Opening 12 hour days

[Amanda2261]

Our centre currently is open from 7:30-5:30. This suits my educators as they work a 10 hour day with paid lunch for 3 days and one 8 hour day with either a Friday or a Monday off giving them a 3 day weekend every weekend, it also ensures continuity for parents because they see the same educator at drop off and pick up.

However, more parents are requesting that we open earlier and close later which would mean opening at 6:30 and closing at 6:30. This would also boost our enrolments as many people in our area work and commute 1.5 hours to Sydney.

Does any one have any roster they would be willing to share so I could present it to my educators for their consideration before we commit to opening the longer hours? We are a 28 place one room service with 2-5 year olds, 3 full time educators (I EC, 1 DIP, 1 CERT III) and one Part time DIP.

Thank you in advance for your help!

[Lorina]

Hi Amanda,

Just wanted to let you know that I will get to your question very soon!

Been a little held up over the past couple of days!

,
Lorina

[Lorina]

BTW - I think it's a great idea to change your operating hours due to family requirements however as you said you need to plan accordingly.

Just a quick question:

Are you included in the ratio you mentioned above?

,
Lorina

[Amanda2261]

Thank you, yes I am included in Ratios - teaching director/ECT/EL!

[Lorina]

Ok... so I came up with a rough idea on a roster:

Staff 1) 6:30 - 3:30 (shift 1) (full time) (10 hrs)
Staff 2) 6:30 - 3:30 (shift 1) (full time) (10 hrs)
Staff 3) 8:30 - 6:30 (shift 2) (full time) (10 hrs)
Part Time) 11:30 - 6:30 (7 Hrs)

Essentially you will need two people to open the centre and two people to close. You could also rotate the shift each week so not the same staff are starting early in the morning... It's a rough draft of one option that may be able to work...

,
Lorina

[Taylahann]

When closing are you allowed to only have a certificate 3 and trainee?

[Lorina]

As far as I am aware you need to have a Diploma qualifier Educator at closing...

,
Lorina