Nara Community Child Care Centre Preston Victoria Australia Providing quality child care for the community
Nara is a community-based non-profit child care centre. Nara was established as a community based child care centre in 1989. Nara is an aboriginal word meaning companion. The name was chosen as it seemed to be a meaningful name relating to child care and the community, and it is easily pronounced by children. Nara is managed by a management committee. Nara is open from 7:30am -6:00pm Monday to Friday. The centre is closed on most public holidays and for four weeks over Christmas. Once a year the centre is closed for a staff in-service program. Nara has 35 places for children from the age of 6 months to 5 years. Children may be enrolled on part time or full time basis. The Joey’s room (babies) has 10 places each day for children aged 6 months to 2 years, with 2 staff. The Possum’s room (toddler) also has 10 places each day for children aged 2-3 years, with 2 staff. The Koala’s room (Kinder) has 15 places each day for children aged 3-5 years, with 2 staff, and also runs an accredited kinder program by a qualified kinder teacher. Nara exceeds the staff/child ratio as per the state child minding regulations 1998. The early childhood professionals at Nara come from a variety of backgrounds bringing wealth of experience, qualifications and languages to the centre. Languages include English, Arabic, Cook Island (reo Maori), Greek, Portuguese, Mandarin, Polish, Macedonian, Croatian, Hindi and Punjabi. Why Choose Nara? Children learn basic emotional and social skills from primary care givers and also through play with other children. Research supports the fact that these skills are vital in insuring mental health and satisfying work and relationships (even ahead of intellectual skills). At Nara these skills are an integral part of the program. The staff promote primary importance of these skills in the unique way they demonstrate respect, empathy, unconditional warmth and regard in their interaction with the children, parents and each other. The consistent staff attitude provides children with the necessary sense of safety and security, which assists them in developing a healthy inner sense of themselves. Nara believes that these basic lessons of the human heart provide the very important keys to successful childcare. Programs Our programs cater for children’s social, emotional, physical and intellectual needs, which respect individual differences and offer creative play experiences that are non-sexist and non-racial. The staff plan specific fortnightly programs which meet the individual needs of the children in each room. The fortnightly plan is prominently displayed in each room for parent information and comment. Activities provided offer a variety of experiences that allow the children to explore and learn through a fun and stimulating environment. Enrolment Before a child commences at the centre, each family must attend an interview with the director to complete and sign enrolment forms. Parents will receive an overview of the centre and a copy of the parents hand book and policies manual. Accreditation The centre has participated in a Quality Improvement Accreditation System and has achieved a high quality standard. Asthma Friendly Centre Nara has adopted strategies that actively support children and families in the management of asthma, in accordance with the Asthma Foundation of Victoria. Sun Smart Centre Nara is a member of Sun Smart Childhood Program. We follow recommendations from the Cancer Council of Victoria. Nutrition Nara has achieved the “Start Right Eat Right” award which is a partnering program to kids “Go For Your Life” initiative funded by the department of Human Services. We have developed six week nutritious menus that provide 50% of children’s recommended daily intake. A comprehensive nutrition policy has been developed to ensure that meal time environment helps to promote healthy eating habits for children. Menus and recipes are displayed in the kitchen foyer. Special dietary requirements are easily accommodated. Staff The Staff of the centre are qualified, experienced, dedicated and caring early childhood professionals. They provide a child responsive and developmentally appropriate program. The centre is run within the government regulations and meets the highest quality of accreditation. All staff have First Aid, Asthma First Aid, Anaphylaxis and food handling training. Incursions Nara do not have excursions however we do have organisations visiting the centre with no additional cost to the family. Some activities are: Ø Healthy Aussie Kids Program Ø Music Movement Ø Reptiles Ø Dogs Ø Puppets Ø Chicken and Butterfly Hatches Ø Police Car Ø Fire engine In Summary Nara is a caring, stimulating and vibrant centre where the staff and the children benefit greatly from an active parent group. Centre Director Gina Lousa Telephone (03) 9471 9914
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To find out more about Nara, please call us on (03) 9471 9914.