Children with additional needs
Inclusive environments
At Kitiwah you can be assured we will treat your child equally. Kitiwah provides an inclusive environment and programs to meet the different and diverse needs of all children and their families.
We appreciate, respect and encourage individuality and the interdependence of all children, including those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those of Australian Indigenous descent and children with a disability or special need.
Children with additional needs
We strongly advocate equity of opportunity, access, treatment and outcomes for all children. We are happy to work with families whose children have special needs so they can be included and take part in everyday activities as much as possible.
Parents of children with particular needs, such as specialised equipment or an adult support person, should discuss this with the director when applying to enrol so appropriate provision can be made. A partnership between parents and teaching team is particularly important and Kitiwah educators are experienced in sharing information and seeking regular feedback from parents. You are encouraged to talk with the educators regarding any concerns you may have about your child’s behaviour or development.
Supporting children’s social behaviour
A full copy of our “Supporting Children’s Social Behaviours” policy is available for your perusal at any time. It is located in the reception foyer inside the KITIWAH PLACE EARLY LEARNING CENTRE POLICIES HANDBOOK. It includes:
AIM: To instil in children an understanding of the limits to acceptable behaviour, and the reasons why we set these limits. Expectations of behaviour vary greatly among different cultures, social groupings and child rearing practices. As part of an anti-bias program this Centre aims to be sensitive to these and people’s feelings in the consideration of this.
REASON: We believe setting limits for behaviour is important for the safety and protection of children, others and the environment. We believe consistency is important in order to maximise the benefits of our program. We believe that there is no occasion on which physical punishment will/should be used against a child.
The need for a social behaviour policy is to ensure all members of the early childhood community are being consistent and clear about the expectations of behaviour…and ultimately, setting limits for behaviour aims to teach children about self discipline. By setting appropriate and consistent limits of behaviour, we provide a secure environment in which children can explore their physical and social world.
The Social Behaviour Policy includes behaviour such as
- Biting
- Swearing
- Physical violence towards others, self or equipment
- Tantrums and continuously rude behaviour
Prevention is the best form of behaviour management. Change of the environment; planning appropriate, stimulating activities; providing good role models of behaviour; and giving attention and praising appropriate behaviours according to a child’s developmental needs, abilities and behaviours.
If prevention does not work
- First we will try to distract or diffuse a situation giving children a release
- Use do’s rather than don’ts and give brief explanations
- Respond in a calm manner, indicating what we want from the child and what choice the child has
- Help the child to realise the consequences of his/her actions
- Follow through with the consequences
It is very important throughout this whole process though for the Educator to remain calm and ensure their relationship with the child is positive before the child goes home.
If your child’s behaviour becomes such that it is impacting on staff or the other children negatively or that they begin to put themselves or others in danger …you will be contacted and asked to collect your child immediately. If the inappropriate behaviours continue your enrolment may be terminated in the best interests of the other children attending the centre.
