BY HEJIRA CONVERY, KINDICARE

MAY 26, 2023

We’re coming into sniffle season, and although this means we’re on high alert for the common cold, fearsome flu and other unpleasant ailments, it’s worth remembering that good health isn’t just about germs.  

Your child needs healthy food, lots of physical movement and a great headspace to thrive in the early years, and in between washing hands and watching for ‘catchy’ illnesses, educators do a lot to safeguard your little one’s health in a holistic, whole-child, way.  

There are individual initiatives and state-wide programs that support under-fives’ health and wellbeing at childcare, and Being Lake Haven is a great example of a service that supports children’s health in all the ways!  

This highly rated Central Coast centre goes above and beyond to prevent health problems, detect issues early, and keep little learners firing on all cylinders. 

They serve nutritious meals, day in and day out, sandwiched between an active early learning program, and Being Lake Haven also offers a few extra-special health initiatives. 

Here are five ways they care for children’s health throughout the year, not just when sniffles strike! 

1. Being Lake Haven offers free eye screening.  

Young children don’t usually complain about their vision, or even realise that they can’t see well, but poor eyesight does have a big impact on early learners, and the sooner a sight problem is found, the better it can be treated. 

For these reasons, Being Lake Haven offers a yearly eye test to all children aged four or over, conducted by a government organisation called Vision Screening, as part of the StEPS (Statewide Eyesight Preschooler Screening) program.  

There’s no obligation to take part, but Centre Leader, Sue Simensen, says the screening test is simple and successful.  

Sue says, “Eye screening involves the child being sat up one end and the screener sat up the other end. The preschooler is asked to match letters and shapes on a board, and thanks to these tests, we have been able to detect blurred, low or impaired vision in some of our early learners.” 

“It’s best to pick up an eye problem before a child goes to school, and although some parents have been surprised to find that their child has a vision problem, they are all very grateful that it hasn’t slipped under the radar and treatment can be sought.”  

2. Being Lake Haven also offers an annual dental appointment. 

Baby teeth don’t stick around forever, but great dental habits do, so Sue’s service offers a yearly check-up with a mobile school dentist called Teeth N Smiles.  

All children aged between two and five years are eligible for the free check-up (provided they meet the requirements of Medicare’s Child Dental Benefits Schedule), and this check-up is great for children’s chompers and also for busy parents’ schedules!  

The check-up happens at Being Lake Haven under the supervision of educators, and Sue says, “Children get a clean, scale and fluoride treatment on our premises and walk away with a free goodie bag, containing a toothbrush, little tube of toothpaste and some stickers.” 

“While they’re in the chair, the child learns how to properly brush and floss, and the dentist talks to them about what causes tooth decay and why it’s important to drink healthy, sugar-free drinks.”   

“We also celebrate Dental Health Week in August by reading books and role-playing healthy tooth care with our toys and peers.” 

3. Educators connect families with allied health organisations, as needed.  

If they notice that something’s amiss with a child, or parents aren’t sure where to get health help, Sue’s team can put them in touch with a speech therapist, occupational therapist or other appropriate allied health service. 

Sue says, “Our educators get to know each child really well, and although there’s no one day when an under-five will learn to talk, walk or hold a pencil, we know when children are struggling, and are always there to talk things through with families and point them in a positive, professional direction.” 

4. Being Lake Haven implements the Munch & Move program.  

Munch & Move is a great NSW Health initiative that promotes healthy eating, physical activity and reduced small screen time to support under-five’s healthy development.  

Sue’s educators have received training and resources to implement the Munch & Move program, and they focus on a specific gross motor skill each month. 

Sue says, “Munch & Move also have many suggestions about games to play and how to get our children active.  These programs support children’s mental health and wellbeing, because when children are active and participating in something like this, it helps them to produce feel-good hormones and experience a sense of calmness.” 

5. Being Lake Haven’s educators are also very well prepared for accidents and other unexpected health events.  

Sue says, “All of our educators have current CPR, First Aid and Child Protection training. Our educators have undertaken Trauma training, and we also participate in yearly professional development to ensure our skills are over and above what is required.” 

This deep commitment to children’s health and wellbeing gives families peace of mind, and although your own service might not offer eye checks or tooth cleans, it is important that they care for your child’s health and wellbeing as much as you do.  

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s health, try not to worry alone.  

Speak to your child’s educators, because even if they can’t help personally, they can point you in the direction of someone who can. 

Also, remember that good health is a group effort.  

Keep washing those hands, keep your child home if they’re ‘catchy’ (looking for symptoms like diarrhoea, vomiting and/or green snot), and keep an eye out for other health problems, because the sooner you know about blurry vision or a black-ish tooth, the better!