Clothing Policy

Background

The clothing children wear while at Little Learners Day Care Centre (‘The Service’), influences the quality of their experiences and their learning because clothes can affect their health, safety, comfort, level of independence and ability to play. This applies to the clothes children wear to the Service, the spare clothes they bring and dress-up clothes.

Policy Statement

The Policy provides families with information about suitable clothing for their child to wear while at the Service. It is consistent with recommendations from recognised authorities such as SunSmart, SIDS and Kids and Kidsafe. The Policy also considers the range of activities children are involved in at the Service, the weather, and the need to encourage children’s independence and self-help skills.

Family preferences and values, cultural or otherwise, regarding clothing are respected and accommodated without compromising children’s safety while at the Service.

Strategies and practices

The Clothing Policy is explained to parents when they enroll their child in the Service, and their attention is specifically drawn to their responsibilities under this Policy.
The Service informs families about suitable clothing for their children while at the Service for safe indoor and outdoor play, sun safety, safe sleep and rest. This information is provided through verbal communication, Foyer displays, Information notices and Centre Policies with special emphasis during change of seasons and unusual weather.
Educators include in the program planned and spontaneous discussions and experiences about appropriate clothing for weather, seasons, and different types of activities.
Educators ensure children are dressed appropriately throughout the day. This includes the possibility that some adjustments may need to be made during the day through changes in weather and in the activities, children are involved in (e.g. active play, messy play, sleep and rest).
Educators, students and volunteers are considered to be role models for children and are expected to meet the Service’s dress requirements when at the Service.
Parents are asked to label every item of their child’s clothing (including spares) brought to the Service.

When dressing their child for a day at the Service, parents are also asked to consider:

Sun protection

The service will supply a sun hat to all children 12 months and over.

Active play

Children need to wear clothes that are non-restrictive, durable and can be easily laundered so that they can participate freely in all the activities available at the Service. Such items as: long skirts; hooded jumpers with cords; hats with cords and toggles, rubber thongs and other loose footwear are not suitable because they pose safety risks when children are climbing, running and riding bikes.

Weather conditions

Parents are asked to dress their children according to weather conditions and temperatures and to provide a supply of clothing in their child’s bag for possible changes in the weather through the day.

Art and craft activities / messy activities

Parents are asked to dress their child in clothing that allows participation in messy activities and can be easily laundered. Good or ‘special’ clothes are not suitable because children can become distressed if these become marked.
Children participating in art and craft and clay or or any other form of messy play will be encouraged to wear one of the Service’s protective smocks or aprons.

Independence and self-help skills

Educators encourage children’s self-help skills (e.g. taking off and putting on shoes and socks, removing clothing, pulling up clothing after toileting). Routines and ‘dressing times’ are unhurried and considered to be opportunities for interaction and conversation with children and developing self-help skills.
In order to facilitate children’s self-help and independence, parents are asked to dress children in:
- clothes they can undo easily and remove quickly for toileting. Clothes with elastic waists are preferred, avoid overalls and trousers with zips and buttons.
- shoes that are easiest to put on, such as those with velcro clips.

Protective behaviours and practices

Children under the age of three years old are offered assistance when dressing or undressing.
Children over the age of three are encouraged to dress/undress themselves. Assistance is provided when necessary.
Children who are capable of dressing/undressing are given the option of privacy.

Excursions

The Service provides parents with information about suitable clothing for any planned excursion, and parents are asked to dress their child accordingly, and also to pack spare clothing suitable for the excursion.

Footwear

Children are to wear non-slip shoes or sandals that are flexible and provide a good grip. Thongs, clogs and gumboots are not suitable for running and climbing.
Children may remove their shoes for outside play, weather permitting.

Sleep and rest

Refer to the Service’s Sleep and Rest Policy.

Spare clothing

Parents are asked to provide spare clothing for their child. Older children require at least one change of clothes. Younger children require several changes of clothes because accidents are more frequent. Children who are toilet training also need a sufficient number of underpants or training pants.

Soiled clothing

Soiled clothing is placed in a plastic bag. Parents are asked to collect any soiled clothing at the end of each day.

Additional requirements for babies

Parents are encouraged to dress child in clothes that allow easy nappy changes.
Babies aged 6wks-12months- Parents are to supply their child with an appropriate hat.

Responsibilities of parents

To dress their child in accordance with this Policy.
To provide spare clothing for their child. Older children require at least one change of clothes. Younger children require several changes of clothes as accidents are more frequent. Children who are toilet training also need a sufficient number of underpants or training pants.
To label every item of their child’s clothing (including spares) brought to the Service.

Links to other policies

Enrolment and Orientation Policy

Sources

Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011.
Guide to the National Quality Framework 2017.
Stonehouse, A. (2009). NCAC Factsheet: Children’s clothing in child care. http://ncac.acecqa.gov.au/educator-resources/factsheets/qias_factsheet_15_children’s_clothing%20.pdf accessed 22 December 2013
Sunsmart. (2012). Slip on protective clothing: Tips for choosing and using clothing well. http://www.sunsmart.com.au/sun_protection/slip accessed 22 December 2013

Policy review

The Service encourages staff and parents to be actively involved in the annual review of each of its policies and procedures. In addition, the Service will accommodate any new legislative changes as they occur and any issues identified as part the Service’s commitment to quality improvement. The Service consults with relevant recognised authorities as part of the annual review to ensure the policy contents are consistent with current research and contemporary views on best practice.

May be reproduced and adapted with permission but the author must be acknowledged.