RMIT City Campus Children's Centre

To enrol at RMIT City Campus Children’s Centre please contact the centre directly. Active parent and guardian involvement is encouraged to build positive relationships with Educators.

RMIT City Campus Children’s Centre is a non-profit service for RMIT educators and students. Fees are invoiced fortnightly in advance and are due the following Monday. Families experiencing financial difficulty are encouraged to speak with the coordinator.

Late Collection: A fee of $10 per five minutes applies for pickups after 5:45pm.

Withdrawal Notice: Two weeks’ written notice is required to cancel or change your child’s enrolment. If not provided, fees for the notice period will still apply.

Eligible families may access Child Care Subsidy (CCS)

• Apply via Services Australia or call 13 61 50
• Ensure your and your child’s Customer Reference Numbers (CRNs) are provided to the Centre

Starting childcare can be a big step for children and families. Before your child begins, you’ll be introduced to their educators and encouraged to share information about your child’s interests, routines, and needs.

Our educators are committed to creating a nurturing environment and building positive relationships with each child. We support the settling-in process by:

• Understanding and incorporating individual needs into the program
• Discussing any anxieties with families and offering strategies and support
• Explaining routines and policies clearly
• Providing written and verbal communication, including translation support if needed
• Encouraging orientation visits to help children become familiar with the Centre

Tips for a smooth transition:

• Always say goodbye and let your child know when you’ll return
• Talk about what they’ll do at childcare
• Bring a comfort item if needed
• Share your child’s likes and dislikes with educators
• Parents are welcome to visit or call during the day; breastfeeding parents are encouraged to attend as needed
• Grandparent visits can be arranged with educators

• Sign children in/out daily
• Complete medication records as needed
• Pay fees at least two weeks in advance
• Notify the Centre of any changes to contact or custody details
• Inform the Centre of absences or infectious illnesses
• Communicate regularly with educators
• Complete child information forms and contribute to your child’s journal
• Update the with any changes affecting childcare payments

We share updates through a quarterly newsletter and occasional surveys. Families are welcome to contribute ideas or feedback. All responses are confidential and help us improve our service.

To support smooth transitions:

• Allow 10 minutes at drop-off and pick-up for settling and communication
• Always say goodbye to your child to support emotional security
• Children must be supervised at all times
• Ensure doors are securely closed when entering or exiting

Sign your child in/out using the iPad in the main foyer. Accurate records are essential, especially during emergency evacuations. Instructions are provided during enrolment.

Each child will have a locker for their belongings. Please pack:

• A full set of labelled spare clothes
• Weather-appropriate clothing, including a jacket and SunSmart hat
• Closed toe footwear (no thongs)
• Nappy cream
• A comfort toy for rest time (if needed)

Please avoid:

• Plastic bags (unsafe in lockers)
• Toys from home, especially those that may be lost, broken, or promote violent play (e.g. toy weapons, superhero costumes)

If your child wishes to bring something, natural items (like feathers or pinecones) or books for group time are welcome – please speak with your child’s educator.

We regularly host special activities such as excursions and guest visits. Families are notified in advance and warmly invited to participate. We also welcome suggestions or contributions – whether it’s storytelling, music, or cultural traditions.

Celebrations such as birthdays, Moon Festival, Christmas, and Ramadan are acknowledged respectfully. For birthdays, we provide plain cake and candles for afternoon tea and the parent/guardians are invited to join in too.

The wellbeing of all children is our highest priority. To maintain a safe environment, we ask that children who are unwell do not attend the Centre. We are unable to care for sick children, and contagious illnesses can spread quickly.

Children must stay home if they have:

• A fever of 38°C or higher
• Conjunctivitis (sticky eyes)
• Persistent green/yellow nasal discharge
• Unusual skin rashes
• Diarrhoea or vomiting (must be symptom-free for 24 hours before returning)

If your child becomes ill while at the Centre, you will be contacted immediately. If unavailable, emergency contacts will be called. A doctor’s certificate is required before returning after a communicable illness.

We follow the Victorian Government’s School Exclusion Guidelines. For details, visit the Department of Health website.

Medication

If your child requires medication:

• Complete the medication record in their room
• Prescribed by a medical practitioner
• Hand medication directly to an educator
• Ensure it is in its original container, labelled with the child’s name, issue date, and expiry date
• Verbal instructions must match written directions
• Medication must not be left in your child’s bag

All doses are double-checked and witnessed by educators.

Illness and accidents

In case of illness or injury, educators will assess the situation and may administer first aid, seek medical advice, or call emergency services. Written consent for emergency treatment is required at enrolment.

All incidents are recorded and must be signed by a parent or guardian.

First aid

There is always at least one educator on duty with a current First Aid Certificate, including training in Anaphylaxis and Asthma Management. Staff regularly update their qualifications.

To enrol at the Centre, families must provide an Immunisation History Statement from the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR). Under Victoria’s No Jab No Play legislation, children must be:

• Fully immunised for their age,
• On an approved catch-up schedule, or
• Medically exempt (with documentation)

Please notify the Centre of any updates to your child’s immunisation status. Immunisation records are also required for families applying for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS).

We promote sun safety and teach children lifelong habits to protect themselves from harmful UV exposure.

Key practices include:

• Wearing hats that protect the face, neck, and ears
• Applying SPF 30+ sunscreen 20 minutes before outdoor play and every two hours thereafter
• Scheduling outdoor activities during low UV periods (before 11:30am and after 3pm in daylight savings)
• Using shaded areas for play and ensuring adequate shade is available

Children must wear appropriate clothing – singlets and tank tops are not suitable. A “No hat, no play” policy applies. Spare hats are available if needed.

Staff model sun-safe behaviour and incorporate sun protection education into the curriculum. Families are encouraged to provide alternative sunscreen if their child has sensitivities.

This policy is in effect from 1 September to 30 April each year and reviewed annually.

All meals and drinks are provided at the Centre, except for infant formula. We are a nut-free environment due to the risk of anaphylaxis – please do not bring any food from home that may contain nuts (e.g. birthday cakes, lolly bags). We use a catering service called Kids Gourmet Food. It is a commercial catering company that provides high-quality, nutritionally balanced meals for children. The company uses fresh, premium ingredients to create homestyle cooking that is varied, incorporating Australian and multicultural cuisines to encourage healthy eating habits from a young age. Meals are prepared by qualified chefs, meet strict dietary guidelines, and accommodate allergies and cultural preferences.

Our weekly menu is displayed outside the kitchen and in each room. It is designed to meet the nutritional needs of all children, including babies and those with special dietary requirements. Meals are prepared using fresh ingredients with minimal sugar, salt, and preservatives. The kitchen is registered with the City of Melbourne, and educators are trained in food safety. Annual audits ensure compliance with the Food Safety Act.

Daily meals include:

• Morning Tea (9:15am) – Fresh fruit
• Lunch (11:30am) – Cooked meal and dessert
• Afternoon Tea (3:15pm) – Snacks such as homemade biscuits, slices, or dried fruit

Water is available throughout the day, and milk is offered at morning and afternoon tea.

Mealtimes are relaxed and social. Children are encouraged to help with preparation, serving, and clean-up. Staff sit and eat with the children, modelling positive eating habits. Children are never forced to eat, and extra portions are available.

Please inform educators of any dietary needs.

We balance structure and flexibility to support each child’s development and wellbeing. Our routines are designed to promote safety, independence, and respectful behaviour.

Key expectations:

• Children walk indoors
• Tables are used for meals and activities only
• Children sit while eating or drinking
• Hats must be worn for outdoor play
• Children are encouraged to express their needs verbally
• Staff-only areas (kitchen, laundry, adult toilets) are not accessible to children

All children are given the opportunity to rest or sleep during the day.

• Babies follow individual sleep routines
• Toddlers and older children are encouraged to rest quietly with books if they do not sleep
• Kindergarten children may rest, sleep, or engage in quiet activities

Individual needs are respected across all age groups.

Toilet training is a collaborative process between families and educators. When children show signs of readiness – such as awareness of wet nappies or staying dry after sleep – they are gently encouraged to use the potty or toilet.

Children are supported with reminders and given choices to promote independence. Please pack plenty of spare clothes during this transition. Our approach is sensitive, positive, and tailored to each child’s needs.

At RMIT City Campus Children’s Centre, we use positive behaviour guidance to help children develop respectful relationships, problem-solving skills, empathy, and self-expression.

Our approach is:

• Age-appropriate and tailored to each child’s development
• Consistent and equitable across the Centre
• Focused on protecting the rights and safety of all children

Key strategies include:

• Setting clear limits: Rules are stated positively and designed to promote safety and social interaction
• Redirection: Children are gently guided toward alternative activities when unsettled
• Role modelling: Educators model respectful behaviour and encourage children to use words to express feelings

We also:

• Praise effort and achievement
• Anticipate and prevent behavioural challenges through thoughtful planning
• Encourage sharing and cooperation
• Ensure adequate resources for all children, including those not yet verbal.

Child abuse includes physical, emotional, or sexual harm, as well as neglect. Educators with a minimum two-year qualification are legally mandated to report concerns to Child First or Child Protection if they believe a child is at risk of significant harm.

If a concern arises, educators will work with the Centre coordinator and the child’s family to assess the situation. All matters are handled with confidentiality and sensitivity. Please see Child safe policy for further information. Policies are available on request.

We value open communication and see feedback as an opportunity to improve our service. Families are encouraged to share concerns, suggestions, or ideas to help us maintain high-quality care.

How to raise a concern:

1. Speak with the educators in your child’s room
2. If unresolved or not appropriate, contact the Centre Coordinator
3. If further action is needed, you may speak with the senior RMIT Manager responsible for the Centre (contact details available on request)

All concerns are handled confidentially and with respect.

If you believe your child’s health, safety, or wellbeing has been compromised, or there has been a breach of the Children’s Services Regulations 2011, you may contact:

Quality Assessment and Regulation Team

Department of Education and Early Childhood

• Address: PO Box 2141, Footscray VIC 3001
• Phone: 8397 0246
• Email: qar@education.vic.gov.au