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Choosing the right childcare option for your family

There are a number of childcare options available and making the right choice for your child and your family is important. See all our childcare options. 

Why choosing the right childcare option for your family is important

Did you know that children’s brains aren’t fully developed at birth?

The cells are there, but the connections (synapses) aren’t.

The first five years are such an important time in your child’s development. Their early experiences, environments and relationships strongly influence brain development and create critical foundations for 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 choosing the right childcare option is so important. When thinking about the right care consider the following:

• Location: close to home/work, accessible by public transport, close to other relatives or carers
• Hours: Do you want regular hours and days or more casual choice? Do you have a stable and regular daily routine? Do you require after hours care? Do you have before and after school needs for other children in your family?
• Environment: Would your child prefer a chance to socialise and interact with a large group of children? Or a more intimate space with only a few children. Do you prefer an inclusive and supportive environment for any special needs your child may have?
• Accreditation and recognition: Do you want your service provider to be exceeding standards within National Quality Framework? What sort of reputation does your child care provider have?

High quality care to suit every family

Finding the right childcare option 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.

When choosing the right childcare option, selecting a high quality provider should make up a significant component of your decision. Look for a childcare provider that:

• Sets high expectations for every child.
• Engages children in experiences and interactions that encourage and extend each child’s learning.
• Has qualified, responsive educators with strong backgrounds in early childhood teaching and learning and the foundation concepts that build understanding of literacy, science and mathematics.
• Focuses on the whole child – with each child actively involved in developing a positive sense of self, and guided to develop positive relationships and emotional self-regulation. Additionally builds collaborative.relationships with families, actively involving them in their children’s learning, sharing knowledge and supporting parents.
• Has effective leadership and service management andcommitted to continuous improvement.

All of our educators who work with us are fully qualified professionals licensed to provide highly personalised development for your children.

Why choose Windermere as your childcare option?

Windermere has been working with children for over 150 years and continues to provide our community with high-quality childcare. No matter what childcare option you select, Windermere is a trusted provider with an option to suit your needs.

Long Day Care (Early Learning Centre)

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 9am -5pm Monday to Friday position.

For those families with 3 and 5 year-olds, long day care can be convenient as it can offer (sometimes) funded kindergarten or preschool programs - this means you won’t have to spend the day shuttling your child between care and pre-school as it can all be found in the one place.

Find out about the Windermere Early Learning Centre.

Family Day Care

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 from an educator's home, 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 9am -5pm job.

Family Day Care is a great child care option when you are seeking flexible hours in a home setting with small class sizes.

Learn about us as a Family Day Care Provider.

Kindergarten

Located at our Early Learning Centre in Frankston, our sessional Kindergarten offers your 3 or 4 year old child a structured learning program run in a convenient long day care setting.

Your child will thrive in our supportive environment as they develop critical life skills to prepare them for school and beyond.

Find out more about our Kindergarten Program.

Out of School Hours (Before and After School) Care

If you need to be somewhere before school starts or it may be that you don't finish work until school is well and truly over, you can ensure your child is cared for and well looked after with Windermere.

We currently provide Out of School Hours Care (also known as Before and After School Care) for schools across South Eastern Melbourne.

Our program includes fun activities and light snacks.

Learn more about our Out of School Hours Care program and for which schools it is available.

Our qualified early childhood educators across all of our childcare options are:

• Highly experienced, qualified and knowledgeable people committed to ongoing professional development.
• Able to continue the learning, nurturing and sense of security your child gets at home into their early learning environment.
• Dedicated to providing your child with high quality education and care that meets their personal strengths, needs and learning styles.
• Trained in proven play-based learning techniques that develop literacy and numeracy skills, preparing children for the transition to school.

Reduce your childcare fees

No matter what childcare option you choose, as an accredited and authorised provider, Windermere gives you full access to eligible government payments including Child Care Subsidy (CCS). Click here for more information on all of our funding options.