Prioritising the safety and wellbeing of children
This Child Protection Week, Catholic Early EdCare is reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding children and young people.
We understand it’s important to find the kindergarten program that works best for your child and your family. In this article we break down the differences between kindergarten programs to help you find the right experience for your family.
The difference between a kindergarten program offered at a long day care centre and a sessional kindergarten is a question we get asked all the time. The good news is the answer is more straight forward than you might think.
We understand it’s important to find the kindergarten program that works best for your child and your family. With so many options to choose from, the choice can be overwhelming. In this article we break down the differences between these two approved kindergarten programs to help you find the right experience for your family.
The main difference between long day care and sessional kindergarten
Both our long day care centres and sessional kindergartens offer an approved kindergarten program. Sessional kindergartens run during school term and school hours, meaning the program runs for 40 weeks per year, from 8.30 am to 2.45 pm.
While in long day care centres the kindergarten programs also run 40 weeks of the year during similar hours, however, additional hours of care are provided in the morning, afternoon and during school holidays.
At Catholic Early EdCare, the kindergarten program is run by university qualified early childhood teachers at both sessional kindergartens and long day care centres. This means your children will benefit from the best in early education teaching including preparation for school, social development and language, literacy and numeracy skills, all with a strong focus on individual development.
Benefits of Catholic Early EdCare sessional kindergarten
Sessional kindergarten offers many benefits including the development of a school like routine. Consistently attending during school hours and the structure of a kindergarten day with meal times, indoor and outdoor play all occurring at the same time each day can help young children feel more ready to start school.
All Catholic Early EdCare sessional kindergartens are co-located with a primary school. The children make regular visits to the school and participate in events as part of the wider school community. For those children who will attend that primary school in the future it can be a great way of getting to know the other children and staff. Our sessional kindergartens provide an excellent setting for young children to develop confidence and familiarity in a school-like environment.
Benefits of kindergarten program in Catholic Early EdCare long day care centres
The kindergarten program in long day care centres also runs for 40 weeks each year during school hours, however extended hours of care are provided. This is very convenient for working families whose other commitments mean they need care for more hours each week.
In long day care centres the kindergarten children get to enjoy additional experiences outside of the kindergarten program. The children regularly mix with their younger peers and have the opportunity to take on mentoring roles. Research has shown that these interactions have many benefits for children.
For children who already attend long day care, starting kindergarten within the service means they can benefit from established relationships with other children and educators.
This is also a great option for families who have more than one child in care, as you will be able to keep your kindergarten aged child and their siblings together.
The same approved kindergarten program is offered to children in both Catholic Early EdCare sessional kindergartens and long day care centres. The main difference is the extended hours of care offered at a long day care centre for families who need extended hours of care.
At Catholic Early EdCare, we offer an approved kindergarten program at both sessional kindergartens and long day care centres. Search for your nearest kindergarten or long day care centre now.
