Open ECDA Regulatory Standard (Feb 2018) PDF

AREA 2: STAFF PROVISION AND QUALITY STATEMENTS INDICATORS 2.1 STAFF REQUIREMENTS 2.1.1 The minimum qualification/certification requirements of programme The centre’s programme and staff are: non-programme staff are all Teacher (TR)...

AREA 2: STAFF PROVISION AND QUALITY STATEMENTS INDICATORS 2.1 STAFF REQUIREMENTS 2.1.1 The minimum qualification/certification requirements of programme The centre’s programme and staff are: non-programme staff are all Teacher (TR) L2 Certified approved by ECDA. Educarer (ED) Nursery L1 Certified Educarer (ED) EY2 (Pre-Nursery and Playgroup) Assistant Teacher (AT) Possesses at least Certificate in ECCE (CECCE) qualification Assistant Educarer (AE) Possesses at least Fundamentals in ECCE (FECCE) qualification Infant Educarer (IE) EY1, HCIC, CITC, SRN Programme Helper (PH) No qualification required. Non-programme staff includes administrators, clerks, cleaners, cooks, gardeners and others.  Suggested Documents  Staff Employment Records  Letter of Notification (LON) from ECDA  Letter of Appointment  Academic and Professional Certificates  Medical Clearance Form  Declaration of Offence Form 2.1.2 A principal approved by ECDA must meet all of the following criteria: The centre has a Principal  Employed by the centre as indicated in ONE@ECDA approved by ECDA.  Registered as a L2 teacher or met approved alternatives  Possesses DECCE-L qualifications, or approved alternatives  Has at least two 2 years of relevant experience in a professional early childhood setting.  Suggested Documents  Staff Employment Records  Letter of Notification (LON) from ECDA  Letter of Appointment  Academic and Professional Certificates  Medical Clearance Form  Declaration of Offence Form 6 STATEMENTS INDICATORS 2.1 STAFF REQUIREMENTS 2.1.3 No. of No. of The centre has sufficient staff Level Programme Staff Children during non-programme hours. K2 1 30 K1 1 25 Nursery 1 20 Pre-Nursery 1 18 Playgroup 1 12  The centre has at least 2 staff present, one of whom is a programme staff.  At least one of these staff must have valid Child First Aid Certification (CFA) certification.  Suggested Documents  Staff’s First Aid Records  Self-Declaration form (for non-programme hours) 2.1.4  Cook refers to person engaged to prepare food in the centre. The centre has a cook who has  The Food Hygiene Course is provided by Workforce Singapore been certified under the Basic (WSG) approved training organisations. Food Hygiene Course before commencing work  Suggested Documents  Staff Employment Records  Letter of Appointment  Medical Clearance Form  Declaration of Offence Form  Basic Food and Hygiene Course Certificate For infant services only: No. of No. of 2.1.5 Level Programme Staff Children The centre meets the programme staff-infant ratio during 2 to 18 months 1 5 operating hours.  The centre has at least 2 programme staff present during operating hours  The centre has at least 1 trained infant educarer (IE) and 1 IE with Child First Aid (CFA) certification.  The centre has a primary caregiver system to support the continuity and stability of care for infants  Suggested Document  Staff-Child Ratio Form 7 STATEMENTS INDICATORS 2.2 STAFF PROVISION DURING PROGRAMME HOURS 2.2.1 No. of No. of Level The centre meets the programme Programme Staff Children staff-child ratio during K2 1 25 programme hours. K1 1 20 Nursery 1 15 Pre-Nursery 1 12 Playgroup 1 8  Suggested Document  Staff-Child Ratio Form 2.2.2 No. of Qualified No. of Level The centre meets the qualified Programme Staff Children programme staff-child ratio 1 TR + 1 AT 30 during programme hours. K2 1 TR 25 1 TR + 1 AT 25 K1 1 TR 20 1 ED (L1) + 1 AE 20 Nursery 1 ED (L1) 15 1 ED (EY2) + 1 AE 18 Pre-Nursery 1 ED (EY2) 12 1 ED (EY2) + 1 AE 12 Playgroup 1 ED (EY2) 8  Suggested Document  Staff-Child Ratio Form 8 STATEMENTS INDICATORS 2.2 STAFF PROVISION DURING PROGRAMME HOURS 2.2.3 No. of No. of The centre meets the staff-child Level adult (including qualified Children ratio during outdoor activities programme staff) K2 1 15 K1 1 13 Nursery 1 10 Pre-Nursery 1 9 Playgroup 1 6  The qualified programme staff-child ratio during programme hours must be met.  There must be at least 2 adults during the outdoor activity time, one of whom must be a qualified programme staff  Suggested Document  Staff-Child Ratio Form  Self-Declaration Form (outdoor play) 2.2.4  The centre must have at least three staff with valid CFA The centre has sufficient staff with certifications, one of whom is a Key Personnel or Principal. These valid Child First Aid Accreditation staff do not include the infant care staff. (CFA) certification during  The centre is to designate a Key Personnel (if there is) and inform programme hours. ECDA of the respective person.  For centres with more than 150 children at any one time, there is an additional staff with a valid CFA certification for every 50 children or part thereof. The staff must be present during programme hours.  First Aid certifications are required to be: - Accredited by the National First Aid Council (NFAC) - Valid (certificates are typically valid for 2 years)  Suggested Documents  First Aid Certificates  Staff-Child Ratio Form For infant services only: 2.2.5 No. of No. of The centre meets the qualified Level Programme Staff Children programme staff-infant ratio during operating hours. 2 to 18 months 1 5  70% of the programme staff are qualified infant educarers (IE). 9 AREA 3: SPACE, FACILITIES AND RESOURCES STATEMENTS INDICATORS 3.1 INDOOR ENVIRONMENT 3.1.1  The different age groups and class sizes are taken into The centre has sufficient indoor consideration when planning space uses. Space is properly space for children and infants utilised, without any overcrowding. during activities.  There is sufficient space for children and infants to participate in individual or group activities and to have positive interactions with peers and teacher.  There are clear pathways for staff, children and infants to move without disrupting other children or activities.  Corridors are wide enough for children to walk in pairs. 3.1.2  There is an appropriate indoor or outdoor space to carry out gross The centre provides a suitable motor development activities for children. space for children to use for gross  The minimum GMA space requirement is as follows: motor development activities (GMA). For Full Day Services For Half Day services of the centre’s of the centre’s accommodation capacity at 4m2 accommodation capacity at 4m2 per child or 40m2, whichever is per child or 40m2, whichever is more more  If an appropriate outdoor space suitable for GMA is available and the outdoor space meets the indoor space area requirements above, the indoor space area will be taken into account when calculating the centre’s accommodation capacity. Otherwise the indoor space provided must always be available for gross motor activities. 3.1.3  For areas accessible to children and infants, the floor surfacing is The centre has floor surfaces that not slippery and it prevents children or infants from slipping, are not slippery and are well falling or injuring themselves. maintained.  Floor surfacing is well-maintained, without any cracks or protrusions, which could lead to children or infants tripping or cutting themselves.  For activity areas, appropriate floor surfacing is used.  Toilets and water play areas are not slippery. No still water is collected in these areas. 10 STATEMENTS INDICATORS 3.1 INDOOR ENVIRONMENT 3.1.4  There is appropriate lighting for children and infants’ learning and The centre provides a comfortable development. environment for children and  There is good ventilation and air quality for children and infants’ infant’s learning and learning and routine care development.  Temperature is kept at a comfortable level  Noise level is moderated so that children and infants can learn in a conducive environment. 3.1.5  There are sufficient resources for programmes in all key areas of The centre has sufficient learning and development so that children are meaningfully furnishings, equipment, resources engaged at all times. and materials for children’s  A rest place is provided for any child who is tired. learning, development and rest.  Mattresses are provided during resting periods for all children in full-day service. 3.1.6  Furnishings and resources are developmentally-appropriate for The centre ensures that the children using them. furnishings, equipment, resources  Furnishings and resources do not pose any health or safety risks. and materials used by children are developmentally-appropriate, child-safe and in good working condition. 3.1.7  The main gate or door to the centre/bay are secured at all times. The centre premises are secured This is to prevent children or infants from leaving the centre to prevent any unauthorised unsupervised and unauthorised personnel from entering the personnel from accessing it. premises.  Visitors are not able to access the premises freely without permission 3.1.8  A door barrier or safety gate is fitted at the entrance of the kitchen The centre secures areas, facilities or pantry. and equipment that pose a safety  Children and infants must not enter the kitchen or pantry. If there risk to children and infants. is an exceptional need to do so, the centre must do a risk assessment  Safety gates or barriers are installed at the head and foot of staircases which children have access.  Staircase handrails are installed at children’s height so that children can use them while climbing the stairs.  The centre situated above the ground level ensures that windows or window grilles are secured.  Keys for both the window or window grilles are kept out of children and infants’ reach but are made easily accessible to staff. 11 STATEMENTS INDICATORS 3.1 INDOOR ENVIRONMENT 3.1.9  The centre uses child-appropriate teaching and learning The centre puts in place safety resources, such as round-ended scissors and plastic knives. measures for use of teaching and  The centre puts in place safety measures for children when they learning resources to prevent use scissors and knives. injury to children and infants  The centre carries out such activities in small groups under staff’s close supervision and clear instructions.  The centre keeps resources (non-child-safe) out of children and infants’ reach when they are not in use.  The centre puts in place processes to ensure that children and infants learn how to use these resources safely and understand the risks involved when they do not follow these safety instructions.  Suggested Document  Safety processes and measures 3.1.10  Children and infants do not have access to potentially hazardous The centre keeps hazardous objects or substances. materials away from children. For infant services only:  Space is demarcated between locomotive and non-locomotive 3.1.11 infants. The centre provides a space that  Spaces are intentionally designed and set up for infants to rest, purposefully supports the roll, sit, crawl, stand and walk. development of infants  The space incorporates specific design elements to cater to the different developmental milestones of infants. For infant services only:  There are sufficient furnishings suitable for infants. 3.1.12  There are sufficient cots for at least half or more of the infants The centre has sufficient enrolled. Locomotive Infants are allowed to sleep on mattresses furnishings, equipment, resources but need to be supervised by staff. and materials for infants’ learning, development and nap. 12 STATEMENTS INDICATORS 3.1 INDOOR ENVIRONMENT For infant services only:  Furniture is positioned in a way that facilitates the development 3.1.13 of infants’ self-help skills The centre ensures that  Toys and materials need to be infant-safe so that infants can furnishings, equipment, resources safely engage in sensory activities with their mouths, hands and and materials for infants are bodies. developmentally-appropriate,  Cots are sturdy and do not fall over. infant-safe and in good working condition.  All furnishings accessible to infants must not topple, shake, or collapse.  High chairs (if any) have footrests.  For infants who sit at low tables, their feet are able to touch the ground.  Playpens are not used as cots. 3.2 SANITARY FACILITIES 3.2.1  There is at least 1 toilet and 1 hand-washing point for every 23 The centre has sufficient child-sized children enrolled. toilets for children and hand-  There is a minimum of 2 child-sized toilets and hand-washing washing points for children and points. infants’ use.  Toilets include toilet seats. 3.2.2  Toilets are located near children’s teaching and learning spaces. The sanitary facilities are easily  Children can access sanitary facilities easily, in accordance to their accessible to children and infants. age and developmental needs.  Hand-washing points are located at children’s height level and children can reach them easily. 3.2.3  Fittings and fixtures are free from grime, dirt and mould. The toilets are clean and well-  Taps and flush system are in good working condition. maintained.  The toilets do not have a bad odour. 3.2.4  Every cubicle has a sufficient supply of toilet paper which is easily The centre provides basic accessible to children. amenities in the toilets.  There are mirrors placed at children’s eye level.  Hand washing liquid soap is available and easily accessible to children.  Hand-drying facilities are available and easily accessible to children. If disposable paper towels are provided, children have access to a hands-free enclosed dustbin to dispose their used paper towels. 13 STATEMENTS INDICATORS 3.2 SANITARY FACILITIES 3.2.5  At least one toilet cubicle has doors or curtains for children’s The toilets are individually privacy, which allows staff to supervise the child at all times. partitioned. Privacy for children is  If cubicle doors can be locked from within, staff can still access the provided in at least one cubicle. cubicle from outside during emergencies. 3.2.6  At least one shower head is provided for every 50 children. The centre provides sufficient  Shower arrangement takes into consideration the children’s age shower facilities and implements and developmental needs. measures to provide children with privacy.  Privacy is provided for children who are showering For infant services only:  Appropriate facilities for bathing infants and changing diapers are 3.2.7 available. The centre provides sufficient  There is at least 1 sink and diaper change table for every 10 infants bathing and changing facilities and enrolled. implements measures to ensure  There is adequate supervision during showering and diaper safety for infants. changing. 3.3 OUTDOOR SPACE 3.3.1  The centre’s outdoor space is well-maintained. The centre ensures that children  The space is clear of potentially hazardous objects or substances, and infants do not have access to including the risk of falling objects. any area, object or substance that  If outdoor spaces are located near potentially hazardous may be hazardous to their health elements, safety measures are put in place to prevent children and safety. from gaining access to such areas.  For playgrounds at upper levels, suitable barriers are put in place to ensure the children's safety. - Fencing of at least 1.8 metres in height are installed. 14 AREA 4: SAFETY, HEALTH AND HYGIENE STATEMENTS INDICATORS 4.1 SAFETY MEASURES 4.1.1  Staff are attentive towards children’s safety at all times. Staff are The centre ensures that children able to supervise children when they are at different spaces and infants are supervised at all (including staircases and transition area). times.  Infants are supervised at all times, including nap time, and are brought to the activity area when they are awake. 4.1.2  The following records are kept in the centre: The centre carries out safe - Accidents / incidents / illnesses and outbreaks of diseases in practices to promote the welfare of the centre the children. - Any deviation from regular programme - Special activities / field trips conducted for children in the centre - Attendance of children - Signing out records of parents when they pick up their children. Measures are in place to ensure that children leave the centre with their authorised persons only - Visitors’ log  The centre considers weather conditions when planning their outdoor activities: - Sustained outdoor activities from 11 am to 4pm are minimised.  Suggested Document  Records for the above-mentioned 15 STATEMENTS INDICATORS 4.1 SAFETY MEASURES 4.1.3  The centre maintains updated particulars of children and infants. The centre has a system to capture Information of all children and infants are easily accessible to updated particulars of children and authorised personnel. The following information must be infants enrolled in the centre and included: their parents or guardians. - Child or infant’s centre enrolment form - Copy of Birth Certificate / Citizenship Certificate / Passport / FIN of child or infant - Any known medical conditions and/or allergies of child or infant - Long-term medication (if any) taken by child or infant - Name and contact of family physician of child or infant (if any) - Emergency contact information of child or infant - Parents’ or Guardians’ written authorisation for the centre to take the necessary measures during an emergency, as stipulated in the centre’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) - Records of authorized personnel permitted to fetch child or infant from the centre - Immunisation records of child or infant  Records of known food allergies of an individual child or infant are displayed in the kitchen/pantry and food serving areas.  The centre maintains updated particulars of parents or guardians. The records must include the following: - Names of parents or guardians - Contact information of parents or guardians (home and email addresses, telephone and mobile numbers) - Copy of NRIC / Citizenship Certificate / Passport / FIN of parents or guardians  Suggested Documents  Children’s Records  Parents or Guardian’s Records 16 STATEMENTS INDICATORS 4.1 SAFETY MEASURES 4.1.4  SOPs on safety measures refer to a set of written instructions The centre has a set of written which staff refer when responding to accidents or emergencies. safety Standard Operating  The SOPs must cover procedures for: Procedures (SOPs) to manage - Emergency evacuation for crisis emergencies available for staff. - Handling of safety-related incidents, major and minor injuries, death of a child or infant, and reporting to parents and relevant authorities within 24 hours - Supervision of children or infants when they are outside the centre’s premises - Dismissal of children or infants and measures to ensure that children and infants are dismissed to authorised persons - Non-collection of children or infants - Mandatory and voluntary centre closures - Sleeping and showering arrangements for children and infants - Measures to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (Applicable for infant services only)  Suggested Document  Self-Declaration Form for SOPs 4.1.5  A list of emergency phone numbers is displayed in a prominent The centre has a list of emergency location and must include the following information: numbers which are easily - Fire and Ambulance (995) accessible to all staff at all times. - Non-Emergency Ambulance (1777) - Police (999) - Nearest Neighbourhood Police Post (NPP) and address - Nearest clinic and address - Nearest hospital and address 17 STATEMENTS INDICATORS 4.1 SAFETY MEASURES 4.1.6  Evacuation exercises are conducted for all children, infants and The centre conducts emergency staff. evacuation exercises regularly with  All staff, children and infants participate in the evacuation not more than 6 months between exercise. two exercises.  Evacuation procedures are prominently displayed in areas used by staff, children and infants.  The centre maintains detailed records of the evacuation exercises, including the date, time, attendance for the day, duration of the exercises and the area where the mock “fire / incident” started.  A separate emergency evacuation procedure for infants is displayed if there are infants in the centre.  Suggested Document  Evacuation Records For infant services only:  Infants who fall asleep in the activity area are carried into the 4.1.7 sleeping area. The centre carries out safe  Infants are held during bottle feeding. practices to promote the welfare of  Infants are fed with semi solids / solids in an upright position (not infants lying down). 4.2 FIRST AID PRACTICES 4.2.1  The centre maintains at least 1 First Aid kit at a fixed, convenient The centre has a first aid kit on the location that is known to all staff. premises.  The First Aid kit is easily accessible to staff  The First Aid kit is not accessible to children and infants. 18 STATEMENTS INDICATORS 4.2 FIRST AID PRACTICES 4.2.2  Items in the First Aid kits have not expired. Used or expired The centre’s first aid supplies are supplies are replaced promptly. adequate, appropriate and have  The First Aid kit must contain items for every 150 children not expired. (including infants) enrolled in the centre: S/N Item Quantity 1. Sterile cotton wool balls 2 packs 2. Saline in 10cc vials 4 vials Dressing forceps and powder free latex 3. 1 set gloves or vinyl gloves 4. Sterile absorbent gauze (min 5 pcs/pack) 6 packs 5. Hypoallergenic tape 1 roll 20 pcs Adhesive dressings 6. (various (first aid plasters) sizes) 7. Crepe Bandage (5cm) 3 packs 8. Triangular bandage with safety pins 3 packs 9. Scissors 1 pair 10. Torch light with battery 1 piece 11. Ziploc bags 2 pieces 12. Resuscitation mask 1 piece 4.2.3  A portable First Aid kit is brought along for activities conducted A portable First Aid kit is available outside the centre premises for out-of-centre use.  The portable First Aid kit must contain the required items as required by ECDA. S/N Items Quantity 1. Sterile cotton wool balls 2 packs 2. Saline in 10 cc vials 4 vials Dressing forceps and powder free latex 3. 1 set gloves or vinyl gloves 4. Sterile absorbent gauze (min 5 pcs/pack) 3 packs 5. Crepe Bandage (5 cm) 2 packs Adhesive dressings (first aid plasters) 10 pieces 6. (various sizes) 7. Triangular bandage with safety pins 3 packs  Suggested Document  Self-Declaration Form for First Aid Kits 19 STATEMENTS INDICATORS 4.3 HEALTH PRACTICES 4.3.1  Daily checks are conducted for all children and infants upon their The centre carries out daily arrival before they interact with others in the centre. This is done temperature and health checks for to detect any symptoms of communicable disease, ill-health, the children and infants. The bruises or signs of child or infant abuse. centre also conducts temperature and health checks for staff and visitors.  Suggested Document  Health Check Records 4.3.2  The centre can administer medicine or drug to a child or infant The centre keeps records of any only when it is prescribed by a registered medical practitioner, or medicine administered to the in accordance with the written instructions of the parent or children and infants. guardian of the child or infant.  All containers of any medicine or drug are clearly labelled with the child or infant’s name and instructions for administration of the medicines or drugs.  All medicines or drugs are to be kept out of reach of children and infants.  Medicine administered to each child and infant are recorded and kept properly. This includes the following information: - Child or infant’s name and medicine - Dosage, manner, date and time of administration - Name and signature of administrator - Written authorisation from parent or guardian (including their name and signature)  Suggested Document  Administration of Medicine Records 4.3.3  The isolation area is fully enclosed and separate from the regular The centre has a designated programme space. It is comfortable, well-ventilated (or fitted isolation area / sick bay for children with an air purifier), and conducive for the child or infant to rest and infants to rest if they are in. The area is available at all times. unwell. The area is closely  Corridors, pantry, kitchen, storeroom or toilets are not monitored by a staff. considered suitable areas.  The child or infant is closely monitored by a staff at all times. 4.3.4  The centre’s premises are fitted with air purifier(s) covering a The centre makes provision for space which can accommodate at least 50% of the centre’s sufficient space to accommodate accommodation capacity. children and infants in the event of  The space does not need to be available at all times. The centre haze only needs to identify a space which can be used in times of emergency or as instructed by ECDA. 20 STATEMENTS INDICATORS 4.3 HEALTH PRACTICES 4.3.5  The SOPs that impact health of children and infant include: The centre has a set of written - Daily temperature-taking and visual health checks for SOPs that impacts health of children, infants, staff and visitors children and infants and is - Management and reporting in the event of an outbreak of accessible by staff infectious disease - Emergency contact tracing procedures - Management of haze situation - Guidelines on food handling - Guidelines for washing and disinfecting equipment such as toys and manipulatives - All special events and celebrations held in the centre involving the provision of food - Administration of medicine  Suggested Document  Self-Declaration Form for SOPs For infant services only:  The centre has sanitary procedures for diaper changing process 4.3.6  The centre has procedures for proper milk bottle sterilisation. The centre puts in place proper  The centre has procedures for showering infants. safety and hygiene procedures.  Suggested Documents  Diaper change procedures  Milk sterilising procedures  Showering procedures 21 STATEMENTS INDICATORS 4.4 MEALS AND SNACKS 4.4.1  The centre provides water for children throughout the day. The centre provides food that is  If lunch is served, the centre incorporates food from the three nutritious, balanced and varied. main food groups: - Wholegrains - Lean meat and other protein food alternatives, and - Vegetables  All centres that provide lunch or snacks to children are required to provide fruits to children based on the following frequency:  Daily serving to children who are in the centre for full day services  Once a week serving to children who are in the centre for half day services  The centre serves calcium-rich sources such as milk, calcium- fortified soy milk, cheese, yoghurt, tofu based on the following frequency:  Twice a week to children who are in the centre for full day services  Once a week to children who are in the centre for half day services  Cooking oil must have the Healthier Choice Symbol.  The centre does not serve the following food: - Deep-fried food - Pre-deep fried upon purchase - Preserved food  The centre does not serve sugary drinks such as syrup, cordial and non-HCS commercially-prepared drinks. This guideline excludes milk.  Suggested Document  Self-Declaration form for food provision 4.4.2  The centre has at least 2 different sets of weekly menu for The centre keeps a record of food rotation served.  Written menu must be displayed.  Food served is aligned with the menu of the day.  Any deviation of food served from the written menu must be recorded and maintained.  Suggested Document  Menu 22 STATEMENTS INDICATORS 4.4 MEALS AND SNACKS 4.4.3  The centre stores cooked food separately from raw food. The centre has proper procedures  Expressed milk for infants are stored appropriately. for food storage. 4.5 HYGIENE AND MAINTENANCE 4.5.1  Surfaces are not dusty and greasy. The centre’s premises, furniture,  The centre’s premises are free from bad odour. furnishings and fittings are kept clean.  Premises is not infested by insects and rodents.  Walls and ceilings are free from mould and mildews. 4.5.2  Resources and materials must be cleaned, washed or disinfected The centre’s resources and frequently. materials for children and infants  Water play equipment is dry and clean when not in use. are kept clean.  Sandpit is covered using a lid or a plastic sheet when not in use.  Sand in sandpit must be cleaned, dry (where wet) and free of inconspicuous pieces of items/rubbish.  There is no stagnant water present in the premises that will encourage mosquito breeding. 4.5.3  Personal items include toothbrushes, mugs, mattresses, mattress The centre ensures children and covers and combs. These items are kept separate for each child. infants’ personal effects are maintained in a hygienic manner. 23 AREA 5: SCHOOL EXPERIENCE STATEMENTS INDICATORS 5.1 PROGRAMME PHILOSOPHY, GOALS AND APPROACH 5.1.1  The interest of the child and infant is central to the centre’s The centre has a philosophy in philosophy. It may include the centre’s values and beliefs on delivering its programme. children and infants’ development in terms of care and education and partnership with the family and community.  It is clearly communicated and shared with parents and staff.  Suggested Document  Centre’s philosophy statement 5.1.2  The centre’s programme goals and outcomes are guided by the The centre’s programme goals and Nurturing Early Learners (NEL) and Early Years Development outcomes are guided by sound Framework (EYDF), which comprise the following: early childhood education and care  Culturally and developmentally appropriate practices principles.  Integrated and holistic learning  Child and infant-centric and authentic experiences with quality interactions  Play as pedagogy  Suggested Document  Statement of goals and outcomes (This can be reflected in handbook or any other materials. It must be documented.) 5.2 PROGRAMME PLAN 5.2.1  The centre’s programme plan is for all levels for the full year, The centre has a programme plan which includes: that supports and facilitates the - Objectives, milestones or learning goals learning and developmental needs - Annual calendar of the centre’s events, e.g. excursions, festive of all children. celebrations - Curriculum plans, e.g. term plans, daily or weekly lessons plans - Daily schedule and routines (displayed in the centre)  Suggested Documents  Curriculum and lesson plans for previous term, current and upcoming term, daily programme schedule 24 STATEMENTS INDICATORS 5.2 PROGRAMME PLAN 5.2.2  The centre’s programme covers all physical, intellectual, The centre’s programme is holistic emotional and social aspects of children’s learning and and covers key areas of learning development. and development.  For children aged 18-months and above, the key areas of learning and development are outlined in the NEL and comprise of (may be classified/termed differently): - Language and Literacy - Aesthetics and Creative Expression - Discovery of the World - Motor Skills Development - Social and Emotional Development - Numeracy  Suggested Documents  Daily programme schedule, lesson plans 5.2.3  The programme provides stability and order. The centre’s programme is  Every child is meaningfully engaged in the activities. balanced and developmentally  A varied experience may cover the following: appropriate. It provides a varied experience for every child. - Indoor and outdoor experiences - Active and quiet play, structured and free play - Rest and routine care period and meal time - Large groups, small groups and individual activity time - Learning experiences outside the centre  Gross motor activities are carried out - For full day services: 1 hour daily, with at least 30 minutes outdoors or 45 minutes thrice weekly outdoors or equivalent - For half day services, 30 minutes thrice weekly, with at least one session outdoors or equivalent - If the centre has no access to a suitable outdoor space, the children are brought outdoors at least once a week  Suggested Documents  Daily programme schedule 25 STATEMENTS INDICATORS 5.2 PROGRAMME PLAN For infant services only:  The centre’s programme plan for infants includes: 5.2.4 - Objectives, milestones or learning goals The centre has a programme plan - Activity plans that supports and facilitates the - Daily programme schedules and routines (displayed in the learning and developmental needs centre) of all infants.  Suggested Documents  Activity plans, daily programme schedule For infant services only:  For children aged 18-months and below, the key areas of learning 5.2.5 and development are outlined in the EYDF. The programme facilitates  Infants are developed in the following domains: integrated learning across all - Physical development domains. - Social-emotional development - Language and communication development - Cognitive development For infant services only:  Planned activities and transitions consider/support the infants’ 5.2.6 need for locomotion. The centre ensures that the  Routines are used as opportunities to build warm and secure programme supports and relationships with infants for learning and development. facilitates the individual learning  The centre does not place infants in restrained or buckled seats for and developmental needs of extended periods of time. infants.  The centre provides a 15 to 30 minute outdoor experience once a week for infants 6 months and above.  Suggested Documents  Daily programme schedule  Evidence of activities being carried out 5.3 LEARNING ENVIRONMENT 5.3.1  The indoor and outdoor spaces allow for different group sizes and The centre’s indoor and outdoor types of activities. They are not limited to the centre’s premises spaces are used purposefully for and can include play or locomotive areas, learning centres, library different types of learning and or neighbourhood parks. developmental activities.  The spaces are designed to encourage exploration. Play areas are easily accessible by children and infants. 26 STATEMENTS INDICATORS 5.3 LEARNING ENVIRONMENT 5.3.2  The variety of materials is able to sustain the children’s interest, The centre uses various types of promote the children’s development and provide different teaching and learning aids and experiences. resources for every learning  Play equipment and materials are accessible to all children. area/domain. 5.3.3  The indoor and outdoor learning spaces provide platforms, The centre’s learning space materials and equipment to foster autonomy, on-task behaviours facilitates self-directed learning, and independence in children and infants. It also encourages group interaction and play. children and infants to interact and play with one another.  Activity spaces are intentionally set up to allow children and infants to carry out specific activities independently. 5.3.4  Children and infants’ work are purposefully displayed on The centre showcases children and platforms. infants’ work to affirm their efforts and to instil confidence. For infant services only:  The play equipment and materials support infants’ free movement 5.3.5 and exploration. The centre uses various types of  Play materials are accessible to all infants to provide varied teaching and learning aids and experiences. resources for infants’ development. 5.4 OBSERVATION, DOCUMENTATION AND ASSESSMENT 5.4.1  Regular observations, documentations and assessment of The centre observes, documents individual children’s learning and development are recorded and and shares children’s key areas of shared with parents every 6 months. learning and development with  These may be organised according to the different learning parents. domains to help educators and parents review the children’s development in each domain.  Suggested Documents  Observations and evaluations, progress reports, checklists, individual portfolios, photographs, samples of child’s work, parent’s notes 27 STATEMENTS INDICATORS 5.4 OBSERVATION, DOCUMENTATION AND ASSESSMENT For infant services only:  Regular observations, documentations and assessment of 5.4.2 individual infant’s learning and development are recorded and The centre records the routine shared with parents every 3 months. needs of individual infant. The  Routine needs include feeds, naps and bowel movements. records are communicated to  The centre documents and shares with parents the developmental parents daily. milestones. 5.5 CARE AND INTERACTION 5.5.1  Staff are sensitive to the children’s needs, responses and cues. The centre ensures that staff-child  Interactions between staff and children are characterised by interactions are respectful, warmth, respect and positive support. responsive and reciprocal to  Caregiving activities are not hurried with staff interacting with support the children’s acquisition children. of skills for life and learning.  Staff model positive social interaction skills and demonstrate cooperation with others.  Children are happy and enjoy their learning experience.  Suggested Documents  Observations and evaluations, progress reports, checklists, individual portfolios, photographs, samples of child’s work, parents’ notes 28 STATEMENTS INDICATORS 5.5 CARE AND INTERACTION 5.5.2  Staff use positive and developmentally-appropriate methods of The centre has guidelines on child guidance and management to encourage positive behaviours. and infant guidance and behaviour  Staff collaborate with each other and the children or infants’ management. families in managing challenging behaviours and involve other professionals where necessary.  Boundaries are set and children, infants and parents are aware of the consequences of unacceptable behaviour.  Corporal punishment, humiliation, intimidation or withholding food and beverages as forms of disciplinary actions are strictly prohibited. This includes isolation and physical restriction of movements, neglect and deliberate absence of response.  The centre has a set of child-safe policies and guidelines and SOPs on child guidance and behaviour management.  Suggested Documents  Guidelines / SOPs on child guidance and behaviour management  Notes of meetings or discussions with educators and families  Individualised plans (where applicable)  Communication Books  Log book records  Child-safe policies / guidelines  Child Safe Checklist For infant services only:  Infants are able to engage in their choice of activities, and not 5.5.3 forced to participate group activities if they refuse. The centre ensures that staff-infant  Staff responds promptly and appropriately to infant’s signals. interactions are respectful, responsive and reciprocal to  Staff supports infants’ social and emotional development. support their growth and  Interactions between staff and infants are characterised by secure development. attachment and bonding.  Infants are happy and enjoy their interaction with the staff. 29 STATEMENTS INDICATORS 5.6 FAMILY INVOLVEMENT 5.6.1  The centre communicates effectively with parents or guardians i.e. The centre develops collaborative timely sharing of information through verbal and written partnerships with families for the communications. well-being and development of the  The centre creates platforms for staff and parents or guardians to children and infants. discuss specific concerns, problems or issues that may require further attention, such as the child or infant’s development and progress in the centre and at home.  Suggested Documents  Minutes of meetings  Feedback forms or survey returns  Photographic or narrative documentation of centre events  Centre newsletter or magazine  Plan for families’ involvement  Communication books 30