Frequently Asked Questions
Parents and families often have a number of questions to ask when trying to find the right centre for them and their child. Sometimes it can feel overwhelming so we welcome and encourage families to ring and have a chat with us. We can make a time for you to visit the centre or feel free to pop in, we can talk you through how we do things here. We have prepared some frequently asked questions and answers to help get you started!
At Chelsea House, our qualified teachers plan programmes which are stimulating, exciting and offer plenty of variety to meet each child’s individual learning. On a daily basis, children can enjoy a range of indoor and outdoor activities. Activity areas are set up to allow for noisy/busy play as well as some peace and quiet!
Yes.
Both centres are designed for age and stage specific care and learning with areas allowing for small groups of children.
Children are placed in the following groupings at approximately these ages:
- Infants (3 months -12 months)
- Infants/Toddlers (1 – 2 years)
- Young Children (2 – 4 years 3 months)
- Stepping Stones (4 years 3 months -5 years)
Chelsea House has a high ratio of qualified early childhood education teachers.
We are also supportive of teachers in training and we do have some teachers who are working towards their Diploma or Degree in Early Childhood Education.
Most of our teaching staff hold a current first aid certificate.
Our teachers attend professional development and receive ongoing support to keep up to date with current theory and practice.
The entrance to each Chelsea House centre is controlled by a security system so that only parents/whanau and staff can enter the centre during opening hours at their convenience.
We have a procedure to ensure that every child enrolled is signed in and out of the centre on a daily basis. Removal of children from the centre is strictly controlled.
We hold regular fire drills with the children and we have a civil defence emergency procedure.
No, but we do need to know if your child has not been immunised.
We have designated sleep rooms for children up to 2 years of age so that they can follow their own sleep routines which are closely linked to their routine at home.
The 2-3 year olds have a rest after lunch and older children are encouraged to do quieter activities during this time to regain their energy for the afternoon.
We understand that a lot of the time children are trying to understand their world and that means pushing boundaries at times.
Our teachers are trained to handle all types of behavior in a way that makes your child feel safe and secure yet aware that what they are doing is not acceptable.
If there is a problem, eg biting, we will inform you of this and work with you to manage the situation.
Chelsea House is a quality learning environment.
Learning through play in a safe and caring environment means that children have lots of fun using their imagination and exploring their world and their activities are always linked to the core values of Te Whaariki, the New Zealand early childhood education curriculum.
All children and their families/whanau, irrespective of their special needs or abilities are welcome to attend Chelsea House. The teaching team works in partnership with you to provide the necessary services and support for you and your child.
Chelsea House welcomes mums to come into the Centre and breast feed your baby if that is possible. Otherwise, we can bottle feed your baby with breast milk that has been supplied by you provided that it is in a hygienic container specifically for breast milk and is clearly labeled. You do not need to supply bottles.
Yes.
For hygienic reasons, all children who are not toilet trained or working on being toilet trained must wear disposable nappies or cloth nappies.
We have a strict monitoring programme to ensure that your child is clean and comfortable while they are in our care.
We supply breakfast for children that are at the Centre by 7.45am each day.
All children attending the Centre receive morning and afternoon tea and a healthy lunch.
Children eat together as a group at meal times and it is a really fun and social time for them.
Minimum enrolment is two days to ensure your child has a sense of belonging within the centre.
Chelsea House under two year olds may attend for a four to six hour schedule,an eight hour schedule or our full day schedule.
For our over three year olds we offer a subsidised full day fee or 20 hours ECE free doing six hours a day.
The first step is for you to meet with us to view the Centre to be sure that you are making the right choice for you and your child.
If you like what we have to offer, you may enroll your child at that time.
Please click here for more information about arranging an appointment.
Our fee structure is based on the number of days that your child will be attending and their age.
Our Centres are partly funded by the Ministry of Education.
We offer 20 subsidised hours of early childhood education for children aged over 3 years.
A WINZ subsidy is also available to qualifying families. Talk to the Centre Supervisor about our fees.
To see if you qualify for a WINZ Subsidy go to www.workandincome.govt.nz/individuals/a-z-benefits/childcare-subsidy.html