Parent information:                                       

Our background:  Mariposa Kids is owned by a registered early childhood teacher who is a parent herself.  She has developed the centre to her own high standards into a place where she is happy to have her own children attend.   We provide a warm and homely atmosphere with two separate age groups. We are well equipped and have high quality staff to child ratios.  

Hours:   Monday to Friday 7.30am to 5.30pm.  There is a charge of $15 per 15 minutes or part thereof for lateness outside of these operating hours to cover staff overtime costs.

Settling in:  Settling in a child often takes time.  Each child is different and they need time to become familiar with the new surroundings and people.  A positive approach to the centre helps and encouragement will make it easier on your child.  You are welcome to visit as often as you like before starting and we recommend at least 3 visits before the child attends for a whole session.

What to bring:   Change of clothes - more if toilet training (all clothing must be named) shoes and hat anything special to help settle your children in                                             

What’s provided:  Nappies 
All food
All toys - please refrain from bringing these from home as they can cause arguments.  
                                    
Enrolment:  Parents can visit at any time during operating hours.  A $25 enrolment fee is payable on enrolment as well as the first week’s fees (fees are to be paid in advance).  Fees are as per the fees schedule. Download enrolment form

Holidays:  Children are entitled to two weeks holidays at ½ fees so as to keep the child’s place open.  There is no charge for public holidays.  The centre closes between 25th December and 2nd January during which time no fees are payable.

Sickness:  In the interest of keeping our centre’s children and staff as healthy as possible, parents are required to keep their children home if they show any signs of illness.  Children cannot return to the centre for 24 hours after having vomiting, Diarrhea or any other contagious illness as indicated by the Centre Manager.  Due to staffing levels fees are still required, unless agreed to by the Centre Manager for an extended absence.  Notice is required to be given an hour before the child’s normal starting time.

Programme:  The programme is based on Te Whaariki - The Early Childhood Curriculum.  The teachers use planning to develop the individual and groups strengths, interests and needs.  The parent’s input is encouraged and the children’s portfolios are available to view at any time.

Meals:  Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea are provided by the cook in our fully equipped kitchen.  All meals are nutritious and healthy and will include fresh fruit and vegetables daily.  The menu has been developed with the assistance of a nutritionist to ensure that we provide a balanced diet.  The daily meals will be displayed on the notice board.  Please discuss your child’s needs if they have food allergies with their teacher.  Please note that meals are prepared for the children as a group and therefore (except for medical reasons) individual children’s meals cannot be prepared.

Accidents and Emergencies:  All staff at Mariposa Kids has a current first aid certificate and we have a comprehensive first aid kit available within the centre.  Any minor cuts or bruises will be treated by staff and recorded in the log book for the parents to sign at the end of the day.  If a medical emergency arises the parents will be contacted immediately.  If urgent medical advice is necessary and the parents cannot be contacted this will be sought from a local medical centre.

External authorities:  The centre must be licensed by the Ministry of Education.  They cover a range of issues including staff qualifications, equipment requirements, safety issues & programme planning and regularly audit the centre via the Education Review Office.  The centre is also checked and must comply with the Ministry of Health and the Fire Department and we are also registered with the civil defence.

Anything you are unsure about or want more information on then please feel free to discuss it with the centre manager.