Programme Philosophy

Mi Casa ASC aims to provide affordable, quality out-of-school care and recreation services for families within our local community, where children can learn and develop physically, emotionally, cognitively and socially. We believe that children have the right to be safe and enjoy their out-of-school time with fun and appropriate activities for their age and cultural background.

 

Child-centred services

Mi Casa ASC is committed to offering a child-centred service where children's needs and best interests are the first and foremost considerations. We aim to be responsive to the diverse and changing needs of the children and families in our community.

 

Our programme aims to provide a safe, nurturing and welcoming environment where children can be comfortable in their identity and confident in their culture. We extend the same welcome to parents and whanau. We encourage children to understand and respect other cultures through our conversations and activities. We are committed to providing an environment free from harassment, bullying and discrimination. We believe all children should be seen as individuals and treated with respect.

 

We take opportunities to speak with parents/whanau about the care of their children. We actively seek information from parents/whanau about any special needs or disabilities and consult over strategies and resources that might help us to work well with their children. Information on the enrolment form may be collected in writing or through staff discussions with parents/whanau.

 

All parents can discuss specific cultural needs and preferences at enrollment and record relevant information on our enrollment form. We also seek guidance from parents/whanau when planning activities or events with a cultural element (e.g. festival days, birthdays, etc.)

 

We provide regular informal and formal feedback opportunities from children and parents/whanau. All messages and notices about the programme include an invitation to feedback.

 

We formally evaluate the entire programme once per year and report the feedback and response to parents and programme management.

Our staff regularly seek children's opinions, feedback and ideas to contribute to future programme planning.

 

All staff inductions include this policy and relevant information on the particular needs of children attending the programme.

 

Programming policy

Our programme planning aims to ensure that:

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• Children feel safe, nurtured and receive care, attention and support from staff
• Children are treated fairly, with dignity and respect
• The cultures and beliefs of all children and their families/whanau are respected
• Opportunities are provided for children to develop a positive sense of themselves
• Children develop self-reliance and independence
• All children of all ability levels can participate in a range of activities
• The focus of all activities is fun and enjoyment

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Planned activities will be offered during each session. Our planning aims to be responsive to the children's varying ages, capabilities and interests. There will be a sense of stability and regularity to what is offered, but not a rigid or regimented approach. Children will be encouraged to participate but may choose not to as long as they are not disruptive.

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Whenever possible, alternative activities will be provided. The programme will include a range of activities:

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• planned art and craft projects
• child-directed use of art and craft materials
• Baking and cooking activities
• Organised sports or active group games organised group quiet games or activity
• Child-initiated use of specific after-school programmes, general information on activities is given to parents upon enrollmentgames and equipment
• Periods of free play indoors and outdoors

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For the after school programme, general information on activities is given to parents upon enrolment. A weekly plan will be communicated to parents via our notice board and Facebook page. A weekly summary will be posted on Facebook, showing the activities that the children were involved in.

 

For the holiday programme, the schedule of activities will be provided on the programme enrolment information – a more detailed schedule is posted each day on the notice board. As programme activities are completed, we will also share photos, videos, samples of artwork, etc. – at the programme and online (with parental consent for using pictures and videos).

 

Adequate and safe facilities will be provided for the range of activities. Where necessary, staff will limit group sizes or the age of participants. Any specific supervision requirements will be determined before the activity. Parent consent will be required for off-site activities and activities with a higher than usual level of risk, e.g. swimming, scooters, roller blades.

 

Programme planning is the supervisor's responsibility, with support from other staff. All planning will be subject to budget guidelines set by programme management.

 

Staff will be encouraged to contribute to the programme in areas where they have special interests or strengths, e.g. sports, art, music, cooking, etc.

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In responding to the needs of children, staff will:

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• Plan some activities that reflect the special interests, ethnicities, language and cultural backgrounds of children in the programme
• Adapt activities to suit different/mixed ability levels and particular circumstances when the activity is offered – time of day, weather, behaviour of participants, etc.
• Allow children flexibility in how and when they participate in any activity
• Encourage children to try new and unfamiliar activities and to persist with completing what they have started, but staff will not pressure or punish children who choose not to participate.

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Through regular staff meetings, all staff are involved in reviews that will include programme content and delivery, selected policies/procedures, incidents and any other issues of concern. Staff will also regularly review how the programme is meeting children’s needs. Staff comments and views will be recorded in the meeting notes along with any agreed outcomes.