Did you know that children’s brains aren’t fully developed at birth? The cells are there, but the connections (synapses) aren’t.
Their little brains are developed and grown through use. Your child’s experiences, environments and relationships in the first 5 years of their life can determine how brain connections are formed. Connections that get used a lot are strengthened, and those that don’t are lost - this creates the foundation for their future health and learning.
Research on child development shows that high quality education delivered before school starts is linked to higher education levels, employment and better income in later years.
That’s why the right choice of care is so important - when thinking about the right care consider the following:
Operated in a childcare centre, long day care is best suited to children who thrive in a more social and busy environment and who may be more comfortable with lots of children and multiple educators. It is also usually most suitable for those families who work in a regular 9-5 Monday to Friday position.
For those families with 3 and 5 year-olds, long day care can be convenient as it can offer a (sometimes) funded kindergarten or preschool programs - this means you wont have to spend the day shuttling your child between care and pre-school as it can all be found in the one place.
If you’re looking for a great alternative to centre-based care, our Family Day Care program offers flexibility in a ‘home away from home’ for your child.
Run during both regular and non regular hours (such as late nights and in some cases, weekends) Family Day Care can be a great option to families who may not work your typical 9-5 job.
The home based setting is best suited to children who respond well in a small group environment and thrive on one on one attention. This smaller group setting enables an educator to provide individual attention and a range of stimulating play-based learning experiences. Over time, this helps to build a strong connection between your child and their educator which is very important for some children in benefiting all aspects of their development.
Some families also appreciate the ability to have their school aged siblings cared for together before or after school or during school holidays.
Backed by Windermere, you can be assured that if your educator is unwell or requires a period of leave or holidays, your child will still have access to suitable care.
Finding the right environment for your child is a very personal decision. You know that high quality early childhood education and care can have a positive and long-lasting effect, but how can you be sure that you child is receiving the best care?
The Victorian Department of Education and Training (DET) have outlined their plan to improve outcomes for all Victorian children, including identifying those factors that define a high quality service.recommend you look for a provider that:
All of our educators who work with us are fully qualified professionals licensed to provide highly personalised development for your children.
No matter what care option you choose, as an accredited and authorised provider, Windermere gives you full access to eligible government payments including Childcare Care Rebate and Childcare Benefit. For more information visit mychild.gov.au.
© Copyright 2016 by Windermere. Windermere acknowledges the traditional Aboriginal tribes as the first people of this Nation.