University Child Care Club (Unicare) - Child Development

Each section of Unicare has a developmental program targeted at an appropriate level for the children of the group.  This is possible because of the Unicare system of grouping children of similar age and development.  On a weekly basis, the qualified staff of each section establish developmental aims and objectives for the children in their care.  These are based on likes and dislikes, observations of the progress of individual children and of the group, and on a knowledge of the appropriate level of skills for children their age.  

The qualified staff in conjunction with other staff then plan learning experiences and play activities for each day of the week.  These weekly programs are displayed in each section of Unicare and parents are encouraged to discuss their content with the staff.  The carers observe and evaluate the performance of individual children undertaking these activities, and record their progress in achieving developmental objectives. 

Parents are invited at any time to make an appointment with the staff to discuss their child's development and look at their child’s portfolio.

The programs in each section focus on three developmental areas: Cognitive development, Gross and fine motor development, and Social and emotional development.

Cognitive development involves acquiring skills in language, non-verbal communication, conceptual skills, problem solving, memory, sensory skills, imagination and spatial concepts.

Gross motor development involves developing muscle strength and coordination, locomotive skills, balance, flexibility, projectile skills and self awareness.

Fine motor development involves developing small muscle strength and control, hand/eye coordination, perceptual motor skills and visual tracking abilities. 

Social and emotional development focuses on developing positive self-esteem, relationships and attitudes, self-help and social skills as well as developing self concept.

Snugglebugs (0-12 months)

In the Snugglebugs section the care givers main aim is to provide a physical and social environment that meets each child's needs and preferences.  Therefore the development program is very flexible to allow for each baby to feed, sleep and play on demand.  All staff help each infant make the most of play by providing play opportunities and interacting in ways that meet the children's needs for stimulation and exploration.

Communication between parents and caregivers is vital and is done so on a daily basis through verbal interaction and a daily written sheet. The caregivers welcome parents' contributions and questions and provide open communication that respects parents needs and confidentiality.

Puddleducks (12-18 months)

In moving from Snugglebugs to Puddleducks, the programme and daily routine is slightly more structured but still retains the flexibility of catering for the child's basic needs.

We support and communicate with parents on a day to day basis about their child's needs.  We focus on skills to develop their independence, such as being encouraged to feed themselves with a spoon, standing and walking.

We provide a loving, caring, nurturing environment to assist children to grow to their optimum.

Tiny Tigers (18 months - 2 years)

A small section with a big spirit! We want Tiny Tigers to enjoy their "Toddlerhood", by providing a strong base to support their emotional, cognitive and physical needs. We value the importance of play, it is the most natural way toddlers learn. Tiny Tigers are given many learning opportunities to help them to develop a positive attitude toward being with others and part of the group.

Happy Hippos  (2-2.5 years)

Happy Hippo's program is designed to cover a range of developmental domains that cater for the children's individual needs. We encourage self help skills within the environment, enabling the children to become more independent and confident within themselves. The routine is flexible to promote the individual needs and interests of the group.

Flying Pigs (3-4 years)

The development program in Flying Pigs is dynamic, depending on the needs and interests of the group.  The children begin the program by learning about themselves, their families, and their immediate friends.  They then move on to learning about the outside community including topics such as occupations, transport and buildings.  Each month, the children focus on a different topic which may be as diverse as rain forest, sea life or farming.  Shapes, colours, numbers and letters are covered within these topics.  In preparation for Eager Eagles, the children are taught pre writing skills such as recognizing names, lettercards and number cards.

Eager Eagles (4-5 Years)

Eager Eagles offers a unique programme covering a diverse range of themes aimed at the interests and abilities of the children.  Close proximity to the University allows daily incorporation of the environment into the programme, which provides developmentally appropriate activities in which the children progress from one developmental stage to the next at their own pace.