The first five years have a profound impact on a child’s brain development, shaping how they think, feel and relate to others well into adulthood.
Early childhood education supports healthy development, helping children build social skills, emotional resilience and strong foundations for learning.
Children who attend quality early learning programs are more confident when starting school, with stronger language, literacy and numeracy skills.
Early education benefits families too, offering reassurance, flexibility and a sense of partnership during one of the most important stages of their child’s life.
Bright Days provides a warm, inclusive environment where children feel safe, supported and free to explore through play and meaningful relationships.
How early childhood education shapes lifelong outcomes
At Bright Days, our focus is simple. We support curious, confident children in a caring and connected environment. From their earliest years through to Kindergarten, we provide a place where children feel safe, supported and ready to explore.
Quality early learning can shape how children think, communicate and connect with others for years to come. It lays the groundwork for emotional well-being, independence and a love of lifelong learning that continues into school and beyond.
Why is early childhood education important?
The first 2000 days of a child’s life, from conception to age five, are a time of rapid growth. During this period, children’s brain development occurs faster than at any other stage, forming the foundational skills for how they learn, relate and respond to the world around them.
Children’s Health Queensland highlights just how important these early experiences are. Positive interactions, strong relationships and playful learning during this time support healthy brain development and set the stage for emotional awareness, critical thinking, social connection and self-regulation skills that continue to grow over time.
Supporting your child’s development during this window sets them up for stronger learning outcomes and better well-being, both now and into adulthood.
What are the long-term benefits of early childhood education?
Benefits for children
Language and cognitive development
The early years are a time of incredible brain growth. During this stage, children soak up information, build connections and start making sense of the world around them. It’s a big time for little minds — and the quality of their early learning experiences really matters.Research has found that when it comes to early childhood education, quality is key. Poor-quality childcare was found to produce deficits in language and cognitive function in young children.
That’s why, at Bright Days, we focus on play-based learning that feels natural and fun. Through activities like storytelling, building, drawing, and everyday conversations, children expand their vocabulary, strengthen their memory, and start to grasp early math and problem-solving skills without even realising they’re learning.
Social and emotional skills
In the early years, children are learning so much more than letters and numbers. They’re learning how to understand their feelings, build friendships and find their place in the world. Early childhood education gives them the space to practise these social and emotional skills every day — through play, group activities and gentle guidance from trusted educators.
In these moments, children learn how to express themselves, listen to others, and manage big emotions in a safe and supportive environment. They start to pick up on social cues, show empathy and develop a sense of belonging. These early experiences help them feel more secure, more connected and ready to take on the world around them.
Physical development
Physical activity during the early years supports more than just movement. It helps children develop strength, coordination and a positive attitude toward health and learning.
At Bright Days, we’ve created indoor and outdoor spaces that invite children to move, climb, run, draw and build. These everyday activities help develop fine motor skills and encourage children to explore the world around them. As they play side by side, they form friendships, practise sharing and learn what it means to be part of a group.
School-ready, life-ready
Starting school is a major milestone, and early learning plays a big part in helping children feel ready for that next step. In the early years, children begin to build important life skills like managing their emotions, thinking for themselves and working alongside others.
Through everyday routines, hands-on play and gentle encouragement, they learn how to handle challenges, bounce back from setbacks and grow more independent each day. These small moments build into something bigger, helping children form healthy habits, develop resilience and feel prepared as they move into primary school and beyond.
The early years set the tone for so much of what comes next, and giving children the right support during this time makes all the difference.
Benefits for parents
Peace of mind
Leaving your child in someone else’s care is a big step, but when you know they’re with trusted early childhood educators, it feels a whole lot easier. There’s real peace of mind in knowing your child is in a safe, familiar space with people who genuinely care about them.
It’s the strong, consistent relationships that make the difference. You know who’s caring for your child, you’re kept in the loop, and you can always reach out with questions or concerns. That open, ongoing communication helps families feel supported, and children pick up on that sense of trust too.
There’s also comfort in knowing your child is growing in every way. Through play, connection and everyday learning, they’re developing socially, emotionally, physically and cognitively. It’s not just about keeping them safe. It’s about giving them the best start for whatever comes next.
Support & guidance
A high-quality early education experience should support the whole family, not just the child. That’s why many families look for a childcare centre that goes beyond daily care.
At Bright Days, families are supported every step of the way, from navigating enrolments and Child Care Subsidy (CCS) applications to connecting with local services and community support. The team is always available to answer questions and offer guidance, making things feel more manageable during busy seasons of life.
With flexible extended hours, it’s easier for parents to balance work and family commitments.
Long-term benefits
The benefits of early learning go far beyond the preschool years. Early childhood education programs help shape how children think, feel and interact, laying the groundwork for success throughout school and into adult life.
Academic readiness & success
Children who take part in early learning often begin primary school with a solid head start. They’ve had the chance to build strong thinking skills, practise following instructions and learn how to work through challenges on their own.
These early experiences help children feel prepared for the structure of the classroom. They’re more familiar with routines, better at problem-solving and more comfortable making decisions for themselves. Building independence at a young age helps them settle in more easily and approach learning with a sense of self-assurance that grows over time.
According to a literature review by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, both Australian and international studies have demonstrated that children’s literacy and numeracy skills at the ages of 4 to 5 are strong predictors of academic performance in primary school. This highlights that programs supporting learning in the early years can lead to better learning outcomes later in life.
Social & health outcomes
Early learning helps children build the emotional and social skills they need to thrive. Through play and everyday interactions, they learn how to manage feelings, understand others and form strong relationships. These early skills support healthy routines, lasting friendships and the ability to face challenges with calm and confidence.
Research shows that children with high levels of social and emotional well-being are more likely to successfully navigate physical, intellectual and social challenges during childhood and adolescence. This includes developing resilience and coping skills that are essential for adapting to daily challenges and leading a fulfilling life.
Bright Days’ unique approach to childhood education and care
At Bright Days, early education is about more than routines and milestones. Our approach focuses on nurturing the whole child across social, emotional, physical and cognitive development in a warm, connected community. With consistent, caring early childhood teachers and a strong focus on play-based learning, we create a space where children feel safe to explore, question and grow.
We’re here for families too. Whether it’s sorting out enrolments, understanding CCS or just needing someone to talk to, we’re always happy to help. With flexible hours and genuine support, we aim to make life that little bit easier for everyone.
Tips for choosing quality early childhood education
Not all early learning settings are the same. Here are a few things to look for when choosing the right place for your child:
Prioritise strong relationships between educators and children, along with a play-based learning approach that encourages curiosity and discovery
Ask about qualifications. Centres with qualified educators and government-funded kindergarten programs are more likely to offer consistent, high-quality education
Look for services that offer flexibility and clear communication, helping you feel informed and supported
Don’t hesitate to ask about additional support, such as connections with allied health professionals or help with transitions into school
The first step towards a bright future
The early years influence how children grow, learn and relate to the world around them. From emotional development and language to thinking skills and social connection, early education helps children build strong habits that last well beyond the preschool years.
For families, it also brings confidence and calm, knowing your child is in a place where they’re safe, supported and encouraged to explore. With caring teachers, flexible routines and genuine relationships, early learning becomes a partnership that benefits everyone.
If you’re looking for a childcare centre that puts your child’s well-being and development first, we’d love to welcome you to Bright Days.
January marks an exciting time at Bright Days Early Education as we welcome children into their new classrooms for the first time. This milestone is significant for children, families, and educators alike, and a thoughtful orientation process ensures a smooth and successful start.
Why Orientation Matters
The start of a new year isn’t just about adjusting to a new routine—it’s an opportunity to build the foundation for a positive and engaging learning experience. Orientation is key to easing the transition, whether children are advancing within our centre or joining us for the first time. Here’s why it’s so important:
Familiarising with the Environment
A safe and comfortable environment is vital for children to thrive. Orientation offers the chance to explore new classrooms, meet educators, and get to know the space in a relaxed way. This gradual approach helps reduce anxiety and builds confidence.
Building Connections
Establishing relationships with teachers and peers is a crucial part of settling into a new setting. Orientation provides a welcoming space where children can begin forming bonds with their educators and classmates, fostering a sense of belonging.
Learning New Routines
Each classroom operates with its own unique schedules and activities. During orientation, children can adjust to these routines at their own pace, helping them feel more secure and ready to engage.
Parental Engagement
Orientation isn’t just for children—it’s a valuable opportunity for parents too. Parents can connect with educators, discuss their child’s needs, and gain a deeper understanding of how to support their child through the transition.
How Bright Days Ensures a Supportive Transition
We recognise that every child is unique, and transitions can bring challenges. That’s why we’ve developed a thoughtful orientation process tailored to each child’s needs:
Gradual Mid-Day Transitions
By gradually introducing children to their new classrooms, we create a more personalised and less overwhelming experience, allowing children to adjust comfortably.
Creating a Welcoming Environment
Our classrooms are thoughtfully prepared with engaging activities and learning areas designed to reflect children’s interests and developmental stages.
Ongoing Support
Orientation is just the beginning. We maintain regular communication with families and provide continuous support to ensure children feel secure and families stay informed throughout the process.
The Long-Term Benefits
A seamless transition benefits children far beyond the initial adjustment period. It promotes confidence, encourages a love of learning, and sets the tone for a positive educational journey. When children feel supported and secure, they’re more likely to engage and thrive in their new environment.
Looking Ahead
As we prepare to welcome the new year, our team is dedicated to making every transition a smooth and supportive one. At Bright Days Early Education, we believe that a successful orientation is the first step toward a happy and fulfilling educational experience.
If you have any questions about the orientation process or how we can support your child’s transition, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to make this a positive and enjoyable journey for your family!
At Bright Days Early Education, we believe that strong partnerships between parents and educators are essential for supporting children’s development, learning, and well-being. By working together as a team, we can create a nurturing and enriching environment where every child thrives. Join us as we explore the importance of parent-educator collaboration and how it benefits the children in our care.
Shared Goals and Values
– When parents and educators share common goals and values regarding children’s education and development, it creates a strong foundation for collaboration. By aligning our efforts, we can provide consistent support and guidance to children both at home and in the childcare setting.
– Our educators actively seek input from parents about their hopes, aspirations, and concerns for their children, ensuring that our programs and practices reflect the diverse needs and preferences of our families.
Open Communication and Trust
– Effective collaboration requires open communication and trust between parents and educators. We value transparent and respectful communication channels that allow for honest sharing of information, feedback, and insights.
– Through regular updates, parent-teacher conferences, and informal conversations, we keep parents informed about their child’s progress, milestones, and achievements, fostering a sense of trust and partnership.
Supporting Consistency and Continuity
– Consistency is key to children’s sense of security and well-being. By working closely with parents, we can maintain consistency between home and childcare environments, ensuring that children feel safe, comfortable, and valued in both settings.
– Our educators collaborate with parents to establish routines, rituals, and expectations that are consistent across home and childcare, providing children with a sense of stability and predictability in their daily lives.
Individualised Support and Understanding
– Every child is unique, with their own strengths, interests, and challenges. By collaborating with parents, we gain valuable insights into each child’s individual needs, preferences, and learning styles.
– Our educators work closely with parents to develop individualised learning plans and strategies that support each child’s holistic development, whether it’s addressing specific learning goals, behavioural concerns, or social-emotional needs.
Empowering Parental Involvement
– Parental involvement is a cornerstone of children’s success in education. By actively involving parents in their child’s learning journey, we empower them to play an active role in their child’s education and development.
– Our educators provide opportunities for parents to participate in classroom activities, workshops, and events, as well as to contribute their skills, talents, and cultural perspectives to enrich the learning environment for all children.
At Bright Days Early Education, we recognise the value of parent-educator collaboration in supporting children’s growth, learning, and well-being. By building bridges between home and childcare, we create a strong foundation for children to flourish and thrive. Together, we can make a positive difference in every child’s life, one partnership at a time.
As parents, we strive to give our children the very best, especially when it comes to their education and emotional well-being. In childcare, one of the most significant influences on a child’s development is the educators who nurture and guide them. This article highlights the exceptional value of long-standing educators in childcare and how their experience supports children’s growth, development, and emotional resilience.
Stability and Consistency
Imagine a setting where your child is greeted each day by the same friendly faces, surrounded by familiar routines and unwavering support. Long-standing educators bring this essential stability and consistency to childcare environments. Such continuity fosters a strong sense of security and belonging, which research shows is crucial for children’s emotional and social development.
Expertise in Child Development
With years of hands-on experience, long-standing educators have an unmatched understanding of child development. They’ve guided countless children through milestones, gaining deep insights into cognitive, emotional, and social growth. This expertise enables them to adapt their teaching strategies to suit each child’s unique needs, ensuring every child feels supported and empowered.
Building Strong Connections
The relationships formed between children and long-standing educators are rooted in trust and genuine care. Over time, these educators develop meaningful connections that give children the confidence to explore, learn, and thrive. These bonds provide an emotional foundation that positively influences a child’s overall well-being and sense of self.
Promoting Emotional Resilience
In today’s dynamic world, emotional resilience is a vital skill for children. Experienced educators excel at identifying and addressing the emotional needs of children, helping them navigate feelings and develop coping mechanisms. From soothing an upset toddler to guiding a preschooler through peer conflicts, these educators play a key role in fostering resilience that lasts well into adulthood.
Continuity in Learning
Consistency isn’t just about routines—it also enhances educational experiences. Long-standing educators build upon each year’s progress, creating a seamless learning journey for children. They are uniquely positioned to recognise strengths, identify areas for improvement, and provide tailored support that maximises each child’s potential.
Experience the Difference at Bright Days Early Learning
At Bright Days Early Learning, we are proud to have a team of senior educators who have been with us for over seven years. Their dedication and expertise create a nurturing environment where children feel supported and valued. If you’re experiencing frequent staff changes at your current centre, we invite you to book a tour and see firsthand the difference our consistent, experienced teaching staff can make for your child.
Long-standing educators are the backbone of quality childcare, providing stability, wisdom, and compassion. Their impact extends far beyond the classroom, shaping the futures of the children they care for with unwavering dedication. At Bright Days Early Learning here in Herston, we’re committed to ensuring your child thrives under the guidance of educators who truly make a difference.
Navigating the childcare landscape in Australia requires parents to stay updated on key regulations, including the immunisation requirements tied to the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) in 2024. Ensuring your child is fully vaccinated not only supports their health but also helps you meet government guidelines, which can influence your subsidy eligibility.
In 2024, the Australian government maintains its focus on immunisation as a critical part of childcare. To access the CCS, families must meet specific vaccination requirements set by the Department of Health.
What Are the Immunisation Requirements?
Children must follow the National Immunisation Program (NIP) schedule, which outlines the recommended vaccinations for various age groups, from birth to 19 years. This includes protection against illnesses such as measles, mumps, rubella, and whooping cough.
Parents are required to provide proof of their child’s immunisation status to their childcare provider. Typically, this involves submitting an Immunisation History Statement from the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). This document verifies that your child’s vaccinations are current and is a necessary part of the enrolment process.
Limited Exemptions
Exemptions from these requirements are only permitted on medical grounds, verified by a qualified healthcare professional. It’s important to note that personal beliefs, such as religious or philosophical objections, do not qualify for exemptions under CCS guidelines.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failure to meet immunisation requirements or provide the necessary documentation can affect your CCS eligibility, potentially leading to a suspension or loss of subsidy payments.
Support for Families
The government offers support for families who may face difficulties meeting immunisation requirements. Programs like the Immunisation Support Program aim to assist those experiencing financial or logistical barriers to vaccination.
Final Thoughts
Keeping up with immunisation requirements is essential for parents accessing the Child Care Subsidy in 2024. By ensuring your child is vaccinated and providing the appropriate paperwork, you’re prioritising their health while maintaining access to vital financial assistance for childcare. Take proactive steps to stay informed and prepared—it’s a small effort with significant benefits for your family’s well-being.
The decision to enrol your child in childcare is a significant step in their early years, marked by both excitement and apprehension. While childcare offers numerous developmental benefits, it’s important to recognise that this transition can also influence your child’s behaviour. Understanding what to expect and how to respond will help you navigate this period smoothly. In this article, we’ll delve into the impact of starting childcare on your child’s behaviour, shed light on common changes, and provide insights on how to respond effectively.
Anticipating Behavioral Changes
Separation Anxiety: One of the most common behaviours when starting childcare is separation anxiety. Your child may experience distress when you leave them at the childcare centre. This is a normal reaction and can gradually diminish as they become more accustomed to the new routine.
Adjustment Period: Just like any significant change, starting childcare can lead to an adjustment period where your child may display behavioural changes like clinginess, mood swings, or changes in eating and sleeping patterns.
Social Interaction: Childcare introduces your child to a new social environment. Initially, they might be shy or hesitant to interact with peers and caregivers. Over time, they’ll likely become more comfortable and start building friendships.
Emotional Expression: Some children may exhibit heightened emotions during the transition. This could manifest as increased tantrums, frustration, or even regression in certain developmental milestones like potty training.
Responding Effectively
Patience and Empathy: Understand that behavioural changes are normal during this transition. Approach your child with patience and empathy, acknowledging their feelings and offering reassurance.
Consistency: Maintain a consistent routine at home. Consistency provides a sense of stability amidst change and helps your child feel secure.
Gradual Introduction: If possible, consider a gradual introduction to childcare. Start with shorter hours and gradually increase them as your child becomes more comfortable.
Positive Reinforcement: Acknowledge your child’s efforts in adjusting to childcare. Praise their bravery, and celebrate even small achievements in socialising and adapting to the new environment.
Open Communication: Keep communication lines open with your child’s caregivers. Share insights about your child’s behaviour at home and be receptive to their observations and suggestions.
Transition Object: Allow your child to bring a comforter from home, like a stuffed animal or blanket, to provide them with a sense of familiarity.
Model Behavior: Model positive behaviour when saying goodbye or interacting with caregivers. Your child will observe your reactions and cues and learn from them.
Quality Time: Spend quality time with your child when you’re together. Engage in activities they enjoy, and create a strong bond that assures them of your love and presence.
Conclusion
Starting childcare is a significant developmental milestone for your child, and it’s natural for them to exhibit behavioural changes during this transition. By understanding the common behaviours that can arise, maintaining empathy and patience, and responding with effective strategies, you can support your child in adapting to their new environment.
Remember that every child’s journey is unique, and while challenges may arise, they often pave the way for personal growth, enhanced social skills, and increased independence as your child embraces their childcare experience.
For parents, achieving a harmonious sleep routine that aligns both at home and at childcare can be a challenging yet crucial endeavour. Sleep plays a pivotal role in a child’s growth, development, and overall well-being. Consistency in sleep patterns is especially important for young children, as it promotes better cognitive function, emotional regulation, and physical health. This article aims to provide valuable insights and practical tips on how to align sleeping at home with sleeping at childcare, ensuring a smoother transition and optimal sleep quality for your little one.
Understanding the Importance of Sleep Consistency
Children thrive on routine, and a consistent sleep schedule helps them regulate their internal body clock, also known as the circadian rhythm. This rhythm governs the sleep-wake cycle, and when it’s in sync, it results in more restful sleep and easier transitions between different environments.
Tips for Aligning Sleep Patterns
Prioritise Communication: Effective communication with your childcare provider is paramount. Share your child’s established sleep routine, preferred nap times, and any sleep associations. This information helps the childcare staff understand your child’s sleep needs and attempt to replicate their home routine.
Consistent Bedtime Routine: Create a bedtime routine that can be followed both at home and at childcare. Consistency in pre-sleep activities, such as a warm bath, reading a book, or gentle lullabies, sends cues to your child’s brain that it’s time to wind down.
Gradual Adjustments: If there’s a significant time difference between your child’s home sleep schedule and childcare sleep schedule, consider making gradual adjustments. Shift your child’s bedtime and wake-up time by 15-30 minutes every few days until you achieve the desired alignment.
Naptime Consistency: Aim to align your child’s nap schedule with the childcare’s naptime routine. Request information about their nap routines and follow a similar schedule during weekends to reinforce consistency.
Comfort and Familiarity: Provide your child with comfort items like a favourite blanket or stuffed animal that they can take to childcare. Having something familiar can ease the transition and make the new sleep environment feel more secure.
Light Exposure: Exposing your child to natural light during waking hours can help regulate their circadian rhythm. Encourage outdoor playtime and open curtains to let in natural sunlight.
Nutrition and Timing: Ensure your child’s last meal before sleep isn’t too close to bedtime. A light, balanced meal a couple of hours before sleep prevents discomfort and promotes better sleep quality.
Adaptability: While striving for alignment is important, be adaptable. Understand that some variation may occur due to different settings, and occasional deviations from the routine are okay as long as they don’t become the norm.
Monitor and Adjust: Regularly observe your child’s sleep quality and behavior. If you notice any signs of sleep disturbances or exhaustion, consider making necessary adjustments to the routine.
Conclusion
Aligning sleep patterns at home with those at childcare requires dedication, patience, and effective communication. The benefits of a harmonious sleep routine extend beyond a peaceful bedtime; it influences your child’s overall development and well-being. By prioritising consistent routines, maintaining open communication with childcare providers, and making gradual adjustments, you can create a seamless transition between home and childcare sleep schedules. Remember, while achieving perfect alignment might be challenging, the ultimate goal is to provide your child with a restful and nurturing sleep environment in both settings.
As the parent or guardian of a rambunctious preschooler, prepping your child for school and life can often seem like an exercise in futility. More often than not, it’s a full-time job in chaos management before you even get to the challenge of building up your child’s practical language skills.
The Importance of Speech and Communication Skills
The ability to express their feelings thoughts and curiosity are of paramount importance to little learners who’ll soon be entering the noisy arena of school and life. Strong communication skills are a prerequisite for success in many areas of life and in so many career fields!
Speech skills will help your child make friends, succeed in school, and navigate the socio-emotional trials of puberty and teenage years. It will get their foot in the door when they apply for university one day, and when they arrive at their first job interview.
At Little Learners Early Education a Victoria-based kindergarten and daycare centre, we specialise in early learning programs that are tailor-made to give your little one the best start in life – and this includes seriously boosting their speech, language, and communication skills!
How Kindy Can Improve Speech and Communication Skills
Through a combination of play-based learning, structured lessons, interactive art sessions, and socialising, we offer children the opportunity to explore and express themselves on a daily basis, in a safe and supervised setting.
Here’s how our tailored kinder programs nurture children to full speech confidence:
Every day, we encourage children to take part in discussions and social interactions with their teachers, their careers, and their peers.
By being immersed in diversity, and interacting with kids and teachers from different cultures and language backgrounds, they boost their communication skills and gain interest in the world around them.
We teach children to enjoy play-based learning activities that train them to say and use their words correctly.
By incorporating songs, rhymes, and tongue twisters into our daily schedules, we develop children’s pronunciation and articulation skills.
By encouraging pride in self-expression, and positively enforcing the constructive use of language, we boost their communication confidence.
Through structured learning and activities, we teach children how to follow instructions and respond appropriately when questions are asked.
Group discussions and verbally interactive games help develop your child’s listening and comprehension skills, which seriously boosts their speech competence.
We engage children in games and activities that focus on new words, phrases, and topics every day.
We build confident and correct speech and body-language expression through activities like drama, role-play, and story-telling.
We offer individual and small group speech therapy sessions to children who need a little extra support.
The Benefits of Early Intervention
A vast and growing body of research has shown that early intervention has a profound impact on speech and communication development in children. It’s undeniable that, by enrolling your child in an early learning kinder like Little Learners, you’re giving them the best possible start in school and life.
At Bright Days Early Education in Herston Queensland, we’re dedicated to instilling steadfast language foundations in every child through structure, interaction, adventure, and tons of fun. Reach out to us today to learn more about our program, and discover how we can help your child reach their true speech potential!
As the parent or guardian of a 3-4 year old little learner, selecting the perfect kinder is an immensely consequential task that can have real and lasting impacts on your child’s development. Particularly daunting is the challenge of choosing between a sessional and full-day (or long-day) kindergarten.
Full-Day Kinder
It’s easy to feel pangs of guilt at the thought of ‘abandoning’ your child to the staff at a long-day kindergarten. But the truth is, there are a wealth of benefits to choosing this option over sessional or part-time kindergarten.
Full-day kindergarten requires children to attend for – you guessed it – the full day, just like older children attending school with extramural classes would be required to do, except that it’s tailored for an earlier development phase.
There is ample research suggesting that time spent at full-day kindergarten offers children tremendous and positive academic and socio-emotional development advantages – particularly in the case of children from less advantaged backgrounds.
Long-day care and kinder programs provide children with more time for learning, playing, and interacting with their peers, not to mention taking part in various art, craft, music, and physical education sessions throughout the day.
By offering ample time for diverse activities and interactions, together with scheduled mealtimes and naps, long-day kinder programs help children establish productive full-day routines, instilling stamina and boosting their development in preparation for school.
Sessional Kinder
As you already guessed, sessional kindergartens are designed for children who need care for just a few hours each day (usually 2-4 hours, give or take), and only on certain days or as needed.
While this option may be better suited for parents with flexible schedules or who only work half-days, it’s not necessarily ideal in cases where parents feel that their little ones aren’t ready for a full-day routine’, and here’s why.
Children who don’t necessarily have special needs, but tend to become reactive when separated from their parents, are the ones who can benefit the most from establishing structured, full-day, parent-free routines in preparation for school.
Likewise, children in this age group, with either sluggish development or socialisation issues, are the perfect candidates for the type of diversified and interactive, play-based learning experiences that full-day kinder offers. However, the decision rests with you.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
At Bright Days Early Education Centre in Herston, we offer long-day kindergarten programs for up to 12 hours a day, 5 days a week, 52 weeks a year.
Our full-day weekly schedules include all the bells and whistles mentioned above, and welcome children with learning difficulties such as Autism, ADD, and ADHD, as well as children with physical concerns such as diabetes and asthma. Our sessions are fully inclusive, and as activity-diverse, as we can make them in the time allowed.
It’s important to understand that both options have their pros and cons. For example, part-time or sessional kinder may be more appropriate for parents with flexible schedules or part-time jobs; while full-day kinder is ideal for children who lack structure, social skills, or practical confidence.
Luckily, at Bright Days, our full-day options are still available however limited!
In Conclusion
A key piece of advice we offer to parents like you, who are still weighing these options, is to visit Bright Days along with any other kindergarten facilities you may have in mind.
Speak to the caregivers, teachers, and administrators there, get a feel for the daily schedule, and try to sit in on some lesson and play time if you can.
Ultimately, your decision on whether to enroll your child in a sessional kinder or long-day kinder should be based on your child’s unique needs, as well as your family’s schedule and preferences.
Your munchkin may be small but this decision isn’t. Rather, it’s an investment in your child’s future, and it needs to be considered from every angle.
