The choice between long daycare or pre-school can be somewhat confusing. Below are some points to ponder to help you make the right choice for your children.
Long Daycare
Long daycare is based in a centre for children from 0 to 5 years old. The centre is specially designed to cater for parents and guardians who work on a full-time or part-time basis. The organisations who manage these centres are mainly private, community, local council, or occasionally non-profit.
These centres offer the best start in your child’s journey in education, social skills and ability to prepare them physically and mentally for school. The programs offer a variety of playing and learning alongside guidance from highly skilled staff and managers. They are very safe environments where children can play and relax.
Why choose Long Daycare?
Your child will have a fantastic experience exploring and learning new games and activities. They will develop close relationships with staff and children helping their confidence and social skills. They will also get valuable physical activity which is healthy for their development and overall health.
Great news is that the Australian Government is going to invest a whopping $40 Billion into early learning and childcare, and this includes all centres.
Pre-school
Pre-school is actually very similar to Daycare but offers a planned program two years prior to children going to school. They get the opportunity to develop literacy, numeracy, reading and writing skills as well as developing social and physical strength, before their real school program.
Whether you choose long daycare or pre-school for your child you are ultimately investing in their future regardless of what you choose.
The hours in most Pre-schools follow the same as their next real school so this can work out better for most parents and their working hours. There really is not much difference at all and to be honest any centre offering all the above is such a blessing for parents and the children alike. If all Australian children can start their education as young as 1 or 2 years old in daycare or pre-school we have bright futures ahead.
Contact us at Kidsoft to discuss centre start ups, training, or if you are taking over an existing centre. We have the best team in Australia at your finger tips with over 25 years experience.