Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions we often receive from Families looking to employ an Educator. If you would like to know more, please give our friendly consultants a call.
After initial enquiry, you will be provided with enrolment forms to complete and return to us, we will also need a copy of your child's ID and immunisation records. We will provide you with a choice (where possible) of Educators in your area and will arrange a suitable time for you to visit with your child. If you would like us to accompany you this may be arranged so that we may offer support.
It is important to take some time when making the decision on your choice of Educator to ensure they are a good fit for your child and your whanau. Please remember that the Educator has the right to say no if they do not feel comfortable with the arrangements. Try to spend some time with your child and the Educator before the starting day. This helps you to all know each other prior to care beginning.
Good communication is vital between yourself and your Educator. Communicate any details to your Educators that may assist in providing the best possible care and education for your child e.g. routines such as sleeping, toilet training, health issues and behavior management. At the beginning of care your Educator will provide you with a routine form that you can complete.
Our Educators are able to keep in touch with you throughout the day as required using photos, texts and our on line platform Educa. You will be given lots of opportunities to become involved in your child's learning journey and to provide input and feedback.
Our programme is underpinned by the New Zealand curriculum Te Whāriki. Our aim is to create an holistic curriculum based on your child's needs, interest and development stage. The programme is designed to keep learning fun and can be adapted to your whānau needs as we believe your whānau and local community are integral to your little one’s development.
Your child will be visited each month by one of our Visiting Teachers who will support your Educator with ideas and resources. As part of the Dream Education Programme your tamariki individual learning and development will be recognised and nurtured and your child will be encouraged to learn through play. They will have access to all the curriculum areas such as art, sand, water, books, messy play, music and there is always lots of opportunities to get outdoors enjoy nature and meet with other children.
As part of the programme we will also run regular playgroups, outings and events. Your child's learning journey will be documented by their own online portfolio using a platform called Educa which provides a wonderful keepsake of their time with their Educator.
Please ensure that a healthy, nutritious lunch box and a water bottle are provided for your child. Please note all our playgroups are nut free. Also ensure that your child has adequate and appropriate clothing. It is important that they have a change of clothes so that they are free to play and get messy. Your child will need a hat appropriate for the weather and sun block in the summer. If your child is in nappies please ensure you supply enough nappies and wipes for your child ( this can also be negotiated if you would like your educator to supply).
It is parents/caregivers responsibility to provide an approved child restraint to enable the Educator to take your child out in the car. No child will be transported without an approved car restraint according to their age. You can either leave your own or we may be able to assist.
We endeavour to meet your required childcare hours, and with a variety of Educators flexibility of hours can be considered. Most Educators are flexible and some even offer weekend and early starts.
Each week parents/caregivers must sign a weekly time sheets. This is a requirement of the Ministry of Education, time sheets reflect your child's enrolled hours.
Ensure that you arrive and collect your child at the arranged times and if there are changes to these please notify your Educator. Any changes to your child's enrolment must be agreed and documented using a change of hours form.
10 days notice must be given for all leave. All leave may incur a holding fee and this should be discussed at the time of enrollment with your Educator.
If 10 days notice of leave is not given then full fees will apply.
Your Educator is not obliged to have ill children in care and if your child becomes ill while in care you may be required to collect the child immediately.
If your child has diarrhoea or vomited, they may not attend care for a minimum of 48hrs after the last episode. Also remember, that if your child is suffering from a contagious or infectious disease, that they should remain away from the Educators home until the appropriate time has passed.
Emergency care may be arranged if your Educator should become ill. Dream Educator will support where possible in providing emergency care.
Two weeks notice is required If your child is finishing care.