Finding the right early education and care service for your child can be tricky. How do you know if the centre is the right fit for you? Parents often find themselves navigating a maze of questions, uncertainties, and choices. It’s a journey that can be both exciting and daunting.
And it can be a harder decision if you have a preschool age child, because there are more services in the community to cater for three, four, and five-year-olds.
The good news is that regardless of your preference, there is only one Australian Government-approved framework for children under school age. It’s called the Early Years Learning Framework.
So whether you prefer an Early Education Centre, Preschool, or Family Day Care, the learning outcomes are matched among these three types of services.
The key, says Renae Giles, who heads up Sutherland Shire Council’s 11 Early Education Centres, is to find a quality centre that also fits with what you’re looking for as a family.
“We know that parents value different things,” Renae says. “Some families might prefer large open spaces, while others want a smaller, more intimate setting. Once you narrow down what’s important to you, it becomes easier.”
Sutherland Shire mum Natasha found the right fit for her family at Fauna Place Early Education Centre in Kirrawee, where both of her daughters have attended.
“Fauna Place has a thoughtful school readiness program with a focus on STEM,” she says. “My eldest daughter settled in quickly and thrived. The Educators supported her curiosity and helped build her confidence. I didn’t feel the need to send her to preschool because the school readiness program was fantastic.”
Now with her toddler enrolled, Natasha says she values the holistic approach and the strong connection Educators have with families. “They take the time to understand goals we have for our children, and they tailor their approach to nurture each child based on their needs.”
Council’s Early Education Centres place a strong emphasis on helping children transition smoothly to kindergarten. That means focusing on more than academics.
“While things like early literacy and numeracy are important, we also prioritise social and emotional skills like making friendships, asking for help, and learning to collaborate,” Renae explains. “Self-help skills are also a focus – things like caring for belongings and toileting independence.”
Visit Council’s website to explore all 11 centres, learn about their preschool program, and discover how their Educators can support your child’s learning and wellbeing.
Parents and carers can also register to attend Council’s free upcoming school readiness parent information session.
