Background
The Co-op began providing childcare in 1977 and is registered under the Children’s Services Regulation 1988. Yarra City Council holds the title to the house and land and is responsible for maintenance of the property. Daily running costs are covered almost entirely from fees, with some small grants. Fundraising is undertaken for special projects.

The Co-op is deliberately small, set in an ordinary house that has been modified to meet the needs of children. As a result, the co-op is able to provide a warm, homey atmosphere that is greatly appreciated by both children and parents. Because of its small size, families can get to know each other over time and staff can get to know parents as well as children.

Philosophy
The Clifton Child Care Co-op upholds the right of every child to receive high quality child care. This entails respecting and valuing the individual differences and developmental needs of each child in care. Communication and consultation between the staff providing care on the one hand, and the families using the Co-op on the other hand, are integral to achieving high quality care.

As a Co-op, parents are involved in management of the centre, through the committee of management (COM) and by their involvement in decision making and in the Co-op’s activities. The Co-op model ensures that the needs and expectations of user families are met.

Aims
The Co-op aims to provide a happy, relaxed, stimulating and safe setting in which children, parents and staff feel welcome and at home. In this environment, the Co-op aims to assist families in fostering all aspects of their child’s development through positive interactions and experiences with staff and each other.

The Co-op aims to maintain the highest quality standard of child care, and is committed to retaining accreditation with the National Child Care Accredition Council.

The aim of achieving Accreditation was met in 1995 and has remained current; an achievement of which we are deservedly proud. Comments from the previous reports include :

“children are warmly welcomed and a mutual affection is obvious between staff and children.”

“children’s behaviour and discipline are managed in positive ways that promote suitable social behaviours.”

“the staff-child ratio allows staff to spend quality time with individual children."

More details about our Curriculum Policy can be found in the Family Handbook