Kindalin Early Childhood Learning Centre - West Pennant Hills

I am very disappointed with our experience at Kindalin West Pennant Hills, particularly in relation to how concerns about children’s emotional wellbeing and basic needs have been handled.<br><br>When my daughter was two years old, she went through a period when she was reluctant to attend the centre and would cry at drop-off. On one occasion, I stayed out of sight for a short time because I wanted to make sure she settled after I left. I personally witnessed a staff member take my crying two-year-old to a more secluded area of the backyard and speak to her very sternly, yelling her to “stop crying”. I found this extremely upsetting. A two-year-old who is distressed at separation needs reassurance and emotional support, not to be scolded for crying. Not this mention any yelling to a less than three years old could damage the brain development.<br><br>More recently, my daughter told me that when she wanted to go to the toilet, she was told “no”<br>that if she went, she might miss out on fruit because there might not be any left when she returned. Regardless of the intention, I find it completely unacceptable for a young child to feel that she has to choose between going to the toilet and getting food. Children should never feel they need to rush, compete or “fight” to make sure they receive enough fruit.<br><br>What has disappointed me further is the response when I raised these concerns with centre management. Rather than feeling that my concerns were genuinely heard, investigated and addressed, I have repeatedly felt that the response was defensive.<br><br>Parents entrust childcare centres with very young children who cannot always advocate for themselves. I expect a centre to create an environment where children feel emotionally safe, are supported with basic needs such as toileting, and never feel that food is something they have to compete for. Unfortunately, based on our experience, I have lost confidence in this centre.