Nutrition and Culturally Appropriate Foods

At our Child Care Centre, we are committed to promoting healthy eating and providing nutritious, culturally appropriate meals tailored to each child’s individual needs. Our meals meet at least 50% of children’s daily nutritional requirements, based on expert guidelines.

What We Provide:

• Balanced meals including breakfast, a hot lunch, and an afternoon snack.
• Water available throughout the day, with children encouraged to stay hydrated.
• Food prepared according to developmental stages, dietary restrictions, and cultural preferences.
• Special attention to allergies and medical dietary needs, with clear communication among staff and parents.

Learning and Participation:

• Children are encouraged to try new foods but never forced to eat.
• Nutrition education and healthy eating habits are integrated into our daily activities.
• Mealtimes are social, enjoyable occasions where children can participate in simple meal preparations.

Parent Involvement:

• Monthly menus are displayed and shared with parents.
• Parents receive daily updates on their child’s food consumption.
• Opportunities to review menus and provide feedback each season.

We strive to create a positive, inclusive food environment that nurtures healthy habits and respects every child’s background.

Safety begins with prevention

At Fingerprints Children Center, your child's health and safety are our priority. Medication is handled with strict procedures to ensure proper care and compliance.

• Non-prescription medicine (e.g., Panadol, Advil) may only be administered by the centre nurse with written parental permission.
  
• In cases of fever (38°C or higher), the nurse may give Panadol with verbal permission from a parent, witnessed by both the nurse and director, while the child waits safely in the nurse’s room for pickup.
  
• Prescribed medications are not administered at the centre. Children must stay home for 24 hours after starting a prescribed medication before returning.
  
• All medicines are stored securely, checked for expiration, and administered according to dosage guidelines based on the child’s age and weight.
  
• Every dose is documented on a Medication Record Form, including the child’s details, dosage, time, staff signatures, and parental acknowledgment upon pickup.
  
• Emergency medications (e.g. EpiPen, Ventolin) are administered as per medical action plans.
  
• Diaper creams and toileting assistance require signed permission forms and follow our hygiene policies.
  

Our team follows clear protocols to ensure that medication is only given when necessary, safely, and with full transparency to families.

Safety begins with prevention

At Fingerprints Children Center, we are committed to maintaining a clean, safe, and healthy environment to reduce the risk of infection and contamination for all children and staff.

Food & Kitchen Hygiene

• Staff wash hands before preparing or serving food.
  
• Food prep areas are used exclusively for that purpose.
  
• Utensils and tableware are cleaned thoroughly, and scratched plastic items are discarded.
  
• Kitchen and dining areas are cleaned and bins emptied twice daily.
  

Mealtime Practices

• Children wash hands before and after eating.
  
• Food sharing is discouraged.
  
• Dropped food or utensils are not reused.
  
• Children are taught to sneeze/cough away from food and practice proper hygiene.
  

Personal Hygiene & Illness Prevention

• Children are taught to cover coughs/sneezes, use tissues, and wash hands after nose blowing or contact with bodily fluids.
  
• Parents are encouraged to keep unwell children at home.
  
• Staff model and explain hygiene habits to children.
  

Toileting & Diapering

• Proper toileting and handwashing routines are taught and supervised.
  
• Staff follow strict diaper change procedures, including glove use and disinfecting surfaces.
  
• Soiled waste is disposed of promptly.
  

Environmental Cleanliness

• Indoor and outdoor areas are cleaned regularly.
  
• Spills, accidents, and biological waste are removed immediately.
  
• The sandpit is covered at night to prevent contamination.
  
• Daily cleaning is performed by staff; deep cleaning is handled by professional cleaners.