Wantirna - Swinburne Children’s Centre  Nutrition
Staff
Children’s Programs
Parent Involvement
Swinburne Children’s Centre Wantirna is a not for profit organisation, which provides high quality child care services to families. As a community-based centre, Swinburne Children’s Centre Wantirna is managed by a committee, consisting of parents who place their children at the centre, Swinburne University and local council members. The centre operates with qualified, dedicated and experienced staff in early childhood, implementing age and stage appropriate programs which cater for the 0-2, 2-3 and 3-5 age groups. All programs are flexible, creative and open ended and attempt to foster and support each child’s individual development. The centre is sensitive to the cultural and diverse needs of each family and strives to create a sense of belonging, encouragement and trust. The staff provide a warm, caring and stimulating environment which meets the needs of all the children and families who attend the service. Children are encouraged to play creatively and are able to choose from varied, indoor and outdoor activities, participate in small group sessions, share meal and snack times together, and rest or sleep during the day. Swinburne Children’s Centre Wantirna offers a spacious friendly and safe environment with well equipped facilities and a naturally established outdoor play area. 
Nutrition At Swinburne Children’s Centre, Wantirna the families are asked to supply all the food and drink their child will require for the day. Parents are encouraged to provide plenty of healthy and nutritionally balanced food, ie fresh fruit and vegetables. Staff then support children in making appropriate choices at mealtimes. All children have access to water throughout the day, and older children are assisted to help themselves. Mealtimes are encouraged to be an opportunity for social interaction, and staff assist in the enjoyment of the routine in a relaxed environment.
Staff The Staff at Swinburne Children’s Centre, Wantirna are highly trained, motivated and caring individuals who all bring something unique to the service. Staff are employed on a permanent basis for the development of continuity of care for the children. Ongoing training is provided for staff to enhance and further develop existing skills and to have opportunities to explore other avenues of interest within the child care area. The staff endeavour to provide a safe, secure and comfortable environment where all children feel accepted regardless of their race, gender, class, religion or uniqueness.
Children’s Programs It is Swinburne Children’s Centre, Wantirna’s endeavour to provide a warm, caring and stimulating environment to meet the needs of all children and encourage children’s leaning and development. This is achieved by providing up-to-date programs which are based on the children’s individual abilities, interests and needs. Parent involvement and open communication between the centre and families is also encouraged. Qualified staff at the service develop programs for each room that reflect the centres philosophy, and support the delivery of a high-level of quality care which is offered in a flexible manner. Children are supported in their activity choices and actively encouraged to extend on current interests, and on existing and emerging skills
Parent Involvement Swinburne, children’s Centre, Wantirna is a Community Based, Not for Profit organisation and it therefore depends on the parents support and input to help run the centre. When parents enrol their child/ren at the centre they become members of the Lilydale Community Child Care Parents Association. Parents are welcome to visit the centre anytime throughout the day and are encouraged to actively participate and contribute ideas, skills and knowledge to the program. Regular Parent meetings are held at the centre so that both parents and staff can discuss any arising issues, such as Accreditation, Working Bees and Fundraising. Frequent fundraisers are held throughout the year to raise funds so that extra new equipment and resources can be purchased for the children’s use.
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