Your Assignment Type: Standard Question
Currently Working in Childcare? Yes
Your knowledge: Beginner
Your Question?
1.How long does the orientation process take?
2. What happens during the orientation process?
There are more question but i have only answered on top 2
Write a detailed report for the above questions. Critically analyse your findings, for example:
Are there any strategies that could be put in place to make the process of enrolment and transition easier?
Does the process allow enough time for parent, child and educator to get to know each other?
What is your answer so far or What have you done so far as an attempt to solve this question?
I posted an answer before but have added more so am reposting along with answer to number 2 to check it out
i am really thankful for help
Description and Message:
How long does the orientation process take?
• Standard 6.1 Element 6.1.1 states. There is an effective enrolment and orientation process for families.
The orientation procedure provides an opportunity to build the foundations for an ongoing partnership between the family and the service. Once a childcare place has been offered, the service guide’s the family through an enrolment process.
• Effective orientation processes are very important as this time is used for families and childcare professionals to share important information about the child, family and the child care service.
Give information on Policies & Procedures
• Admission Requirements and Enrollment Procedures
• Fees, Payment Plans & Business Practices
• Typical Activity Schedule and Hours of Operation
• Meals and Snacks
• Transportation and Field Trip Arrangements
• Practices Concerning Medical Emergencies
• Practices Concerning Medication Management
• The process begins with a pre-visit. A pre-visit is where the child and family spend time at the service engaging in the experiences provided. After the pre-visit, the child often attends the service for half-days for a short period of time.
• During this time the child and their family familiarise themselves with the service and staff. Simultaneously, staff learns as much as they can about the child and their family.
While the good news is that most children settle into childcare without too much concern, there are some instances where little ones simply can't cope, and will have separation anxiety. (Longer time will be needed for these children).
• The length of time this takes will vary a great deal - it may be hours, it may be days or even longer. On successive days the duration will increase until the child is attending the full session.
• The parent may leave the child for a brief period to begin with and lengthen the time as the child becomes more trusting of the new arrangement. Generally speaking, the younger the child, the longer the orientation process takes
• Attending Orientation sessions can help the process time spent will very depending on the child
• Time has to be allowed for parent and child to be apart of the program 30 minutes to 1 hour at least. How many days a week will depend on the situation of each family and the child. Extra visits can be offered.
• Example of time spent on Orientation
6 sessions with a child aged 12 months.
• Session 1 – Mother and child stayed in the room and played together for an hour then went home.
• Session 2 - same as above
• Session 3 – Mother stayed in room for 20mins to settle child in, just playing with toys saying hello to staff, then went and waited in parents room. Child ended up staying and having a sleep so the parent stayed 2.5hrs all up. As the child had 1hr sleep.
• Session 4 - same as above but sleep was planned this time. The child went and had lunch and then stayed for a sleep.
• Session 5 - same as above but went for breakfast and morning sleep.
• Session 6 – The child did half day on his own, 4 hrs.
• The child started full days on his own the following day.
Time spent ensuring that the child makes a smooth transition from home to childcare has a long-term beneficial effect on the child and ultimately on the family and centre staff.
2.What happens during the orientation process?
Orientation for Parents and Children
• The first practical contact between the parents and the centre staff ensures that the fees, hours of opening and philosophy of the centre meet the family’s needs.
• The issue of both parents and children becoming familiar with the operation of the centre can be addressed during this initial visit.
• The orientation visits allow parents and children the opportunity to establish positive relationships.
• Time and support is given to Children during orientation
• If the child cannot speak English, if there is another carer who is able to speak the same language as the child then they should also be introduced to the parent/child during orientation.
During Orientation parents:
• become familiar with the staff who will care for their child.
• Understand the program as it is delivered.
• Meet some of the other parents and children.
• Understand the policies that the centre has in place.
Orientation will help the child to:
• Develop a trusting relationship with a consistent staff member at the centre.
• Become familiar with the flow of the day and the week at the centre.
• The child is able to explore the new environment.
• The child gets to meet potential new friends
The orientation and settling process can be an important basis for establishing the effective partnerships between families and child care professionals that are vital in promoting positive outcomes for children. Continuous, honest, open, two-way communication during orientation is essential.
During Orientation carer will
• Carers demonstrate a supportive and accepting attitude towards families.
• Carers recognise that having a child begin childcare can be a major milestone for families and that it can be an anxious time for them.
• Carers are accepting and accommodating toward different cultural backgrounds, family lifestyles and child rearing practices
• Carers acknowledge that some families will need more support than others.
• The main carer interacts with the child as much as possible during orientation to develop, confidence and trust with the child.
• During the orientation process parents and carer’s will observe the child and work together to ensure the process’s time period is appropriate for the child.
FOLLOWING TASK WILL OFTEN BE COMPLETED DURING ORIENTATION
Centre Director or Manger will
• Assist parent/s complete enrolment forms, medical forms and sign service Policy documents.
• Check the child‘s medical history/emergency contacts, cultural requirements.
• Discuss the role of the Director or Manager in the service.
• Discuss the role of other staff in the service.
• Inform parent/s of timetable, routines, and service policies.
• Discuss the possibility of the parent/s involvement in the service.
• Discuss the child‘s additional needs, such as medical equipment, interpreter service or support worker.
• Inform parent/s of the fee structure and payment system.
• Take parent/s on a tour of the service, introducing them to all staff.
• Inform parent/s that the service has an ̳open door‘ policy and should be used as a support base for other services to assist the family.
Room Leader and Assistant will
• Get down at the child‘s level and talk with the child.
• Warmly welcome the family into the room.
• Begin to build a relationship with the family.
• Discuss programs and routines for the room.
• Discuss the child‘s additional or special needs, cultural requirements and personal idiosyncrasies.
• Offer planning documents for observation.
• Discuss the use of record keeping and observation to document the child‘s developmental progress.
• Discuss safety, health and hygiene policies.
• Discuss the child‘s storage of personal belongings.
• Discuss room requirements (sleeping bag, lunches and morning and afternoon teas).
• Introduce the child to other children.
• Explore the indoor and outdoor environment and discuss the purpose of several activities.
• Begin to build the family‘s and the child‘s confidence in you.
Parents/Guardians will
• Fully inform staff of medical history and requirements or needs of the child.
• Provide emergency contact names and addresses.
• Provide home and work contact numbers.
• Inform staff of the child‘s vaccinations records.
• Inform staff of the family‘s cultural heritage.
• Inform staff of people who may or may not collect the child.
• Provide staff with a copy of court orders if necessary.
• Remain with the child as they explore their new surrounds.
Thank you
