all your ongoing support through these unprecedented times. We appreciate everyone's patience and understanding as we update and implement new policy and procedures here at Kidi Kingdom. The safety of the children comes first, we value all our parents that have been following our new safe and hygiene procedures upon drop off and pick up.

I am proud to say that the educators have been implementing fun and exciting experiences for the children to learn good hand washing and hygiene practices.

Our current families may know child care has now been classed as "free" until 28th June 2020. During this time, we would like to ensure all families to be two (2) weeks in advance with fees. We are anxious for normality to return and wish you and your family safety in the current period.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kind Regards, Sarah Piccolini Centre Manager

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